Month: August 2025

The breakthrough composite material combines flexibility and strength for advanced robotic applications

BUSAN, South Korea, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The field of robotics has transformed drastically in this century, with a special focus on soft robotics. In this context, origami-inspired deployable structures with compact storage and efficient deployment features have gained prominence in aerospace, architecture, and medical fields. Thus far, experts have mainly utilized paper, thin glass, and polymers as foldable materials for such applications. However, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)—a state-of-the-art alternative—remains underexplored in terms of the accuracy and reliability of the fabrication process.

Addressing this knowledge gap, a team of scientists from Pusan National University, led by Dong Gi Seong, an associate professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, has proposed a multi-resin dispensing process for FRP fabrication that combines rigid and flexible epoxy resins, allowing for the precise patterning of mechanical properties within a monolithic structure. Their work was made available online on 30 June 2025 and has been published in Volume 305 of Composites Part B: Engineering journal on 1 October 2025.

Dr. Seong highlights the main contribution of their work, stating, “Our novel and efficient technique for fabricating composite materials that enable flexible bending while maintaining strong structural performance—an advancement that has not been previously reported in the literature—overcomes the limitations of traditional single-resin systems and manual processes, enabling selective control of rigidity and flexibility within the monolithic composite.”

In this way, the researchers achieve flexible bending without compromising the structural integrity required for advanced deployable structures in various applications including rigid-soft robotics applications. They demonstrate the potential of their approach to produce durable, high-performance FRP composites through the successful fabrication of a triangulated cylindrical origami structure.

These composites exhibit a flexural modulus of 6.95 GPa in rigid sections and 0.66 GPa in foldable sections, with a bending radius of less than 0.5 mm, ensuring both flexibility and stability under repetitive cycles with high strain tolerance. Furthermore, the fabricated structure is lightweight, mechanically robust, and capable of complex motions such as extension, compression, bending, twisting, and deployment, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

According to Dr. Seong, their innovation can lead to significant breakthroughs in various futuristic fields of science and technology. “Its applications include robotic parts including joints to create a Transformer-like robot, deployable parts for space applications such as deployable solar panel and solar sailing spacecraft, foldable and rollable electronics substrate or cover, architectural designs for tent, military or emergency shelter, as well as transformable wheel for next-gen vehicles.”

This research lays the groundwork for compactly stored structures that can be precisely deployed and retain their mechanical durability, leading to long-term societal impacts, including but not limited to enhanced reliability of emergency tents and wearable protective equipment for disaster response and improved transportation efficiency for low Earth orbit satellite systems, accelerating the global rollout of space-based internet.

In the long term, the proposed technology can pave the way for applications in robotics where unified rigid–soft structures can enable power suits, humanoid joints, and adaptive electronics, as well as guide viable material choice for transformable wheels and adaptive structure, enabling energy-efficient mobility systems compared to heavier metal components.

Ultimately, this work could serve as the foundation for next-generation technologies that demand both deployability and durability in everyday life.

Reference
Title of original paper: Deployable fiber-reinforced polymer for advanced monolithic Rigid–Soft robotics applications
Journal: Composites Part B: Engineering
DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112754 

About Pusan National University
Website: https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do 

Media Contact:
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SOURCE Pusan National University

XIAMEN, China, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amid global sustainable development momentum, Antaisolar, a renewable energy leader, officially held its “RAISE•2025” event, releasing its latest ESG report and unveiling the EcoRaise Global Ecological Co-construction Initiative. These efforts underscore Antaisolar’s dedication to integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into its core strategy and operations.

During the event, Antaisolar CEO Ms. Jasmine Huang emphasized that: “ESG is not a choice but a must for future-facing enterprises — it’s our responsibility and the cornerstone of long-term, healthy growth.” She unveiled the 2024 ESG Report, the report details Antai’s achievements in reducing carbon emissions, promoting technological innovation, and strengthening sustainable management practices.

