Tag: PR Newswire

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month initiative aims to spark memory through scent

RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This November, Pine Glo is giving back close to home with The Reminiscents Project. In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and inspired by research linking scent and improved memory, Pine Glo will donate a full suite of its disinfectant cleaning products, including its lavender-scented, purple cleaner – the color of Alzheimer’s awareness – to assisted living and memory care facilities across Eastern Wake County and beyond.

Researchers have found that scent may play a surprising role in keeping memories alive. A 2023 UC Irvine study reported that seniors exposed to a variety of scents during their sleep saw a 226 percent improvement in short-term memory, highlighting just how powerful smell can be in preserving and sparking memory.

As a trusted value brand, Pine Glo provides dependable cleaning and disinfecting power at a lower cost, making it an affordable way to keep spaces fresh, healthy and welcoming. With this donation, the company aims to create environments where the smell of clean can spark comfort, connection and even cherished memories for residents and caregivers.

“Our goal has always been to keep families safe and healthy with reliable, affordable disinfecting power,” said Matthew Diehl, President of Pine Glo. “With The Reminiscents Project, we’re taking that one step further by using scent as a bridge to memory, and honoring the resilience of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.”

Deliveries will take place throughout November at facilities across North Carolina. Communities, families and staff are encouraged to spark their own memory moments through scent at home, or visit www.reminiscentsproject.com to learn more and request a Pine Glo Reminiscents delivery to a local facility.

ABOUT PINE GLO
Since 1979, Pine Glo has delivered effective and affordable disinfectant cleaning solutions trusted by families across the U.S. Based in Zebulon, NC, this family-run business is known for its reliable cleaning power at a value price. Pine Glo is an EPA-registered all-purpose disinfecting cleaner, proven to kill germs and viruses on hard, nonporous surfaces. Each batch is produced under rigorous quality testing with exceptionally low tolerance for variation, ensuring consistent strength, safety and performance. With its commitment to dependable disinfecting power and everyday value, Pine Glo continues to help households and communities stay clean, healthy and protected.

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SOURCE Pine Glo

Financing Commitments to Support Ongoing Operations and Robust Sales Process

Company in Active Discussions with Multiple Interested Potential Acquirors

Commences Voluntary Chapter 11 Proceedings with Support of Key Financial Stakeholders

Business Operations Will Continue Uninterrupted During Process

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pine Gate Renewables, LLC (“Pine Gate” or the “Company”), a leading developer and owner-operator of renewable energy projects across the United States, today announced that it is pursuing a strategic and value-maximizing sales process for substantially all of its assets and business operations. Pine Gate’s operations will continue uninterrupted while the Company continues to engage in a competitive sales process with multiple interested parties to transition ownership of its solar and energy storage project fleet while preserving jobs and maximizing value.

To support Pine Gate through this process, the Company has secured financing commitments from certain of its current lenders that will be used to support operations, including the advancement of projects in development and under construction. As part of the financing, Pine Gate is entering into a series of agreements with its lenders, including:

• Agreements with certain secured lenders, to sell certain of Pine Gate’s solar operating (and near completion) projects and development assets that secure each such lender’s respective financing facilities. Each such lender will serve as the “stalking horse bidder” for their respective asset portfolio, subject to higher or otherwise better offers for such assets or the Company; and
• An agreement with another secured lender, to sell Pine Gate’s independent power producer platform and substantially all of its development pipeline, which includes ~10 GWdc of safe harbored new project capacity. The lender will serve as the “stalking horse bidder” for these assets and the platform, subject to higher or otherwise better offers for such assets or the Company.

To facilitate the sales process and maximize value for all stakeholders, Pine Gate and certain subsidiaries have initiated voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. Pine Gate expects to complete the marketing and sales process, which will provide interested parties the opportunity to submit competing bids for the Company and its assets, in approximately 45 days.

ACT Power Services, the Company’s wholly-owned operations and maintenance (“O&M”) provider, is not part of the Chapter 11 process. The Company is, however, in active discussions with multiple interested parties to identify a value-maximizing sale transaction for that business.

During the court-supervised sales process, Pine Gate and ACT Power Services are continuing to support their project partners and advance projects currently in development and under construction, as well as provide O&M services. Pine Gate’s operational projects will also continue to generate and sell power.

“Since our founding almost 10 years ago, Pine Gate has grown tremendously, deploying innovative solar and energy storage projects at scale that enable us to deliver renewable, reliable, and affordable energy,” said Ben Catt, Chief Executive Officer of Pine Gate. “To ensure that our projects continue generating renewable energy, we made the strategic decision to commence this court-supervised sales process. With significant financial support from certain of our current lenders, we’re confident that we will successfully conduct a competitive sales process that reflects the inherent value of our nationwide portfolio of solar and energy storage projects.”

