Author: sHq_LoGiNz

BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 26, at a grand AI gala, Jian took the stage alongside a humanoid robot to perform Jasmine Flower. Under the dazzling lights, the bionic fingertips of his BrainCo Intelligent Bionic Hand “blossomed” with each note, offering the audience a vivid glimpse of the beauty of human–machine collaboration.

BrainCo’s innovations in brain-computer interface technology are rewriting the everyday lives of people with disabilities. One such story is that of Jian—a once mischievous and lively boy from a basketball-loving village, who discovered his passion for the sport early in life. But as a young teenager, tragedy struck: while helping his family, Jian’s right hand was caught in a machine, and amputation became inevitable.

The aftermath of the accident was devastating. Everyday tasks, such as opening plastic packaging or peeling fruit, became constant reminders of his limitations. Yet Jian refused to give up on basketball. “Basketball is a way for me to relieve stress,” he said. On the court, he pushed himself harder than others, determined to prove his resilience: “I wanted to beat people without a hand.” The sport not only gave him strength but also connected him with many like-minded friends who shared his passion.

Later, as Jian approached graduation, he faced the pressures of job hunting while still yearning to challenge the impossible beyond basketball. That was when he discovered the BrainCo Intelligent Bionic Hand. “I still remember the moment I first achieved precise control of each finger—it felt as if my lost right hand had returned. The feeling is indescribable,” Jian recalled.

With the Intelligent Bionic Hand, Jian has since conquered the demanding sport of rock climbing, proving to himself and others that no challenge is insurmountable. He later joined BrainCo, where he now dedicates himself to introducing bionic hands to more people in need. “I hope to use my personal experience to help others like me—bringing them the power of technology and helping them regain hope in life,” he said with conviction.

BrainCo was founded in 2015 and incubated by the Harvard Innovation Lab (i-Lab). Since its inception, it has emerged as a global leader in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

BrainCo actively contacts social organizations and caring enterprises, encourages them to participate in public welfare projects, and ultimately allows disabled people who cannot afford prostheses to install smart prostheses free of charge, and improves the employment skills of disabled people to help them return to society.

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SOURCE BrainCo

VENICE, Italy, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As part of the iconic Venice Film Festival, Nicola Liguori, renowned film producer and founder of MP Film Italia and NYV Entertainment USA, was honored—alongside Andrea Bocelli and other leading talents in the industry—with the “Unconventional Excellence 2025” award by the prestigious Forbes magazine. The recognition celebrates his outstanding career in the film industry and his commitment to socially engaged cinema.

Unconventional Excellence 2025 is a prestigious award presented by Forbes Italia to individuals who, with courage and innovation, push boundaries in the film industry. “Success is not something to be hidden: with strength and determination, it can become a collective value,” said Nicola Formichella, CEO of Forbes Italia.

Together with his partner Tommaso Ranchino and in collaboration with Pro Format Comunicazione, led by Simona Maurelli, Liguori has built a legacy of over 50 film productions that tackle complex themes and transform cinema into a tool for awareness and social action.

With five official selections at the Venice International Film Festival, including the 2025 edition with “The Light in the Crevice” by Anselma Dell‘Olio, MP Film and Pro Format Comunicazione have proven their ability to create narratives that resonate with broad audiences and stimulate meaningful dialogue.

This recognition comes at a strategic time for the team, as they expand their model of social cinema into the United States, bringing their expertise and know-how to a new market and strengthening their international mission.

“This award is a recognition of our work and our passion for using cinema as a tool for social change. After achieving such important milestones in Italy, we’re now working to expand our model from our U.S. base—at the heart of the global industry—and continue creating content that inspires, impacts, and sparks conversation,” said Nicola Liguori, who currently resides in Miami.

Following the Oscar of the Ports award received in Miami earlier this year, this new recognition further confirms the international vocation of Nicola Liguori and his team, who are turning cinema into a universal language in service of health, fashion, music, and collective well-being.

