Tag: PR Newswire

Innovative approach can quickly boost electricity production to benefit consumers 

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jenny Netherton works on The Pew Charitable Trusts’ energy modernization project.

As demand for electricity continues to rise in the United States, policymakers and utilities are increasingly concerned about how to meet consumers’ needs cost-effectively, especially because it takes an average of five years for new energy projects to connect to the grid after they are proposed. But one underused approach, called Surplus Interconnection Service (SIS), can shortcut that wait by allowing new power generation or storage to be added in months instead of years. That’s because SIS resources are colocated with existing power plants and share their access to the grid.

The issue with adding new power sources

Interconnection is the approval process that new power plants must follow to connect to the grid and deliver power to consumers. It is often time-consuming due to both the volume of requests and the time grid operators need to conduct detailed reviews of projects. Proposed power plants join an interconnection “queue” where they wait their turn for grid operators to study the plant, determine and construct needed upgrades to power lines and infrastructure, and approve the plant for a maximum number of megawatts (MW).

This process safeguards the grid but takes years. However, many existing power plants do not always operate to their maximum capacity, leaving a MW surplus that can be filled with new generation or storage.

SIS allows power plants to leverage that surplus by sharing their interconnection with new energy resources, typically low-cost and quick-to-install solar and batteries, which bypass the interconnection queue. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission opened the door for widespread use of SIS in 2018, allowing any power plant larger than 20 MW to apply to add SIS resources.

Power plants run the energy gamut from thermal generators, such as natural gas and coal, to renewables, such as wind and solar, and have differing opportunities for SIS. For example, some natural gas plants may only operate four or five days a year when demand is peaking, despite having approval for generation all year. SIS allows these “peaker plants” to add generation such as solar and drastically increase power generation year-round. Similarly, solar farms, which generate electricity only during the daytime, can add SIS battery or wind resources to operate at night to maximize their interconnection rights. 

Benefits of SIS

Aside from boosting energy delivery to consumers quickly and efficiently, SIS also:

Increases energy deployment: SIS resources supplement the traditional queue for new power plants, creating a separate pathway to bring new energy resources online quickly while the main interconnection queue continues to approve projects.

Minimizes land use: SIS projects must be located at or near existing power plants and can often be installed on the plant’s existing footprint, reducing the need to disturb undeveloped land.

Enhances reliability: The combination of the original power plant’s output and SIS resources can provide greater reliability than either resource would have separately, for example, by generating and storing solar energy by day and deploying it at night.

Reduces grid congestion: SIS allows for energy production during times when the original power plant is offline or underutilizing its interconnection rights, reducing congestion and in turn lowering prices for consumers.

Helps reduce transmission system costs: SIS increases energy supply without the need to construct new transmission lines, which are costly and take many years to build.

How states can add SIS

State governments can encourage and boost the use of SIS through a variety of actions:

SIS is a promising tool states can leverage now to quickly get additional power onto the grid, which in turn would benefit energy providers and consumers alike.

For more information, visit Energy Modernization | The Pew Charitable Trusts (pewtrusts.org) 

Media Contact: Matt Herbert, officer, mherbert@pewtrusts.org, 605-759-8911 

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SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts

Three-year commitment includes $30,000 a year in trips donated by Grand Circle Corporation’s family of travel brands for auctions and additional fundraising for the nonprofit from Fiscal Year FY26 through FY28.

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rebuilding Together Boston (www.rebuildingtogetherboston.org) announced today that Grand Circle Corporation has committed to a three-year premier sponsorship totaling $240,000, supporting home repairs, community revitalization projects, and critical fundraising efforts across Boston neighborhoods.

Grand Circle has awarded Rebuilding Together $50,000 for three years from FY26 to FY28 for four ReBuild events annually to repair and revitalize Boston communities each year in addition to capacity building and support for their 35^th Paint the Town anniversary gala. As part of its fundraising support, Grand Circle will donate $30,000 annually in travel experiences through its family of travel brands.