Mr. Catt continued, “I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Pine Gate team who has been key to helping us drive the renewable energy transition. As we move through this process, we remain committed to supporting our valued project partners across our more than 100 operational solar facilities and forging ahead with our projects in development and under construction.”

Additional Information Regarding the Court-Supervised Sales Process

Pine Gate has also filed a number of customary “first day” motions with the Court seeking to maintain uninterrupted operations and uphold its go-forward commitments to stakeholders. These motions include requests to continue paying wages and providing benefits to the Company’s employees as usual, and to continue honoring postpetition obligations to commercial partners. Pine Gate expects to receive Court approval for these requests shortly.

In addition, to assist in the process, the Company has appointed Mark Rajcevich, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, as Chief Restructuring Officer. Mr. Rajcevich brings more than 20 years of financial restructuring experience and energy industry expertise to Pine Gate.

Additional information regarding Pine Gate’s court-supervised sales process is available at the Company’s restructuring website, www.PGRsaleprocess.com. Court filings and other information related to the proceedings are available on a separate website administered by the Company’s claims agent, Omni Agent Solutions (“Omni”), at https://omniagentsolutions.com/PGR; by calling Omni representatives toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at +1 (888) 812-2572 or (747) 263-0193 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada; or by emailing PGRInquiries@omniagnt.com.

Advisors

Latham & Watkins LLP and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP are serving as legal counsel, Alvarez & Marsal is serving as restructuring advisor, Lazard is serving as investment banker, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor to Pine Gate.

About Pine Gate Renewables

Pine Gate Renewables is a developer and owner-operator of renewable energy projects across the United States. Dedicated to delivering sustainability at scale, Pine Gate has over 30 GW of projects in its development pipeline, has closed approximately $10 billion in project financing and capital investment, and operates a fleet of over 2 GW of solar and storage assets. The Company also provides services to over 7 GW of third party solar and storage assets through wholly owned subsidiary ACT Power Services. Pine Gate is proud to invest in the communities where we live, develop, and operate projects through corporate partnerships and charitable initiatives supported by the Pine Gate Community Impact Fund.

Media Contact

Pine Gate Renewables
Kristen McKenzie
Media@pgrenewables.com

Andy Brimmer / Aaron Palash / Richard M. Goldman
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
PineGateMedia@joelefrank.com
212-355-4449

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SOURCE Pine Gate Renewables

Donations strengthen community food resources for families struggling to access healthy food

CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (Meridian) and Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), today announced a strategic and timely investment aimed at addressing food insecurity across Illinois. This initiative comes as millions of Americans face increasing challenges in accessing nutritious food due to recent disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity currently affects approximately 47.4 million people nationwide, including 13.8 million children.

This support is a continuation of Meridian’s commitment to helping those most in need and advancing long-term solutions to hunger and nutrition challenges. The $300,000 donation will help support access to healthy, nutritious food in communities across Illinois, including:

• Beyond Hunger
• Brave Space Alliance
• Central Illinois Foodbank
• Collinsville Food Pantry
• Dream Center Peoria
• Eastern Illinois Foodbank
• Food Pantry Network-Heart of Illinois
• Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Gum Drops
• Loaves & Fishes Community Services
• Midwest Food Bank
• Neighborhood Food Pantries
• Northern Illinois Food Bank
• Nourishing Hope
• People’s Resource Center
• River Bend Foodbank
• Rock House Kids
• Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network
• St. Louis Area Foodbank
• The Kindness Campaign
• Tri-State Food Bank

Meridian Health Plan of Illinois has also rolled out a number of initiatives to combat food insecurity across the state, including:

• Eat Well, Be Well is Meridian’s new 2025 nutrition and wellness program designed to empower its members from all backgrounds to take control of their health through relevant, affordable, and nutritious meal options. The program recognizes that food choices are shaped by culture, health needs, and access. More recipe information can be found at ILmeridian.com/eatwell.
• Meridian at the Market is a program that works with farmers’ markets in communities with high food insecurities in central and southern Illinois. This initiative provides community members with access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables by offering vouchers to purchase fresh farm foods.
• Meridian’s Health Happens Here Grants™ program distributes various sums of money to organizations that support our members’ health, such as food, in communities where Meridian members live.

“Food insecurity remains one of the most urgent health challenges facing our state. In August alone, almost 14.7% of our population needed extra help to feed their families. At Meridian, we see every day how hunger affects health, dignity, and opportunity. That’s why this investment is so important. By working alongside community partners, we’re ensuring families have access to healthy meals today while supporting long-term solutions that strengthen the well-being of communities across Illinois,” said Cristal Gary, Plan President and CEO of Meridian Health Plan of Illinois.