To learn more about Nicola Liguori and his impact on the world of cinema, follow him at:
@nicolaliguori  @nyv_entertainment @mpfilm.it

CONTACT
Fabiola Malka: [New Concept PR]
Telephone: 786.285.7783
Email: fabiola@newconceptpr.com

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SOURCE NYV Entertainment

IslandDER™ brings whole-home isolation directly to the meter socket for easier installations, reduced labor costs, and faster Permission To Operate (PTO) approval—integrated with systems from SolarEdge, FranklinWH, Lunar Energy, and EcoFlow.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ConnectDER, the leading developer of plug-and-play meter socket adapters (MSAs), today announced the launch of its next-generation product, IslandDER™, designed to accelerate residential solar and storage installs as a standardized backup solution. Its strategic approach gives installers optionality to choose the battery system that fits their customers needs, while de-risking their business from supply chain issues and accelerating timelines to PTO.

Unlike other meter collar manufacturers in the market that lock installers into using their entire product suite, IslandDER™ is compatible with multiple leading batteries including the SolarEdge Nexis Solution, FranklinWH’s aPower 2 and aPower S, Lunar Energy’s Lunar System, and EcoFlow’s OCEAN Pro—with an additional 22 partnership agreements in place.

Installed in 15-30 minutes, IslandDER™ streamlines partial- and whole-home backup by integrating “islanding” functionality—the ability to safely disconnect from the grid and keep the power on during an outage—directly into the meter socket via its built-in Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID) and Consumption Current Transformers (CTs), effectively eliminating the need for complex electrical work. IslandDER™ can save installers hours to days on battery energy storage system (BESS) installs while homeowners avoid surprise costs that can suddenly put electrification out of budget—and out of reach.

“The residential energy storage market is at a critical inflection point, but its full potential has been constrained as installers must choose between labor-intensive battery installations or locking their customers into a closed ecosystem,” said Ivo Steklac, ConnectDER’s President and CEO. “IslandDER™ is the breakthrough that unlocks this growth, saving installers countless hours on the job site and giving them the flexibility to deliver the best possible battery backup solution for their customers—whether that’s for a new install or adding backup to an existing solar setup. By launching with four of the industry’s most innovative battery partners and with more in the pipeline, we are giving installers a universal solution that accelerates the industry as a whole.”

Nearly half of all U.S. owner-occupied homes are more than 40 years old, built during or before the 1980s and with electrical service that is inadequate for installing distributed energy resources (DER) like solar panels, energy storage, or EV chargers. A main panel upgrade alone can cost a homeowner anywhere between $5,000–$25,000. Even when an upgrade is not required, older homes often come with other risk factors like structural challenges, tight spaces, and outdated wiring that make any extra electrical work unpredictable and laborious for installers—slowing down their install speed and delaying how long it takes to achieve PTO, which is when they get paid.

Other common methods used to enable whole-home backup, like circuit relocation, can still add hours or even days to the project duration—and thousands of dollars to the homeowner’s quoted price. This is particularly relevant in the Western U.S., where meter-main combination service panels are prevalent, but do not provide the necessary space for an installer to install a MID device. IslandDER™ solves this with ease by incorporating the voltage sensing, CTs, and isolation switch (the MID) all in one, right at the meter socket.

IslandDER™ joins ConnectDER’s lineup of installer-backed, field-proven MSAs including their Solar MSA and EV MSA. ConnectDER’s MSAs are currently approved in 44 utilities across 24 states with strong residential renewable energy adoption—reaching 50 million serviceable households nationwide. IslandDER™ has already been approved in multiple markets including an active pilot phase in California, which saw battery attachment rates skyrocket to 60% in recent years thanks to NEM 3.0, the state’s updated net billing tariff implemented in 2023. Sunrun, the largest residential solar installer in the U.S. and an early adopter of ConnectDER’s MSAs, is seeing 70% battery attachment this year nationwide, up from 54% a year ago, heavily influenced by California’s storage demand.