“For 30 years, Grand Circle employees have volunteered to make a difference for Boston homeowners and neighbors by making critical repairs to homes, community centers and community spaces. Rebuilding Together Boston is extremely grateful for this premier sponsorship of $240,000 over three years. We look forward to working with Grand Circle and its partners to repair more homes and revitalize communities for our Boston neighbors,” said Rebuilding Together Boston’s Executive Director Janice Walker.

This grant funding aligns with Grand Circle’s commitment to contribute in the places where its employees work and live. Rebuilding Together Boston and Grand Circle employees have given back to the Boston community by repairing and revitalizing homes and community spaces for veterans, seniors, and families with disabilities.

Rebuilding Together Boston’s work addresses the pressing housing challenges of Boston’s aging housing stock, a high rate of cost-burdened homeowners, and a shortage of affordable housing. By helping long-term residents remain in place and investing in shared community assets, Rebuilding Together Boston’s work builds on its track record of serving low-income homeowners across Boston.

“At Grand Circle, travel is about changing lives by strengthening the connections between people and the places they call home,” said Brian FitzGerald, CEO of Grand Circle Corporation. “That belief extends beyond our travelers to the communities where our employees live and work. We’re proud to support Rebuilding Together Boston and to invest in efforts that help build strong, stable neighborhoods.”

Rebuilding Together Boston organizes and collaborates with skilled workers, tradespeople, volunteers, and other community members and nonprofit organizations to meet the urgent needs of our communities by preserving affordable housing, stabilizing neighborhoods, and reducing housing instability and the risk of homelessness. 95% of the people we serve are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC). There is never a cost to the people we help. Over the past 35 years, Rebuilding Together Boston completed over 700 renovation projects for an estimated total value of over $8.5 million. If you think you can benefit from Rebuilding Together Boston’s services, contact RTB through this link: Rebuilding Together Boston – Apply Online

About Grand Circle Corporation
Grand Circle Corporation is a Boston-based global travel enterprise comprised of a family of travel brands that includes Overseas Adventure Travel, Grand Circle Cruise Line, and Grand Circle Travel. Founded with a mission to deliver life-changing travel experiences and high-impact cultural immersion, the company is committed to helping travelers connect deeply with people and places around the world through immersive itineraries, small group discovery, and authentic local engagement. Through the Grand Circle Foundation, the company also supports nonprofit organizations and community initiatives in the places where its travelers visit, and its associates live and work.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Angela Petropoulos, 617-501-8694
apetropoulos@rebuildingtogetherboston.org

Gabriel Ford-McGowan, 617-346-6171
gfordmcgowan@oattravel.com

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SOURCE Grand Circle Corporation

The highly acclaimed Black Health Matters Summit returns to Atlanta with vital health screenings, influential speakers, special guest appearances, and trusted resources, aimed at mobilizing the community towards action, connection, and lasting health transformation.

ATLANTA, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Black Health Matters (BHM), the nation’s leading health and wellness platform for Black and Brown communities, will host its Winter 2026 Health Summit & Expo on Saturday, February 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 80 Walnut St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. The free, day-long event is designed to provide culturally relevant health information and community-based resources that empower individuals to take control of their health. The summit will feature expert-led panel discussions, interactive wellness activities, free onsite health screenings, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and wellness giveaways.

This event is free and open to the general public. Community members can register to attend in-person or virtually through the event website at https://bhmwinter2026summit.vfairs.com.

Black Health Matters is committed to bridging the health equity gap through purpose-driven initiatives and evidence-based resources for disease management and overall wellness. BHM’s Health Summits are a cornerstone of its mission to create transformative impact and improve health outcomes in communities facing barriers to care. “Health equity starts with access, education, and trust,” said Roslyn Young Daniels, Founder and CEO of Black Health Matters. “The Winter Health Summit is about meeting our community where they are, providing practical tools and trusted information, and empowering individuals and families to take ownership of their health in a supportive environment.”

BHM invites the Atlanta community to join this impactful day of education, empowerment, and action. Attendees will hear from special guests Timon Kyle Durrett, Ambyr Michelle, and Colby Natasha Nixon of CBS’s Beyond the Gates, alongside healthcare professionals and advocates addressing critical topics such as nutrition, kidney disease, heart health, cancer prevention, multiple myeloma, and more.