Meridian’s support is part of a $1.5 million commitment from the Centene Foundation to organizations across the country, particularly food banks and other community-based groups that are typically preparing for winter but may already be experiencing critical shortages.

“Families across the country are facing unprecedented challenges as essential nutrition programs experience strain and demand for food assistance continues to rise. Local organizations have been working tirelessly to meet these needs, and this emergency funding will strengthen their efforts — helping ensure that children and families most at risk have access to healthy meals during this critical time,” said Centene’s Chief Health Officer Alice Chen, MD. “Access to nutritious food is foundational to good health, and sustained investment in these programs is essential to reducing disparities and improving long-term outcomes for vulnerable communities.”

Centene has long championed the fight against food insecurity. With more than 95% of its Medicaid plans offering food or nutrition intervention programs, which help address the social factors driving 80% of health outcomes, access to nutritious food remains a vital health priority.

In 2024, Centene invested $77.1 million toward food security. Specifically, Centene’s efforts have spanned multiple states, leveraging innovative, community-based partnerships to combat food insecurity and chronic disease – from Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan to farmers market produce vouchers in Illinois, grocery support for diabetic members in Nebraska and maternal care food programs in Arkansas – reinforcing Centene’s long-standing commitment to food as a critical driver of health.

These investments reflect Centene’s broader mission to transform community health through locally driven solutions, addressing drivers like access to nutritious food and promoting long-term sustainability by integrating food access with healthcare services.

About Meridian Health Plan of Illinois 

Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and its family of health plans provide government-sponsored managed care to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs. This includes Meridian Medicaid Plan, YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois, Wellcare (Medicare Advantage plans), Wellcare By Meridian (Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid plans), and Ambetter Marketplace plans. Meridian connects members to care and offers comprehensive services to support lifelong health and wellness. Meridian is a company of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Learn more at ILmeridian.com. 

About Centene Foundation

The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare, social services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.

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SOURCE Meridian of Illinois

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Warmies announced today that the Warmies® Dino Collection, featuring the Pterodactyl, Velociraptor, Green Dino, Purple Long Neck, and Triceratops, has been selected in the 2025 Oprah‘s Favorite Things holiday gifts list featured on OprahDaily.com and in Oprah Daily’s special print 2025 Holiday Edition, on newsstands nationwide on November 11.

The Warmies Pterodactyl, Velociraptor, Green Dino, Purple Long Neck, and Triceratops will be available for purchase on Warmies.com , OprahDaily.com, and thousands of retailers nationwide.. Beloved by kids and adults alike, the Warmies® Dino Collection brings prehistoric charm to the holidays with cozy, huggable comfort. Each microwavable super soft plush is weighted, and lightly scented with real French lavender, offering soothing warmth or cooling relief for year-round relaxation. From the friendly Triceratops to the playful Velociraptor, these adorable dinos make the perfect holiday gift for little adventurers, dino lovers, and anyone who could use a little extra comfort this season.

As Oprah says on OprahDaily.com, “These snuggly dinos double as bedtime heroes: Pop them in the microwave for up to 90 seconds until they emerge warm, weighted, and lightly scented with French lavender to help kids unwind.”

To shop Oprah‘s Favorite Things this year, readers can also use Oprah Daily’s brand-new Gift Finder, presented by Snapdragon. This AI-assisted search tool helps people discover the best gift ideas based on who they’re shopping for, sifting through hundreds of Oprah Daily’s gift recommendations—including past Favorite Things—offering spot-on suggestions for everyone on your list.

Oprah‘s Favorite Things list is a must-have holiday shopping guide that features the most ingenious gadgets, fashionable sustainable goods, decadent desserts and the finest finds in home, fashion, and beauty. For nearly 30 years, the brand has showcased must-give gifts for the holidays, often serving as a launch pad for small businesses and highlighting the inspiring stories of the owners behind the products. 60% of the items on the 2025 OFT List are selected from small businesses.

Designed to delight both kids and adults, Warmies microwavable plush provides soothing warmth and comfort for all ages. Choose your favorite Dino from Oprah‘s list or shop hundreds of other lovable, huggable designs from Warmies, delivering cozy joy and timeless charm to holiday celebrations everywhere.

The Warmies Pterodactyl, Velociraptor, Green Dino, Purple Long Neck, and Triceratops are available for purchase on warmies.com for $29.99 each.

About Warmies:
For over 25 years, Warmies has set the standard for comfort and wellness for all ages. In addition to their best-selling, microwavable plush toys, the brand also offers wellness products, including heating pads, eye masks, slippers, as well as children’s books, pajamas and more. Warmies is dedicated to giving back by regularly donating products to hospitals and organizations for distribution to children and adults in need. All products are available to shop at warmies.com.