IslandDER™ is expected to be available to purchase through distribution in Q4, 2025. Contact sales@connectder.com to talk to a ConnectDER regional sales representative.

“ConnectDER’s IslandDER™ unlocks a powerful new level of simplicity for residential storage,” said Alex Dinh, Director of Residential Product Management at SolarEdge. “By incorporating it into our portfolio as the SolarEdge Nexis IslandDER™, we’ve dramatically simplified whole-home backup. Installations that once required costly upgrades and electrical work can now be completed quickly at the meter socket, freeing up installers to deliver more projects, faster, and helping more families achieve energy independence.”

“We are excited to partner with ConnectDER to introduce a meter adapter solution to the residential energy storage market,” said Ke Bi, COO of FranklinWH. “This milestone strengthens FranklinWH’s management of the home energy management ecosystem. The FranklinWH System is already recognized for fast installation and commissioning, and the integration with IslandDER™ will further simplify the process by eliminating the need for costly meter panel upgrades. Combining IslandDER™ with FranklinWH’s aPower 2 and aPower S batteries will deliver homeowners a complete, flexible whole-home energy storage solution—while significantly reducing installation time and cost.”

“At Lunar, our work is focused on delivering great experiences for installers and homeowners alike. Our partnership with ConnectDER serves both,” said Ed Gunn, Lunar Energy Vice President. “Together, we offer our customers more design flexibility and faster installations to electrify even more homes.”

About ConnectDER:

ConnectDER has been a pioneer in designing and developing meter socket adapters (MSAs) since 2011, simplifying the connection of distributed energy resources (DER) such as solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging equipment. ConnectDER’s products help accelerate installations, avoid complex electrical work, and reduce costs for both installers and homeowners—making renewable energy solutions more accessible and affordable for all. ConnectDER’s MSAs are UL-listed and NEC-compliant, approved by utilities across the U.S., and used by top local, regional, and national solar installers. For more information, visit www.connectder.com.

About SolarEdge:

SolarEdge is a global leader in smart energy technology. By leveraging world-class engineering capabilities and with a relentless focus on innovation, SolarEdge creates smart energy solutions that power our lives and drive future progress. SolarEdge developed an intelligent inverter solution that changed the way power is harvested and managed in photovoltaic (PV) systems. The SolarEdge DC optimized inverter seeks to maximize power generation while lowering the cost of energy produced by the PV system. Continuing to advance smart energy, SolarEdge addresses a broad range of energy market segments through its PV, storage, EV charging, batteries, and grid services solutions. SolarEdge is online at www.solaredge.com.

About FranklinWH:

FranklinWH Energy Storage is the manufacturer of the FranklinWH system. FranklinWH is a market-oriented, research-driven company focused on next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH’s team has decades of experience in energy systems, from design, through manufacturing, to sales and installation. FranklinWH is AVL-listed with multiple financial institutions. Learn more about how homeowners can achieve energy freedom at www.franklinwh.com.

About Lunar Energy:

Lunar Energy powers homes around the world with endless clean energy. Founded in 2020, Lunar engineers the world’s best clean energy products to electrify homes and connect communities to form clean, resilient virtual power plants. The fast-growing, global company is delivering an ecosystem of all-electric products to make electricity greener, air cleaner, and energy more secure and reliable for everyone. Learn more at www.lunarenergy.com.

About EcoFlow:

EcoFlow is a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions, committed to powering a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has aimed to be the FIRST in power solutions—Flexible, Innovative, Reliable, Simple, and Thorough—for individuals and families, whether at home, outdoors or on the go. With a smart manufacturing center in China, and headquarters in the USA, Germany and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered over 5 million users in 140 markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.ecoflow.com/us.

Media Contact:

Dave Armenti
Sr. Marketing Director
darmenti@connectder.com

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SOURCE ConnectDER, Inc.