The credibility of Antaisolar’s ESG data was validated through an independent verification by TÜV SÜD, enhancing transparency and trust in the reported results, TÜV SÜD’s representative Mr. Andy He co-launched the assurance ceremony.

Further reinforcing its commitment, Antaisolar introduced EcoRaise Global Ecological Co-construction Initiative, backed by a special fund of RMB 50 million. As its first step, the company partnered with Shenzhen Mangrove Wetlands Conservation Foundation (MCF) to donate funds for protecting 2,000m² of mangroves in Quanzhou, Fujian. MCF representatives attended the donation ceremony and presented a certificate, marking EcoRaise’s solid start and Antaisolar’s commitment to ecological conservation.

In the future, Antaisolar will continue to champion green energy innovation and global sustainability, driving forward its mission to “Raise a Green World.”

For more information, please visit Antaisolar website: www.antaisolar.com

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SOURCE Antaisolar

Friends of Science Society has issued an Open Letter to the Alberta Securities Commission responding to an Investors for Paris Compliance complaint about net zero reporting demands. The Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) announced it is pausing activities.

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Friends of Science Society issued this Open Letter to the Alberta Securities Commission in response to a complaint filed by a shareholder group called the Investors for Paris Compliance. Investors for Paris Compliance state “We work with investors to hold Canadian publicly-traded companies accountable to their net zero promises.” 

The Friends of Science Society’s Open Letter was posted one day before the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) announced that it is pausing activities, as reported by ESG Today.

Recent reports by climate policy analysts Roger Pielke, Jr. and Jessica Weinkle, have revealed that central banks are using an exaggerated report to assess climate “damage” – one that also has questionable conflicts of interest, says Friends of Science Society. In a January 2021 UN interview, Mark Carney, then UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance, claimed that climate change was an existential threat and to reach Net Zero, “We now need to make measurement and disclosure mandatory.”

The recently published US Department of Energy (DOE) climate science report refutes the notion that climate change is an existential threat, says Friends of Science Society. Thus, in the opinion of Friends of Science Society, mandatory emissions measurement and disclosure by companies appears to be moot.

In Friends of Science Society’s Open Letter, the organization also requested an inquiry into whether or not there is a so-called “climate cartel” operating in Canada, similar to that discovered by the Republican House Judiciary Committee, as detailed in their “Climate Control” report.

Friends of Science Society says the thrust of the Investors for Paris Compliance complaint filed with the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), concerns energy sector companies Cenovus and Enbridge. These corporations had withdrawn their published Net Zero plans so as not to be trapped by alleged “misinformation” claims under Canada’s new, onerous “greenwashing” act.  Friends of Science Society produced the video “Molecule Madness – Counting CO2 Molecules is Not in the Public Interest” in 2024, about the implications of such disclosure, and the new greenwashing regulations.

Friends of Science Society disputes the claim by the Investors for Climate Action that such Net Zero plans are required under securities “material disclosure” laws, citing a US Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) report to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). CEI argued then, that such, “proposed disclosures are climate policy masquerading as materiality.” CEI said such emissions reporting, “picks legal, but politically disfavored, industries and targets them for destruction.”

Investors for Paris Compliance claimed, in their complaint to the ASC:

39. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) states that climate-aligned target-setting must include scope 3 when scope 3 emissions make up at least 40% of total emissions.¹⁷

SBTi and the CDP are under investigation in the USA by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier according to this report in ESG Today.  

Friends of Science Society is critical of the elaborate international system for evaluating corporate emissions.  The disclosure requirements are burdensome and expensive, as outlined in Friends of Science Society’s response to Catherine McKenna’s “Integrity Matters” report. The climate accounting requirements for corporations of a certain emissions output must measure and disclose Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect), and Scope 3 (supplier/value chain) levels of emissions, making it virtually impossible to be accurate. The Competitive Enterprise Institute in the US estimated the cost burden of mandatory reporting to be in the trillions of dollars, with a major impact on farmers.