The event will also include engaging, hands-on experiences, including fitness sessions with the “Guru of Abs,” DaShaun Johnson, and free onsite screenings such as full blood panels, bone health assessments, hypertension checks, mammograms, metabolic health, PSA testing, lipid panels, and additional preventive services.

Moving into its fourth year in Atlanta, the summit arrives at a critical juncture. As of early 2026, about 20 million Americans are facing significantly higher health insurance costs following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced tax credits at the end of last year. This crisis looms as the community already battles alarming rates of chronic illness and psychiatric emergencies.

The Winter Summit is more than an event—it is a call to action. By transforming a single day of clinical screenings, professional advice, and high-energy fitness into a lasting foundation for resilience, initiatives like the Black Health Matters Summit holistically empower the mind, body, and spirit to lean into lifelong well-being.

About Black Health Matters. Founded in 2012, Black Health Matters’ mission is to continue to be the leading evidence-based, chronic disease management and wellness resource for African Americans. We exist to radically redefine health and wellness for Black Americans by empowering them to demand the best in healthcare utilizing our multi-platform approach. We reach over one million African Americans interested in health monthly across our ecosystem that includes digital, social, and experiential. We create a culture of health where Black Americans can achieve their best quality of life possible by tapping into the resources and information created by Black Health Matters.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-health-matters-brings-health–wellness-movement-to-atlanta-during-black-history-month-302685506.html

SOURCE Black Health Matters

The highly acclaimed Black Health Matters Summit returns to Atlanta with vital health screenings, influential speakers, special guest appearances, and trusted resources, aimed at mobilizing the community towards action, connection, and lasting health transformation.

ATLANTA, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Black Health Matters (BHM), the nation’s leading health and wellness platform for Black and Brown communities, will host its Winter 2026 Health Summit & Expo on Saturday, February 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 80 Walnut St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. The free, day-long event is designed to provide culturally relevant health information and community-based resources that empower individuals to take control of their health. The summit will feature expert-led panel discussions, interactive wellness activities, free onsite health screenings, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and wellness giveaways.

This event is free and open to the general public. Community members can register to attend in-person or virtually through the event website at https://bhmwinter2026summit.vfairs.com.

Black Health Matters is committed to bridging the health equity gap through purpose-driven initiatives and evidence-based resources for disease management and overall wellness. BHM’s Health Summits are a cornerstone of its mission to create transformative impact and improve health outcomes in communities facing barriers to care. “Health equity starts with access, education, and trust,” said Roslyn Young Daniels, Founder and CEO of Black Health Matters. “The Winter Health Summit is about meeting our community where they are, providing practical tools and trusted information, and empowering individuals and families to take ownership of their health in a supportive environment.”

BHM invites the Atlanta community to join this impactful day of education, empowerment, and action. Attendees will hear from special guests Timon Kyle Durrett, Ambyr Michelle, and Colby Natasha Nixon of CBS’s Beyond the Gates, alongside healthcare professionals and advocates addressing critical topics such as nutrition, kidney disease, heart health, cancer prevention, multiple myeloma, and more.

The event will also include engaging, hands-on experiences, including fitness sessions with the “Guru of Abs,” DaShaun Johnson, and free onsite screenings such as full blood panels, bone health assessments, hypertension checks, mammograms, metabolic health, PSA testing, lipid panels, and additional preventive services.

Moving into its fourth year in Atlanta, the summit arrives at a critical juncture. As of early 2026, about 20 million Americans are facing significantly higher health insurance costs following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced tax credits at the end of last year. This crisis looms as the community already battles alarming rates of chronic illness and psychiatric emergencies.

The Winter Summit is more than an event—it is a call to action. By transforming a single day of clinical screenings, professional advice, and high-energy fitness into a lasting foundation for resilience, initiatives like the Black Health Matters Summit holistically empower the mind, body, and spirit to lean into lifelong well-being.

