Author: sHq_LoGiNz

NEFI Applauds ASTM Heating Oil Specification For Up To 50% Biodiesel Blends

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI) applauds the ASTM revision of the specification for fuel oils, ASTM D396, to include grades for fuel blends containing 21% to 50% biodiesel.

For retail heating fuel dealers across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and beyond, this is a transformational development. ASTM D396-26a will support equipment compatibility, reliable cold-weather performance, and lower emissions, and gives consumers, equipment manufacturers, and policymakers a standard they can trust.

“The updated ASTM specification is nothing short of a milestone that gives retail dealers the technical standard they need to deliver higher blends of cleaner-burning renewable fuel with confidence to the millions of American homes and businesses that rely on liquid heating fuel,” said Jim Collura, NEFI President and CEO. “We are grateful to Clean Fuels Alliance America, NORA, and the Oilheat equipment manufacturers whose leadership, research, and technical expertise helped make this possible. NEFI is proud to have supported their extraordinary efforts, and our members are ready to put this standard to work in the marketplace for the benefit of consumers, the environment, and our industry.”

NEFI and its partners have championed the technical infrastructure reflected by the new standard for years. The Providence Resolution of 2019 and the Boston Resolution of 2025 both delineated the industry-wide commitment to reduce emissions, enhance energy reliability, expand consumer choice, and offer realistic alternatives to costly residential electrification policies through advanced biofuels.

The new ASTM specification arrives at a moment of genuine momentum for the industry. NEFI recently welcomed the historic increase in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for biomass-based biodiesel and renewable diesel; the pending final rule implementation of the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, and its expected inclusion of heating fuels as eligible fuels, a priority for which NEFI has advocated for years; the administration’s support for domestic biofuels production; and the promising outlook for retail heating fuel dealers deploying biofuels.

The bottom line: renewable liquid heating biofuels, delivered by multigenerational home comfort businesses, have achieved the robust technical, regulatory, and market foundation needed to play a central role in America’s energy future.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nefi-applauds-astm-heating-oil-specification-for-up-to-50-biodiesel-blends-302752164.html

SOURCE National Energy & Fuels Institute

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

These Middle Schoolers Built a Mini Economy Inspired by Ancient Rome

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Students in Lani Reeder’s class proudly show off their VR farm environment.

Verizon

Lani Reeder’s students were working on an entrepreneurial lesson about marketplaces in ancient Rome when they had a bolt of inspiration. “The kids started asking questions: Do we still do this today, in modern times? Why can’t we make our own marketplace with our own goods and have our own system?” says Reeder, a Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach and Lab Mentor at Long International Middle School in St. Louis, Missouri. She said yes and watched them run with it.

Working inside the school’s Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, the students wrote business plans, prototyped products, created branding and even built their own currency — using emerging technology as their toolkit. Reeder sourced the original lesson plan on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, which is “a hub of lessons and projects that you can choose from. You can use a little bit of it. You can use the whole thing. You can use it as a jumping-off point,” she explains.

Many students chose to create projects that would make life better for others. Eighth-grader Oghuz Erkin launched Grow, a concept bringing fresh fruit and vegetables from farmers directly into communities. Along with classmate Kenny Nguyen, the pair built a QR code-accessible, VR farm environment and designed a branded logo. “Using VR is very realistic and interesting. I’ve had a lot of fun doing this,” says Erkin.

Classmates Dawan Womack and Daniel Gadafi focused on disaster relief, engineering a delivery vehicle to transport essential supplies to people in need, such as those affected by a natural catastrophe. The device, built with pocket-size computers, could be controlled via tablet and programmed to return on its own. “[The computer] sends us the message that it is doing the task,” Womack explains. “And once it does that, [the device] will come right back to us using the same code that we use for delivering the items.”

Projects like these strengthen multiple skill sets at once — not just tech literacy but collaboration, problem-solving, communication and motivation — all of which contribute to students’ future endeavors and show them what they need “to be successful and college ready,” Reeder explains. “I think these engaging lessons are impacting their attendance. They want to come to school. They’re actively learning. They are learning how to communicate with one another. Their critical thinking—I see it blossom every day.”