Net Zero ideology and its impact on farmers will be the focus of Friends of Science Society’s September 25, 2025, special event. More details here.

As outlined in a January 2025 press release, posted by Friends of Science Society, Canada is planning on implementing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). A new report for the Canadian Global Affairs Institute warns of the pitfalls of CBAM for Canadian companies.

The US DOE climate science report affirms that carbon dioxide is not the driver of climate change, putting mandatory emissions reporting and CBAM in question, says Friends of Science Society.

About
Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens that is celebrating its 23rd year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2).
Friends of Science Society

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SOURCE Friends of Science Society

Soloviev Group and Mohegan’s plan will feature 513 units of housing that working families can afford, nearly 5 acres of green space, and 17,000 new jobs

NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Freedom Plaza, the bold $11.1 billion civic and cultural vision for Manhattan’s East Side led by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, shared an overview of the project’s comprehensive housing and traffic plan during the first public hearing of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday, August 28.

During and in advance of the CAC public hearing, numerous endorsements from labor and faith leaders, civic organizations, small businesses, and local residents highlighted the project’s commitment to the creation of housing, jobs, green space, and economic opportunity.

More than 2,000 individuals have already submitted comments to the CAC advocating for Freedom Plaza, joining the 10,000 Manhattan residents and 250 local small businesses who previously signed a petition supporting the proposal. A recent Tulchin Research poll further confirms this local momentum, finding that nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters support the project — with 57 percent of voters in Midtown East specifically in favor.

Public enthusiasm for Freedom Plaza is reflected across the borough.

COMMUNITY VOICES
Jon Harari, President of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, said during the hearing: 
“As President of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, I’ve had countless conversations with neighbors about a casino. I’ve also seen how people’s tone changes when they learn about the full vision: affordable housing, the largest park in our neighborhood, a community fund, a world-class resort, and new opportunities for local businesses. Residents go from doubtful to genuinely excited.”

Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, said during the hearing:
“As a faith leader, Diplomat, business owner and native New Yorker, I see opportunities, employment and cooperation and collaboration with New York’s unions, residents, employees and citizens and wholeheartedly support the Freedom Plaza initiative.”

David Garza, President & CEO, Henry Street Settlement, said during the hearing: 
“Henry Street Settlement has been helping New Yorkers find meaningful, family-sustaining work for more than 130 years. Employment with high road, responsible, local employers is and always has been the gold standard for our jobseekers and their families. Together with its partners in the Lower East Side Employment Network, Henry Street is committed to partner with Mohegan in planning and developing the on-ramps to 8,000 permanent union jobs at Freedom Plaza. We believe in the potential of these jobs to lift families, change lives, and provide access to meaningful economic opportunity.”

Reverend Brian D. Scott, Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church of Harlem, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“This visionary initiative is poised to redefine Manhattan’s landscape with the delivery of essential affordable housing while also establishing an elevated benchmark for community-focused development. We are pleased to see Freedom Plaza champion inclusivity and sustainability and lay the foundation for lasting prosperity that will benefit generations to come.”

Dharmesh Chokshi, 710 Quick Stop Inc., said during the hearing:
“Freedom Plaza is a fantastic and nice project for everyone in the neighborhood. Freedom Plaza will bring working class jobs;  businesses will have increased foot traffic, and more customers and tourists to the area.” 

MOHEGAN NEIGHBORS
Montville Mayor Leonard Bunnell offered in testimony:
“The Mohegan Tribe is a sovereign nation within the Town of Montville. In my time as Mayor, and before that as a Town Councilor and longtime police officer, I have seen firsthand their commitment to being a responsible neighbor and a reliable governing partner. … They recognize the impact of their operations and take deliberate steps to ensure those impacts benefit the community. They work collaboratively, anticipate needs, and follow through. These traits have made them an indispensable partner to Montville and a trusted operator capable of delivering results anywhere.”

Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom offered in testimony:
“Whether through charitable contributions, volunteer efforts, or supporting youth and family services, the Mohegan Tribe consistently leads with a spirit of collaboration and goodwill. I’ve seen firsthand how seriously they take their role as a regional partner, always striving to do what’s right for the people who live and work here. Their engagement is proactive, thoughtful, and focused on long-term impact. I believe their proposal for Freedom Plaza reflects the same approach, grounded in responsibility, respect for place, and a deep understanding of how to create shared value. I fully support the Mohegan Tribe’s vision and know they will bring their strengths to this new chapter.”

LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Gary LaBarbera, President, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“The Building and Construction Trades Council is pleased to see the process moving forward as it is a major step for New York’s working men and women. Every casino that may come to fruition in New York will be built with union labor, ensuring that as the new projects rise, so too will the opportunity to travel the pathway to the middle class for hard working tradesmen and tradeswomen. For that, we are thankful and look forward to these projects continuing to advance.”

Rich Maroko, President, The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council is excited to support Freedom Plaza, a development that will bring high-quality, permanent hospitality jobs to New York City. As the union for hotel and casino workers in New York, we know that this proposal will offer real opportunities for working people and strengthen the city’s economy.”

Manny Pastreich, President, SEIU 32BJ, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“As the largest union of property service workers in the nation, SEIU 32BJ is thrilled to support Freedom Plaza, a project that will create meaningful good jobs with labor standards that our members have fought hard for. This development aligns with our efforts to improve the lives of workers and ensure that New Yorkers have access to good-paying jobs.”

Stuart Appelbaum, President of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union and East Side resident wrote in an op-ed published by the Commercial Observer:
“This project represents one of the most significant opportunities in a generation to create good, union jobs for working New Yorkers. No other currently  proposed development in New York City comes close.”

William Lynn, Business Manager & International Vice President, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“IUOE Local 30 is always focused on ensuring that our members have access to high-quality job opportunities that support their skills and expertise. We recognize the potential for significant employment in this project and appreciate the commitment to union labor. We look forward to seeing opportunities that will allow our members to contribute to New York’s future while maintaining the high standards of our trade.”

Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, District Council 9, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“District Council 9 is proud to stand behind the Freedom Plaza project. With thousands of jobs for our members and a commitment to community development, this project is exactly the kind of investment New York’s working families need. We’re looking forward to being a part of its success.”

Leslie Abbey, CEO, Hot Bread Kitchen, offered in submitted testimony:
“Hot Bread Kitchen is excited to partner with Mohegan as they work to bring quality jobs and new training and upskilling opportunities for New Yorkers.”

Tracey Capers, Executive Director, The HOPE Program offered into testimony: 
“Since its founding, HOPE has empowered New Yorkers to build sustainable futures through comprehensive training, jobs, advancement and lifelong career support. We are proud to join Mohegan in helping to provide the critical workforce preparation and help realize 8,000 permanent union jobs at Freedom Plaza. We are excited to collaborate with Mohegan’s other workforce partners around the City to help bridge the gap between community and workplace and begin to address the monumental challenge of filling thousands of new union positions.”

Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President & CEO, New York Building Congress, offered in submitted testimony:
“Freedom Plaza offers a globally competitive, responsibly planned, and community-oriented destination at the heart of our great city. It’s a one-stop-shop to achieve tourism, hospitality, and the tax-generating potential we need to move New York into the future.”

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League, wrote in an op-ed published by the New York Daily News:
“In offering a meaningful stake in the evolution of this large-scale place-making project, which includes development of needed housing, a huge destination park, and hospitality, dining and entertainment hub in Midtown Manhattan, this project goes beyond rhetoric. Perhaps most importantly, Freedom Plaza commits at least $5 million annually to a Community Reinvestment Fund dedicated to civic, educational, environmental, and justice-oriented programs. With oversight from an independent Community Advisory Board, these funds will honor local priorities – from beautification and arts festivals to youth development, sustainability, and tenant support.” 

