Tag: PR Newswire

Debt.com expands its signature awards from TikTok to all major platforms, spotlighting today’s most impactful financial educators.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The spotlight is back on money’s brightest stars. Debt.com is proud to launch the 2025 FinTalk Awards rebranded, reimagined celebration of the creators who are transforming how the world talks about personal finance.

Once known as the FinTok Awards, this annual campaign has evolved beyond TikTok exclusivity. Now, the FinTalk Awards shine across every major platform—from YouTube to Instagram Reels—recognizing the financial voices who are captivating audiences with smart, engaging, and life-changing money advice.

“These creators are more than influencers,” said Don Silvestri, President of Debt.com. “They’re mentors and motivators, equipping everyday people with the knowledge to make the most of their money and plan for a stronger future. That kind of impact deserves recognition.”

With categories spanning YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Podcasts, and Hispanic creators, the FinTalk Awards give fans the chance to vote for the voices that inspire them most. Voting is open from September 22 through October 6, and the winners announced in October.

“There’s no shortage of financial noise on social media—but these nominees cut through it. They’re not selling gimmicks or get-rich-quick schemes. They’re giving practical, honest advice that can change lives,” adds Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com. “That’s why the FinTalk Awards matter—because the winners aren’t just collecting likes, they’re helping people get their financial house in order.”

Fans can vote for their favorite creators in 5 unique categories, including:

Best YouTube Creator

• Chelsea Fagan – @thefinancialdiet
• Stephen Findeisen – @coffeezilla
• Nick True – @mappedoutmoney

Best MoneyTok Influencer (TikTok)

• Shelby Wright – @shelbwright
• Her Money Mastery – @hermoneymastery
• Russell Maltes – @simplifyingyourmoney

Best Reel Money Creator (Instagram) 

• Nika Booth – @debtfreegonnabe
• Humphrey Yang – @humphreytalks
• Dyana – @moneybossmama

Best Podcast or Audio Series

• Money Guy Show
• How To Money
• Afford Anything

Best Financial Hispanic Creator

• Jorge Fernandez – @fernfinance
• Rey Martinez – @finanzasconrey
• Maria Colon – @dineroenspanglish

Join the conversation.  Follow along on social media using #FinTalk Awards and tag your favorite creators to help them secure the win.

Voting is Now Open: September 22, 2025 – October 6, 2025

Visit www.debt.com/fintalk-awards

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SOURCE Debt.com

Company recognized in the category “Sustainability & Green Data Centers”

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The German Datacenter Association (GDA) has honored outstanding projects, companies, and institutions shaping the future of the industry with this year’s German Datacenter Talents & Impact Awards. Presented across five categories, the awards recognize achievements in innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-looking strategies. In the category Sustainability & Green Data Centers, the 2025 award went to firstcolo GmbH for its blueprint project FRA7, a sustainable and AI-ready data center currently under development in Rosbach vor der Höhe. “We are delighted to receive this recognition,” said Jerome Evans, founder and CEO of firstcolo GmbH. “With FRA7, we are continuing our commitment to building sustainable, competitive data centers. The ICT sector already accounts for around two percent of global CO₂ emissions, with data centers representing a significant share. As data volumes grow, energy demand surges, and climate action becomes imperative, our industry is rethinking its future. FRA7 demonstrates how high performance, sustainability, and data sovereignty can go hand in hand.”

A future-ready blueprint

The jury highlighted firstcolo’s holistic sustainability strategy, proven reductions in energy and resource consumption, and the project’s strong potential for innovation, scalability, and transferability to other sites. “The journey to FRA7 began with a clear strategic vision: to build a facility that stands as both a technical flagship and an ecological benchmark,” Evans recalled. FRA7 combines next-generation cooling technologies with a modular, scalable architecture designed for high-density and AI workloads, targeting a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of below 1.2. “High-density liquid cooling shows the path forward,” Evans added. “It achieves efficiency levels beyond what air cooling can deliver. FRA7 will run on certified green electricity, while excess heat will be fed into the municipal district heating grid. Recyclable materials will also play a key role in construction.” Built as a dynamic infrastructure, FRA7 is designed to evolve with new technical capabilities while maintaining consistently high efficiency. “Its significance extends beyond the site itself,” Evans concluded. “FRA7 demonstrates that high-performance data centers can operate sustainably while being fully integrated into local energy and heating networks.”