“I think these engaging lessons are impacting their attendance. They want to come to school. Their critical thinking — I see it blossom every day.”
Lani Reeder

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

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FranklinWH Joins Efficiency Maine to Help Homeowners to Earn up to $600 Annually From Home Batteries

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Efficiency Maine Small Battery Program taps residential storage to support grid during peak demand

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FranklinWH, a leading provider of whole-home energy management and storage systems, announced today it is participating in the Efficiency Maine Small Battery Program, allowing Maine homeowners to earn up to $600 per battery each year by supplying stored energy to the grid during peak demand periods.

The program reflects a growing use of residential energy storage systems as both backup power sources and grid resources that can generate income while helping stabilize electricity supply.

Homeowners who enroll can allow their systems to discharge energy during peak demand events, typically on weekday evenings, in exchange for annual payments.

“I work from home, so losing power really isn’t an option,” said Brian Duggan, a Maine homeowner who has used the system for four months. “There have been several community-wide outages since we installed our system, and we didn’t even notice. Our power stayed on.” Duggan said the system is a maintenance-free alternative to a generator, pairs with electric vehicle charging, and helps protect his home during winter travel.

“This is where the economics of home energy storage are heading,” said Gary Lam, CEO of FranklinWH. “Homeowners are no longer only consumers of electricity; they’re becoming active participants in the energy system. Programs such as this allow them to receive payments while strengthening the grid in their communities.”

Maine’s virtual power plant (VPP) program is administered by Efficiency Maine, which compensates homeowners for the energy their systems send back to the grid during peak events, creating a new revenue stream tied to system participation.

Efficiency Maine may call up to 60 events per year, typically lasting three hours during peak demand windows. Homeowners receive advance notice through the FranklinWH App and can opt out of individual events or unenroll at any time. During events, a reserve level is maintained to ensure power remains available for household needs.

As utilities and policymakers look for new ways to manage rising demand and grid volatility, VPP programs are expected to expand, positioning distributed home energy systems as a critical part of the solution.

About FranklinWH

FranklinWH Energy Storage is the manufacturer of the FranklinWH System, a next-generation home energy management and storage solution. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH’s team brings decades of experience across energy system design, manufacturing, sales, and installation. The company is AVL-listed with multiple financial institutions and continues to empower homeowners to achieve true energy freedom. Learn more at franklinwh.com.

Media Contact:
Media@franklinwh.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/franklinwh-joins-efficiency-maine-to-help-homeowners-to-earn-up-to-600-annually-from-home-batteries-302752085.html

SOURCE FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc.

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From Pro Athlete to Tech Storyteller: Meet DICK’S Sporting Goods Manager of Communications & Branding

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

Hunter Gilstrap didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a professional athlete. As a kid in a small town in South Carolina, he was more interested in comic books and drawing than organized sports. Soccer was something his parents signed him up for at the local YMCA in 1990. To him, it was just another activity to try.

That changed in the summer of 1994.

Gilstrap attended an overnight soccer camp at Furman University with a friend, the same week the World Cup final was played and the first hosted in the U.S. The entire camp watched the match together, and for the first time, soccer felt bigger than a weekend game. He was drawn to the goalkeepers. Not just their role, but their presence. They wore the loudest uniforms on the field, and at camp, they got their own jerseys.

“I was extremely jealous,” he remembered. “From there, the rest was history.”

Gilstrap decided he wanted to be a goalkeeper and went all in. He studied the few matches he could record on TV and watched them over and over before heading outside to copy what he’d seen. A visual learner, he supplemented limited local coaching by attending multiple camps each summer and seeking out anyone who could help him refine his game.

His goal was clear: play college soccer. And Gilstrap did just that, playing for the Clemson Tigers from 2001 – 2004 and for the College of Charleston as graduate student in 2005.

Gilstrap celebrating an ACC Championship win.

Professional soccer wasn’t yet part of the picture. Major League Soccer barely existed, and the pathway wasn’t obvious. But Gilstrap kept moving forward, letting the next step reveal itself.

In 2006, he was drafted by Miami FC and got his first taste of professional soccer through league play and international friendlies.