PRESS CONTACT:
Michele Marie PR
warmies@michelemariepr.com
646.863.3923

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SOURCE Warmies

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Save the Giraffes, a Texas-based nonprofit founded by the team behind Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, has announced two major milestones in global giraffe conservation: the opening of the Giraffe Research Centre (GRC) in South Africa, a facility fully funded by Save the Giraffes, and a new research partnership with Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas led by Dr. Stephen Momberg, the organization’s Director of Veterinary Care & Research Programs.

Together, these initiatives strengthen Save the Giraffes’ mission to protect and study giraffes through collaboration, innovation, and science-based conservation across two continents.

Giraffe Research Centre Opens in South Africa

The Giraffe Research Centre, located at Amanzi Private Game Reserve, was developed in partnership with the University of the Free State (UFS), Absolute Genetics, and Save the Giraffes, which provided the primary funding for the facility. The state-of-the-art centre represents a global milestone in giraffe conservation — uniting scientists, veterinarians, and conservationists from around the world to advance studies in genetics, reproduction, physiology, and welfare.

At the heart of the new Centre is a large, naturalistic enclosure that allows giraffes to roam freely while researchers interact with them. This innovative design minimizes stress and enables conservationists to safely engage with giraffes during advanced reproductive procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), a technique that Save the Giraffes helped pioneer through the world’s first successfully preserved giraffe embryo.

“We are honored to fund and support the Giraffe Research Centre and to work alongside such extraordinary partners,” said Tiffany Soechting, Director of Save the Giraffes and Animal Specialist at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. “This facility represents hope, not just for giraffes in Africa, but for conservation efforts worldwide. Together, we’re building a future where these magnificent animals continue to thrive.”

The GRC will also serve as a hands-on training and education hub for international students and researchers, providing field-based experience in giraffe health, reproduction, and behavior while advancing the next generation of wildlife scientists.

Save the Giraffes Partners with Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas

Texas, USA — Save the Giraffes has announced an exciting new research partnership with Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch to advance giraffe conservation, welfare, and education in the United States.

As part of this collaboration, Dr. Stephen Momberg, a wildlife veterinarian employed by Save the Giraffes, will conduct research at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Dr. Momberg will have access to the Ranch’s extensive animal collection, including more than 50 species and one of the nation’s most successful giraffe breeding programs, to study wildlife health and conservation, with a particular focus on giraffes.

Born and raised in South Africa, Dr. Stephen Momberg is a conservationist and wildlife veterinarian whose career spans rhino conservation, mixed veterinary practice, and international giraffe research. He holds degrees in Zoology and Genetics from the University of the Free State and in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Save the Giraffes and support Dr. Momberg’s important work,” said Tiffany Soechting, Animal Specialist at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. “His research will not only benefit our conservation efforts here at the Ranch but will also contribute to giraffe conservation initiatives nationwide. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to preserving these incredible animals for generations to come.”

Texas Roots, Global Reach

Save the Giraffes was founded at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch following the rare 2013 birth of twin giraffes, Buddy and Wasswa, an event that inspired the organization’s founding mission to support giraffe conservation through education, research, and collaboration.

With the opening of the Giraffe Research Centre in South Africa and Dr. Momberg’s research partnership in Texas, Save the Giraffes now operates as a transcontinental conservation network, combining the resources, expertise, and passion of scientists and wildlife professionals across the globe.

From the plains of South Africa to the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Save the Giraffes continues to build a bridge between continents, ensuring a future where giraffes not only survive, but thrive.

About Save the Giraffes:

Save the Giraffes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing giraffe conservation through scientific research, education, and collaboration with global partners. By supporting fieldwork and research, the organization works to protect wild and captive giraffe populations for future generations. Learn more at www.savethegiraffes.org.

About Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch:

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has been a leader in wildlife conservation and education for over 40 years, offering guests the chance to experience a drive-through safari and learn about species from six continents. Through partnerships like this, the Ranch continues to play an active role in global conservation conversations. For more information about Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, visit www.wildliferanchtexas.com.

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SOURCE Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Representatives from Cummins, Cyclic Materials, Magna, and NTIC / Zerust recognized for environmental leadership

SALINE, Mich., Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), an association of global vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers working together to advance environmental sustainability through the automotive value chain, today announced the recipients of its 2025 environmental leadership awards at its fourth quarter membership meeting hosted at the Toyota Supplier Center in Saline, Michigan.

The SP Awards celebrate leadership and innovation in environmental sustainability throughout the automotive supply chain. The 2025 Awards were presented in four categories: Community Impact, Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices, Demonstrating Environmental Innovation, and, Shining Star.