About Black Health Matters. Founded in 2012, Black Health Matters’ mission is to continue to be the leading evidence-based, chronic disease management and wellness resource for African Americans. We exist to radically redefine health and wellness for Black Americans by empowering them to demand the best in healthcare utilizing our multi-platform approach. We reach over one million African Americans interested in health monthly across our ecosystem that includes digital, social, and experiential. We create a culture of health where Black Americans can achieve their best quality of life possible by tapping into the resources and information created by Black Health Matters.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-health-matters-brings-health–wellness-movement-to-atlanta-during-black-history-month-302685506.html

SOURCE Black Health Matters

The highly acclaimed Black Health Matters Summit returns to Atlanta with vital health screenings, influential speakers, special guest appearances, and trusted resources, aimed at mobilizing the community towards action, connection, and lasting health transformation.

ATLANTA, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Black Health Matters (BHM), the nation’s leading health and wellness platform for Black and Brown communities, will host its Winter 2026 Health Summit & Expo on Saturday, February 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 80 Walnut St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. The free, day-long event is designed to provide culturally relevant health information and community-based resources that empower individuals to take control of their health. The summit will feature expert-led panel discussions, interactive wellness activities, free onsite health screenings, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and wellness giveaways.

This event is free and open to the general public. Community members can register to attend in-person or virtually through the event website at https://bhmwinter2026summit.vfairs.com.

Black Health Matters is committed to bridging the health equity gap through purpose-driven initiatives and evidence-based resources for disease management and overall wellness. BHM’s Health Summits are a cornerstone of its mission to create transformative impact and improve health outcomes in communities facing barriers to care. “Health equity starts with access, education, and trust,” said Roslyn Young Daniels, Founder and CEO of Black Health Matters. “The Winter Health Summit is about meeting our community where they are, providing practical tools and trusted information, and empowering individuals and families to take ownership of their health in a supportive environment.”

BHM invites the Atlanta community to join this impactful day of education, empowerment, and action. Attendees will hear from special guests Timon Kyle Durrett, Ambyr Michelle, and Colby Natasha Nixon of CBS’s Beyond the Gates, alongside healthcare professionals and advocates addressing critical topics such as nutrition, kidney disease, heart health, cancer prevention, multiple myeloma, and more.

The event will also include engaging, hands-on experiences, including fitness sessions with the “Guru of Abs,” DaShaun Johnson, and free onsite screenings such as full blood panels, bone health assessments, hypertension checks, mammograms, metabolic health, PSA testing, lipid panels, and additional preventive services.

Moving into its fourth year in Atlanta, the summit arrives at a critical juncture. As of early 2026, about 20 million Americans are facing significantly higher health insurance costs following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced tax credits at the end of last year. This crisis looms as the community already battles alarming rates of chronic illness and psychiatric emergencies.

The Winter Summit is more than an event—it is a call to action. By transforming a single day of clinical screenings, professional advice, and high-energy fitness into a lasting foundation for resilience, initiatives like the Black Health Matters Summit holistically empower the mind, body, and spirit to lean into lifelong well-being.

About Black Health Matters. Founded in 2012, Black Health Matters’ mission is to continue to be the leading evidence-based, chronic disease management and wellness resource for African Americans. We exist to radically redefine health and wellness for Black Americans by empowering them to demand the best in healthcare utilizing our multi-platform approach. We reach over one million African Americans interested in health monthly across our ecosystem that includes digital, social, and experiential. We create a culture of health where Black Americans can achieve their best quality of life possible by tapping into the resources and information created by Black Health Matters.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-health-matters-brings-health–wellness-movement-to-atlanta-during-black-history-month-302685506.html

SOURCE Black Health Matters

• Genesis Inspiration Foundation donates $25,000 to Positively Arts for youth arts programming
• Genesis hosts Child Creativity Lab STEAM workshop at Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Genesis and Genesis Inspiration Foundation strengthened their commitment to youth, supporting science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programs in Southern Nevada. Genesis Inspiration Foundation donated $25,000 to Positively Arts, a nonprofit that uses the transformational power of the arts to empower youth with essential life skills. Genesis Gives, Genesis Motor America’s corporate social responsibility initiative, also organized a STEAM workshop at Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada for more than 40 middle school students.