A year later, he joined the Cleveland City Stars and quickly became a fan favorite. He helped lead the team to a league championship in 2008. A brief stint overseas in South Africa followed before he returned to Cleveland to captain the team in 2009 season. Gilstrap earned recognition not just for his play, but for his leadership, which was a steady presence in a demanding, results-driven environment.

From 2010 through 2014, he became a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, earning the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year honors and First Team AllLeague recognition. He also spent a season with the Carolina RailHawks before returning to Pittsburgh for his final professional season in 2016.

Gilstrap playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

For a goalkeeper, success isn’t always defined by highlight-reel moments. It’s about long stretches of readiness and staying sharp when nothing is happening. It’s scanning the field, organizing defenders and preventing problems before they start.

“You can’t hide back there,” Gilstrap said. “If you make a mistake, everyone sees it. So, you learn quickly how to reset.”

That role taught him something else: communication isn’t about volume.

Early in his career, Gilstrap was known for being loud, sometimes obnoxiously so he admitted. Over time, he learned that yelling complicated instructions rarely helped anyone. What worked were simple, precise cues:

“Left shoulder.”

“Step.”

“Man on.”

Short. Actionable. Clear.

That mindset followed him long after he stepped away from the game.

Today, Gilstrap works in tech communications at DICK’S Sporting Goods, supporting organization-wide technology initiatives through storytelling, leader messaging and tech-wide moments that help teams understand what’s changing and why it matters. The atmosphere may be different, but the stakes are real, especially when thousands of teammates rely on clear, timely information.

“In soccer, people don’t want a novel,” he said. “And in technology, it’s the same. People want to know what’s changing, why it matters and what they need to do next.”

His role has evolved over time. Working within the Office of Technology, he supports tech-wide communications and brand efforts, from graphic design and video production to event planning, leadership messaging and major organizational launches. The work is varied and rarely routine, a rhythm that feels familiar to a former professional athlete.

The transition out of sports wasn’t seamless. Like many athletes, Gilstrap had to navigate imposter syndrome and redefine his sense of value away from the field. What ultimately grounded him was recognizing that his greatest asset wasn’t technical expertise alone, but his ability to organize information, simplify complexity and guide people through change.

Gilstrap hasn’t completely stepped away from the game. As owner and head coach of Pro Player Goalkeeping, he trains goalkeepers of all ages, focusing on both technique and mental resilience.

“The save is the easy part,” he said. “The real work is being ready before the ball ever gets there.”

Most of his teammates at DICK’S don’t picture him diving across goal lines and most goalkeepers don’t think about technology initiatives. But the throughline is the same. In every role, Gilstrap helps people stay organized, confident and ready when something doesn’t go as planned.

Whether it’s organizing a back line before a corner kick or preparing a team for a company-wide update, the role still feels familiar: see the whole picture, communicate clearly and be ready when the moment comes.

Written by Rebecca Hoolahan

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

From Pro Athlete to Tech Storyteller: Meet DICK’S Sporting Goods Manager of Communications & Branding

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

Hunter Gilstrap didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a professional athlete. As a kid in a small town in South Carolina, he was more interested in comic books and drawing than organized sports. Soccer was something his parents signed him up for at the local YMCA in 1990. To him, it was just another activity to try.

That changed in the summer of 1994.

Gilstrap attended an overnight soccer camp at Furman University with a friend, the same week the World Cup final was played and the first hosted in the U.S. The entire camp watched the match together, and for the first time, soccer felt bigger than a weekend game. He was drawn to the goalkeepers. Not just their role, but their presence. They wore the loudest uniforms on the field, and at camp, they got their own jerseys.

“I was extremely jealous,” he remembered. “From there, the rest was history.”

Gilstrap decided he wanted to be a goalkeeper and went all in. He studied the few matches he could record on TV and watched them over and over before heading outside to copy what he’d seen. A visual learner, he supplemented limited local coaching by attending multiple camps each summer and seeking out anyone who could help him refine his game.

His goal was clear: play college soccer. And Gilstrap did just that, playing for the Clemson Tigers from 2001 – 2004 and for the College of Charleston as graduate student in 2005.