This year’s awardees were selected from more than two dozen qualified applications, evaluated by a panel of senior sustainability leaders from Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis, and SP. Applications were scored based on their positive environmental impact, level of innovation, and potential for transferability across the automotive value chain.

Community Impact
The Community Impact Award recognizes suppliers that strive to extend the positive impacts of their sustainability efforts to local communities through outreach and education.

The 2025 award was presented to Cummins for its Cummins Water Works initiative, which advances water security and empowers communities through sustainable, high-impact water projects around the world. Since 2021, the program has delivered more than 8.7 billion gallons of water benefits, reaching 6.3 million people across 21 countries. Cummins was recognized for its commitment to addressing water scarcity through strategic community investments that enhance resilience in the regions where its employees live and work.

Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices
The Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices Award recognizes suppliers that demonstrate remarkable creativity in implementing environmental sustainability initiatives.

The 2025 award was presented to NTIC / Zerust for its ZeCycle Recycling Program, a new closed-loop solution that transforms used automotive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) plastic packaging into new post-consumer recycled films. The program, developed in partnership with total waste management firm RecycleMax, originated through collaboration within SP and exemplifies how member partnerships can drive tangible circular economy outcomes.

Demonstrating Environmental Innovation

The Demonstrating Environmental Innovation Award recognizes suppliers that deliver outstanding innovation in manufacturing processes or technologies that yield meaningful environmental and economic benefits.

The 2025 award was presented to Cyclic Materials for its pioneering work in enabling large-scale recovery of rare earth elements and critical materials from end-of-life products, including retired electric vehicle motors. Through its proprietary MagCycle℠ and REEPure℠ technologies, Cyclic Materials has developed a solution to recycle the permanent magnets that power all high-performance electric motors from EV to renewable energy systems. Their two-phase recycling process breaks down end-of-life materials into raw elements that can be seamlessly reintegrated into high-performance manufacturing applications, supporting a more sustainable and resilient supply chain. 

Shining Star
The Shining Star Award celebrates individual sustainability leaders within SP who demonstrate exemplary leadership and engagement in advancing environmental sustainability programs.

The 2025 award was presented to Anna Mascarenas of Magna in recognition of her leadership in advancing impact-driven environmental conservation programs, including contributions to biodiversity, water stewardship, and renewable energy initiatives. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Anna continually seeks new ways to inspire action and foster collaboration to advance conservation outcomes across the industry.

“Each of this year’s award recipients exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that is core to our work in SP,” said Kellen Mahoney, Executive Director of the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment. “Their efforts demonstrate new opportunities to advance sustainability across the automotive value chain, from local community engagement to end-of-life material recovery. We’re proud to celebrate these members whose work is contributing to meaningful progress in the industry’s sustainability ambitions.”

For more information on the SP Awards and to learn more about SP’s initiatives to advance sustainability across the automotive industry, please visit www.supplierspartnership.org  

About SP
The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) provides a forum for global vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to work together toward a shared vision of an automotive industry with positive environmental impact. Learn more at: www.supplierspartnership.org

Contact: Kellen Mahoney, info@supplierspartnership.org, 202-530-0096

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SOURCE Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP)

Planet Home to Annually Recognize the Most Innovative and Impactful Technologies from Around the World

BOSTON, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Planet Home, a company dedicated to building, launching and scaling Tough Tech companies, has announced the debut of the $1 million Planet Home Prize – a new global award recognizing breakthrough technologies redefining how we eat, make, move and live in balance with the planet.

The prize was unveiled at the inaugural Planet Home Gala, held at the Boston Center for the Arts, which brought together leading voices from science, AI, sustainability and finance to explore technology’s role in building planetary resilience. Dr. Maria Galou-Lameyer, part of two teams honored with the Nobel Prize, and Executive Director at Merck, announced the prize at the event. The Planet Home Prize will be awarded annually during Boston’s Tough Tech Week to recognize breakthrough innovations advancing global sustainability and health, with entries evaluated by an esteemed international panel of expert judges. Prize submissions will begin on February 15th, 2026 with full rules to be shared on PlanetHome.eco.

Assets:

Images: Credit Denise Truscello for Planet Home

B-Roll

 

Reels

 

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“The debut of the Planet Home Prize marks a major moment for the Tough Tech, sustainability and investor communities,” said Dr. Daniel Doneson, managing partner of Planet Home. “By bringing together pioneers in AI, science, finance and philanthropy at our gala, we demonstrated what’s possible when innovation is driven by purpose. The launch of the Planet Home Prize is not just about recognizing breakthrough technologies – it’s about igniting a movement to build the future.”

Hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian Kiran Deol, the gala paired high-level discussion with creative performances at the intersection of science, technology and the arts.