“Every student deserves access to creative learning opportunities,” said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Genesis Motor America, and board member, Genesis Inspiration Foundation. “By investing in STEAM programming across Southern Nevada, we’re encouraging young people to embrace their imagination and discover what’s possible for their future.”

Genesis Inspiration Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to Positively Arts. Since 2014, Positively Arts has served over 20,000 children through mentorship programs and provided more than $200,000 in scholarships to over 10,000 low-income and at-risk children in Southern Nevada. This donation will help Positively Arts expand its arts programming, providing more youth with the tools, positive outlets, and community support they need to excel in every aspect of their lives.

Genesis hosted its STEAM workshop in partnership with Child Creativity Lab at Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada. More than 40 middle school students learned about the automotive industry, gaining firsthand insight into the product development process and interacting with a Genesis GV60. Turning imagination into innovation, students then designed and developed their own future mobility vehicles with upcycled materials.

Genesis Gives

Genesis Gives is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Genesis Motor America. Expanding on the brand’s commitment to the highest standards of performance and its athletic elegance design identity, Genesis Gives supports nonprofit organizations with the goal of improving access to, and performance in, youth sports and STEAM education in under-resourced communities. Since 2022, Genesis has donated over $2 million to support communities across the country. For more information, visit www.genesisgives.com.

Genesis Inspiration Foundation

Genesis Inspiration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to connecting youth to the transformative power of the arts. Our mission is to improve educational outcomes by providing access to arts programs that engage and inspire children in under-resourced communities. Founded in 2018, the Genesis Inspiration Foundation has awarded over $13 million in grants to expand youth arts at museums, schools, and community organizations nationwide. With the support of Genesis and its retailers, we are introducing children to a new world of the possible. To learn more, visit us online at www.genesisinspirationfoundation.org.

Genesis Motor North America

Genesis is a new global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of design, safety, refined performance, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Drawing from its cultural heritage and distinctly Korean hospitality, Genesis crafts experiences focused on customers as “son-nim”, or honored guests.

Genesis Motor North America offers a growing range of award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through its network of more than 200 independent U.S. retailers, in addition to its more than 30 Canadian agency distributors. Genesis now counts more than 90 standalone retail facilities across the North American region, with dozens more in development. Consumers can discover the brand through its many retail points, at Genesis House, the brand’s flagship space in New York City, or online at www.genesis.com.

Please visit our media site for the latest news at www.genesisnewsusa.com (United States) and www.genesisnews.ca (Canada).

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SOURCE Genesis Motor America

Plus Power’s 175 MW / 350 MWh facility is now the largest of its kind in New England, and
will help strengthen the reliability of the regional grid

GORHAM, Maine, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At a ribbon cutting today, Plus Power announced it is now operating its Cross Town Energy Storage facility in Gorham, Maine. Cross Town is the state’s first utility-scale standalone battery energy storage system, and the largest of its kind on the ISO New England grid.

This utility-scale battery project absorbs excess energy when customer demand is lower and stores it for use during times of peak demand. As such, it will help balance intermittent energy resources, enhance power reliability and efficiency, and mitigate energy price spikes.

“Today, Maine welcomed the largest energy storage project of its kind in New England, delivering real cost savings and reliable power for Maine,” said Governor Janet Mills. “This project will help lower electricity costs by reducing the need for costly fossil fuels when the grid is strained, as we’ve seen during recent extreme cold weather. I congratulate the Town of Gorham and Plus Power on this significant achievement that will deliver lasting savings and reliability for Maine people.”

Maine’s leadership on battery storage policies led Plus Power to invest in Gorham and build this 175 MW / 350 MWh resource, which will support the state’s goal to deploy 400 MW of battery energy storage by 2030. Batteries like Cross Town also enable the integration of higher penetrations of variable renewable energy, supporting Maine’s goal for 90 percent of its electricity sales to be from renewable sources by 2030, and 100 percent by 2040.

