Author: sHq_LoGiNz

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lautenbach Recycling will celebrate Earth Day Wednesday, April 22nd with a ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m. and a community open house from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at its new facility at 2885 E. Bakerview Road in Bellingham.

This event marks a major milestone for the company as it expands its operations to better serve Whatcom County. For years, many Bellingham residents and businesses have lacked a convenient local option for recycling construction and demolition materials and other valuable resources. The new facility directly addresses that need by accepting wood, metal, cardboard, and other commodities that might otherwise end up in landfills.

Developed in collaboration with local partners and organizations, Lautenbach’s Bakerview location makes recycling easier, more accessible, and more effective for the entire community.

Guests attending the event will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet members of the Lautenbach Recycling team, and learn more about the how the company’s advances landfill diversion and sustainable materials recovery across Northwest Washington.

“Our goal has always been to make recycling more accessible while reducing the amount of material that ends up in landfills,” said Troy Lautenbach, President of Lautenbach Recycling. “Opening the Bellingham facility allows us to better serve the community and increase our success recovering valuable materials that can be reused.”

“Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to bring people together to see firsthand how local businesses and residents are working together to responsibly manage our resources,” Lautenbach said.

Lautenbach Recycling operates facilities in San Juan, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham, providing construction and demolition recycling, organics management, container services, and specialized hauling throughout the region.

Light refreshments will be provided during the event, and local leaders, community partners, and businesses will attend as the company celebrates the opening of its newest location.

“Recycling is ultimately a community effort,” Lautenbach added. “The more people understand how it works and participate in it, the greater the impact we can have together.”

For more information, visit www.lautenbachrecycling.com or contact the team directly to learn how Tony and the Lautenbach team can support your recycling goals.

Lautenbach Recycling is the largest family-owned recycling company in Washington State, founded in 1991 by brothers Troy and Torrey Lautenbach. Committed to responsible waste management and environmental sustainability, Lautenbach Recycling provides comprehensive services to residential and commercial clients in the Pacific Northwest. Our residential and industrial services include transportation, sustainable demolition, self-haul recycling, roll-off boxes, food waste depackaging, and composting. Lautenbach Recycling contributes to a greener future by efficiently processing and reusing materials, thereby conserving valuable resources and protecting our environment. As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in our deep-rooted community values and strive to make a positive impact on our region. https://www.lautenbachrecycling.com

Lautenbach’s Family of Recycling Businesses includes:

• Skagit Soils – Providing green and organic waste composting services https://skagitsoilsinc.com
   
• San Juan Transfer Station – Recycling and garbage drop-off services for Friday Harbor and San Juan Island https://sanjuantransferstation.com
   
• NWR Container Rentals – Selling and Renting Storage Containers, Mobile Offices and Steel Road Plates: https://nwrcontainers.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lautenbach-recycling-to-celebrate-earth-day-with-grand-opening-of-bellingham-facility-302740212.html

SOURCE Lautenbach Recycling

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sun Life U.S. has renewed its partnership with the Kansas City Royals for 5 years, through the 2030 baseball season. The partnership, which first began in 2017, allows Sun Life to continue building on previous community programming, including youth fitness and oral health programs and fundraising to support local non-profits in Kansas City.

“We are pleased to renew our partnership with the Royals and find new ways to make a positive impact in Kansas City,” said David Healy, president, Sun Life U.S. “We have a large office here and believe strongly in supporting the communities where our employees live and work, particularly in ways that benefit those in need. We are hopeful that our work with the Royals and our focus on improving the oral health of all will resonate with the Kansas City community and create excitement among the great fan base.”

With this new agreement, Sun Life and the Royals will collaborate with TeamSmile, a national non-profit that leverages relationships with sports teams and universities to hold large-scale dental clinics for local kids from underserved communities. Sun Life supports TeamSmile events across the country and helped launch the Dental Home Project, which establishes relationships for underserved youth with local dentists.

Throughout the baseball season, Sun Life and the Royals will conduct the “Every Single Smile” campaign, which will generate a $50 donation from Sun Life to TeamSmile for each Royals single during the regular season. The Royals and Sun Life will also host an additional TeamSmile clinic this fall, increasing access to oral healthcare for local children in need.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Sun Life and build on the meaningful work we’ve accomplished together over the past several years,” said Alex Schulte, vice president of Corporate Partnerships, Kansas City Royals. “Their commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community aligns closely with our values, and we’re excited to keep working together to make a lasting impact across Kansas City.”

First signing on as a Royals sponsor in 2017 Sun Life and The Kansas City Royals Foundation have run annual health clinics for local youth, and the season-long #StrikeoutDiabetes fundraising campaign to support health programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. The agreement with the Royals also gives Sun Life top-tier game experience and hosting opportunities. Sun Life is also a sponsor and partner of the Boston Celtics and Maine Celtics.

Click here to learn more about Sun Life’s philanthropic partnerships and programming.

About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.60 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 48 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs nearly 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media contacts

Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com
781-800-3609

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.