For more information about firstcolo GmbH, please visit firstcolo.net/en/.  

firstcolo GmbH

As an operator of data centers in Germany, firstcolo GmbH, based in Frankfurt am Main, provides its customers with the highest level of service quality. In addition to classic colocation and the rental of server systems, firstcolo’s range of services also includes managed services, security solutions and cloud services.   

Press Contact:

Boris Mayer
Head of Marketing
firstcolo GmbH
Kruppstr. 105
60388 Frankfurt am Main/ Germany
marketing@first-colo.net
Tel.: +49 (0) 69 120069-228
Mobil: +49 151 705 155 38

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SOURCE firstcolo Infrastructure GmbH

DUISBURG, Germany, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Factor2 Energy, a German (Duisburg) company with a novel approach to geothermal energy, today announced the successful completion of its seed funding round, raising US$9.1 million in venture capital.

The round was led by At One Ventures, with additional investments from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Gründerfonds Ruhr, Verve Ventures and Siemens Energy Ventures.

Factor2 Energy will use the seed funding to advance the technological development of its CO₂-based geothermal power generation system and to develop a pilot power plant to demonstrate scalability.

Factor2 Energy is led by Michael Wechsung, Joerg Strohschein and Felix Boehmer who all worked together at Siemens Energy. There they invented a new, economically superior method to harness geothermal energy by utilizing CO₂ as the primary working fluid in the geothermal cycle, replacing water or brine.

Kendra Rauschenberger, General Partner at Siemens Energy Ventures, stated, “I am pleased to see this technology progressing toward commercialization, following its development within Siemens Energy Ventures. Geothermal energy is a reliable and renewable power source, and we will work with Factor2 Energy to tailor our turbines to meet the specific needs of this emerging market.”

How it Works: Clean Energy from Stored CO₂ – Safe, Scalable, and Sustainable

The technology can be deployed at either natural CO2 Reservoirs or at reservoirs designated for Carbon Capture and Storage. The (naturally occurring or captured) CO₂ is injected into deep, porous geological formations, where it is securely stored. As it absorbs geothermal heat from the surrounding rock, its density decreases, initiating a buoyancy-driven circulation known as the thermosiphon effect. As a result, the CO₂ rises naturally to the surface via production wells, eliminating the need for subsurface pumps and significantly reducing parasitic energy consumption and mechanical complexity.

At the surface, the heat is converted into electricity using a direct driven CO₂ turbine system. After expansion, the CO₂ is cooled, reinjected into the reservoir, creating a closed cycle that enables continuous power generation while maintaining long-term CO₂ storage.

Compared to conventional water-based geothermal systems, this approach can achieve up to twice the power output under similar geological conditions, while requiring lower capital expenditures (CAPEX).

“Our approach enables emission-free, efficient, and baseload-capable electricity production, which is ideal for traditional oil and gas companies looking to diversify their operating assets,” said CEO and co-founder Felix Boehmer. “And in fact, the entire system leverages proven technologies from the oil and gas sector, with its long history of drilling and geologic expertise.”

Siting Simplicity: More Location Options and Operational Ease

Besides delivering reliable, 24/7 green power, the use of CO₂ enables access to a broader range of geological sites, unlocking heat from locations unsuitable for conventional geothermal systems.

Using CO₂ allows Factor2 Energy to tap into shallower and cooler geothermal sites, reducing drilling costs and expanding the range of viable power plant locations. The system operates efficiently where conventional geothermal fails, offering competitive Levelized Cost of Electricity. It also eliminates the need for secondary fluids or complex binary systems, simplifying operations. And, by leveraging both geological formations designated for CO₂ storage (CCS) and natural CO₂ reservoirs, Factor2 Energy can transform these into active energy assets.

Helen Lin, Partner at At One Ventures comments: “As a cornerstone for enabling broader electrification, the need for cost-effective baseload power has never been more urgent. The fluid physics of CO₂ as a geothermal working fluid enables a 2x increase in power output while operating at the same depths/temperatures as conventional geothermal, translating to efficiencies in both capex and opex. These technoeconomics combine to form a favorable LCOE at sites that would previously have been economically unviable. We are excited to support Factor2 to bring this crucial technology to market to unlock the potential of geothermal as a more prevalent source of green baseload”

Timo Bertsch, Investment Manager at HTGF comments: “We invested in Factor2 Energy because their innovative technology dramatically expands global geothermal potential and uniquely enables the transformation of CCS sites into energy-generating power plants. Their successful proof of concept in a geologically complex environment demonstrates the robustness and scalability of their approach. We believe Factor2 Energy is well positioned to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.”