Jamie A. Smarr, President and CEO of the NYC Housing Partnership, offered in a statement:
“New York City is facing a critical housing crisis that Freedom Plaza will directly address. The project’s 513 permanent affordable housing units aligns perfectly with the Housing Partnership’s mission to create real housing opportunities for middle class New Yorkers. I am most excited by Freedom Plaza’s high-quality amenities that all families will be able to access, alongside the huge public park and iconic museum that everyone will be able to enjoy. This is a standard-setting community development and an opportunity that cannot be passed on.”

PARKS AND GREEN SPACE
Dan Biederman, urban redevelopment and public space expert, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“Freedom Plaza’s public spaces will be beautiful  and provide the entire side of Manhattan with amenities that are not available outside of Bryant and Central parks. By integrating community opinions from the outset, this 4.77 acre project has ensured that its green spaces and programming  meet the everyday needs of Midtown East residents. The combination of a central lawn, waterfront promenade, and cultural installations bring much-needed green space for recreation, relaxation, cultural programming, and children’s play to the area. As we’ve seen in other successful revitalizations, when a space is thoughtfully managed and actively used, it becomes safer and economically beneficial. Freedom Plaza has the potential to become a model for how development projects can also add public spaces that truly elevate urban life around them.”

HOSPITALITY
Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance, offered in submitted testimony:
“We recognize their efforts to build strong partnerships with local hospitality businesses both operating on-site and with those throughout the surrounding community. Their commitment to offering local restaurants and bars no-cost participation in their dining rewards program is also noteworthy, as it supports economic growth to the greater hospitality sector outside of their premises.  Additionally, a member of the New York City Hospitality Alliance recently visited a Mohegan Gaming property. Speaking with employees anonymously, they were impressed by the staff’s professionalism and the collaborative, family-like environment the workers told us about, which ownership separately shared that they strive to cultivate.”

About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a $11.1 billion mixed-use development from Soloviev Group and Mohegan, spanning 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue on Manhattan’s East Side. The project will deliver 1,049 new homes—including 513 units that working families can afford—alongside nearly 5 acres of public open space, locally oriented retail, and a wide range of shopping and dining options, plus a daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, and community center. Two world-class hotels from Mohegan and the owners of Banyan Tree will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including modern gaming for those 21 and over. Built entirely with union labor, Freedom Plaza will support 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union jobs during construction and operations and nearly 40,000 jobs overall throughout the economy, while generating $3.2 billion in annual economic impact. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Soloviev Group 
Unwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm’s most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than 6 acres on Manhattan’s East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature nearly 5 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.

Project video and rendering is available for download here, courtesy Soloviev Group.

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SOURCE The Soloviev Group

EverestLabs’ Veolia Australia MRF rollout in Perth delivers industry-leading sorting accuracy, boosting recovery rates, enhancing safety records, and enabling AI-driven decision-making for recycling operations.

FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Veolia Australia and New Zealand has selected EverestLabs, a U.S.-based leader in AI and robotics for recycling, to digitize and automate sorting operations at one of its material recovery facilities (MRFs) in Perth—marking the first deployment of its kind in the region.

This initiative is part of Veolia’s broader global commitment to modernizing recycling infrastructure and improving circular outcomes through innovation. The deployment of EverestLabs’ modular vision AI and robotic sorting solution enables Veolia ANZ to gain unprecedented real-time visibility into plant operations, address rising labor challenges, and increase material recovery rates.

“It is in these repetitive processes, where machines can learn through AI and be guided by human intervention, that smart tech can be most useful ― especially in Veolia’s world-leading resource recovery facilities and our rapidly expanding sector.” 
— Veolia ANZ CEO & Managing Director Richard Kirkman.