FEATURED DISCUSSIONS

• SIDS Nations Leading Sustainable Innovations: The Honorable Walter Roban, former Deputy Premier of Bermuda; and Dr. Albert Binger, UN Secretary-General of SIDS DOCK, led a conversation spotlighting island nations pioneering marine conservation, renewable energy and “Blue Prosperity” initiatives as models for global sustainability. The discussion highlighted technologies such as Seabased, the world’s leading wave energy venture, as a scalable solution harnessing blue wave ocean power to advance energy independence and climate resilience across island nations.
• Will AI Be Good?: Moderated by Dr. Hilary C. Robinson, Associate Professor of Law and Sociology at Northeastern University, this explored the ethical frontiers of artificial intelligence. Panelists included Dr. Xinghui Yin, Research Scientist directing the Quantum Measurement Group at MIT, De Kai, who holds a joint appointment at HKUST’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and at Berkeley’s International Computer Science Institute,and author of the critically acclaimed Raising AI (MIT Press); and Stefan Krause, Partner and CEO of Factory Network and former CFO of BMW and Deutsche Bank.
  • Asked whether AI will be good, De Kai said, “We each have 100 AIs in our phones. They are like unparented feral children and the biggest influencers on Earth.”
  • Krause added, “Factory Berlin is an AI-powered company builder where world-class talent across tech, art, and music come together to build what actually matters. What we witnessed in Boston with Planet Home confirms it: the future belongs to communities that can turn vision into action at scale. Berlin is stepping into that role, and Factory Berlin is leading the charge.”
• Moving $250B into Tough Tech: David Doneson, CEO of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science; and Mark Veich, CEO of CobiCure and formerly Deerfield Management and Cornell-Weil, examined how philanthropy and innovation capital are mobilizing billions toward deep-tech solutions for global health and sustainability.
• Living Labs – Building a Sustainable Future: This showcased several of the most exciting ventures and their founders at the forefront of sustainable innovation with the potential to change the world.
  • Valentina Videva Dufresne, President of Zehnder Group, North America, said during the panel, “Our mission is to deliver a healthy indoor climate, especially healthy air, in an aesthetic, whisper-quiet, comfortable and energy efficient way, and this requires solving hard technology hurdles. We feel a true responsibility to engineer and design for a world where human wellbeing meets sustainability – not as competing priorities, but as one integrated design principle for living better on this planet.”

Brought to life in partnership with Factory Berlin and Zehnder Group North America, Planet Home’s event hosted several of the companies they are building with – Seabased, Malstrom Molecules and DataEnergy – advancing innovations in wave energy, molecular plastic recycling and clean AI Data Center Infrastructure. All are in residence at The Engine, built by MIT.

• DataEnergy: DataEnergy designs and develops the next generation of AI data centers – high-performance, modular colocation sites powered entirely by renewable hydropower. Its first-principles approach to energy, physics and architecture creates infrastructure where efficiency equals profitability. By optimizing every element – from location and cooling to waste-heat reuse – they deliver more compute per megawatt and more value per molecule of energy. With a global hydropower development pipeline and a scalable modular blueprint, DataEnergy is building the world’s most efficient and future-proof AI infrastructure platform, engineered to outperform and outlast legacy fossil data centers.
• Malstrom Molecules: Malstrom Molecules is a producer of circular-origin molecules to replace the use of petroleum in the production of plastics. Malstrom’s proprietary kinetic conversion technology is seen as one of the most promising circular technologies in the world today, and has been selected to be a part of The Engine at MIT. Kinetic conversion can convert the entire range of end-of-life plastic waste into oil suitable as petrochemical feedstock. Malstrom’s production process is self-powering, and its facilities have received ISCC-PLUS certification. It is currently accelerating its global rollout to turn the tide in the war against plastic waste – and to transform one of our most problematic pollutants into a valuable resource.
• Seabased: Seabased’s patented technology is central to its mission as a Blue Energy innovator. Its wave-to-grid system harnesses the steady power of ocean waves, reinventing the idea of sustainable energy with a renewable power solution that is grid-ready, gentle on the marine environment and reef-generating. Ideal for island and coastal markets, the system’s modular building blocks can custom design both small and large wave parks tailored to specific site requirements that can be built up or expanded to meet demand, enhancing flexibility and reducing risk. Following full-scale multi-generator demonstrations in Sweden and Ghana, Seabased is advancing toward full commercial rollout, with utility-scale wave parks under development for coastal and island markets beginning with the Caribbean.

Visit planethome.eco or follow @PlanetHome on social media.

