PARKER, Colo., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kenneth O’Hanlon—a visionary founder, CEO, and pioneer in marketing technology—has been recognized as a Pinnacle Professional Member of the Inner Circle of Excellence for his groundbreaking contributions to digital innovation. Born in London and a former Royal Marine Commando, Mr. O’Hanlon’s leadership reflects a definitive convergence of elite military discipline, foundational intellectual property, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Unlike disconnected platforms, the O’Hanlon Innovation Ecosystem functions as a single sovereign system

The Evolution of a Digital Pioneer

O’Hanlon’s journey began in 2003 with the establishment of his first technology company. Long before the era of smartphones, he was instrumental in developing pre-smartphone mobile marketing through a suite of patented technologies. His innovations allowed visual media sharing on basic phones, introduced the “Sharing Facilitator” (a direct precursor to the modern “share button”), and pioneered Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.

Further cementing his role as a pioneer, O’Hanlon developed geolocation-based systems and handset recognition technology to track user journeys across multiple touchpoints. These inventions comprised the first comprehensive mobile and internet marketing system, bridging the gap between traditional media and digital engagement.

Next-Generation AI: The Return of a Cultural Icon

In a significant strategic move, Mr. O’Hanlon recently acquired the original Askjeeves.com domain, signaling a return to the intuitive, natural language interaction that made the service a cultural icon. Under the umbrella of O’Hanlon IP, he has launched his next-generation generative AI platforms: Ask-Jeeves.ai, Ask-Genevieve.ai, and AU2.ai.

These platforms leverage O’Hanlon Patents to create and transmit original content with exponentially enhanced performance. This “O’Hanlon Innovation Ecosystem” is anchored by Ask-Jeeves-IP.ai, the “Truth Supervisor” that uses neuro-symbolic reasoning to eliminate AI hallucinations and ensure “technical truth.”

The Five Pillars of Excellence

The 2026-compliant O’Hanlon architecture is governed by the Five Pillars of Excellence, a framework built on Commando values:

Ask-Jeeves.ai (Accessibility): The “Invisible Man” protocol for conversational discovery and proximity-based recognition.

Ask-Genevieve.ai (Strategic): The “Invisible Woman” confidante, prioritizing ethical judgment for high-stakes professional choices.

Ask-Jeeves-RD.ai (Innovation): Identifies technological “white spaces” while mathematically protecting the user’s R&D footprint.

Ask-Jeeves-IP.ai (Protection): The guardian of global innovation, performing hardware-verified handshakes for sensitive data access.

O’Hanlon-Sovereignty (Safety): Governs “Privacy by Choice, Safety by Necessity,” featuring the Summonable Resonant Intelligent Agent (SRIA) for emergency life-safety responses.

A Legacy of Excellence and Service

Mr. O’Hanlon’s innovative drive extends into his personal life. A former Royal Navy Judo Champion and gold medalist in wrestling, he remains a decorated athlete. He is deeply committed to community service as an active member of the Freemasons, the Knights of the Temple, and the Shriners, and he helped establish youth rugby in Colorado.

As a proud father of seven and a great-grandfather, family remains his cornerstone. Through his “Commando-driven” ecosystem, O’Hanlon remains dedicated to creating impactful solutions that protect user’s sovereignty, privacy, and safety, embodying the belief that progress and perseverance go hand in hand.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

Iconic Downtown theaters will once again open their doors for free performances, backstage tours and hands-on arts experiences.

HOUSTON, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Houston Theater District announced today that ExxonMobil Theater District Open House is set to return Monday, March 9, 2026. Building on the successful relaunch in 2025, the family-friendly event welcomes visitors to a full day of free performances, interactive workshops and behind-the-scenes access to Houston’s world-class venues.

“Houston serves as one of the nation’s great performing arts hubs, and we’re excited to throw the doors wide open for everyone,” said Executive Director of Houston Theater District Craig Hauschildt. “With ExxonMobil returning as title sponsor, we’re able to expand opportunities for the community to experience the artistry, education and joy that these organizations bring to our city.”

In 2025, the event resumed for the first time since 2019, drawing nearly 7,500 participants. Organizers are hoping for even more visitors this year.

