Month: July 2025

LAKEWOOD, Calif., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Water Replenishment District (WRD) has once again been recognized for its commitment to financial transparency, accountability, and reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded WRD the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

This achievement marks the 21^st consecutive year WRD has received this prestigious award, which is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.  

Established in 1945, the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program encourages state and local governments to exceed the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles. The award recognizes agencies that demonstrate a commitment to transparency and full disclosure through comprehensive, clearly presented financial reports.

“I am proud of WRD’s longstanding dedication to financial excellence and transparency, reflected in over two decades of this recognition from GFOA,” said WRD Division 2 Director and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee, Robert Katherman. “Responsible budget management and high-quality groundwater stewardship are at the heart of our mission. We look forward to upholding these standards for many years to come as we continue to protect our region’s vital water resources.”

This achievement underscores WRD’s commitment to sound fiscal practices and the integrity of its accounting team. To view WRD’s current and past Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports, please visit our website by clicking here.

The Water Replenishment District is the regional groundwater management agency that protects and preserves the quantity and quality of groundwater for two of the most utilized urban basins in the State of California. The service area is home to over ten percent of California’s population residing in 43 cities in southern Los Angeles County. WRD is governed by a publicly elected Board of Directors which includes Joy Langford., Rob Katherman, John D. S. Allen, Sergio Calderon, and Vera Robles-DeWitt.

Contact: Angelina Mancillas
Amancillas@wrd.org
(562) 275-4231

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SOURCE Water Replenishment District of Southern California

Eight high-achieving American college students will be selected for 8-week summer internship program in Copenhagen

PORTLAND, Maine, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and Scan Design Foundation (SDF) are pleased to announce the inaugural edition of the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship in Denmark, that will launch in summer 2026.

This immersive experience is designed to equip interns with practical skills and insights that will enhance their employability and career readiness, while deepening their understanding of environmental sustainability in the Danish context.

Eight undergraduate and/or graduate students will be selected to intern and study in Denmark from May 19 – July 12, 2026. Each will receive a fellowship award that covers the full program cost, airfare, and a living stipend. During the program, participants will intern with a host company in Copenhagen focused on environmentally sustainable business practices and aligned with their skills and career goals. They will also complete a 6-credit internship seminar, explore the local Danish sustainability culture, and participate in networking opportunities, including events at local sustainability start-up hubs. Plus, a professional development workshop series, which builds on the internship seminar and covers topics such as job searching and resume writing, will prepare the interns to navigate the complexities of the modern job market and achieve their professional goals.

Internship opportunities will be available at a wide range of Danish host companies, from a cleaning supplies producer committed to creating positive environmental and social outcomes through sustainable infrastructure development, to a company focused on accelerating sustainability strategy implementation and cultural change within organizations, to a company that specializes in developing innovative biomass gasification technologies designed to reduce the environmental impact of energy production.

“The objective of this program is deeply rooted in Scan Design Foundation’s mission to advance Danish American relations by supporting cultural exchanges focused on environmental sustainability,” said Fidelma McGinn, president of Scan Design Foundation. “Through this cross-cultural experience, participants will gain a clear understanding of Denmark’s commitment to transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient society. They will learn core Danish approaches to environmental sustainability and be able to compare them meaningfully with U.S. approaches and practices.”

“This program will strengthen the US-Denmark relationship, nurturing the historically affectionate relationship between the two countries,” said James P. Pellow, Ed. D., President and CEO of CIEE. “We are delighted to partner with Scan Design Foundation to provide this opportunity for students interested in sustainability and environmental fields to develop the problem solving, intercultural communication, and self-leadership skills most valued by employers in today’s globally interconnected workplace.”

“This first cohort of interns will develop a network of personal and professional international contacts that will prepare them for successful future careers tackling environmental issues that require global cooperation on solutions,” said Dr. Pellow.

Applications for this competitive award will open September 15, 2025.

Eligible applicants who complete an application for the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship but are not selected for the program will receive a CIEE Grant of $1,500 that can be used toward any of CIEE’s 200+ summer and semester study abroad programs through Spring 2027. 