About Planet Home

Planet Home

 bridges culture, science, engineering and investments to accelerate solutions for the planet’s most pressing challenges. Through immersive events, summits, think tanks and venture partnerships, the studio connects the culture and technology worlds to drive action across how we eat, make, move and live. Co-founded by Antony Randall and Gabrielle Hull, and with Managing Partner Dr. Daniel Doneson, Planet Home’s ventures are breakthrough science-backed, innovatively engineered and built to scale. Our portfolio in residence at The Engine currently includesSeabased, Malstrom Molecules and DataEnergy, as well as a broader ecosystem of the world’s leading tough tech pioneers, tackling some of the planet’s most pressing challenges.

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SOURCE Planet Home

DALTON, Ga., Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw), announces that Vice President of Global Sustainability Candi Hampton will serve as a Commissioner on the newly launched Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air, an initiative led by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) to elevate indoor air as a critical public health priority and drive coordinated global action and solutions.

Announced at the United Nations during Climate Week, the Commission brings together more than 170 global leaders from over 30 countries, including a former U.S. Surgeon General, global health authorities, senior scientists and researchers from leading universities as well as executives and sustainability leaders across design, real estate, technology and manufacturing.

As a Commissioner, Hampton will join colleagues from around the world in developing a Global Framework for Action and catalyzing the creation of national Blueprints to strengthen indoor air quality efforts across regions.

“Serving on the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air is both a professional honor and a personal commitment,” shared Hampton. “At Shaw, we’ve long recognized the importance of indoor air quality, and I’m excited to collaborate with this distinguished group of global leaders to advance actionable solutions that prioritize people and the planet. This work directly aligns with Shaw’s work to create a better future and our belief that the spaces where we live, work, play, learn and come together should support human health & wellbeing.”

“We’re thrilled to have the expertise of Candi on the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “She joins an acclaimed cohort that will, in the coming months and year, chart a global framework and co-develop national blueprints that offer strategies for action along with the sustained drumbeat of attention and awareness necessary to elevate this issue worldwide.”

“It’s an incredible opportunity to bring such an esteemed group of professionals together for an urgent cause,” added Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States and Co-Chair of the Commission on Healthy Indoor Air. “We’ve set forth an important agenda, and I look forward to Candi’s contributions.”

The Commission will:

• Elevate a global call to action that places healthy indoor air at the forefront of public health and policy priorities
• Build global awareness by highlighting the urgent human and economic costs of unhealthy indoor air
• Establish a Global Framework for Action with clear prescriptions across key pillars of market transformation
• Catalyze country-specific National Blueprints in collaboration with local stakeholders
• Spur multi-sector investment to scale affordable, effective and equitable solutions

The Commission’s Global Framework for Action will be released by the end of 2026, alongside national Blueprints published on a rolling basis.

Shaw’s participation in the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air builds on its longstanding commitment to sustainability and human-centric design. Through product innovation, transparency, and collaboration, Shaw continues to lead efforts that support both people and the planet.

For more information on the Commission, visit https://resources.wellcertified.com/press-releases/global-commission-on-healthy-indoor-air-launches-at-the-united-nations-to-drive-action-to-improve-indoor-air/.

ABOUT SHAW
Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a leader in flooring and other surface solutions designed for residential housing, commercial spaces and outdoor environments. Leveraging strengths in design, innovation and operational excellence, the company takes a people-centered, customer-focused, and growth-minded approach to meet diverse market needs. It creates differentiated customer experiences through its expansive portfolio of brands: Anderson Tuftex®, COREtec®, Shaw Floors®, Patcraft®, Philadelphia Commercial®, Shaw Contract®, Shaw Sports Turf®, Shawgrass®, Southwest Greens®, Watershed Geo® and more.  

Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with approximately $6 billion in annual sales and 18,000 associates worldwide.

About the International WELL Building Institute

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

Media Contact: Dana Hartline
Dana@hlstrategy.com

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SOURCE Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

BlueWave welcomes Patty DiOrio to lead the company’s expanding solar and storage portfolio and drive its mission to accelerate the clean energy transition.

BOSTON, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BlueWave, a leading solar and energy storage developer, owner, and operator in the Northeast U.S., announced today that Patty DiOrio has been named Chief Development Officer. With more than 25 years of experience as a proven leader who is passionate about the energy transition and building high-performing teams, Ms. DiOrio will guide BlueWave’s development strategy to deliver profitable and impactful renewable energy projects.

Ms. DiOrio brings extensive experience leading strategy, project development and energy asset commercialization across North America. She most recently served as Senior Vice President, Offshore Development & Origination at Orsted, where she led development and commercialization of the company’s offshore wind project portfolio. Her previous work includes senior positions at National Grid and IHS Energy. At BlueWave, she will oversee solar, storage, and site acquisition teams to advance high-value projects, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and position the company for continued clean energy growth and innovation.