Located on roughly 5 acres of land, Cross Town interconnects adjacent to Central Maine Power’s 115kV Moshers substation, where the transmission grid is particularly congested. The facility’s location enables it to ease congestion and facilitate the use of wind power from Northern Maine to meet demand in Southern Maine and Boston.

Cross Town will also help ISO New England make up for the power capacity lost by retiring gas and other power plants.

“Plus Power is proud to operate another landmark facility in New England and further strengthen power reliability in the region,” said Naveen Abraham, chief executive officer of Plus Power. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with ISO New England as our facilities demonstrate the unique capabilities of battery energy storage systems.”

Cross Town features 156 units of Sungrow’s flagship PowerTitan battery energy storage system, which are well suited for peak performance in Maine’s dynamic climate. Plus Power worked with Maine-based Cianbro Corporation on engineering, procurement, and construction of the facility.

Cross Town is Plus Power’s second battery energy storage project in New England. Its 150 MW / 300 MWh Cranberry Point Energy Storage in Carver, Massachusetts came online in spring 2025, and supported ISO New England during a heat-driven scarcity event on June 24. Demand was 200 MW higher than the forecasted peak for the day, pushing prices to $1,110/MWh, more than double the average daily price. Cranberry Point was 100% available and provided critical energy to the grid when ISO-NE requested it through its generation dispatch system.

Cross Town and Cranberry Point were also 100% available and at full capacity during the recent Winter Storm Fern, providing critical reinforcements to ISO New England and helping maintain power for its customers through bitter cold. As the region continues to face extreme weather, Cross Town and Cranberry Point will play a crucial role in maintaining reliable power and controlling costs.

About Plus Power

The Plus Power team is accelerating the deployment of transmission-connected battery energy storage throughout the United States. Plus Power develops, owns, and operates standalone battery energy storage systems that provide capacity, energy, and ancillary services, enabling the rapid integration of renewable generation resources.

The company’s portfolio includes 11 GW of projects in more than 20 states. It owns nine operating facilities located in Arizona, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, and Texas that total 1,650 MW / 4,150 MWh. Headquartered near Houston, with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, and Palm Beach Gardens, Plus Power operates at the nexus of energy, technology, and finance. 

For more information, visit www.pluspower.com.

Contact:
Polly Shaw
pshaw@pluspower.com
+1-415-577-5763

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SOURCE Plus Power

Practice to Deliver Integrated Power, Gas, Broadband and Mission-Critical Solutions

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gresham Smith is excited to announce the launch of its Energy & Utility Infrastructure practice, a multidisciplinary group that helps public- and private-sector clients meet rising energy demands with resilient, scalable and integrated solutions.

For decades, Gresham Smith has provided a mix of engineering, coordination and consulting services for a wide range of clients, including hyperscale data center operators, utility companies, departments of transportation, and national labs that fall under the purview of the U.S. Department of Energy. Today’s announcement marks the creation of a new dedicated structure for a new practice that covers seven areas of expertise and is led by Energy & Utility Infrastructure Practice Leader Rick Yeager. He brings over 30 years of extensive design and project management experience for utility relocations, substations, electrical transmission, electrical distribution, and fiber optic facilities.

The new practice unites seven disciplines—electrical engineering services, natural gas engineering services, broadband and communication engineering services, data center services, Department of Energy services, on-site generation engineering support, and utility coordination services. Each discipline will support projects from concept through construction by partnering with municipalities, state agencies, private developers and national utilities to deliver integrated, cost-effective, and resilient solutions.

“Communities, municipalities, government agencies and industries are working to balance growth, reliability and sustainability in the face of rapidly changing energy demands across the country,” Yeager said. “At Gresham Smith, our Energy & Utility Infrastructure team helps clients meet these challenges head-on, delivering smart, scalable solutions that keep them ahead of the grid evolution, overcome interconnection hurdles, and build reliable, resilient systems for the future.”