Fast‑casual brand to celebrate the grand opening of its third restaurant in Lee County on April 29, featuring a year of free chicken salad for guests

ATLANTA, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today the opening of a brand-new restaurant in Lee County, Florida, located at 1206 Solaris Drive in Cape Coral. The new location features a convenient drive-thru, and the local community is invited to celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, April 29, when the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year*. 

During the grand opening week, guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality Chicken Salad Chick is known for while taking advantage of various specials and giveaways. These include:

• Wednesday, April 29 – Free Chicken Salad for a Year to the First 100 Guests – The first guest in line at 10am will receive one FREE large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line will receive one FREE large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.*
• Thursday, April 30 – The first 50 guests to purchase an entree with two sides will receive a FREE Teal Chick Cooler!**
• Friday, May 1 – The first 50 guests to purchase an entree with two sides will receive a FREE Navy Canvas Tote Bag!**
• Saturday, May 2 – The first 50 guests to purchase an entree with two sides will receive a FREE Teal Stainless Steel Tumbler!**
• Monday, May 4 – The first 50 guests to make a $12 purchase will win a FREE Scoop Bounceback Card!***

Chicken Salad Chick of Cape Coral is owned and operated by multi-unit franchise owners, Scott Pace and Kendal Potesta. The husband-and-wife duo opened their first Chicken Salad Chick back in 2022 in Fort Myers and have since opened up two more locations in Southwest Florida, including Estero and Port Charlotte. Cape Coral will mark their fourth location to open. Potesta grew up in the restaurant industry, while Pace brings a strong financial background from his years working on Wall Street. Together, their business experience and shared passion for “Spreading Joy, Enriching Lives, and Serving Others” helps them deliver outstanding customer service at each of their restaurants.

“Our love for Chicken Salad Chick began during a special time in our lives – when Kendal was expecting our first child. Chicken salad was one of the only foods she craved, so Chicken Salad Chick quickly became part of our routine after her appointments,” said Scott Pace, co-owner of Chicken Salad Chick Cape Coral. “Before long, we were inspired to open locations of our own and are so grateful to everyone who has been part of our entrepreneurial journey. We can’t wait to serve fresh, flavorful food with a side of warm hospitality to the Cape Coral community soon.”

Chicken Salad Chick is known for its dozen-plus variety of made-from-scratch chicken salad flavors, fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts. The new Cape Coral restaurant offers in-restaurant, drive-thru, take-out, third-party delivery, and catering options.

“We’re excited to continue expanding Chicken Salad Chick’s presence in Florida alongside Scott and Kendal,” said Scott Deviney, president and CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. “Cape Coral is a vibrant, fast growing, and family-friendly city that’s well-suited for our brand. Scott and Kendal are also the perfect partners to lead our growth in Southwest Florida. We’re confident their strong leadership skills, deep business expertise, and genuine love for The Chick will soon make the Cape Coral restaurant a beloved part of the community.”

Giving back to the community is an important focus for the Cape Coral team and the Chicken Salad Chick brand, which established the CSC Foundation to support CURE Childhood Cancer and local food banks with fundraisers throughout the year. As part of pre-opening Friends & Family events in Cape Coral, the restaurant will be raising money for Barbara’s Friends at Golisano’s Children Hospital, which is the childhood cancer fund that provides aid for patients and their families in Southwest Florida.

Chicken Salad Chick of Cape Coral will be open Monday – Saturday from 10am – 8pm. For more information on giveaways and specials, visit the Cape Coral restaurant’s Facebook. Visit www.chickensaladchick.com, and follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends.  

*Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line and download the Chicken Salad Chick app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of an entree with one side, or anything of equal/greater value and enter a code in the Chicken Salad Chick app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day. Your reward will be valid for redemption for 30 days upon delivery. Guest must be 16 years or older. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present.

**Guest must be 16 years or older and purchase an entree with two sides. Limit 1 reward per guest present. Not valid with any other offers. In-restaurant only.

***Guest must be 16 years or older and make a $12 minimum purchase. Limit 1 reward per guest present. Not valid with any other offers. In-restaurant only.

About Chicken Salad Chick   
Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors plus fresh sides, soups, sandwiches, desserts and catering, there’s something for every guest and occasion. Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 330 restaurants across 22 states and continues its rapid expansion driven by a passionate network of franchise owners. The brand has earned consistent recognition from Entrepreneur, Franchise Times, Fast Casual, QSR, Southern Living and Technomic, among others. Visit chickensaladchick.com to learn more.

Contact:
Nayelis Bosa
Tidehouse
954-893-9150
nbosa@tidehouseagency.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicken-salad-chick-continues-florida-growth-with-launch-of-cape-coral-location-302743691.html

SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick

Selected small businesses pitch U.S.-made products to Walmart during the Road to Open Call event for a chance to advance to Open Call

ORLANDO, Fla., April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Walmart and the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21, 2026, in Orlando, giving selected small businesses the opportunity to present their American-made, shelf-ready products directly to Walmart. The Orlando stop is the only Road to Open Call event in Florida in 2026 and is part of a nationwide series designed to support small business growth, expand supplier assortment, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

Walmart’s Open Call is one of the company’s largest sourcing events for products made, grown, or assembled in the United States. The Road to Open Call series connects entrepreneurs with Walmart’s sourcing team and provides resources to support supplier growth ahead of the annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Applications are open through May 1, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. EST at www.Walmart.com/RoadToOpenCall. Each selected entrepreneur will receive personalized feedback and mentorship from Walmart, and may also receive a Fast Pass to Walmart’s Open Call for the opportunity to pitch their products directly to Walmart merchants.