“This event is a powerful reminder of Houston’s position as an international cultural destination and our shared pride in the arts,” said Chair of the Houston Theater District Board of Directors Meg Booth. “The variety of theaters, performing arts organizations and cultural diversity is on display and completely free for guests of all ages to explore — whether that’s a backstage tour, a performance or a hands-on activity for kids.”

What to Expect in 2026
Get ready for a day of family-friendly fun, culminating in a free Houston Symphony concert — bringing back this much beloved Open House tradition — making the magic of live orchestral music accessible to all. To give an overview of the day, opening ceremonies will be hosted in Lynn Wyatt Square, spotlighting artists and programming from each of the Theater District’s renowned arts organizations.

Here are some other event highlights, with much more to discover in the full schedule:

  • Performing Arts Houston hosts an enriching, interactive, family workshop with an Ailey Arts in Education Teaching Artist.
  • Houston Grand Opera invites everyone to step into the world of opera — not just as spectators, but as active participants in their high-energy, performance of Music-Stories-OPERA! at the Wortham Center.
  • Houston Ballet II performs excerpts from Sleeping Beauty and more.
  • DACAMERA activates Lynn Wyatt Square and the Center for Dance through jazz and chamber music.
  • Alley Theatre offers stage combat demonstrations and other high-energy fun for all.
  • Hobby Center’s Discovery Series features some of Houston’s best artists across dance, music and theater at Zilkha Hall.
  • Theatre Under the Stars brings music and movement with interactive musical theater workshops at the Hobby Center.
  • And tons of creative fun like an instrument petting zoo, face painting and more!

These participating arts organizations, along with the support of Houston First and Downtown Houston+, showcase the full scope of Houston’s Theater District. Together, they reflect a collaborative arts community that fuels a thriving $1.3 billion annual arts economy — and creates unforgettable moments for residents and visitors alike.

“This event isn’t just a part of Houston, it’s part of family histories, too,” said Hauschildt. “Last year, we heard from parents who first attended in the ’90s and were returning with their own kids. Every visit is an opportunity to continue that tradition.”

About ExxonMobil Theater District Open House
ExxonMobil Theater District Open House is a free, annual celebration produced by Houston Theater District and its resident arts organizations. The event showcases the district’s venues and companies through performances, arts experiences and family activities — reinforcing Downtown Houston as an internationally recognized destination for world-class performing arts.

For updates, transportation and full event details as they are announced, visit houstontheaterdistrict.org/open-house

Media Contact:
Houston Theater District / ExxonMobil Theater District Open House
info@houstontheaterdistrict.org

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SOURCE Houston Theater District

New report estimates California is landfilling 1.2 million tons of textiles a year, proposes solutions in scaling reuse infrastructure to create jobs, cut emissions, and reduce landfill costs

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — California can cement its role as the nation’s leader on environmental policy by supporting textile reuse, according to a new report released today by USAgain in collaboration with Cascadia Consulting Group.

The report estimates that in 2021, nearly 1.2 million tons of textiles were sent to California landfills, creating avoidable disposal costs and environmental impacts. It estimates Californians spend around $99 million per year simply to landfill textiles that could – with improved systems and infrastructure – be reused or responsibly recycled to improve our economy and sustainable quality of life.

Under California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707), California is shifting the responsibility for recovery from taxpayers to producers, requiring clothing and other textile companies to fund and operate a statewide system. 

Today’s report concludes that California could unlock significant benefits if a percentage of textiles could be diverted from landfill to responsible reuse and recycling markets: diverting 10% of textiles to reuse could create 1,000 green jobs, while 24% could create 2,500 jobs. The report also finds that if reused clothes replaced newly produced ones, the state could significantly reduce emissions and save resources. Up to 1.7 million metric tons of CO2 could be saved if 24% of clothes currently landfilled were put back into circulation instead – equivalent to nearly five gas-powered industrial plants.

However, there is a practical implementation challenge: improving Californians’ access to a collection system that can handle the increased recovery of used textiles. While donation bins are one of the easiest and most scalable methods to collect clothes from consumers, local siting and permitting rules can unintentionally restrict the very collection infrastructure on which SB 707 depends. Requirements such as permits, zoning limits, spacing rules, and servicing obligations may make it harder to build an accessible statewide network, particularly in communities that already lack drop-off options. 