Four discipline leaders have been named, and they include:

• Greg Poston, P.E. — Electric and Broadband Services Leader
• Bobby Worthington, P.E. — Natural Gas Services Leader
• Josh Blevins, P.E. — Department of Energy Services Leader
• Jeff Prentiss, P.E. — Data Center Services Leader

The Energy & Utility Infrastructure team delivers services to its own existing clients, while also serving as a firmwide resource that can support clients across markets, including private sector commercial, healthcare and manufacturing projects as well as public sector work across transportation and water infrastructure.

To learn more about Gresham Smith’s Energy & Utility Infrastructure practice and services, visit https://www.greshamsmith.com/energy-utility-infrastructure/.

About Gresham Smith
We are a premier architecture, engineering and consultancy services firm providing integrated, comprehensive solutions for private- and public-sector clients. With $354 million in annual gross revenue and 27 offices throughout the United States, our expertise encompasses eight strategic sectors: aviation, building engineering, healthcare, industrial, land planning, life and work places, transportation, and water and environment. Throughout all of our work, we focus on providing exceptional client experience and outcomes.

Repeatedly recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies and consistently listed as a “Best Place to Work,” we are committed to delivering on our Core Purpose—to plan, design and consult to create healthy and thriving communities—through our brand promise of Genuine Ingenuity.

Learn more at GreshamSmith.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gresham-smith-launches-new-energy–utility-infrastructure-practice-302684273.html

SOURCE Gresham Smith

Practice to Deliver Integrated Power, Gas, Broadband and Mission-Critical Solutions

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gresham Smith is excited to announce the launch of its Energy & Utility Infrastructure practice, a multidisciplinary group that helps public- and private-sector clients meet rising energy demands with resilient, scalable and integrated solutions.

For decades, Gresham Smith has provided a mix of engineering, coordination and consulting services for a wide range of clients, including hyperscale data center operators, utility companies, departments of transportation, and national labs that fall under the purview of the U.S. Department of Energy. Today’s announcement marks the creation of a new dedicated structure for a new practice that covers seven areas of expertise and is led by Energy & Utility Infrastructure Practice Leader Rick Yeager. He brings over 30 years of extensive design and project management experience for utility relocations, substations, electrical transmission, electrical distribution, and fiber optic facilities.

The new practice unites seven disciplines—electrical engineering services, natural gas engineering services, broadband and communication engineering services, data center services, Department of Energy services, on-site generation engineering support, and utility coordination services. Each discipline will support projects from concept through construction by partnering with municipalities, state agencies, private developers and national utilities to deliver integrated, cost-effective, and resilient solutions.

“Communities, municipalities, government agencies and industries are working to balance growth, reliability and sustainability in the face of rapidly changing energy demands across the country,” Yeager said. “At Gresham Smith, our Energy & Utility Infrastructure team helps clients meet these challenges head-on, delivering smart, scalable solutions that keep them ahead of the grid evolution, overcome interconnection hurdles, and build reliable, resilient systems for the future.”

Four discipline leaders have been named, and they include:

• Greg Poston, P.E. — Electric and Broadband Services Leader
• Bobby Worthington, P.E. — Natural Gas Services Leader
• Josh Blevins, P.E. — Department of Energy Services Leader
• Jeff Prentiss, P.E. — Data Center Services Leader

The Energy & Utility Infrastructure team delivers services to its own existing clients, while also serving as a firmwide resource that can support clients across markets, including private sector commercial, healthcare and manufacturing projects as well as public sector work across transportation and water infrastructure.

To learn more about Gresham Smith’s Energy & Utility Infrastructure practice and services, visit https://www.greshamsmith.com/energy-utility-infrastructure/.

About Gresham Smith
We are a premier architecture, engineering and consultancy services firm providing integrated, comprehensive solutions for private- and public-sector clients. With $354 million in annual gross revenue and 27 offices throughout the United States, our expertise encompasses eight strategic sectors: aviation, building engineering, healthcare, industrial, land planning, life and work places, transportation, and water and environment. Throughout all of our work, we focus on providing exceptional client experience and outcomes.

Repeatedly recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies and consistently listed as a “Best Place to Work,” we are committed to delivering on our Core Purpose—to plan, design and consult to create healthy and thriving communities—through our brand promise of Genuine Ingenuity.