About Scan Design Foundation

Honoring the legacy of Danish immigrants, Inger & Jens Bruun, the mission of Scan Design Foundation is to advance Danish-American relations by supporting cultural exchanges focused on environmental sustainability. The organization is a private foundation, founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. www.scandesignfoundation.org 

About CIEE
CIEE builds bridges between different people, countries, and cultures. We help young people participate in international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. Since 1947, CIEE has supported over one million student exchanges between more than 140 countries. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

Media Contact: Leslie Taylor, ltaylor@ciee.org, (207) 553-4274

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SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

• Racing for a Miracle supports Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, including the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago
• Ten children from the hospital will be honorary junior crew members for NASCAR driver Christopher Bell
• Junior crew members’ art will be featured on Bell’s No. 20 car in the July 6 race
• CRAFTSMAN will donate $100,000 to the Ace Hardware Foundation in support of CMN Hospitals
• Ace Hardware is celebrating CRAFTSMAN’s continued support by offering customers 20% off** select CRAFTSMAN V20* Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment and Accessories

CHICAGO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CRAFTSMAN^®, a Stanley Black & Decker brand (NYSE: SWK), is proudly teaming up once again with the Ace Hardware Foundation and NASCAR driver Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing for the 19th Annual Racing for a Miracle program, which supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals).

This year, CRAFTSMAN is donating $100,000 to the Ace Hardware Foundation for CMN Hospitals. Since 2006, Stanley Black & Decker and its brands have contributed more than $1.9 million to the Racing for a Miracle program. The program provides funding for vital treatments and healthcare services for children and their families at 170 CMN Hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.

“For nearly 20 years, we have seen firsthand the impact Racing for a Miracle, and our partnership with Ace Hardware Foundation and CMN Hospitals, has had for children and their families. We’re always so inspired by their stories, and their strength and perseverance,” said Tony Merritt, Vice President of Sponsorships for Stanley Black & Decker. “We’re proud to be part of this legacy and happy to celebrate the incredible impact this program has made.”

The donation to the Ace Hardware Foundation will take place during a tailgate at Ace Hardware corporate headquarters. At the tailgate, CRAFTSMAN, Ace Hardware and Christopher Bell will unveil the design for 2025 CRAFTSMAN Racing for a Miracle car with the help of ten children from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Ace Hardware Offers Special CRAFTSMAN^® Promotion
Additionally, Ace Hardware is celebrating CRAFTSMAN’s continued support of the Ace Hardware Foundation and the Racing for a Miracle program by offering customers 20% off** select CRAFTSMAN V20* Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment and Accessories. This offer is exclusive to Ace Hardware and is valid June 25th, 2025 through July 31, 2025 in-store and online.

Visit www.craftsman.com or follow CRAFTSMAN^® on Facebook and Instagram  for updates on this year’s Racing for a Miracle program.

*Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18 volts.
**See store or http://www.acehardware.com/racing-for-a-miracle for details and eligible products. Offer valid only on qualifying CRAFTSMAN products purchased 6/25/2025 through 7/31/2025, while supplies last. Offer valid at participating Ace Hardware stores, on acehardware.com, and the Ace mobile app. May not be combined with any other discount or offer and does not apply to prior purchases. Discount does not apply to tax, shipping and handling, or assembly. If merchandise is returned, customer will receive discounted price paid. Other restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited.

About CRAFTSMAN
CRAFTSMAN is the most trusted and recommended brand in Tools and Outdoor by DIYers.* With solutions for the home, yard and garage, CRAFTSMAN is committed to empowering DIYers at every stage of their journey. Crafted with the same innovation and expertise homeowners have come to expect and love, CRAFTSMAN is here to help DIYers BUILD ON^™. For more information, visit www.craftsman.com or follow CRAFTSMAN on Facebook and Instagram.

About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company’s approximately 48,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world’s builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company’s world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals 
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

About Ace Hardware 
Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 60 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. Ace also owns Ace Hardware Home Services, a collection of local service companies with experienced professionals dedicated to helping homeowners complete home maintenance tasks. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the Helpful Hardware Folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.

*Rated among 25 leading competitive brands, based on online national survey of 261 DIY tool and residential outdoor power equipment owners ages 18+, conducted in 10/2024.