Gilstrap celebrating an ACC Championship win.

Professional soccer wasn’t yet part of the picture. Major League Soccer barely existed, and the pathway wasn’t obvious. But Gilstrap kept moving forward, letting the next step reveal itself.

In 2006, he was drafted by Miami FC and got his first taste of professional soccer through league play and international friendlies.

A year later, he joined the Cleveland City Stars and quickly became a fan favorite. He helped lead the team to a league championship in 2008. A brief stint overseas in South Africa followed before he returned to Cleveland to captain the team in 2009 season. Gilstrap earned recognition not just for his play, but for his leadership, which was a steady presence in a demanding, results-driven environment.

From 2010 through 2014, he became a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, earning the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year honors and First Team AllLeague recognition. He also spent a season with the Carolina RailHawks before returning to Pittsburgh for his final professional season in 2016.

Gilstrap playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

For a goalkeeper, success isn’t always defined by highlight-reel moments. It’s about long stretches of readiness and staying sharp when nothing is happening. It’s scanning the field, organizing defenders and preventing problems before they start.

“You can’t hide back there,” Gilstrap said. “If you make a mistake, everyone sees it. So, you learn quickly how to reset.”

That role taught him something else: communication isn’t about volume.

Early in his career, Gilstrap was known for being loud, sometimes obnoxiously so he admitted. Over time, he learned that yelling complicated instructions rarely helped anyone. What worked were simple, precise cues:

“Left shoulder.”

“Step.”

“Man on.”

Short. Actionable. Clear.

That mindset followed him long after he stepped away from the game.

Today, Gilstrap works in tech communications at DICK’S Sporting Goods, supporting organization-wide technology initiatives through storytelling, leader messaging and tech-wide moments that help teams understand what’s changing and why it matters. The atmosphere may be different, but the stakes are real, especially when thousands of teammates rely on clear, timely information.

“In soccer, people don’t want a novel,” he said. “And in technology, it’s the same. People want to know what’s changing, why it matters and what they need to do next.”

His role has evolved over time. Working within the Office of Technology, he supports tech-wide communications and brand efforts, from graphic design and video production to event planning, leadership messaging and major organizational launches. The work is varied and rarely routine, a rhythm that feels familiar to a former professional athlete.

The transition out of sports wasn’t seamless. Like many athletes, Gilstrap had to navigate imposter syndrome and redefine his sense of value away from the field. What ultimately grounded him was recognizing that his greatest asset wasn’t technical expertise alone, but his ability to organize information, simplify complexity and guide people through change.

Gilstrap hasn’t completely stepped away from the game. As owner and head coach of Pro Player Goalkeeping, he trains goalkeepers of all ages, focusing on both technique and mental resilience.

“The save is the easy part,” he said. “The real work is being ready before the ball ever gets there.”

Most of his teammates at DICK’S don’t picture him diving across goal lines and most goalkeepers don’t think about technology initiatives. But the throughline is the same. In every role, Gilstrap helps people stay organized, confident and ready when something doesn’t go as planned.

Whether it’s organizing a back line before a corner kick or preparing a team for a company-wide update, the role still feels familiar: see the whole picture, communicate clearly and be ready when the moment comes.

Written by Rebecca Hoolahan

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Polaris Announces Spring 2026 TRAILS GRANTS as Program Marks 20 Years

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

More than $125,000 awarded to 14 off-road and snowmobile riding clubs across the U.S. and Canada as Polaris surpasses $4 million in total giving since the program’s inception

MINNEAPOLIS, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), the global leader in powersports, announced the recipients of its Spring 2026 TRAILS GRANTS, awarding more than $125,000 to 14 off‑road and snowmobile organizations to support riders and riding areas across the United States and Canada. In 2026, the TRAILS GRANTS program marks its 20th anniversary, a milestone year that coincides with Polaris surpassing $4 million in total giving since the program launched in 2006.