Learn more at GreshamSmith.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gresham-smith-launches-new-energy–utility-infrastructure-practice-302684273.html

SOURCE Gresham Smith

Harry Chapin’s enduring credo, “When in doubt, do something,” inspires social change with the announcement of a historic donation in support of his foundation’s humanitarian mission

HUNTINGTON, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of National Guitar Day, people across the world are encouraged to pick up a guitar and let their voices be heard. No singer-songwriter has exemplified this rallying cry more through life and legacy than Harry Chapin.

Today, the Harry Chapin Foundation is proud to announce a $250,000 donation from the estate of Patricia (“Pat”) LoTurco, a lifelong fan and New York resident inspired by Chapin’s music and his humanitarian work toward ending hunger. This major contribution, planned by LoTurco years before her recent passing, marks a milestone in the foundation’s 45-year history and provides resources to support innovative grassroots nonprofit organizations across the United States.

“It is deeply moving to see how my father’s music and his commitment to social justice continue to resonate so many years later,” said Josh Chapin, board member of the Harry Chapin Foundation and son of Harry and Sandy Chapin. “Pat didn’t just listen to the music; she took Harry’s message to heart and made it part of her own life’s plan. By designating the foundation as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy, she has provided an enduring gift that will help keep Harry’s dreams alive — ensuring his mission for human rights, human needs, and human dignity will thrive for generations to come.”

Since its inception following the legendary singer-songwriter-humanitarian’s passing in 1981, the Harry Chapin Foundation has remained dedicated to Chapin’s credo: “When in doubt, do something.” To date, the foundation has successfully awarded 807 grants totaling $2,894,942.36. This $250,000 gift is the largest in its history and significantly increases the foundation’s endowment, enabling it to further its mission to support organizations that provide agricultural, environmental, community, and arts-in-education programs that dramatically improve people’s lives and livelihoods.

Beloved for timeless hits such as “Taxi” and “W.O.L.D.,” Chapin’s musical influence remains as strong as ever. His signature number one hit song, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” was recently the focus of the 2025 documentary Cat’s in the Cradle: The Song That Changed Our Lives, marking the 50th anniversary of its release.

Beyond his music, Chapin maintained a tireless commitment to raising and giving away millions of dollars to support nonprofit organizations and causes, and since 1981, the Harry Chapin Foundation has awarded grants to 430 nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including WhyHunger, co-founded by Chapin to address the root causes of hunger and poverty and build grassroots movements for food justice globally; Long Island Cares, the regional food bank he established in New York in 1980 to serve his home community; and the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, the largest hunger-relief nonprofit in its region, named in his honor.

LoTurco’s historic gift helps the Foundation to champion high-impact, community-based organizations across the U.S. that turn Chapin’s ‘do something’ philosophy into reality.

“Pat was a true community connector,” said Michael Misvesky, LoTurco’s nephew. “She believed deeply in helping others and in the power of humanitarian work, and she held Harry Chapin’s legacy and spirit of service in the highest regard. Supporting causes that reflected compassion, generosity, and social responsibility was central to who she was.“

For more information about the Harry Chapin Foundation’s work or to learn of ways to make a legacy gift by including the foundation in your estate planning, please visit www.harrychapinfoundation.org, via Facebook.com/harrychapinfoundation, or call 631-986-9472.

About the Harry Chapin Foundation:

The Harry Chapin Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that continues the humanitarian legacy of the late singer-songwriter-humanitarian Harry Chapin, who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1987 for his tireless work in the fight against hunger. Established in 1981 by his family and friends following Chapin’s passing, the foundation’s mission is to support nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that have demonstrated their ability to dramatically improve the lives and livelihoods of people by helping them to become self-sufficient. The foundation’s focus areas include agricultural and environmental programs, arts-in-education programs, and community education programs.

Contact:
Mike Grayeb
Title: Executive Director, Harry Chapin Foundation
Phone: 631-986-9472
Email: 408993@email4pr.com
Website: www.harrychapinfoundation.org

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SOURCE Harry Chapin Foundation