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SOURCE CRAFTSMAN

CHICAGO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, long-term shareholders of Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) who together exercise voting control with respect to approximately 23.2% of the outstanding shares of Lifeway Foods, today announced the filing of a definitive consent statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The filing initiates a process to remove Lifeway’s current board of directors and elect a new slate of nominees who will be focused on restoring accountability, transparency and long-term shareholder value.

Mr. Smolyansky and Mrs. Smolyansky are seeking shareholder approval on four proposals: to repeal any bylaw amendments adopted after March 24, 2023; to remove all current directors, including CEO and Chair Julie Smolyansky; to elect a new board of seven highly qualified nominees who collectively have deep experience in governance, finance, operations, and consumer products; and to amend Lifeway’s by-laws to prohibit it from employing or engaging any immediate family member of its President or Chief Executive Officer. The Board Removal and Director Election Proposals are conditioned on one another to ensure continued board leadership during the transition.

“It is apparent to us that the current board has no intent to engage with us. We believe this consent solicitation is the most direct and effective way to return Lifeway to the people who actually own it,” said Edward Smolyansky. “The company’s circumstances demand bold, unprecedented action. We must end entrenched, self-serving control and bring in leadership that will act in the best interests of all shareholders.”

“We believe that the board has repeatedly disregarded shareholder feedback, failed to articulate a credible strategy, and chosen to reward failure. It’s clear to us that this board cannot be trusted to lead Lifeway forward,” said Edward Smolyansky. 

For more information, and to contact us, visit FreeLifeway.com.

Important Information and Where to Find It

This communication is not a request for a proxy to vote on, or shareholder consent with respect to, any matter. Any written solicitation of a proxy or shareholder consent by Mr. Smolyansky or Mrs. Smolyansky will be made through a definitive proxy statement or definitive consent statement, including the definitive consent statement filed by them with the SEC on July 2, 2025 (the “Consent Statement”), which will be delivered or given to requisite shareholders. Lifeway shareholders are urged to read the Consent Statement, including any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other soliciting materials, when they become available because they will contain important information. Shareholders may obtain, free of charge, copies of the Consent Statement, and other relevant documents, at www.sec.gov.

Participants in the Solicitation

Mr. Smolyansky and Mrs. Smolyansky filed the Consent Statement with the SEC on July 2, 2025, which relates to, among other matters, their intent to seek shareholder consents to remove Lifeway’s current board of directors and elect each of Ludmila Smolyansky, Edward Smolyansky, Richard Beleutz, Cindy Curry, Michael Leydervuder, George Sent and Robert Whalen (each, a “Nominee“) as directors of Lifeway.  In addition, Mr. Smolyansky filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC on April 16, 2025, relating to his intent to nominate each Nominee for election as directors of Lifeway at its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. Each Nominee may be deemed to have an interest in any solicitation of written consents or proxies by Mr. Smolyansky and Mrs. Smolyansky, as applicable.

The participants (the “Participants“) in any solicitation of shareholder consents or proxies by Mr. Smolyansky or Mrs. Smolyansky may be deemed to be Mr. Smolyansky, Mrs. Smolyansky and each of the other Nominees. Lifeway shareholders can obtain information regarding the Participants and their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, in Appendix B to the Consent Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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SOURCE Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 360Quadrants has released its latest Sustainability Certification Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025, recognizing key players, including both global giants and emerging innovators, for their excellence in market presence, product innovation, and business strategy. The report highlights Equitable Origin, Sinovoltaics Group Limited, Green Business Certification Inc., Green Badger and Apiday, among the top companies, are actively shaping the future of the Sustainability Certification Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment.

The evaluation leverages 360Quadrants’ proprietary methodology to map competitive positioning across 7,000+ micro markets within 10+ industries, enabling decision-makers to make strategic, data-backed vendor choices.