“Reuse should always come first,” said Mattias Wallander, CEO of USAgain, who commissioned the report. “Keeping clothing in use delivers the biggest environmental benefit because it preserves the water, energy, dyes, and materials already used in textile production. SB 707 is a real opportunity for California to lead, but success depends on making it simple for people to do the right thing with their unwanted clothing through convenient, community-based collection. And because international reuse markets help keep textiles circulating for longer, we also need a system that supports responsible end markets and transparency.” 

“California has a strong foundation to build on,” said Julie Cerenzia, Director at Cascadia Consulting Group. “The biggest win will be designing a system that works in the real world, and an important part of that system is convenient access to collection points. Each community in California has an opportunity to support this access for its residents, including through early engagement and updated regulations. With the right implementation, SB 707 can become a landmark circular economy success.” 

Key findings and what comes next:

The report outlines the scale of the opportunity and the actions needed to deliver it:

  • Scale the collection network quickly: A convenient, statewide system of used clothing collection is essential to achieving SB 707’s goals and keeping textiles out of landfills. The key is making participation in textile donation effortless, with donation bins an important part of the solution.
  • Remove friction in local siting rules for collection: City and county ordinances can be modernized to enable safe, well-managed donation bin collection points while maintaining community standards. 
  • Prioritize reuse and responsible end markets: Reuse delivers the highest environmental benefit compared to recycling, incineration, or landfilling, and strong oversight and transparency can build public confidence in where used textiles go.

The report notes that the next two years of rulemaking and municipal decision-making will help determine whether SB 707 becomes a nationally recognized model for textile circularity or falls short due to implementation roadblocks.

Full report can be accessed here: https://www.usagain.com/california-textiles-epr-study

About USAgain:
https://www.usagain.com/

About Cascadia Consulting Group:
https://cascadiaconsulting.com/

Spokespeople from USAgain and Cascadia Consulting Group are available for interviews. B-roll and visuals of textile collection and sorting operations upon request.

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SOURCE USAgain

Company program will support school systems with funding and charging infrastructure and will test vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology

WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has been granted approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch a pilot program that will help local school systems shift to cleaner, zero-emission school buses. The program is designed to make the move to electric buses easier and more affordable, bringing quieter rides for students, cleaner air for neighborhoods and long-term savings for school districts.

Supporting Maryland’s Clean Transportation Goals  
Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requires public school systems to purchase or contract only zero-emission vehicles moving forward. Potomac Edison’s pilot program helps school districts meet this requirement by removing some of the biggest financial hurdles.  The company will cover the cost difference – typically about $250,000 – between diesel and electric buses along with the cost of charging equipment and the electrical upgrades needed for installation.

Jim Myers, FirstEnergy’s President of West Virginia and Maryland: “Maryland’s public schools are taking important steps toward cleaner, healthier transportation for students, and this program is designed to help make that transition more practical and affordable. We’re reducing upfront costs and offering hands-on support to help school systems integrate electric buses smoothly. At the same time, we’re exploring how these buses can support grid reliability through innovative technology – a promising opportunity that could benefit customers across the counties we serve.”

Program Highlights
The $11.1 million program will launch in early 2026 and includes:

  • Incentives for up to 28 electric school buses in Potomac Edison’s Maryland service territory.
  • Full technical and administrative support to help school systems identify charging locations, install necessary equipment and train personnel on vehicle operation and charging.
  • Access to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing Potomac Edison to test how stored energy in bus batteries can flow back to the grid when buses aren’t in use – potentially supporting grid reliability during emergencies.

The program will run for five years or until funds have been exhausted.

Potomac Edison serves about 285,000 customers in all or parts of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties in Maryland. Follow Potomac Edison at www.potomacedison.com, on X @PotomacEdison, and on Facebook at facebook.com/PotomacEdison.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

Company program will support school systems with funding and charging infrastructure and will test vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology

WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has been granted approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch a pilot program that will help local school systems shift to cleaner, zero-emission school buses. The program is designed to make the move to electric buses easier and more affordable, bringing quieter rides for students, cleaner air for neighborhoods and long-term savings for school districts.

Supporting Maryland’s Clean Transportation Goals  
Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requires public school systems to purchase or contract only zero-emission vehicles moving forward. Potomac Edison’s pilot program helps school districts meet this requirement by removing some of the biggest financial hurdles.  The company will cover the cost difference – typically about $250,000 – between diesel and electric buses along with the cost of charging equipment and the electrical upgrades needed for installation.

Jim Myers, FirstEnergy’s President of West Virginia and Maryland: “Maryland’s public schools are taking important steps toward cleaner, healthier transportation for students, and this program is designed to help make that transition more practical and affordable. We’re reducing upfront costs and offering hands-on support to help school systems integrate electric buses smoothly. At the same time, we’re exploring how these buses can support grid reliability through innovative technology – a promising opportunity that could benefit customers across the counties we serve.”

Program Highlights
The $11.1 million program will launch in early 2026 and includes:

  • Incentives for up to 28 electric school buses in Potomac Edison’s Maryland service territory.
  • Full technical and administrative support to help school systems identify charging locations, install necessary equipment and train personnel on vehicle operation and charging.
  • Access to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing Potomac Edison to test how stored energy in bus batteries can flow back to the grid when buses aren’t in use – potentially supporting grid reliability during emergencies.

The program will run for five years or until funds have been exhausted.

Potomac Edison serves about 285,000 customers in all or parts of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties in Maryland. Follow Potomac Edison at www.potomacedison.com, on X @PotomacEdison, and on Facebook at facebook.com/PotomacEdison.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

ATLANTA, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Novelis Inc. will report its earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026 on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Following the release, Steve Fisher, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dev Ahuja, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the results via a live conference call for investors at 7:00 a.m. EST/5:30 p.m. IST the same day. The conference call will also be webcast live via the Novelis website, with presentation materials available online at https://investors.novelis.com/.

The webcast can be accessed at:
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=EgugP4UQ 

To participate by telephone, participants are requested to register at: 
https://services.incommconferencing.com/DiamondPassRegistration/register?confirmationNumber=13758269&linkSecurityString=1ea08ffd35 

Upon registering you will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call as well as an email confirmation with the details.

Following the meeting, the webcast will be available for replay at https://investors.novelis.com/

About Novelis

Novelis Inc. is driven by its purpose of shaping a sustainable world together. We are a global leader in the production of innovative aluminum products and solutions and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of low-carbon, sustainable aluminum solutions and to achieve a fully circular economy by partnering with our suppliers, as well as our customers in the aerospace, automotive, beverage can and specialties industries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Novelis had net sales of $17.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, an industry leader in aluminum and copper, and the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai. For more information, visit novelis.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novelis-to-host-third-quarter-fiscal-year-2026-earnings-conference-call-on-february-11-302679072.html

SOURCE Novelis Inc.

ATLANTA, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Novelis Inc. will report its earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026 on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Following the release, Steve Fisher, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dev Ahuja, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the results via a live conference call for investors at 7:00 a.m. EST/5:30 p.m. IST the same day. The conference call will also be webcast live via the Novelis website, with presentation materials available online at https://investors.novelis.com/.

The webcast can be accessed at:
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=EgugP4UQ 

To participate by telephone, participants are requested to register at: 
https://services.incommconferencing.com/DiamondPassRegistration/register?confirmationNumber=13758269&linkSecurityString=1ea08ffd35 

Upon registering you will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call as well as an email confirmation with the details.

Following the meeting, the webcast will be available for replay at https://investors.novelis.com/

About Novelis

Novelis Inc. is driven by its purpose of shaping a sustainable world together. We are a global leader in the production of innovative aluminum products and solutions and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of low-carbon, sustainable aluminum solutions and to achieve a fully circular economy by partnering with our suppliers, as well as our customers in the aerospace, automotive, beverage can and specialties industries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Novelis had net sales of $17.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, an industry leader in aluminum and copper, and the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai. For more information, visit novelis.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novelis-to-host-third-quarter-fiscal-year-2026-earnings-conference-call-on-february-11-302679072.html

SOURCE Novelis Inc.

Four Acclaimed Bourbon Producers Collaborate on a One-of-a-Kind Barrel Benefiting Veterans During America’s 250th Anniversary Year

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) has announced a landmark auction lot titled “United We Stand,” a special military barrel created through an unprecedented collaboration among four acclaimed American whiskey producers with deep ties to veteran and military philanthropy.

J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling, Four Branches Bourbon and Pursuit Spirits each donated a barrel for the project. From those individual contributions, Ryan Cecil, Master Blender for Pursuit Spirits, carefully selected and blended the finest elements to create a singular expression known as the United We Stand barrel.

Coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary, the barrel will be auctioned during the inaugural KBCA event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 14, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans and their families.

“This barrel represents everything the KBCA stands for: unity, craftsmanship and purpose,” said Andrew Varga, founder of KBCA. “Four respected producers, each with their own identity and legacy, have come together in service of something bigger than themselves. In America’s 250th anniversary year, this collaboration honors our nation’s origins, our military’s shared sacrifice, and the idea that we are strongest when we stand together.”

In addition to the auctioned barrel, each participating distiller will release 100 individual bottles featuring a commemorative label honoring the collaboration and America’s milestone anniversary.

Collectively, J. Mattingly 1845, Heritage Distilling and Four Branches Bourbon have donated millions of dollars over many years to more than 50 military and veteran-focused organizations, including the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Folds of Honor, Disabled American Veterans, Navy SEAL Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation.

The United We Stand barrel joins a lineup of previously announced KBCA lots, including exclusive single-barrel selection experiences and historic bourbon releases. For the auction catalogue and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow KBCA on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

The KBCA will take place Feb. 13–15, 2026, in Louisville, Ky and consists of various bourbon-related events. For those who cannot attend the auction in person, there is a virtual option at the following link: KBCA Virtual Viewing Link

Media Contact:
Amy Preske
Booze PR
502-608-6502
408697@email4pr.com

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SOURCE KY Bourbon Country Auction

Report features differentiated nutrition education program and showcases rigorous product standards that advance human health, animal welfare and regenerative agricultural practices

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Natural Grocers®, the nation’s largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, is proud to announce the release of its Fiscal Year 2025 Sustainability Report. This year marks seven decades of the company’s unwavering commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable future for its customers, its good4uSM Crew and the communities it serves.

Natural Grocers® marks 70 years of industry leadership with the release of its Fiscal Year 2025 Sustainability Report.

The company’s 2025 report features Natural Grocers’ differentiated nutrition education program and highlights its elevated product standards. The report also includes several vendor profiles and showcases the company’s partnerships that demonstrate support and collaboration towards ecological sustainability.

“For seventy years, our family has believed that nutrition is the foundation of good health,” said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers. “Our 2025 Sustainability Report reflects our ongoing investment in nutrition education, rigorous product standards and partnerships that strengthen communities and support environmental stewardship.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 
The 2025 Report reflects Natural Grocers’ value-driven approach to supporting customers, Crew and communities. While the report covers several pillars — including product standards, regenerative agriculture, operational sustainability, and community support — this year’s emphasis is on the company’s dedication to providing nutrition education, a founding principle since 1955 and a continued point of distinction in the grocery industry.

  • Nutrition Education: Natural Grocers continues to empower wellness nationwide through its differentiated, evidence‑based nutrition education program. The company’s in-store Nutritional Health Coaches offer free one‑on‑one coaching, nutrition education classes, recipe demos and personalized shopping support for customers and Crew. In fiscal year 2025, the company invested more than $7 million in nutrition education services, underscoring its decades‑long belief that accessible, research‑backed nutrition guidance can meaningfully support individual and community well‑being. Additionally, Natural Grocers’ Nutrition Education program earned recognition with the Sustainability in the Food Industry Award from The Shelby Report.
  • Product Standards: Natural Grocers maintains some of the strictest product standards in the industry, including longstanding prohibitions on synthetic colors and problematic ingredients.
  • Support for Regenerative Agriculture: The company continues to prioritize vendors and farming partners committed to soil health, biodiversity and ecological stewardship.
  • Commitment to Sustainability: Operational decisions across stores, facilities and supply chain remain grounded in sustainable practices.
  • Community and Crew Support: Natural Grocers upholds its founding commitment to community well‑being and Crew development through education, benefits and local engagement.

LOOKING AHEAD
As Natural Grocers celebrates over seventy years of serving communities, its commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future is stronger than ever. The company’s continued growth and industry leadership show that a sustainable, affordable food system is both possible and essential. With every step forward, Natural Grocers remains dedicated to supporting the well-being of its customers, Crew and the planet for generations to come.

ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products and dietary supplements. The grocery products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners (as defined by its standards), synthetic colors or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers’ flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its Five Founding Principles—including its “Commitment to Community” and “Commitment to Crew.” In fiscal year 2025, the Company invested more than $16 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for Crew. Headquartered in Lakewood, CO, Natural Grocers has 168 stores in 21 states. Visit naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natural-grocers-releases-fiscal-year-2025-sustainability-report-celebrating-70-years-of-industry-leadership-302677080.html

SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

Report features differentiated nutrition education program and showcases rigorous product standards that advance human health, animal welfare and regenerative agricultural practices

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Natural Grocers®, the nation’s largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, is proud to announce the release of its Fiscal Year 2025 Sustainability Report. This year marks seven decades of the company’s unwavering commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable future for its customers, its good4uSM Crew and the communities it serves.

Natural Grocers® marks 70 years of industry leadership with the release of its Fiscal Year 2025 Sustainability Report.

The company’s 2025 report features Natural Grocers’ differentiated nutrition education program and highlights its elevated product standards. The report also includes several vendor profiles and showcases the company’s partnerships that demonstrate support and collaboration towards ecological sustainability.

“For seventy years, our family has believed that nutrition is the foundation of good health,” said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers. “Our 2025 Sustainability Report reflects our ongoing investment in nutrition education, rigorous product standards and partnerships that strengthen communities and support environmental stewardship.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 
The 2025 Report reflects Natural Grocers’ value-driven approach to supporting customers, Crew and communities. While the report covers several pillars — including product standards, regenerative agriculture, operational sustainability, and community support — this year’s emphasis is on the company’s dedication to providing nutrition education, a founding principle since 1955 and a continued point of distinction in the grocery industry.

  • Nutrition Education: Natural Grocers continues to empower wellness nationwide through its differentiated, evidence‑based nutrition education program. The company’s in-store Nutritional Health Coaches offer free one‑on‑one coaching, nutrition education classes, recipe demos and personalized shopping support for customers and Crew. In fiscal year 2025, the company invested more than $7 million in nutrition education services, underscoring its decades‑long belief that accessible, research‑backed nutrition guidance can meaningfully support individual and community well‑being. Additionally, Natural Grocers’ Nutrition Education program earned recognition with the Sustainability in the Food Industry Award from The Shelby Report.
  • Product Standards: Natural Grocers maintains some of the strictest product standards in the industry, including longstanding prohibitions on synthetic colors and problematic ingredients.
  • Support for Regenerative Agriculture: The company continues to prioritize vendors and farming partners committed to soil health, biodiversity and ecological stewardship.
  • Commitment to Sustainability: Operational decisions across stores, facilities and supply chain remain grounded in sustainable practices.
  • Community and Crew Support: Natural Grocers upholds its founding commitment to community well‑being and Crew development through education, benefits and local engagement.

LOOKING AHEAD
As Natural Grocers celebrates over seventy years of serving communities, its commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future is stronger than ever. The company’s continued growth and industry leadership show that a sustainable, affordable food system is both possible and essential. With every step forward, Natural Grocers remains dedicated to supporting the well-being of its customers, Crew and the planet for generations to come.

ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products and dietary supplements. The grocery products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners (as defined by its standards), synthetic colors or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers’ flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its Five Founding Principles—including its “Commitment to Community” and “Commitment to Crew.” In fiscal year 2025, the Company invested more than $16 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for Crew. Headquartered in Lakewood, CO, Natural Grocers has 168 stores in 21 states. Visit naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations.

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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

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