“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to gain valuable resources to help scale their businesses,” said Mark Espinoza, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”

“We are proud to partner with Walmart for the second consecutive year and to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative not only supports entrepreneurs but also strengthens our local economy by helping small businesses access national retail opportunities.”

Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped hundreds of small businesses become Walmart suppliers, fueling local economies and driving innovation.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mercedes S. | publicrelations@hispanicchamber.com

Photo available HERE. More assets available upon request.

For more information, visit www.hispanicchamber.com or https://corporate.walmart.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/walmarts-road-to-open-call-returns-to-orlando-offering-big-opportunities-for-small-businesses-302743596.html

SOURCE Walmart and the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando

TYGES International releases a state-by-state analysis of BCBA workforce shortages exposing a nationwide autism care crisis and calls for urgent action.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Apr. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Across the U.S., families with autistic children are waiting months for ABA therapy — not because services don’t exist, but because there aren’t enough Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to provide them. Families encounter empty waiting lists, hundred-mile drives, and in many cases, no qualified provider at all within reach. These communities have a name: ABA care deserts. And they are far more widespread than most people realize.

The Numbers: A Shortage of Historic Proportions

TYGES International’s behavioral health practice published a first-of-its-kind state-by-state analysis of BCBA workforce distribution, drawing on BACB certification data, CDC autism prevalence figures, and U.S. Census estimates. Download the report to discover the stark findings:

• 74,286 BCBAs currently practicing in the U.S.
• ~362,500 needed to meet conservative demand
• ~288,000 estimated shortage
• 1 in 31 children identified with autism spectrum disorder (CDC, 2022)
• ~2.9 million children and young adults under 21 are estimated to be on the autism spectrum

The state-by-state picture is equally alarming. Wyoming has just 7.5 BCBAs per 100,000 residents. Mississippi: 8.1. Montana: 8.5. Massachusetts leads at 55.1, nearly seven times more than the worst-served states. Even well-ranked states mask access gaps, as BCBAs cluster in urban centers while rural families go without care. Simply put, the United States has approximately five times fewer BCBAs than needed (under a conservative planning scenario of 8 clients per clinician).

“The map of autism care in this country doesn’t match where children actually live. We have pockets of access and vast stretches of nothing. That’s not a gap — it’s a system failure,” says Carol Zimmerman, Director of Behavioral Health Practice, TYGES International. 

Closing the gap requires expanding BCBA training pipelines, improving clinician compensation and sustainability, removing telehealth policy barriers, and deploying specialized behavioral health recruiting to match talent to the communities that need it most. TYGES International’s behavioral health practice exists precisely for this purpose; placing qualified BCBAs in ABA clinics and autism service organizations nationwide.

Why This Matters

Early, intensive ABA therapy is among the most evidence-based treatments available for autism spectrum disorder. The research is clear: intervention during early childhood produces significantly better long-term outcomes in communication, adaptive behavior, and quality of life. Every month a child spends on a waiting list is a month inside that critical developmental window, gone.

Burnout, low reimbursement rates, and unsustainable caseloads are also pushing qualified clinicians out of direct practice. The TYGES analysis identifies these structural barriers as compounding factors that keep BCBA jobs unfilled even in communities with documented shortages. 

What Must Change

“This isn’t a problem we can train our way out of alone. Compensation must reflect the complexity of this work, telehealth policies need to be reviewed and encouraged in care deserts, and organizations need recruiting partners who know how to place clinicians where families are waiting. All these levers must move at the same time,” says Zimmerman.

Expand training pipelines. Graduate programs, universities, and healthcare systems must increase BCBA training capacity and reduce the financial barriers to supervised fieldwork hours.

1. Improve compensation and sustainability. Competitive pay, manageable caseloads, and strong clinical supervision infrastructure are essential to keeping BCBAs in the field.
2. Remove telehealth barriers. Policy reform allowing broader telehealth delivery of ABA services can extend BCBA reach into rural and underserved areas where in-person providers simply don’t exist.
3. Invest in targeted recruitment. Specialized search partners who understand behavioral health can connect qualified BCBAs to the clinics and communities that need them most, including the states at the bottom of the per-capita rankings.

About the Research

The TYGES International care desert analysis draws on data from the BACB, CDC, U.S. Census Bureau, and peer-reviewed ABA workforce research. The full report, including state-by-state tables, charts, and source citations, is publicly available at tyges.com.

TYGES International is a national executive search firm specializing in manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain recruiting, and behavioral health staffing with a focus on ABA therapy and BCBA placement. Learn more.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-deficit-of-288-000-bcbas-leads-to-widespread-us-autism-care-shortages-302743522.html

SOURCE TYGES