Awarded twice annually, Polaris TRAILS GRANTS invests in nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs that develop, maintain and enhance trail systems so riders can safely access and enjoy them, advance rider safety and education initiatives, and steward projects that help preserve off-road recreation for current and future riders. Fourteen organizations were named Spring 2026 Polaris TRAILS GRANTS recipients.

Awarded twice annually, Polaris TRAILS GRANTS invests in nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs that develop, maintain and enhance trail systems so riders can safely access and enjoy them, advance rider safety and education initiatives, and steward projects that help preserve off-road recreation for current and future riders.

“Every great ride starts with someone willing to put in the work,” said Mike Speetzen, CEO of Polaris. “For 20 years, the Polaris TRAILS GRANTS program has supported the volunteers and local riding clubs that are doing the hands-on work of maintaining trails, educating riders, and taking care of the remarkable places that make our sport possible. Reaching this milestone is truly a testament to the impact these groups have made, and the ripple effect that continues to follow. We’re even more excited to keep pushing forward with the riders and communities who are making a difference today and well into the future.”

The following 14 organizations were named Spring 2026 Polaris TRAILS GRANTS recipients. Each will receive an award of up to $10,000 to help care for the riding lands in their area or support local education efforts:

  • ATV Traction (Pennsylvania) – Expand hands-on youth ATV safety training by acquiring youth-sized ATVs and additional safety equipment to support responsible riding education.
  • Battle Born Offroad Club (Nevada) – Maintain and adopt popular OHV trails focusing on trail maintenance, signage repair, and litter removal.
  • Crooked Trails ATV Club (Wisconsin) – Install a new signage system throughout the trail network to highlight safety areas, improve navigation, and support future trail growth.
  • Day Mountain Road Association (Maine) – Restore the multi-use Lions Trail to address erosion, protect nearby aquatic habitat, and maintain safe access for ATV, snowmobile, and non-motorized users.
  • Friends of Pathways (Wyoming) – Replace a failing bridge on the Cache Creek Trail near downtown Jackson, improving year-round multi-use access and meeting universal trail design standards.
  • Greenway Snowmobile Club (Minnesota) – Support the Warba Bridge Recreational Crossing by incorporating a dedicated trail corridor into a planned highway bridge reconstruction, creating a safer, year-round multi-use trail connection.
  • Johnstown ATV Club Inc. (Ontario, Canada) – Restore and extend a critical trail segment to improve connectivity, reduce road riding, and address long‑standing flooding and erosion issues.
  • Middle Tennessee OHV (Tennessee) – Launch a youth all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety and responsible riding training initiative providing firsthand education, protective gear, and trail etiquette instruction for young riders.
  • Quad Cities ATV Club Inc. (Minnesota) – Develop safer, more sustainable trail access by building a designated trailhead parking area and maintaining surrounding trails to improve flow, address erosion, and remove hazards.
  • Revelstoke Snowmobile Club (British Columbia, Canada) – Improve waste management and reduce garbage in high‑use backcountry riding areas through new trailhead infrastructure and a community‑led alpine clean‑up that promotes long‑term stewardship.
  • River Valley ATV Club #50 (New Brunswick, Canada) – Expand trails to better connect riders to fuel, food, and lodging, improving destination access and supporting local tourism.
  • Roseau Lake of the Woods Sportsman Club (Minnesota) – Reconstruct bridges on Butler Grade to maintain a critical trail connection between William and Roosevelt, Minnesota, improving safety and long-term trail access.
  • Skedaddle Ridge Trails People Inc. (New Brunswick, Canada) – Repair the Big Teague Brook bridge to restore a safe ATV crossing and reduce environmental impacts from off‑trail detours.
  • Tooele County Parks and Recreation (Utah) – Upgrade signage along the Jacob City multi‑purpose off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system to improve navigation, safety awareness, and trail sustainability.

“Our club is proud and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Polaris TRAILS GRANT, especially in a year when both the program and our club are celebrating 20 years,” said Joe Kuznia, Treasurer, Roseau Lake of the Woods Sportsman’s Club. “Support from Polaris has been part of our story for decades, and this grant will allow us to upgrade two bridges on the Butler Grade trail, preserving a connection our riders rely on and helping provide safe outdoor recreation for our community for years to come.”

