Month: May 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Attorney Jeffrey Coller is thrilled to share that the newest winner of his law firm’s Rising Stars Scholarship has been selected. The Rising Stars Scholarship was originally established in late 2023 and has awarded a total of four students with $4000 in funding. Please join us in congratulating Auston McDaniel for winning the scholarship for the Spring 2025 semester!

Auston McDaniel is enrolled at MiraCosta College, where he is pursuing a degree in Computer Science. When the pandemic struck in 2020, Auston had to take on full-time working hours while simultaneously attending classes. Due to the immense pressure he felt to help provide for his family, most of Auston’s focus went into working more hours at his job and less on turning in homework assignments or attending class. Once he was able to obtain adequate financial aid, Auston was able to reprioritize his education. With perseverance, he has been able to thrive in all of his courses, and he has gained leadership positions in university clubs. We are so proud of the strides Auston has made as a student, and we are excited to see what his future holds!

The Rising Stars Scholarship provides $1,000 in funding each semester to a student who can prove that their grade point average has improved by at least one point from one semester or year to the next. Applicants must have been attending undergraduate courses for at least one year at the time of their application. All applicants must submit a video discussing the efforts they have made to improve their academic performance.

The Rising Stars Scholarship is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester. Interested students should apply by September 15, 2025. To learn more about the eligibility and application requirements, visit https://www.knoxvillecriminaldefenselaw.com/scholarship.

About Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorney Jeff Coller has been admitted to practice law throughout the state of Tennessee since 2012. Clients throughout Knox County and the surrounding areas turn to Mr. Coller and his law firm when they are facing criminal charges, including assault, drug crimes, DUI, federal crimes, juvenile crimes, homicide, and more. The team at the Knoxville criminal defense firm has significant experience managing cases involving field sobriety tests, search and seizures, and the suppression of evidence.

If you or a loved one has been arrested, visit https://www.knoxvillecriminaldefenselaw.com/ to learn more about our services or call 865-281-1000 to arrange a free consultation.

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SOURCE Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney

The Certified B Corp® joins forces with one of the world’s top sustainability leaders to bring transparency, circularity, and climate resilience to the coffee category.

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, the largest independently owned, social impact coffee brand, announced today a new sustainability collaboration with SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company. As a Certified B Corporation, BLK & Bold is deepening its commitment to environmental performance, with a focus on climate change. This involves training its staff, measuring its carbon footprint, and concretely defining opportunities to reduce emissions in the future. This journey is captured in a four-part docuseries titled ‘BLK & Bold: A Journey Rooted in Coffee, Community, and Climate’.

“With increasing climate disruptions in coffee-producing regions, we felt an urgent need to identify how our operations impact the environment—so we can measure our environmental performance and improve over time,” said Pernell Cezar, Co-Founder of BLK & Bold. “SGS stood out to us, not only for their certification expertise, but because it is also one of the world’s top ten most sustainable companies. It was appealing to us that SGS really walks the talk in terms of being sustainable in its own operations.”

‘BLK & Bold: A Journey Rooted in Coffee, Community, and Climate’ will premiere at the second annual Business for Good Summit, hosted by Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business and sponsored by SGS. The docuseries follows Co-Founders Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson as they trace their journey from roasting beans in a garage to leading a national coffee brand with a 33,000 square foot production facility in Des Moines. That facility now supplies BLK & Bold’s line of specialty roasts to more than 11,000 retail locations, including Target, Amazon, and Walgreens. BLK & Bold’s commitment to social consciousness is embedded in the brand’s ethos, exemplified by its pledge to allocate 5% of gross profits to communities across the United States to empower underserved youth. While community engagement is one of the core ‘social’ objectives of a purpose-driven business, strengthening ‘environmental’ objectives and solidifying ‘governance’ of these objectives is also critical.

“Our passion for quality coffee, along with our commitment to social impact, are the reasons that BLK & Bold has experienced growth since embarking on this journey seven years ago,” said Johnson, Chief Values Officer and Co-Founder of BLK & Bold. “The docuseries follows me to Peru. Visiting the coffee-growing communities reaffirmed our responsibility to measure sustainability at every step, from farm to cup.”

In recent years, disruptions to climate such as rising temperatures and unpredictable or diminished rainfall have resulted in reduced coffee crop yields or lower-quality crops. At the same time, 95 percent of residents of the small town of San Ignacio, where BLK & Bold sources some of its coffee beans, are connected to the coffee industry. “As much as this is about consumers being able to continue enjoying coffee, this is also about supporting growers whose livelihoods are centered around this commodity. With coffee being the second most consumed drink by Americans, we believe the onus is on coffee brands to do what they can to prevent production dips due to climate related disruptions, which goes hand in hand with doing better for communities and the planet,” continued Johnson.