Lennox Commercial HVAC’s cold climate heat pump rooftop unit is the first to pass lab validation in the 15-25 tons category of the Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge.

DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lennox (NYSE: LII), a leader in energy-efficient climate solutions, announced that its commercial cold climate heat pump rooftop unit (RTU) was the first to successfully complete the laboratory validation for commercial unitary equipment in the 15-25 tons category in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge.

Designed to produce innovative HVAC technology, this accomplishment helps provide customers with access to high-efficiency heat pumps in cold climates, improving performance and solving long-standing defrost limitations for greater comfort and reliability. According to the DOE, commercial building space conditioning accounts for approximately 40% of commercial energy use in the United States.

Led by its Texas Product Development and Research laboratory, Lennox developed a cold climate heat pump RTU that meets and, in many cases, exceeds the stringent performance requirements of the challenge, as validated in an independent lab by the DOE and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).  

“We approach advanced technology development with the intent to deliver practical, real-world solutions, and the successful validation of our rooftop cold climate heat pump brings us another step closer,” said Lennox Chief Technology Officer Prakash Bedapudi. “This unit reflects years of focused research and development to overcome cold-climate limitations, particularly around defrost, and deliver consistent comfort in the toughest conditions. Our team is proud to be the first to complete the challenge while meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”  

Lennox is one of eight manufacturers participating in the Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge. Later this year, the Lennox prototype will be installed in a U.S. commercial building to validate the cold climate heat pump’s performance, efficiency, and comfort through severe winter conditions.   

This achievement supports a commitment to sustainable innovation and builds on a 130-year legacy of delivering advanced, energy-efficient solutions at Lennox. It also follows Lennox Residential HVAC’s successful participation in DOE’s Residential HVAC Challenge, where the company was also the first to complete Phase 1 testing in 2022.   

ABOUT LENNOX  

Lennox (NYSE: LII) is a leader in energy-efficient climate-control solutions. Dedicated to sustainability and creating comfortable and healthier environments for our residential and commercial customers while reducing their carbon footprint, we lead the field in innovation with our cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and refrigeration systems. Additional information is available at www.lennox.com. For media inquiries, contact PR@lennox.com.

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SOURCE Lennox International Inc.

A bold collaboration rooted in heritage and West Coast culture

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WSS, a banner under Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) and the neighborhood shoe store that brings sneakers and streetwear culture to the community, proudly announces a collaboration with two cultural powerhouses: Mister Cartoon, a legendary cultural icon and artist, and Pro Club, an iconic L.A. streetwear brand.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/wss/9293255-en-wss-mister-cartoon-pro-club-limited-edition-capsule-collection

At the heart of the collaboration is Mister Cartoon, who steps into the role of creative director and artist for a limited-edition capsule that fuses fashion, culture, and storytelling. With a career spanning over 25 years, Mister Cartoon has left his mark across tattoo art, graffiti, music, sports, and apparel, crafting a legacy that is as much about authenticity as it is about artistry. Now, he brings that legacy to WSS with a collection that reflects the community that continues to inspire him.

“I wanted to do a collaboration that had that West Coast hand style combined with Pro Club’s quality apparel, a reflection of our culture,” said Mister Cartoon. “WSS was in every neighborhood in our city, and when I would pull up, I envisioned my pieces on their racks. Thanks to WSS and Pro Club, that vision is now a reality. This collaboration has come full circle, and I’m proud that this collab is finally coming to the streets.”

“What makes this collaboration so special is the shared history and authenticity behind it. Cartoon and I have built collaborations before, always focused on honoring the culture that shaped us,” said Blanca Gonzalez, Senior Vice President and General Manager of WSS. “With WSS and Pro Club, this collection is a love letter to the community and a symbol of what’s possible when heritage and creativity meet.”