Company Highlights in the Sustainability Certification Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment:

• Equitable Origin is a leading organization focused on the independent assurance of responsible energy development. Renowned for its EO100™ Standard, Equitable Origin provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the environmental and social performance of energy projects. The organization collaborates with businesses, governments, and communities to promote transparency, equity, and sustainability in the energy and natural resource sectors. Equitable Origin developed its EO100 Standard through extensive consultations with Indigenous and local communities. Between 2010 and 2012, the organization conducted more than 70 workshops across Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil, partnering with groups such as the Achuar, Sapara, and Shuar to ensure their perspectives were integrated into the certification process. Equitable Origin enables energy developers to distinguish themselves through adherence to rigorous sustainability standards. The organization maintains a global presence with operations in Ecuador, the U.S., Mexico, Peru, the U.K., and Canada, positioning it as a key leader in sustainability certification for the energy sector.
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is a global authority in verifying sustainability performance against internationally recognized standards. Founded in 2008 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), GBCI was established to manage the certification and credentialing processes for the LEED green building rating system and has since expanded its certification portfolio. GBCI administers a wide range of sustainability certification programs, including LEED, EDGE, PEER, WELL, SITES, and TRUE. These programs support improved environmental, social, and economic outcomes across industries. GBCI serves a diverse clientele—from real estate developers to corporate sustainability teams—helping organizations reduce environmental impact and enhance performance.
• Sinovoltaics Group Limited is a premier consultancy specializing in technical compliance and quality assurance for solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. With a data-driven approach, Sinovoltaics enhances the performance, reliability, and financial viability of utility-scale solar and energy storage assets. The company’s proprietary Zero Risk Solar framework delivers end-to-end quality assurance services, including PV and BESS quality audits, factory inspections, supply chain traceability, and AI-powered electroluminescence (EL) testing via its SELMA software. These tools are vital in minimizing performance risks and securing investment returns for developers, asset owners, and financiers. To date, Sinovoltaics has quality-assured more than 19.3 GWp of solar and BESS equipment and has partnered with over 170 clients, including independent power producers (IPPs), EPC firms, certification bodies, and insurers. 

To explore the full quadrant report and see how companies are positioned in the Sustainability Certification Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025,

Visit: https://www.360quadrants.com/semiconductor-and-electronics/sustainability-certification-startups

Evaluation Criteria

The vendor evaluation was conducted on over 70 companies, of which the top 5 were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. Factors such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Sustainability Certification Startups/Small-Medium Businesses Companies Assessment quadrant. The top criteria for product footprint evaluation included Sustainability focus (Climate impact, energy efficiency, material sustainability, and supply chain sustainability), Vertical (Industrial, residential, and commercial sectors), and Capacity (Energy & emissions management, mobility & transportation, infrastructure, and circular economy).

360 Quadrants Scoring Methodology

360 Quadrants employs a comprehensive and transparent scoring methodology to evaluate companies. It identifies relevant evaluation criteria, collects and validates data from multiple sources, and employs an algorithm that considers parameter weights to generate scores. Normalization ensures fair comparisons, and the aggregated scores categorize solutions into quadrants such as Progressive companies, Responsive companies, Dynamic companies, and Starting blocks. This unbiased approach equips users with accurate information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions and select solutions that best suit their needs and objectives.

Download Free Sample @ https://www.360quadrants.com/semiconductor-and-electronics/sustainability-certification-startups.

About 360Quadrants

360Quadrants, a specialized division of MarketsandMarkets™, delivers comprehensive quadrant analyses for various emerging technologies and markets, including start-ups. Our evaluation methodology hinges on two critical parameters: market presence and product footprint. This approach facilitates a graphical representation of competitive positioning across four key categories: leaders, contenders, innovators, and emerging companies. In addition, we meticulously classify start-ups into progressive companies, responsive companies, dynamic companies, and starting blocks. Our expertise equips organizations with insights into market leaders across over 6000 micro markets, enabling a detailed comparison of vendor capabilities and performance. At 360Quadrants, we ensure that each quadrant adheres to the highest standards, empowering our clients to navigate complex market dynamics precisely and confidently.

360Quadrants has also launched quadrants in fields such as –

Material Informatics Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025, and

Livestock Monitoring Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025.

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the ‘GIVE Growth’ principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets™.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook .

Contact:
Ms. Sipti Banga,
630 Dundee Road, Suite 430
Northbrook, IL 60062
USA: +1-888-600-6441
Email: Sipti.banga@marketsandmarkets.com

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets