Tag: PR Newswire

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Piedmont Advantage Credit Union announced today that its charitable affiliate, the PACU Foundation, gifted $42,000 to seven North Carolina charities on Giving Tuesday, strengthening each organization’s ability to assist area residents overcoming financial hardship.

Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 to promote giving back. Since then, it has evolved into a worldwide movement that inspires millions to donate and celebrate generosity annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

“We at the PACU Foundation believed this day is important to take part in,” said PACU Foundation President Jean Golden-Rumer, adding, “This is why this is the fourth year we’ve held our annual check presentation on this day to honor the spirit of Giving Tuesday.”

Since its formation in 2020, the PACU Foundation has donated over $100,000 to local charities. The foundation’s ability to provide these funds comes from its generous corporate sponsors, fundraising event participants, and the dedication of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union employees and members.

Joining Golden-Rumer in the presentation were the PACU Foundation’s Board Chair, Mary Vitale, and Gifting Committee Chairman, James Moore.

This year, the PACU Foundation gifted $6,000 to seven local organizations:

• Education Over Debt Foundation: Provides scholarships for African American high school students in Mecklenburg County pursuing high education and supports undocumented high school students of color seeking citizenship and continued education.
• Help, Incorporated’s Square One Family Justice Center: Offers resources for financial safety to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and human trafficking at the newly constructed SquareOne facility in Rockingham County.
• Mooresville Area Christian Mission: Addresses intergenerational poverty through crisis assistance, case management, and educational programming, serving Iredell County.
• A Storehouse for Jesus: As a volunteer-led distribution and medical ministry, assists residents in need due to financial constraints, illness, domestic violence and homelessness by providing clothing, food, and household care in Davie County and surrounding areas.
• Winston-Salem Rescue Mission: Supports Winston-Salem through recovery programs for men seeking life changes. It provides food and clothing to families in need, as well as on-site medical and dental care.
• Winston-Salem Street School: A private alternative high school for at-risk youth in the Winston-Salem area, provides a holistic approach to education, focusing on strengthening students academically, socially, physically and spiritually to help them earn a state-recognized diploma.
• The Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro: Promotes women’s self-reliance through needs assessment, resource coordination and access to essential community resources.

“It is an honor and privilege to contribute to the excellent work these area charities are doing in our communities, from supporting residents facing financial hardship to funding educational programs,” Golden-Rumer said. “The PACU Foundation couldn’t be prouder of the amount of money we’ve raised this year, thanks to the compassion of our donors. We’re excited to keep the momentum going next year.”

About PACU Foundation
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the PACU Foundation advances charitable giving to support access to financial literacy, education and training and disaster and emergency assistance for residents overcoming financial hardship throughout the Triad and Charlotte communities.

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SOURCE Piedmont Advantage Credit Union

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For an unprecedented 20th year in a row, San Diego Gas & Electric^® (SDG&E) has been awarded the ReliabilityOne^® Award for Outstanding Reliability Performance in the Western Region by PA Consulting. This milestone achievement underscores the company’s long-term commitment to critical investments that enhance grid resilience and reliability for millions of consumers.

SDG&E’s reliability performance has outpaced that of its western peers, thanks to decades of strategic investments and forward-thinking initiatives. From modernizing infrastructure with advanced technologies to deploying predictive analytics that anticipate and help prevent outages, SDG&E has been a leader in reliability in the region. These efforts include implementing robust safety programs, upgrading transmission and distribution systems, and integrating smart-grid capabilities, all designed to help customers experience fewer and shorter interruptions.

Delivering reliable service 24/7, 365 days a year requires more than technology. It demands a highly skilled workforce, a resilient supply chain, and trusted contractor partnerships. SDG&E’s dedicated crews work around the clock to maintain and restore service quickly, supported by a network of suppliers and contractors who deliver critical materials and resources when needed. This collaborative approach, combined with rigorous planning and operational excellence, has enabled SDG&E to keep homes and businesses powered safely and reliably, no matter the challenge.

“This award is a reflection of our commitment to providing exceptional reliability and service to our customers and communities,” said Scott Crider, President of SDG&E. “We’re integrating new technologies and improving infrastructure while being mindful of how energy costs impact families and businesses. I’m proud of our 4,300 employees for turning innovation into action and developing a more sustainable energy system for the future.”

Delivering Excellence for Customers: A Journey of Strategic Investment
SDG&E’s 20-year reliability journey is marked by first-of-their-kind investments and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to create a safer, more resilient and reliable energy system for 3.4 million consumers.

• Grid Enhancements: Strengthened reliability by replacing older underground cables and overhead lines, adding smart switches that help limit outages, and improving restoration processes to restore power faster. The company has also enhanced the customer experience with real-time outage updates and an easy-to-use online tracking tool. SDG&E’s modernized data systems make quicker, data-driven decisions and analyze outages more effectively, helping keep service dependable for the communities it serves.
• Deploy Predictive and Automated Technology: Integrated a suite of advanced technologies, including a network of high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence for early fire detection. Advanced sectionalizing devices allow the grid to automatically isolate and contain outages, preventing more widespread power losses.
• Culture of Safety: California’s first utility to earn Cal/OSHA’s elite VPP safety certification for one of its facilities, exceeding industry standards for operational excellence. This recognition highlights SDG&E’s focus on workplace safety and innovation – reinforcing its commitment to protecting employees and delivering safe, resilient energy infrastructure.

“Utilities such as SDG&E are committed to delivering reliable service, enhancing resiliency, and maintaining affordability for their customers,” said PA’s ReliabilityOne^® Program Director Derek HasBrouck. “Increasingly, technology is being used to augment existing capabilities and improve overall system efficiency. These advancements include more accurate estimated restoration times, the implementation of advanced control systems that allow operators to manage infrastructure through a single user interface, and the integration of hardware and software to streamline restoration efforts. At the same time, utilities are continuing to refine and leverage technology to keep rates affordable and accessible for all customers. At PA, we’re proud to be working with utilities that are embracing this kind of innovation to meet evolving customer expectations.”

To learn more about SDG&E and its initiatives, visit SDGEtoday.com.

About PA Consulting
PA Consulting’s ReliabilityOne^® awards are presented to electric utilities providing their customers with the highest levels of reliability in the industry. PA Consulting’s ReliabilityOne^® study is based on standard industry reliability statistics that measure the frequency and duration of electric power outages. ReliabilityOne^® participants on average experienced 55% fewer sustained outages, and outages were 70% shorter than the average US investor-owned utility. PA Consulting has been analyzing electric-utility performance since 1987.

About SDG&E
SDG&E is an innovative, energy-delivery company that provides clean, safe, and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low- or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a recognized leader in its industry and community, as demonstrated by being named Corporate Partner of the Year at the San Diego Business Journal’s Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards and receiving PA Consulting’s ReliabilityOne^® Award for Outstanding Reliability Performance for 20 consecutive years. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy-infrastructure company. For more information, visit SDGEtoday.com or connect with SDG&E on social media @SDGE.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

LONDON, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yesterday, the Sustainable Markets Initiative hosted a gathering of Heads of States and Government, the Presidents of major multilateral development banks and leading development finance institutions, and chief executives from the world’s most influential banks, asset owners, insurers, alongside energy and infrastructure companies.

The shared mission is clear and urgent: to turn the transition to a sustainable global economy into the largest, most inclusive growth story of the 21st century by unleashing trillions of dollars of private capital into emerging and developing economies at speed and at scale.

This closed-door, delivery-oriented roundtable marks a decisive turning point. The models that work – guarantees at scale, originate-to-distribute, debt-for-Nature and transition swaps, blended first-loss structures and replicable blueprints – already exist and are proven.

Following the roundtable, participants attended a report back session with His Majesty The King, sharing their plans for action and the commitments they had made.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative is committed to supporting:

• Ambitious private capital mobilization ratios, scorecards and disclosure – transforming every public dollar into a powerful multiplier for private investment.
• A step-change in the scale of guarantees, political risk insurance and FX solutions, backed by deeper partnership with the global reinsurance industry.
• A predictable, securitization pipeline that the world’s largest asset owners can access.
• Rapid replication of Debt-for-Nature and Debt-for-Transition swaps, with a bold new “Debt-for-Transition Accelerator” to be launched at the SMI Annual Flagship CEO Summit in March 2026.
• Standardization of approaches and blueprints so private capital can move faster and with greater confidence than ever before.
• Tech-neutral blended finance that accelerates clean energy abundance – from renewables and nuclear to grids, storage and responsible fossil fuel transition – while creating millions of new jobs and new industries.
• The systematic use of government procurement and cutting-edge AI, data and space-based monitoring to slash perceived risk and make projects bankable..
• Country transition, adaptation and resilience through our government training programme and project training toolkit.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, M.V.O., CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: “The transition to a sustainable future is not a cost – it is in fact the world’s greatest economic opportunity. Today we are moving decisively from billions to trillions, from pilots to systemic scale, and from talk to delivery.  The private sector has already committed, and is delivering, trillions for transition by 2030.  Emerging and developing economies will not be left behind – they will lead the most exciting growth story of our time, powered by  private capital, AI empowered solutions, innovation and jobs.”

This convening sends an unmistakable signal to markets worldwide: the era of incremental progress is over. The world’s leading public and private institutions are now aligned and accelerating together. The outcomes agreed yesterday will be translated into major new commitments and initiatives at the SMI’s Annual Flagship Global CEO Summit from 11-12 March 2026, heralding a new age of prosperity built on clean energy, advanced technologies, resilient infrastructure and restored Nature.

The sustainable transition is no longer a distant hope – it is the defining growth engine of the coming decade.

About the Sustainable Markets Initiative

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III, the SMI is the world’s pre-eminent CEO-led coalition accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. www.sustainable-markets.org

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2836919/SMI.jpg

 

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SOURCE Sustainable Markets Initiative

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Opus Water, an engineered products water company backed by XPV Water Partners, has acquired Yeary Controls, an innovative provider of control valves, actuators, and flow control accessories based in Chicago, Illinois. The move further expands Opus Water’s growing portfolio of engineered solutions serving the water, wastewater, and industrial process fluid industries.

For more than 20 years, Yeary Controls has delivered durable, precision-engineered valve technologies that perform under demanding conditions. The Sharktooth™ Control Valve provides customers with superior cavitation and noise performance relative to traditional butterfly valves and is a more cost-effective solution relative to traditional control valves. Customers across applications such as water, wastewater, power generation, pulp & paper, steel, and mining appreciate the increased uptime and extended asset life the Sharktooth™ Control Valve delivers often outperforming alternatives by a factor of four or more. The Yeary Controls products complement Opus Water’s existing offerings, enabling the platform to offer a broader suite of solutions for complex fluid handling challenges.

“Yeary Controls brings exceptional engineering capabilities and a reputation for solving tough flow-control problems,” said John DeYarman, CEO of Opus Water. “Their offerings and expertise fit perfectly with our core purpose to provide innovative, reliable engineered products and solutions that deliver water safely even in the harshest applications.”

“We’re excited to join Opus Water with the team, scale, and resources they provide,” said Art Yeary, Founder and CEO of Yeary Controls. “This combination allows us to better serve our customers, accelerate innovation, and bring our valve technologies to new markets.”

The addition of Yeary Controls follows Opus Water’s earlier acquisitions and underscores the company’s commitment to building a best-in-class portfolio of engineered flow control solutions across water applications that share a focus on quality, innovation, and customer service.

“We’re honored to build upon the legacy Art created at Yeary Controls,” added DeYarman. “Opus Water is the right home for the customers, vendors, and employees of Yeary Controls and we look forward to growing together.”

About Opus Water

Opus Water is a growing water infrastructure solutions platform, dedicated to acquiring and accelerating the development of engineered product manufacturers serving the water, wastewater, and industrial process fluids industries. The company delivers innovative, reliable solutions designed to ensure safe and efficient water management across a wide range of applications—from municipal systems to complex industrial processes. With a focus on reliability, engineering excellence, and outstanding customer experience, Opus Water helps customers manage water challenges with confidence. Learn more at opuswaterinc.com.

About XPV Water Partners

XPV Water Partners is a team of experienced growth investors and business builders committed to making a difference in water. With more than US $1 billion in AUM, XPV leverages exceptional talent, deep industry knowledge, and a proven growth platform to rapidly scale businesses, generate superior returns for all stakeholders, and meaningfully contribute to a water-secure future. For more information, visit www.xpvwaterpartners.com.

Media Contact:

Ashley Schumann, The Vertical Solution
(808) 224-5773
405818@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Opus Water

MOAB, Utah, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This December, the Moab Office of Tourism debuts a new holiday tradition — one that honors the season in harmony with the land. In quiet contrast to the towering conifers and dazzling city light shows found elsewhere, Moab’s festive tree offers a celebration rooted in stillness, stars, and the rhythm of the high desert.

A roughly 200-year-old wild Utah Pinyon pine tree, nestled in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, will be gently lit with solar-powered lights from early December through early January. The tree’s soft glow invites visitors to slow down, look up, and embrace a more contemplative way to welcome winter. It is a reminder that wonder doesn’t always require wattage — sometimes it’s found under an open sky, carried by quiet, and shared with the land.

According to Sand Flats Recreation Area Director Andrea Brand, the festive tree underscores both a deeper appreciation for Moab’s native trees and stewardship.

“This is a new way to celebrate the season, but it’s more than just that,” Brand said. “It’s an opportunity to draw attention to the incredible age, resilience, and beauty of the living trees that define this landscape. Many visitors don’t realize that even a 10- or 15-foot juniper or pinyon tree can be centuries old.”

Brand added that the goal is to celebrate a living tree in its native setting — and to inspire visitors to appreciate the area and their role in protecting it.

This festive tree is a tribute to everything that makes Moab special: its dark skies, its deep sense of place, and a community that values true connection. Unlike the trees felled, shipped, and staged in big cities, Moab’s festive tree has never been moved or altered. It has stood in this spot for centuries — an enduring symbol of the region’s timeless relationship with the land and a gentle call to celebrate in a way that respects it.

To support Moab’s commitment to low-impact celebration, the festive tree is illuminated using a Goal Zero power bank and solar panel — equipment generously provided by Goal Zero to help ensure the project leaves no trace beyond its gentle glow.

Festive Tree Details

• Location: Sand Flats Recreation Area, Moab, Utah
• Tree: A wild, centuries-old Utah Pinyon pine
• Lighting Dates: December 2025 – early January 2026
• Lighting Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily (subject to change)
• Power Source: 100% solar-powered; Dark Sky compliant

Please respect Moab’s festive tree and surrounding lands. Stay on trail and rock surfaces to protect fragile desert soil. Please refrain from adding decorations or leaving items behind, and treat the area with care to preserve its natural beauty for future generations.

Moab Holiday Lights
Moab will also debut new holiday lights at Lions Park and host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Swanny City Park.

The bridge lighting will occur on Thursday, December 4:

• The official bridge lighting begins at 6:00 p.m., bathing the Colorado River corridor in a warm holiday glow and marking the start of Moab’s seasonal celebrations.
• Families arriving for photos with Santa should plan to be at the lower parking lot at Lions Park by 5:30 p.m., where hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Santa photos will begin immediately following the bridge lighting at 6:00 p.m.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Swanny City Park on Friday, December 5:

• The official Swanny Park tree lighting begins at 5 p.m. Santa will make another appearance, along with carolers.

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SOURCE Moab Office of Tourism

The multi-million dollar initiative–powered by Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative and the SUPERCHARGED Boost Bus–advances a new era of cultural connection, creative excellence, and nationwide community uplift.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On this global day of giving, Giving Tuesday, The Apollo and acclaimed artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Kwanza Jones announced Culture In Motion™, a new National Roadshow launching January 2026 to expand the Apollo’s nearly 100-year legacy into communities across the United States. Designed to strengthen cultural access and community connection, the Roadshow brings Apollo programming, creative engagement, and SUPERCHARGED^® by Kwanza Jones empowerment experiences directly to neighborhoods nationwide.

Culture In Motion is the inaugural activation of the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative’s (Jones•Feliciano Initiative) Producing Partner Program. After a rigorous application and review process, The Apollo was selected as the first institutional partner for its historic role as a global cultural beacon and its ongoing commitment to community impact. The multi-million dollar investment reflects Jones•Feliciano Initiative’s transformational Impact Multiplier™ model, which goes beyond capital–providing institutions with strategic guidance, creative support, operational expertise, and access to a powerful ecosystem of knowledge and networks. Guided by Co-Founder Kwanza Jones’ belief that “funding is the starting point, not the finish line,” the model strengthens communities, expands institutional capacity, and multiplies long-term impact beyond Giving Tuesday.

A signature feature of the Culture In Motion Roadshow is the SUPERCHARGED^® Boost Bus™– a custom mobile cultural hub designed to deliver Apollo artistry, creativity, and empowerment directly to local neighborhoods. The Boost Bus will transport The Apollo’s heritage, performances, storytelling, and legendary Amateur Night spirit into communities, meeting people where they are and giving them a powerful boost to go further.

Building on that momentum, Culture in Motion blends the Apollo’s legacy with bold, future-forward innovation through four programming pillars:

• Arts Access: Live performances, creative showcases, and Apollo-style programming
• Community Engagement: Collaborations with cultural institutions, schools, and grassroots organizations
• Empowerment: Activations that spark creativity, encourage innovation, and turn inspiration into action
• Legacy & Innovation: Honoring The Apollo’s heritage while embracing new formats, technologies, and emerging voices

The Roadshow is co-produced by The Apollo in partnership with, and led by, SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones–the empowerment media and creative studio known for building transformative, high-energy experiences that spark courage, confidence, community, and action. SUPERCHARGED brings experiential design, creative production, and storytelling that bridge The Apollo’s iconic legacy with bold, next-era programming.

“The Apollo has always been more than a stage–it’s a space where people use their voice, own their power, and take action,” said Kwanza Jones, Executive Producer, Apollo Board Member, Apollo Alum, and Co-Founder of the Jones•Feliciano Initiative. “My Apollo story started on the Amateur Night Stage, where I was encouraged to amplify my voice and my purpose. That’s the power of what The Apollo does–it’s a place for all people. I’m excited that this Roadshow will help even more people create their own Apollo story–one that starts right where they are.“

“Giving Tuesday is about strengthening community through generosity, and this partnership reflects exactly that,” said Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of The Apollo. “Through Culture In Motion, we are bringing the heart of The Apollo directly to the people across the country. Together with Kwanza Jones, José E. Feliciano, and the SUPERCHARGED team, we’re opening fresh pathways for connection as we step into The Apollo’s next century. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating and supporting this next chapter of our journey with the Apollo Roadshow.” “What I’m really excited about is that this partnership with Kwanza Jones, José E. Feliciano & the SUPERCHARGED team will help advance our centennial strategy to continue to globalize The Apollo,” said Joy Profet, Chief Growth Officer, The Apollo. “It’s groundbreaking! The Apollo has never done anything like this in 91 years. As we make this come to life and reimagine what The Apollo experience will look like for the world, I’m excited that this will live on beyond the reopening of the Historic Apollo Mainstage.“

In January 2026, the Culture In Motion Roadshow will hold a send-off celebration at The Apollo in Harlem. The tour will then officially kick off its cross-country journey in Los Angeles during Grammy Week, before traveling through vibrant cultural hubs across Southern and Northern California, including:

• Los Angeles, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Inglewood, CA
• San Diego, CA
• Santa Clara, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Oakland, CA
• Sacramento, CA

From there, the multi-city tour will travel to major cultural centers, campuses, and community venues across the United States, including Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Washington D.C., and additional stops to be announced. International destinations are under evaluation for early 2027.

Follow the movement. Communities or organizations interested in participating, collaborating, or hosting a Roadshow activation can find details at https://boostbus.com. Join us in moving culture forward: #CultureInMotion and bring a #CultureBoost to your community.

About The Apollo
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity. apollotheater.org | @apollotheater | #ApolloRoadshow

About SUPERCHARGED^® By Kwanza Jones
SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones is the future-forward creative studio and empowerment platform founded and led by multidisciplinary artist, investor, and philanthropist Kwanza Jones. Ignited by her signature formula–energy + intention + impact– SUPERCHARGED creates dynamic music, innovative media, and transformational experiences that boost confidence, build community, and inspire meaningful action. Every project carries the imprint of Kwanza’s high-voltage vision and contributes to the growing Kwanzaverse ecosystem. The mission is simple yet SUPERCHARGED: elevate culture, expand human potential, and uplift humanity. Visit kwanzajones.com | @kwanzajones | #CultureSUPERCHARGED

About Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative
The Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative (Jones•Feliciano Initiative) is a private family office and impact organization founded in 2014 by life and business partners Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano. Guided by the belief that philanthropy is an investment–not a charity–the Initiative combines strategic investments with purpose-driven philanthropy to advance long-term progress. The work spans four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment. To date, the founders have personally committed more than $250 million to catalytic efforts that strengthen communities, increase access to capital, and drive meaningful impact. Visit https://jonesfeliciano.com | @jonesfelicianoinitiative

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SOURCE SUPERCHARGED

• Eight causes advancing education, health, culture and resilience
• Grants fuel long‑term wellbeing and uplift overlooked communities

HIGHLAND, Calif., Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of Giving Tuesday, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) announced $450,000 in grants to eight local and Native‑led nonprofits, underscoring the Tribe’s commitment to empower communities, elevate voices and build pathways to lasting resilience. The grants will help fund direct impact programs that advance the long-term wellbeing of people and the environment.

Each aligned with one of the Tribe’s four giving pillars, this year’s honorees are:

• San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, receiving a $100,000 grant to support the comprehensive “cradle to career roadmap” which aims to support the county-wide vision of life-long learning where every student has the mindset and disposition for college and career readiness.
• Cedar House Life Change Center, receiving a $100,000 grant to provide evidence-based treatment and empower those affected by addiction.
• Arts Connection, receiving a $50,000 grant to provide art programming for residents of San Bernardino County broadening accessibility for artists and programming.
• California Native Vote Project, receiving a $50,000 grant to advance civic participation and political power within Native American communities. CNVP employs an integrated voter engagement strategy that combines voter registration, education, organizing, research, and leadership development.
• Desert Research Institute, receiving a $50,000 grant to provide students with early and equal access to engaging and quality computer science instruction to build a foundation for their success in STEM classes, majors and jobs.
• Inland Empire Journalism Hub, receiving a $50,000 grant to strengthen local journalism by providing funding, shared resources and collaborative opportunities for journalists and media organizations in the region.
• Red Media, receiving a $25,000 grant to create the First America Podcast which will focus on the 250-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from a Native-American perspective.
• Who We Play For, receiving a $25,000 grant to provide affordable heart screenings and advocate for awareness in San Bernardino County Schools.

In the last two decades, YSMN has contributed over $450 million to charitable causes and continues to dedicate resources to underfunded communities in the Inland Empire region. These efforts continue the Tribe’s inherent stewardship of their Serrano ancestral lands, uplifting those who dwell within them.

To learn more about the Tribe’s giving, visit SanManuelCares.org.

About Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. The Tribe, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, proudly reclaims their ancestral name—Yuhaaviatam (pronounced “yu-HAH-vee-ah-tahm”)— honoring the deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy of their people. Exercising their inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to their citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic, and cultural development.

As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains, and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region.

For more information, visit sanmanuel-nsn.gov

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SOURCE Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

Award for Production-Ready Aluminium Alloy Made with 100% Recycled End-of-Life Automotive Scrap

ZURICH, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Novelis, a leading sustainable aluminium solutions provider and the world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, has been honoured with the 2025 German Ecodesign Award in the category “Product” today. The award recognizes a prototype aluminium sheet made with 100% end-of-life vehicle scrap, specifically developed for use in exterior car body applications.

Innovation Across the Entire Value Chain
The award-winning product is the result of continuous research and development in close collaboration with partners across the entire automotive value chain. Today’s commercially available alloy Novelis Advanz™ 6F – e170RC for exterior applications contains at least 75% recycled content, sourced from a mix of pre-consumer vehicle manufacturing scrap and post-consumer aluminium from various end-of-life products. The awarded prototype is a breakthrough: Novelis achieved 100% recycled content by solely using end-of-life automotive material as a single source of scrap. This achievement proves that true car-to-car aluminium recycling is technically and economically feasible.

“This award is a recognition of the vision and dedication of our team that made this innovation possible,” said Michael Hahne, VP Commercial, Novelis Europe. “We thank the jury of the German Ecodesign Award for this honour which will further motivate us to deliver more sustainable solutions to the market and strengthen collaboration across the recycling ecosystem.”

Established Recycling Loops and High Material Efficiency
Novelis has strategically established and invested in closed loop recycling systems to bring automotive production scrap back into its products and prevent down-cycling. As part of its ambitious Novelis 3×30 sustainability strategy, the company is actively promoting a fully circular economy to establish product-to-product circularity for aluminium. To this end, Novelis is also continuously increasing the share of end-of-life materials by creating new, innovative material flows and fostering transparent collaboration across the recycling ecosystem. This collective approach is essential to secure scalable access to high-quality end-of-life automotive scrap.

Significant CO₂ Savings Through Aluminium Recycling
Aluminium recycling reduces energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 95% compared to primary aluminium production. The introduction of highly recycled aluminium alloys therefore has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the automotive industry and supports aspects of the EU’s critical raw material act.

The German Ecodesign Award is Germany’s highest state award for ecological design according to its organisers. It has been presented since 2012 by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the German Environment Agency in cooperation with the International Design Center Berlin (IDZ). It honours pioneering products, services, and concepts that combine design and environmental responsibility in an innovative way.

The official award ceremony took place on December 1, 2025, in Berlin.

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 aluminium products and solutions and the world’s largest recycler of aluminium. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of low-carbon, sustainable aluminium 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 aluminium and copper, and the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai. For more information, visit novelis.com.   

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SOURCE Novelis Inc.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, Makers Nutrition has donated $1,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) to help support their mission of creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

As a company that values community and compassion, Makers Nutrition wanted to give back to those right next door. BBBSLI has been serving the Long Island community for more than 45 years, making a lasting impact on children’s lives through mentoring, guidance, and friendship. The organization carefully matches adult volunteers with children to help them build confidence, achieve educational success, and develop positive relationships that can change their lives for the better.

“Giving Tuesday reminds us that every act of kindness—no matter the size—has the power to make a meaningful difference,” said Makers Nutrition’s CEOO Jai Nandalall. “We wanted to support a local organization whose mission directly strengthens our community, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island does exactly that every day.”

BBBSLI currently serves hundreds of children across Nassau and Suffolk counties, offering consistent mentorship and encouragement to help young people reach their full potential. Donations such as Makers Nutrition’s allow BBBSLI to recruit, train, and support more mentors, ensuring that more children can benefit from these life-changing relationships.

Makers Nutrition encourages other Long Island businesses to consider lending their support to local organizations this holiday season. Acts of generosity, big or small, help strengthen the bonds that make Long Island such a special place to live and work.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

For over four decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island has been providing children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships. Through the power of mentorship, BBBSLI helps youth achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships—empowering them to realize their full potential. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and how you can get involved, visit www.bbbsli.org.

About Makers Nutrition

Makers Nutrition is a leading provider of dietary supplement manufacturing, design, packaging, and fulfillment services. Based in Hauppauge, NY, the company is dedicated not only to excellence in service but also to making a positive impact through ongoing community involvement and charitable giving.

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SOURCE Makers Nutrition, LLC

The recognition follows a period of significant commercial growth, expanding infrastructure, and measurable environmental and economic impact

HOUSTON, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vaulted Deep has been named to Inc.’s 2025 Best in Business list for scaling the first commercial infrastructure for simultaneously managing organic waste while delivering permanent carbon removal. The recognition in the Best Startups category follows a year of growth across Vaulted’s operations, infrastructure, and commercial traction. In 2025, Vaulted expanded its operating capacity, delivered more than 23,000 tonnes of verified CO₂ removal, and secured long-term agreements with Microsoft and Google.

Vaulted Deep is a waste management company that takes excess organic waste that can’t be safely reused and permanently stores it underground, delivering durable carbon removal. Using proven subsurface injection technology from the oil and gas industry, the company places these wastes into stable geologic formations deep underground, stopping the release of greenhouse gases, locking away contaminants, and protecting nearby land, air, and water for communities.

Why This Matters

• Across the U.S., municipalities, agriculture operators, and industrial facilities face growing volumes of organic waste that lack safe long-term disposal pathways, including excess manure, crop residues, biosolids, and paper sludge.
• These materials drive greenhouse gas emissions and carry contaminants into local land, air, and waterways when landfilled, incinerated, or applied to land.
• Vaulted Deep is operating the country’s first commercial infrastructure designed to permanently dispose of these hard-to-manage materials while delivering durable, verifiable carbon removal and tangible community benefits.

Measurable Environmental and Commercial Momentum

Vaulted’s commercial operations and environmental impact accelerated significantly in 2025:

• Tripled waste processing capacity at its expanded Great Plains Facility in Hutchinson, Kansas—now the largest carbon removal facility in the world.
• Delivered more than 23,000 tonnes of verified CO₂ removal in 2025, a 183% increase from 2024 to 2025.
• Grew long-term contracted carbon removal volumes more than 3,000%, including a 4.9 million tonne agreement with Microsoft and a 50,000 tonne commitment from Google.

Together, these achievements show increasing demand for secure waste disposal pathways that benefit the climate and local communities.

Expanding National Infrastructure

Vaulted is advancing additional facilities in California, Colorado, and other regions across the U.S. The new sites represent millions of tonnes of potential future removal capacity and a necessary new disposal pathway for challenging organic waste. The company will continue to expand its geologic waste management infrastructure, advance methane quantification work, and grow partnerships with municipalities, industrial operators, and climate buyers.

These milestones demonstrate Vaulted’s growing operating capacity and expanding national reach. Vaulted Deep now operates the country’s first commercial infrastructure to turn hard-to-manage organic waste into permanent carbon removal and support communities at meaningful scale.

About Vaulted Deep

Vaulted Deep is a waste management company that turns unusable organic waste—from agriculture, paper, wastewater, and more—into permanent carbon removal by storing it deep underground with proven subsurface injection technology. This solution removes carbon from the atmosphere, prevents methane emissions, and keeps contaminants out of local land, air, and water—creating tangible benefits for both climate and communities. With commercial sites already operating, Vaulted is setting a new standard for waste management and climate infrastructure.

Media Contact: Brooke Kinney | Vaulted@launchsquad.com

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SOURCE Vaulted Deep