Anchoring the collaboration is Pro Club, a streetwear institution renowned for its heavyweight basics and deep cultural roots in Los Angeles. Established in 1986, Pro Club has long been a staple in Chicano and West Coast fashion, from swap meets to rap videos, their iconic tees and hoodies have defined street style for decades.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to push forward while honoring the foundation that built us,” said Brian Lee, Marketing Director of Pro Club. Partnering with Mister Cartoon and WSS brings together three forces that truly understand the community, the culture, and the hustle. This collection is more than product, it is a symbol of where we have been and where we are going.”

The collection features a bold lineup of graphic tees, hoodies, jackets, and accessories, all designed by Mister Cartoon. Drawing inspiration from L.A.’s lowrider culture, Chicano iconography, and street art heritage, the graphics include hand-drawn scripts, airbrush-style artwork, and symbolic references to community and legacy. Offered in men’s (S–3XL) and women’s (XS–3XL) sizing, the pieces range from $35 to $85, in line with WSS’s commitment to value.

The collab drops live on Friday, September 5, from 7–10 PM at a launch event in Downtown Los Angeles. Open to the public with RSVP required, the event will feature installations inspired by the swap meet culture that shaped WSS, Pro Club, and Mister Cartoon, featuring archival WSS pieces and creative nods to L.A.’s streetwear legacy. Guests will also experience a curated display of custom cars, a lowrider car-hopping experience, live airbrushing and customization, on-site music and entertainment, and early access to shop the Mister Cartoon x Pro Club collection. 

Event capacity may be limited. Product availability and customization offerings are while supplies last on a first come, first served basis. Customization available with qualifying purchase. RSVP required for entry.

Those interested in attending can RSVP via https://www.shopwss.com/rsvp.

The limited-edition collection will be available exclusively at WSS stores and on shopwss.com beginning September 6.

About WSS
WSS, a banner of Foot Locker, Inc., is a neighborhood-focused, value-driven footwear and apparel retailer headquartered in Gardena, California, with over 150 stores nationwide. WSS offers a wide selection of sneakers from top brands including adidas, Nike, Jordan, New Balance, Puma, and Converse, along with casual and workwear styles from Wolverine, Timberland, and its private label Eurostar. To learn more, visit www.shopwss.com.

About PRO CLUB
Founded in Los Angeles in 1986, PROCLUB is a heritage apparel brand known for its iconic Heavyweight tee, built with unmatched quality, fit, and durability. From swap meet beginnings to a citywide staple, our tees, hoodies, and streetwear essentials are trusted for their craftsmanship and timeless style. From the streets to the stage, PROCLUB is the unofficial uniform of Los Angeles, embodying authenticity, grit, and West Coast culture. To learn more, visit www.shopproclub.com. 

About Mister Cartoon 
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mister CARTOON was immersed in art from an early age. He began his career as a graffiti artist before branching into murals, album covers, logos, and now most famously known for his tattoos. His richly detailed, hand-rendered designs pull much of their inspiration from the Los Angeles of CARTOON’s youth. CARTOON’s work has helped bridge the gap between those hardscrabble beginnings and the style’s current popularity. CARTOON’s work has attracted a global following and earned recognition from leading artists, athletes, and cultural icons. He’s attracted a diverse and devoted fan base for his work in other media as well. The result has been highly acclaimed gallery appearances and art shows in London, Paris, Tokyo, and beyond. Service to the community has been an essential part of CARTOON’s career, where he is active in outreach programs, sharing his knowledge with young people and devoting time to many community-based initiatives.

 

 

 

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wss-taps-icons-mister-cartoon-and-pro-club-for-a-limited-edition-capsule-collection-release-302548084.html

SOURCE WSS

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Two oil and gas lobbyists are refusing to have included into two carbon pipeline bills legislative language creating a safe buffer zone between communities and these pipelines, Consumer Watchdog has learned. No language on an adequate buffer zone has been added to the bills, according to environmental advocates.