About Factor2 Energy

Factor2 Energy is a German climate-tech company developing CO₂-based geothermal power systems. By using carbon dioxide as the working fluid, the technology accesses moderate-temperature geothermal resources. Compared to conventional systems, the technology can deliver up to twice the power output, without fracking, ultra-deep drilling, or water-intensive processes. Founded by a former Siemens Energy team after a successful proof of concept, the company is backed by leading climate investors, with its latest round led by At One Ventures. Factor2 Energy’s mission is to unlock scalable, clean, baseload geothermal power while supporting permanent carbon storage.

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SOURCE Factor2 Energy

* Company unveils the most cost-efficient DAC system to commercialize carbon removal for e-fuels and CO2 sequestration operators

* The modular, mass-manufacturable unit cuts energy costs by 50%, while helping unlock $4B in frozen carbon credits

* Early investors include early Discord investor Peter Relan, Silver Lake Partners co-founder Dave Roux, and Jane Woodward of WovenEarth Ventures

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DACLab, a climate-tech startup developing the lowest-energy direct air capture (DAC) system to date, today emerged from stealth with a $3 million seed round and the launch of its first commercial product at their flagship “Ctrl+Alt+DAC” event. The round was led by Peter Relan, founder of YouWeb Incubator and early investor in Discord, with participation from Silver Lake co-founder Dave Roux, Jane Woodward of Woven Earth Ventures, and other prominent climate and deeptech investors.

“When I saw how many direct air capture solutions were making bold but unrealistic claims, I set out to back a system that could scale technically and economically,” said Peter Relan, founder of YouWeb Incubator and lead investor in DACLab. “By pairing low-temperature TVSA chemistry with affordable, mass-manufacturable hardware, DACLab is raising the bar for carbon removal. Their system can deliver capture at $500/tonne today at 10,000-tonne scale, with a path to $250/tonne at the hundreds of thousands scale… all without subsidies. It is a practical, market-ready solution for developers in the e-fuels space or for developers aiming for large-scale sequestration, and selling into both voluntary and compliance carbon markets.”

Unlocking Billions of Dollars in Carbon Credits Through Clean Energy Innovation

An estimated $4 billion in voluntary carbon credits are currently stalled due to the lack of scalable DAC technologies. At the same time, the carbon removal market is projected to grow to $125 billion annually by 2035, as e-fuels present another major growth opportunity (projected to reach $66B by 2030), driven by increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions. With the current U.S. administration’s focus on affordable and reliable energy supply, DACLab’s innovation is well poised to address the bottleneck of current solutions.

DACLab’s team brings decades of experience, having used the same materials in a point source capture project in collaboration with an international oil and gas firm (Shell). DACLab’s unique “moving‑bed” design physically decouples adsorption and desorption phases. This parallel, sorbent‑transport approach maximizes both phases independently, ensuring minimal pressure drop during capture and uniform heating during regeneration. This process leads to the lowest proven total energy demands in the DAC industry, well below 1800 kwh per tonne of CO2 captured from the atmosphere.

“Our modular series of products named ‘Kelvin’ plug right in, and create new revenue streams, whether for SAF production, feedstock for carbon utilization pathways, or even pure sequestration,” said Aditya Bhandari, co-founder and CEO of DACLab. “By focusing on process engineering and iterating over multiple different prototypes we were finally able to develop a breakthrough DAC architecture that decouples adsorption and regeneration processes to capture CO₂. This helped us achieve incredible efficiencies and reduce energy needs by almost 50 percent when compared to conventional DAC systems.”

Key features of DACLab’s system include:

• The patented process has been tested for more than 2000 hours on two 100-tonne per year pilots.
• Operates at temperatures as low as 70°C, enabling usage of low-grade industrial waste heat
• The process also focuses on protecting adsorbent lifetime, thereby reducing operating costs.
• Modular, mass-producible units offer a near drop-in solution for operators looking at a faster path to profit with rapid deployment and scaling

Commercial Traction and Early Successful Pilots

DACLab’s patent-pending process uses a Temperature Vacuum Swing Adsorption (TVSA) cycle that regenerates sorbents at far lower temperatures than typical DAC systems that need over 100 °C, opening new paths for integration into existing energy infrastructure.

After four years of engineering and research development, the company was awarded a grant to deliver a “Kelvin Pod“(100 tons per year system). The company has now set its sights on securing programs with a leading CO2 sequestration operator and an aviation fuel producer to deliver “Kelvin Modules” (1000 ton per year systems).