“As BlueWave continues to expand its project portfolio, Patty’s deep expertise in renewable project strategy and portfolio leadership make her an exceptional addition to our team,” said Sean Finnerty, BlueWave Chief Executive Officer. “Her proven ability to drive complex projects from inception to investment and influence policy and market direction will be critical. We’re excited to welcome her and look forward to the impact she’ll have in advancing our mission.”

“BlueWave has built an impressive portfolio at the intersection of solar, storage, and sustainable land use,” said DiOrio. “As integrated, community-centered energy solutions become increasingly vital, I’m excited to join a team that’s driving innovation while delivering measurable impact. I’m eager to help shape BlueWave’s next chapter, expanding our development footprint and advancing projects to accelerate clean energy deployment across the U.S.”

Ms. DiOrio holds a Master’s degree in Business from Babson College, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She will join the BlueWave team at its headquarters in Boston. 

About BlueWave

BlueWave’s mission is to protect our planet by transforming access to renewable energy. As a pioneering renewable energy company that develops and owns solar and battery storage projects, BlueWave has a long track record of success and is developing several gigawatts of solar and battery storage projects throughout the United States to ensure our grid is reliable and efficient in a clean energy future.  

BlueWave is proud to be a certified B Corp, recognized by B Labs as “Best for the World” in Governance and was awarded Member Company of the Year by the Solar Energy Business Association of New England. 

To learn more about BlueWave, visit bluewave.energy.

About Axium Infrastructure Inc.:

Axium Infrastructure (comprised of Axium Infrastructure Inc. and its affiliated entities) is an independent portfolio management firm dedicated to generating long-term investment returns through investing in core infrastructure assets. Axium Infrastructure had approximately US$8.9 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, as well as approximately US$1.5 billion in co-investments. With offices in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, and London, the firm benefits from the capabilities of a group of specialists with decades of experience acquiring, developing, financing, operating, and managing infrastructure assets. Focus is placed on assets that are supported by robust market demand and under long-term contract with creditworthy counterparties. Since 2010, the firm has invested in a diversified portfolio of over 270 infrastructure assets.

For further information, including information about other infrastructure assets the firm has invested in, please visit www.axiuminfra.com. This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy securities of any entity.

MEDIA CONTACT:                                                                                                                                    
Caroline Anson
canson@360pr.plus 

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SOURCE BlueWave

New release empowers Latino-owned businesses, one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 1West, a leading fintech innovator in small business financing, today announced the launch of a Spanish-language version of its flagship Automated Business Lending Engine (ABLE). The expansion marks a significant step in closing the funding gap for Latino entrepreneurs, who represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. small business economy.

With more than 5.6 million Latino-owned small businesses contributing $899 billion to the U.S. economy (Association for Enterprise Opportunity), the recent move from 1West provides these entrepreneurs with critical access to fast, fair, and transparent financing.

“Latino entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of Main Street growth, yet too often face barriers to capital because of language or legacy lending systems,” said Kunal Bhasin, Founder and CEO of 1West. “By making our proprietary technology ABLE available in Spanish, we’re not just translating a platform, we’re transforming access. We’re making it faster, clearer, and more human for the very businesses fueling America’s resilience.”

A closer look at how Spanish ABLE works and serves the needs of Hispanic small business owners:

• 24-Hour Capital: Business owners apply online in Spanish and receive competitive loan offers from 50+ lenders, often within 24 hours.
• Side-by-Side Comparisons: Transparent, real-time comparisons of rates, terms, and structures.
• Personal Support: Dedicated bilingual funding specialists guide entrepreneurs through every step.
• Flexible Funding: From $5,000 working capital loans to $20 million real estate financing, with terms built to scale.

The move underscores 1West’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency in alternative lending. For growth-minded Latino business owners in industries from construction, retail, and restaurants to healthcare and technology, the platform bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity.

The Spanish ABLE launch builds on 1West’s proven track record to raise the bar in small business lending:

• More than $500 million deployed to more than 10,000 small businesses nationwide.
• 4.9 TrustScore on Trustpilot, reflecting deep customer confidence.
• Recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing U.S. companies.

To learn more and experience the Spanish-language version of ABLE, visit www.1West.com.

About 1West
1West is a next-generation small business financing marketplace dedicated to making access to capital faster, more transparent, and more aligned with the real needs of Main Street entrepreneurs. Its proprietary Automated Business Lending Engine (ABLE) syndicates a single loan application across a network of 50+ lenders, delivering competitive offers in under 24 hours. With more than $500 million deployed to over 10,000 businesses, 1West is setting new standards in alternative lending. To learn more, visit www.1West.com.

Media Contact:
Interdependence for 1West
412-889-4928
404523@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE 1West