“Assembly member Cottie Petrie-Norris and Senator Henry Stern must stand up to the oil and gas lobbyists wanting to exclude language creating a safe buffer zone between communities and carbon pipelines,” said Consumer Advocate Liza Tucker. “Should a carbon pipeline rupture near people, it can be a potentially lethal asphyxiant. It happened a few years ago in the town of Satartia, Mississippi, and the result wasn’t pretty. Some suffered convulsions and unconsciousness. It would be unfathomable for Senator Stern and Assembly member Petrie-Norris to lift the moratorium without a requirement for a safe setback zone, as well as other safety features, such as an odorant which would make a leak detectable to people.”

The two bills are AB 881 and SB 614 and passage would lift a 2022 moratorium on such pipelines that are dangerous and underregulated. Both the bills are waiting for floor votes and must be amended by Tuesday. If passed, the bills would help enable about 25 carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects that have been proposed in California, according to project tracking data compiled by the Center for Biological Diversity. The CCS technology itself isn’t fully baked—it fails more than succeeds, captures a fraction of the carbon it purports to, and uses fossil fuel energy to work. 

The two lobbyists, Virgil Welch of Caliber Strategies and Theo Pahos of Kemper/Pahos, represent oil giant California Resources Corp. and Calpine respectively. Calpine is the largest generator of electricity from fossil gas and geothermal energy in the US.

Welch exemplifies a revolving door at the California Air Resources Board. Between 2008 and 2021, Welch did two stints at the California Air Resources Board as Special Counsel and Chief Advisor to the board chair. He left to join the AJW lobbying firm between 2016 and 2017 where an association representing some of the world’s largest fossil fuel and energy distribution companies was onboarded. The International Emissions Trading Association advocates for market-based solutions to climate change including CCS and other carbon capture technologies. He returned to his old CARB job in 2017 and left for Caliber Strategies in 2021.

Welch also represents the California Carbon Solutions Coalition, which he also directs, that is pushing hard on including carbon capture storage projects that carbon pipelines will enable into pending cap-and-trade legislation. CRC and Calpine have CCS projects slated in California as does AERA Energy and Chevron. Welch succeeded in getting legislative language into AB 881 that offers an exemption to companies that started construction on carbon pipelines before July 1, 2025 for projects within a wholly owned property. CRC has such a pipeline at the Elk Hills oil field in Kern County and so would be exempt from the legislation. 

“These lobbying firms have put hundreds of thousands of dollars into lobbying the legislature and key agencies on carbon capture and on pipeline legislation in the first six months of 2025,” said Tucker.

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SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PAR (Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.) proudly wrapped up its annual United Way Week, celebrating a legacy of giving, volunteerism, and community partnership. With events centered around community engagement, prioritizing employee well-being, and raising money for local organizations, the 2025 United Way Week campaign continued PAR’s longstanding tradition of supporting United Way Suncoast.

With a mission to mobilize communities so that all can thrive, United Way Suncoast provides funding for programs focused on educational opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. From early literacy programs and youth mentoring to financial coaching and disaster recovery, the organization delivers high-impact initiatives across the region to help families break the cycle of generational poverty and build a more stable future.

PAR has partnered with United Way Suncoast for over two and a half decades, raising over $2.7 million to date for vital programs that uplift families and strengthen the community. “Each year, we’re reminded of the power of collective action,” said Cathy Smith, PAR’s Vice President of Community Relations Emeritus. “United Way Week is more than a campaign—it’s a celebration of our values and our people.”

This year’s United Way Week once again saw employees rallying together to make a meaningful difference across the Tampa Bay region. A highlight of the week was the team’s volunteer day at Feeding Tampa Bay, where PAR employees sorted an incredible 16,000 pounds of food to help combat hunger in the local community. The event included a team lunch, facility tours, and hands-on service in the warehouse, reinforcing PAR’s commitment to giving back.