“This development represents a significant step forward for direct air capture. With its ultra-low-temperature regeneration, low-energy requirements, and a design that scales, DACLab has addressed most of the major hurdles. This innovation is timely as the market transitions from costly pilots to industrial-scale deployment,” said Klaus Lackner, DACLab advisor and founding director of the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions.

“We’ve solved the energy puzzle with one of the world’s most efficient DAC systems,” said Samip Bhavsar, co-founder and COO. “Now, working alongside our product design and manufacturing partners we are ramping up our focus to solve the next puzzle to optimize CapEx. Our goal is to deploy the most economical DAC units at scale, making cost-effective carbon removal accessible and profitable to every project developer worldwide.”

About DACLab
DACLab is revolutionizing direct air capture with the industry’s lowest temperature and energy requirements. Its asset-light business model, cost effective patent pending technology, scalable modular unit design and experienced team enable rapid deployment at large scale carbon utilization sequestration projects globally. To learn more, visit https://www.daclab.us.

Eric Gonzalez
Media Contact
VSC for DACLab
daclab@vsc.co

This release was issued through WebWire®. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

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SOURCE DACLab

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Run Nash announced that First Horizon Bank (NYSE: FHN) has returned as the Title Sponsor of the 2025 Nashville Half Marathon & 5K, reinforcing a long-standing partnership that celebrates active lifestyles and community pride in Music City.

The 2025 race will once again showcase a vibrant downtown experience, welcoming runners and walkers from across the country for a fast, scenic tour of Nashville’s most iconic streets and neighborhoods.

“We are thrilled to be returning as the presenting sponsor of the Nashville Half Marathon, which not only celebrates the spirit of endurance and community but also promotes health and wellness. At First Horizon, we believe in investing in our community and supporting initiatives that inspire people to lead active and fulfilling lives,” said Carol Yochem, Central Region President First Horizon Bank

“The Nashville Half Marathon & 5K is more than a race, it’s a celebration of our city’s energy, music and community spirit,” said Malain McCormick, Owner of Run Nash. “With First Horizon’s continued partnership, we’re able to elevate every aspect of the participant experience, from the course to the finish line, and ensure that this event remains a fall tradition that both locals and visitors look forward to year after year.“

Registration is open now for both distances. For details on pricing tiers, course information and volunteer opportunities, visit RunNash.com.

About First Horizon
First Horizon Corporation (NYSE: FHN), with $82.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states concentrated in the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank.

About Run Nash
Run Nash produces destination running events that highlight the best of Music City through thoughtfully designed courses and unforgettable race-day experiences. With a focus on community, hospitality, and participant service, Run Nash invites athletes of all levels to discover Nashville one mile at a time. Learn more at RunNash.com.

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SOURCE First Horizon Bank

Consumers to Choose Top Zero-Emission Vehicles Celebrating the Future of Clean Mobility and Highlighting Unprecedented Showcase of Five Different Awards Programs at the 2025 LA Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Categories are set and voting opens October 1 for the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show® Zero-Emission Vehicle Award Showcase, The ZEVAS™, celebrating the future of clean mobility by recognizing the power of consumer preference. The unique people’s choice award is one of several key industry honors to be highlighted at the show this year, demonstrating its role as the ultimate forum for automotive discovery and decision making.

“The ZEVAS give customers a powerful voice in recognizing the vehicles that truly deliver on their expectations for technology and performance, underscoring how consumers are driving the shift to zero-emission transportation,” said Terri Toennies, president of the Los Angeles Auto Show and AutoMobility LA.

Alongside The ZEVAS, the Hispanic Motor Press, will name the Best Vehicles of 2025 for Hispanic families, while the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) will reveal its 2026 finalists.

In addition, the Automotive Hall of Fame will recognize its Distinguished Service recipients, and the new Angel Custom Car Award presented by No No Seat Covers will invite fans to vote onsite for standout custom builds, with the winner revealed on Sunday, November 23.

Established by the LA Auto Show in 2021, The ZEVAS provide an unmatched forum to showcase the advancements and innovations that shape today’s buyer interests, influence purchase behavior, and enhance overall driver satisfaction. Zero-emission vehicles have been part of the Los Angeles show since the first exhibition, held in 1907, which featured two electric vehicles on the show floor.