EverestLabs’ Award-winning RecycleOS™ solution was selected for its turnkey deployment model, industry-leading accuracy, and modular design that fits seamlessly into existing MRF infrastructure. Each EverestLabs robotic cell is equipped with vision AI that scans and identifies recyclable materials in real time. The system then directs robotic arms to pick and sort targeted items directly from the conveyor belt—with 90% pick success, 2–3x the speed of manual sorting, and around-the-clock uptime.

Unlike traditional automation systems, Everestlabs robots are compact, install in just hours without retrofits, and are monitored 24/7 by EverestLabs’ Robotic Operations Center to ensure consistent performance. This enables Veolia ANZ to recover more high-quality materials, reduce landfill volumes, and operate more safely—by eliminating the need for human workers in hazardous sorting zones.

“We’re proud to support Veolia Australia’s bold step forward in modernizing recycling operations,” said Jagadeesh Ambati, CEO and Founder of EverestLabs. “Our robotic systems are doing the heavy lifting—identifying, sorting, and reporting in real time—so facilities can focus on running more efficiently, sustainably, and safely.”

This milestone builds on EverestLabs’ momentum in the U.S. market, where its AI and robotic technologies are already deployed by major recyclers, including Republic Services, Waste Connections, and Novelis. The Veolia ANZ partnership marks EverestLabs’ expansion into international markets, bringing its commitment to data-driven recovery and operational excellence to new regions.

ABOUT EVERESTLABS

EverestLabs is a California-based technology company providing AI-powered automation and data intelligence solutions for recycling facilities. With proprietary vision systems, robotics, and software tools, EverestLabs helps MRFs and reclaimers increase throughput, reduce operational costs, and improve transparency in the recycling value chain. Learn more at www.everestlabs.ai.

ABOUT VEOLIA

Veolia group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tonnes of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in 2024. www.veolia.com

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SOURCE Everestlabs

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — National Children’s Center^® (NCC) is now a member organization of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). This designation demonstrates a deep commitment to direct support professionals (DSPs), other staff members, people receiving services, families, and various stakeholders. 

“NCC recognizes the pivotal role that membership with NADSP represents and how it underscores our dedication to empowering our employees. It creates meaningful opportunities, reinforces our commitment to our mission, and allows us to amplify our impact in the I/DD community,” said Terrance King, NCC President and CEO. 

“As an organization, we are incredibly honored and proud to join The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), an essential opportunity for NCC to advance support for professionals in the I/DD sector. Being the first in the District of Columbia to join NADSP, we recognize the significance of this milestone and the impact it will have on our team and the individuals we serve.” — Frank Kirkland, Executive Director, NCC Community Support Services

By becoming a member, National Children’s Center^® (NCC) is aligning itself with NADSP’s mission “to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values.” The organization’s membership spans the entire calendar year of 2025.

“Through this membership, the organization is sending a clear message that they appreciate support staff, recognize the critical role they play, and are willing to invest in their growth and advancement,” says Joseph Macbeth, President and Chief Executive Officer of NADSP. There are numerous benefits included in NADSP Membership.

The organization’s employees can view dozens of webinars and access numerous resources about topics to improve their programmatic supports and services. Members also receive discounted rates for the NADSP E-Badge Academy, NADSP Training, NADSP Curricula, as well as NADSP Conference registration. In addition, the organization will be featured on NADSP’s website, highlighting their involvement in a national movement dedicated to direct support professionals.

“This is a true partnership, and we appreciate the organization joining us in making a world of difference in people’s lives,” adds Macbeth.

About National Children’s Center Inc.^® (NCC)
The National Children’s Center^® (NCC) enhances the lives of people of all ages, diverse backgrounds, and differing abilities through inclusive opportunities. Founded in 1958, NCC supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, grow, and thrive in their community through our Early Learning and Early Intervention Center (ELC) and Adult Community Support Services. With our Baby Bloomers Urban Garden, we are expanding access to healthy food options and nutrition education for children and families in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, DC. For more information about NCC visit www.nccinc.org.

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SOURCE National Children’s Center