“Volunteering through PAR for United Way and Feeding Tampa Bay was a truly eye-opening experience,” said Danny Collado, Digital Marketing Manager at PAR. “It gave me a firsthand look at the reality of food insecurity, something that affects countless individuals and families—often silently. You’d never know just by looking who might be struggling to put food on the table. Being part of the effort to provide meals and support was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me how powerful community action can be, and how important it is to show up for others with compassion and purpose.”

The 2025 campaign culminated in a celebratory breakfast and closing remarks from leadership, reinforcing PAR’s core values: Be Kind. Do Good. These values continue to guide the company’s mission of improving lives through scientifically validated assessments and community engagement.

This year, PAR raised an outstanding $163,257.32 for United Way Suncoast, a total that includes both employee contributions and a company donation. The check was presented to the organization by PAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Kristin Greco. Notably, the campaign achieved 100% employee participation once again—an inspiring testament to the dedication and generosity of the PAR team.

About PAR
PAR is a leading publisher of psychological assessment tools, committed to improving lives through science, compassion, and service. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, PAR supports clinicians, educators, and researchers worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/par-celebrates-annual-united-way-week-with-record-breaking-community-impact-302548029.html

SOURCE PAR, Inc.

NOME, Alaska, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bering Land Bridge National Preserve today celebrates the grand opening of the new Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center. This innovative and newly renovated space showcases culturally rich and engaging exhibits collaboratively developed with a dedicated Tribal Workgroup, including tribal members from Shishmaref, Wales, and Deering.

Starting Saturday, September 6, visitors can experience an array of exciting features within the Heritage Center, including:

• Inupiaq Language Learning Opportunities: Interactive displays that invite guests to immerse themselves in reading, listening to, and learning Inupiaq, a language that is considered endangered and is being preserved through cultural centers.
• Authentic Fish Rack: Constructed by local builder Jared Miller and in partnership with Kawerak, this striking piece is made with driftwood from Sitnasuaq (Nome) and reflects both traditional and contemporary subsistence practices.
• Niġipiaq Table: A delectable showcase featuring replica foods that highlight the region’s culinary traditions.
• Regional Artwork: Curated in partnership with the Sitnasuak Native Corporation Elders Committee, the center displays incredible pieces that celebrate local culture and history.
• Animated Display: A brief animation illustrating landscape changes within Beringia over time.
• Cultural Videos: Inspiring films that share the significance of the area, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Inupiaq culture and subsistence activities throughout the year.
• Animal Silhouettes: Life-size animal silhouettes adorned with vibrant artwork created by youth artists from Shishmaref, Wales, Deering, and Nome greet guests at the center’s entrance.

“The new heritage center at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is a mammoth step in honoring the stories, traditions, and knowledge of our local communities, said Jeanette Koelsch, Superintendent of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. “Whether from the region or traveling from afar, people can gain a deeper understanding of the preserve’s natural history and cultural richness— a heritage that reaches back to time immemorial and continues to shape our world today.” This project signifies a remarkable partnership with Sitnasuak Native Corporation and was made possible through the generous support of the National Park Foundation and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

“The National Park Foundation is proud to support the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Heritage Center — a space to come together and connect with one of America’s most remote landscapes and the rich heritage it holds,” said Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “This center embodies what our national parks represent: living stories that unite us and illuminate the resilience of cultures, communities, and landscapes. As our nation’s 250th anniversary approaches, we remain dedicated to ensuring these stories endure as sources of inspiration and connection for generations to come.”

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve protects a small remnant of the land bridge that connected Asia and North America more than 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The preserve offers unparalleled opportunities to experience vast arctic and coastal ecosystems, which are the homeland of the Inupiat.

Visitors can access the Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center in the Sitnasuak Building at 214 Front Street in Nome, AK. For more information about the center and its hours, contact Katie Cullen at kathleen_cullen@nps.gov, call 907-759-8020, or visit www.nps.gov/bela.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bering-land-bridge-national-preserve-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-heritage-center-302547949.html

SOURCE National Park Foundation