BLK & Bold is in the process of identifying and establishing its environmental key performance indicators, from growth and harvesting through to production, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions. “BLK & Bold’s commitment to sustainability sets a positive example for small-mid sized North American food and beverage manufacturers, since one of the top ESG priorities in the industry is leadership oversight,” said Adam Hammes, Vice President of Sustainability Assurance at SGS in North America. “Thirty percent of the top 100 food and beverage companies in North America have yet to put in place top-down sustainability governance and tackle climate change seriously, so BLK & Bold’s initiative really speaks volumes.”  BLK & Bold’s ESG journey is just beginning, and the brand is committed to continued transparency, accountability, and progress.

About BLK & Bold

Founded by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold is a trailblazing specialty coffee brand committed to fostering a community centered around social impact. From its modest beginnings in a garage with a tabletop roaster, the company has grown into a 33,000 sq ft warehouse and has donated over a quarter of a million dollars to date. As the first Black-owned nationally distributed coffee brand, BLK & Bold proudly allocates 5% of its gross profits to initiatives that support youth programming, workforce development, and community growth. Its B Corp certification attests to the company’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Recognized as one of The Fast 50: Top Growing NMSDC-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and a two-time Inc. 5000 list maker, BLK & Bold exemplifies rapid growth and innovation in the industry.

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

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SOURCE BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages

BLOOMFIELD, N.J., May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Streamline Control, a prominent North American provider of industrial control systems and operational technology services. Streamline Control supports organizations across the renewable energy, utilities, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors.

Founded in 2011, Streamline Control brings to SGS a proven track record of successfully delivering modern control systems that drive digital transformation, leveraging the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and other best-in-class technologies. This acquisition strengthens SGS’s capabilities across North America and expands its offering to both existing clients and new prospects in industrial markets.

“Many of our North American clients depend on industrial control systems for the continuity of their operations. These systems are essential to ensuring the availability and performance of their products and services,” said Patrick Beck, Head of Industrial Services at SGS North America. “From IIoT-enabled sensors that monitor pipeline integrity in real time, to systems that track and optimize energy use across distributed utility networks, organizations are increasingly relying on accurate, real-time data. With the acquisition of Streamline Control, we’re excited to offer fully integrated digital solutions—whether building from the ground up or enhancing existing systems—to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver clearer data for better decision-making.”

This acquisition supports SGS’s Strategy 27 by reinforcing its position as a leader in digital capabilities and next-generation technologies. Industrial organizations are accelerating investments in digital transformation to maintain competitiveness and grow market share. Streamline Control’s services include SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system integration and modernization. When paired with IIoT, SCADA becomes a powerful platform for advanced data management, industrial analytics, and cybersecurity—enabling industrial operations to connect, optimize, and protect their environments.

As part of the acquisition, 45 skilled professionals from Streamline Control will join SGS’s regional team in North America.

“This is an exciting new chapter for us,” said Jeremiah Hannley, CEO of Streamline Control. “Becoming part of SGS provides access to greater resources, global reach, and the opportunity to scale our impact. Most importantly, the core of who we are remains unchanged—our exceptional team, our dedication to our clients, and our passion for delivering excellence.”

ABOUT SGS

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sgs-strengthens-industrial-operational-technology-services-with-the-acquisition-of-streamline-control-302445089.html

SOURCE SGS

As an extension of their new brand campaign “Have You Eaten Yet,” Panda invites guests to sing their hearts out and celebrate the joy of food, music and connection at limited-time pop-ups

ROSEMEAD, Calif., May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Panda Express®, the largest family-owned and operated Asian dining concept in the U.S., is turning up the volume with Pandaoke – a one-of-a-kind karaoke experience popping up at select locations* across the country just in time for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Rolling out in four music-loving cities through May and June, Pandaoke transforms select Panda Express locations into lively karaoke hubs where guests can grab the mic, share a meal, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Inspired by Panda’s latest brand campaign and tagline “Have You Eaten Yet?”, the ad spot features a crew of fun-loving aunties who turn a simple yet profound question of care into a full-blown karaoke celebration – singing the phrase as a heartfelt (and hilarious) way to show love through food. The Pandaoke experience brings the same feel-good energy to life, showing how food (and a great song) can bring people closer together.

“At Panda, we often ask a simple yet meaningful question: ‘Have you eaten yet?’ – a phrase that expresses care in so many cultures,” said Andrea Cherng, Chief Brand Officer at Panda Express. “From day one, providing our guests with comfort through flavorful dishes and a welcoming experience has been at the heart of what we do. Now, with Pandaoke, we’re bringing this same spirit of comfort and connection to life in a new, joyful way – through delicious food, lively music, and shared moments that turn meals into memories.”

Panda Express is transforming select restaurant locations into can’t-miss karaoke destinations, anchored by a show-stopping, 7-foot-tall karaoke takeout box. Groups of 2-3 can step inside, pick from a curated list of feel-good hits, and belt out a lively 30-second performance. Each session is recorded and instantly emailed to participants as a fun keepsake.