As the TRAILS GRANTS program enters its third decade, Polaris is proud to help care for the trails and landscapes that showcase the freedom and adventure found in riding. From hometown trail networks to iconic American public lands, Polaris supports locally led projects that strengthen trails, promote responsible riding, and expand access to the great outdoors where its customers ride. For more information, including how to apply for a Fall 2026 TRAILS GRANT, visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/trails-application/.

Beyond TRAILS Grants, Polaris supports the outdoors by giving back to the places that make riding possible. Through its Taking Care of Places We Ride giving pillar, Polaris works with nonprofit partners and local communities to protect trails, forests, desert, open spaces and more. This includes an ongoing partnership with the National Forest Foundation and other efforts focused on taking care of America’s riding lands for years to come.

About Polaris
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) has been defining and redefining outdoor adventure since 1954. Polaris delivers industry-shaping off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, boats, military, quadricycles, and commercial transportation vehicles, along with an expansive portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Its lineup includes some of the most iconic brands in powersports including the RANGER, RZR, Polaris XPEDITION, Bennington pontoons, Slingshot, and more. Headquartered in Minnesota and serving customers in nearly 100 countries, Polaris continues to set the standard for performance, quality, and unmatched service. Explore more at www.polaris.com.


(PRNewsfoto/Polaris Inc.) (PRNewsfoto/Polaris Inc.)


Awarded twice annually, Polaris TRAILS GRANTS support the efforts of nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs who use the grant for trail development, maintenance projects, safety and responsible riding education initiatives and other projects. (PRNewsfoto/Polaris Inc.)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/polaris-announces-spring-2026-trails-grants-as-program-marks-20-years-302751994.html

SOURCE Polaris Inc.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Polaris Announces Spring 2026 TRAILS GRANTS as Program Marks 20 Years

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

More than $125,000 awarded to 14 off-road and snowmobile riding clubs across the U.S. and Canada as Polaris surpasses $4 million in total giving since the program’s inception

MINNEAPOLIS, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), the global leader in powersports, announced the recipients of its Spring 2026 TRAILS GRANTS, awarding more than $125,000 to 14 off‑road and snowmobile organizations to support riders and riding areas across the United States and Canada. In 2026, the TRAILS GRANTS program marks its 20th anniversary, a milestone year that coincides with Polaris surpassing $4 million in total giving since the program launched in 2006.


Awarded twice annually, Polaris TRAILS GRANTS invests in nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs that develop, maintain and enhance trail systems so riders can safely access and enjoy them, advance rider safety and education initiatives, and steward projects that help preserve off-road recreation for current and future riders. Fourteen organizations were named Spring 2026 Polaris TRAILS GRANTS recipients.

Awarded twice annually, Polaris TRAILS GRANTS invests in nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs that develop, maintain and enhance trail systems so riders can safely access and enjoy them, advance rider safety and education initiatives, and steward projects that help preserve off-road recreation for current and future riders.

“Every great ride starts with someone willing to put in the work,” said Mike Speetzen, CEO of Polaris. “For 20 years, the Polaris TRAILS GRANTS program has supported the volunteers and local riding clubs that are doing the hands-on work of maintaining trails, educating riders, and taking care of the remarkable places that make our sport possible. Reaching this milestone is truly a testament to the impact these groups have made, and the ripple effect that continues to follow. We’re even more excited to keep pushing forward with the riders and communities who are making a difference today and well into the future.”

The following 14 organizations were named Spring 2026 Polaris TRAILS GRANTS recipients. Each will receive an award of up to $10,000 to help care for the riding lands in their area or support local education efforts:

  • ATV Traction (Pennsylvania) – Expand hands-on youth ATV safety training by acquiring youth-sized ATVs and additional safety equipment to support responsible riding education.
  • Battle Born Offroad Club (Nevada) – Maintain and adopt popular OHV trails focusing on trail maintenance, signage repair, and litter removal.
  • Crooked Trails ATV Club (Wisconsin) – Install a new signage system throughout the trail network to highlight safety areas, improve navigation, and support future trail growth.
  • Day Mountain Road Association (Maine) – Restore the multi-use Lions Trail to address erosion, protect nearby aquatic habitat, and maintain safe access for ATV, snowmobile, and non-motorized users.
  • Friends of Pathways (Wyoming) – Replace a failing bridge on the Cache Creek Trail near downtown Jackson, improving year-round multi-use access and meeting universal trail design standards.
  • Greenway Snowmobile Club (Minnesota) – Support the Warba Bridge Recreational Crossing by incorporating a dedicated trail corridor into a planned highway bridge reconstruction, creating a safer, year-round multi-use trail connection.
  • Johnstown ATV Club Inc. (Ontario, Canada) – Restore and extend a critical trail segment to improve connectivity, reduce road riding, and address long‑standing flooding and erosion issues.
  • Middle Tennessee OHV (Tennessee) – Launch a youth all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety and responsible riding training initiative providing firsthand education, protective gear, and trail etiquette instruction for young riders.
  • Quad Cities ATV Club Inc. (Minnesota) – Develop safer, more sustainable trail access by building a designated trailhead parking area and maintaining surrounding trails to improve flow, address erosion, and remove hazards.
  • Revelstoke Snowmobile Club (British Columbia, Canada) – Improve waste management and reduce garbage in high‑use backcountry riding areas through new trailhead infrastructure and a community‑led alpine clean‑up that promotes long‑term stewardship.
  • River Valley ATV Club #50 (New Brunswick, Canada) – Expand trails to better connect riders to fuel, food, and lodging, improving destination access and supporting local tourism.
  • Roseau Lake of the Woods Sportsman Club (Minnesota) – Reconstruct bridges on Butler Grade to maintain a critical trail connection between William and Roosevelt, Minnesota, improving safety and long-term trail access.
  • Skedaddle Ridge Trails People Inc. (New Brunswick, Canada) – Repair the Big Teague Brook bridge to restore a safe ATV crossing and reduce environmental impacts from off‑trail detours.
  • Tooele County Parks and Recreation (Utah) – Upgrade signage along the Jacob City multi‑purpose off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system to improve navigation, safety awareness, and trail sustainability.

“Our club is proud and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Polaris TRAILS GRANT, especially in a year when both the program and our club are celebrating 20 years,” said Joe Kuznia, Treasurer, Roseau Lake of the Woods Sportsman’s Club. “Support from Polaris has been part of our story for decades, and this grant will allow us to upgrade two bridges on the Butler Grade trail, preserving a connection our riders rely on and helping provide safe outdoor recreation for our community for years to come.”

As the TRAILS GRANTS program enters its third decade, Polaris is proud to help care for the trails and landscapes that showcase the freedom and adventure found in riding. From hometown trail networks to iconic American public lands, Polaris supports locally led projects that strengthen trails, promote responsible riding, and expand access to the great outdoors where its customers ride. For more information, including how to apply for a Fall 2026 TRAILS GRANT, visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/trails-application/.

Beyond TRAILS Grants, Polaris supports the outdoors by giving back to the places that make riding possible. Through its Taking Care of Places We Ride giving pillar, Polaris works with nonprofit partners and local communities to protect trails, forests, desert, open spaces and more. This includes an ongoing partnership with the National Forest Foundation and other efforts focused on taking care of America’s riding lands for years to come.

About Polaris
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) has been defining and redefining outdoor adventure since 1954. Polaris delivers industry-shaping off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, boats, military, quadricycles, and commercial transportation vehicles, along with an expansive portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Its lineup includes some of the most iconic brands in powersports including the RANGER, RZR, Polaris XPEDITION, Bennington pontoons, Slingshot, and more. Headquartered in Minnesota and serving customers in nearly 100 countries, Polaris continues to set the standard for performance, quality, and unmatched service. Explore more at www.polaris.com.


(PRNewsfoto/Polaris Inc.) (PRNewsfoto/Polaris Inc.)