The karaoke booth will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time during the event dates. Pandaoke will kick off in Los Angeles, Panda’s hometown, before making stops in Nashville, Chicago, and Austin. The schedule is as follows:

• May 9-11: Los Angeles, CA; 2828 S Figueroa St.
• May 23-25: Nashville, TN; 6601 Charlotte Pike
• May 30-June 1: Chicago, IL; 2949 W Addison St
• June 6-8: Austin, TX; 5764 Airport Blvd

Want to bring the Pandaoke experience home? Guests who purchase a Panda Family Meal during the event dates will receive an exclusive Pandaoke Kit, while supplies last (**Terms apply).

For additional information and details on participating locations, please visit pandaex.press/pandaoke.

*Participating Locations:

Pandaoke Experience and Exclusive Gift with Purchase:

• Los Angeles, CA: May 9-11, 2828 S Figueroa St.
• Nashville, TN: May 23-25, 6601 Charlotte Pike
• Chicago, IL: May 30-June 1, 2949 W Addison St.
• Austin, TX: June 6-8, 5764 Airport Blvd.

About Panda Express®
Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the US, is a family-owned and operated restaurant brand founded in 1983 by Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Driven by a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express is recognized as a trailblazer in American Chinese cuisine. The company has pioneered iconic dishes like The Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, creating a variety of industry-first recipes. Each dish at Panda Express is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by authentic Chinese flavors and culinary principles. With over 2,500 locations across the country and a presence in 11 international countries, Panda Express continues to share American Chinese cuisine with the world.

Powered by a global family of associates, Panda Cares®, Panda’s philanthropic arm, has raised more than $415 million and has dedicated countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 15 million youth, as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. For more information about Panda, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

**Gift with Purchase of a Family Meal Terms and Conditions: 

Los Angeles:
On May 9, 2025, beginning at 11am local time, receive a Panda Express branded, limited edition Portable Karaoke Machine (a $25 value), while supplies last, when you make an in-store purchase of the Family Meal at this Panda Express location: 2828 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007. Premium charges may apply. Limit one (1) per person per order. Offer is extremely limited. Must be 16 or older to redeem offer. For a list of participating locations, visit pandaex.press/pandaoke. Online and app purchases are not eligible. Portable karaoke machines will be provided “as is” and on a first come, first served basis. Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Panda”) does not guarantee every customer who wishes to do so will be able to redeem the offer. Offer is not valid on previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash, combined with other offers, or transferred or substituted. Offer may be modified or discontinued at any time. Any taxes on applicable purchases are the responsibility of the customer. Void where prohibited. Subject to all applicable laws.   

Nashville:
On May 23, 2025, beginning at 11am local time, receive a Panda Express branded, limited edition Portable Karaoke Machine (a $25 value), while supplies last, when you make an in-store purchase of the Family Meal at this Panda Express location: 6601 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209. Premium charges may apply. Limit one (1) per person per order. Offer is extremely limited. Must be 16 or older to redeem offer. For a list of participating locations, visit pandaex.press/pandaoke. Online and app purchases are not eligible. Portable karaoke machines will be provided “as is” and on a first come, first served basis. Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Panda”) does not guarantee every customer who wishes to do so will be able to redeem the offer. Offer is not valid on previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash, combined with other offers, or transferred or substituted. Offer may be modified or discontinued at any time. Any taxes on applicable purchases are the responsibility of the customer. Void where prohibited. Subject to all applicable laws.   

Chicago:
On May 30, 2025, beginning at 11am local time, receive a Panda Express branded, limited edition Portable Karaoke Machine (a $25 value), while supplies last, when you make an in-store purchase of the Family Meal at this Panda Express location: 2949 W. Addison St, Chicago, IL 60618. Premium charges may apply. Limit one (1) per person per order. Offer is extremely limited. Must be 16 or older to redeem offer. For a list of participating locations, visit pandaex.press/pandaoke. Online and app purchases are not eligible. Portable karaoke machines will be provided “as is” and on a first come, first served basis. Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Panda”) does not guarantee every customer who wishes to do so will be able to redeem the offer. Offer is not valid on previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash, combined with other offers, or transferred or substituted. Offer may be modified or discontinued at any time. Any taxes on applicable purchases are the responsibility of the customer. Void where prohibited. Subject to all applicable laws.   

Austin:
On June 6, 2025, beginning at 11am local time, receive a Panda Express branded, limited edition Portable Karaoke Machine (a $25 value), while supplies last, when you make an in-store purchase of the Family Meal at this Panda Express location: 5764 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78752. Premium charges may apply. Limit one (1) per person per order. Offer is extremely limited. Must be 16 or older to redeem offer. For a list of participating locations, visit pandaex.press/pandaoke. Online and app purchases are not eligible. Portable karaoke machines will be provided “as is” and on a first come, first served basis. Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Panda”) does not guarantee every customer who wishes to do so will be able to redeem the offer. Offer is not valid on previous purchases and cannot be redeemed for cash, combined with other offers, or transferred or substituted. Offer may be modified or discontinued at any time. Any taxes on applicable purchases are the responsibility of the customer. Void where prohibited. Subject to all applicable laws.   

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SOURCE Panda Express