Awarded twice annually, Polaris TRAILS GRANTS support the efforts of nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs who use the grant for trail development, maintenance projects, safety and responsible riding education initiatives and other projects. (PRNewsfoto/Polaris Inc.)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/polaris-announces-spring-2026-trails-grants-as-program-marks-20-years-302751994.html

SOURCE Polaris Inc.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Mercedes-Benz USA Leads Community Revitalization and Honors Philanthropic Dealerships Through “Driving Your Future” Initiative

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ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19 – 25, 2026) and Earth Day, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) partnered with Atlanta United’s former goalkeeper, Brad Guzan to transform a teacher courtyard and student garden at Atlanta’s Southwest DeKalb High School. The company also recognized 10 Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the U.S. with its inaugural Philanthropic Leadership Award, celebrating the meaningful impact dealerships are making in their local communities. Bo

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Mercedes-Benz USA Leads Community Revitalization and Honors Philanthropic Dealerships Through “Driving Your Future” Initiative

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19 – 25, 2026) and Earth Day, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) partnered with Atlanta United’s former goalkeeper, Brad Guzan to transform a teacher courtyard and student garden at Atlanta’s Southwest DeKalb High School. The company also recognized 10 Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the U.S. with its inaugural Philanthropic Leadership Award, celebrating the meaningful impact dealerships are making in their local communities. Bo

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Alan J. Patricof, Venture Capital Pioneer and Champion of Aging and Longevity, Joins CaringKind’s Board of Directors

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The co-founder of Apax, Greycroft and Primetime Partners – who backed Apple, AOL, and Venmo – brings five decades of investment acumen and a deep commitment to aging to CaringKind’s board

NEW YORK, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alan J. Patricof, one of the defining figures of modern venture capital and Chairperson and co-founder of Primetime Partners, has joined the Board of Directors of CaringKind, the leading expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia care since 1978. Since co-founding Primetime Partners in 2020, Patricof has focused his investment work squarely on companies serving older adults, a conviction that makes him a natural partner for CaringKind’s mission.


Alan J. Patricof Board Director, CaringKind

His appointment comes as the demographic urgency around dementia care reaches an inflection point. By 2030, every baby boomer will be 65 or older, the age of greatest Alzheimer’s risk, making expert care and family support among the defining needs of the decade ahead.

“I am delighted to be joining Caring Kind particularly at this time as they reach an inflection point in spreading their wings beyond the greater New York City area. Their skills and methodology in the area of dementia care will be increasingly available to an expanding number of families who desperately need their services,” said Alan Patricof, Chairperson and co-founder of Primetime Partners.

“Alan Patricof is one of the most accomplished venture capitalists of the last half-century, and in recent years has trained that expertise on the aging population, the very community CaringKind exists to serve,” said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind. His judgment, his network, and his conviction that aging deserves serious investment will strengthen everything we do. We are honored to welcome him to our board.”

About Alan J. Patricof
Alan J. Patricof is the Co-Founder and Chairperson of Primetime Partners, an early-stage venture capital fund launched in 2020 to back companies serving the aging population. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, he has been an investor in Apple, America Online, Audible, Venmo, Axios, and The Huffington Post, and was a founder and Chairman of New York Magazine.

Patricof founded Patricof & Co. Ventures, a predecessor to Apax Partners — today one of the world’s leading private equity firms with more than $85 billion under management — and in 2006 co-founded Greycroft, where he serves as Chairman Emeritus. He is the author of the memoir No Red Lights: Reflections on Life, 50 Years in Venture Capital and Never Driving Alone.

He serves on the board of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, the Finance Committee of Northside Center for Child Development, the Board of Overseers of Columbia Business School, and the board of The Fortune Society. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and holds a B.S. from Ohio State University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

About CaringKind
For nearly 50 years, CaringKind has been the trusted partner in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, walking alongside individuals, families, and care partners from the earliest signs of change through every stage of the journey. Through education, counseling, support groups, a 24/7 helpline staffed by dementia specialists, and community programs, CaringKind delivers the knowledge and connection families need, all free of charge. If you need help, reach out at 646-744-2900 or wearecaringkind.org.

Media Contact
Courtney Dawson, Chief Marketing Officer, CaringKind
courtney@wearecaringkind.org


CaringKind (PRNewsfoto/CaringKind)

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SOURCE CaringKind

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