Past award winners include groundbreaking models like the Rivian R1S, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Tesla Model 3, Lucid Air, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Voting for The ZEVAS takes place entirely online at thezevas.com, allowing thousands of enthusiasts, influencers, and active car buyers from around the world to cast their vote.

Eligible vehicles include production models available in 2025 as well as the “Most Anticipated” category featuring concepts and pre-production models. Last year’s awards saw category winners chosen from an initial pool of more than 130 qualifying vehicles.

The categories for the ZEVAS 2025 are:

• Top Compact/Coupe
• Top Crossover/Van
• Top Hybrid
• Top Sedan
• Top SUV
• Top Truck
• Most Anticipated

AutoMobility LA and the Los Angeles Auto Show are also set to spotlight the growing influence of automotive creators, with a new awards program recognizing some of the industry’s most notable personalities. More details on this and other awards at the show will be unveiled in the weeks ahead.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW & AUTOMOBILITY LA:

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show® is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world. Held each year at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the show draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and brings hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the city. It also remains the largest revenue driver for the LA Convention Center.

The LA Auto Show is open to the public for ten full days from Opening Day November 21 until November 30, including Thanksgiving Day. Car shoppers, enthusiasts, families, and future-focused fans are invited to attend to experience the very best in automotive design, culture, and innovation.

AutoMobility LA® — the show’s press and industry day — takes place this year on November 20, 2025, and features a full day of vehicle debuts, brand announcements, and a thought leadership program highlighting some of the brightest voices in automotive and tech.

Stay up to date with the latest show news, updates, and information at laautoshow.com and automobilityla.com. 

BUY TICKETS TO VISIT THE SHOW

Tickets are on sale now at laautoshow.com/tickets and include access to all exhibits and test drive experiences. Pricing is as follows: 

• Opening Day Friday (November 21st): Adult $18, Senior $8, Child $8
• Any Day General Admission Tickets: Adult $25, Senior $12, Child $12
• Weekday Monday to Thursday (November 24-27): Adult $22, Senior $10, Child $10
• VIP Priority Entry + Ticket on Saturdays and Sundays: Adult $45, Senior $22, Child $22
• VIP Guided Tours on Select Days: Adult $95 Child $45
• Wednesday/Thursday Thanksgiving Family Four-Packs: $63 

MEDIA CONTACT

For press inquiries, email media@laautoshow.com

For the latest updates on vehicle debuts, special programming, and daily schedules, follow the LA Auto Show on Instagram, X, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com.

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SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show

The ‘My Rhythm. My Flavor. ¡Mi Gente!’ month-long celebration includes Latin-inspired menus, lively Latin nights, a memorabilia display showcasing iconic pieces from legendary Latin superstars, and more

Editor’s Note: Download high-res images here.

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is proud to kick off its “My Rhythm. My Flavor. ¡Mi Gente!” Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, running Monday, Sept. 15 through Wednesday, Oct. 15. The initiative honors the diverse cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities nationwide.

To mark this special occasion, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa donated $10,000 to ten local Hispanic organizations, including: 

• Coalition of Hispanic Artists
• Course of Action Foundation
• Enterprising Latinas
• Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund
• Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County
• Hispanic Outreach Center
• Hispanic Star
• Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation
• Roberto Clemente Foundation
• USF – Latino Scholarship Program

These contributions reflect the casino resort’s ongoing commitment to honoring Hispanic culture and empowering the Latin community.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the strength rooted in Latin culture, its people, and their rich history,” said Anaclaudia Solorzano, Director of Latin Marketing for Seminole Gaming & Seminole Hard Rock. “We’re honored to stand alongside local organizations that uplift and empower the region’s Hispanic communities every day.”

As part of the “My Rhythm. My Flavor. Mi Gente” Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, guests can immerse themselves in the rhythms, flavors and spirit of Latin culture across Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. Latin Nights take place every Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight at L Bar, featuring live Latin entertainment, high-energy beats, and handcrafted cocktails inspired by the vibrant traditions of Latin America. Additionally, Salsa Lessons will be offered by Tonos Latin Dance once a week on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. at L Bar. Guests can sign up for this fun activity at casino.hardrock.com/tampa/events/salsa-lessons-at-l-bar.

Throughout the resort, guests can also savor limited-time, Latin-inspired menus at select restaurants, showcasing the bold and diverse flavors of Latin cuisine, from classic favorites to modern culinary twists. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood offers Black Cod Bacalao a la Vizcaína ($65) and Mole Braised Beef Short Rib ($80), while Hard Rock Cafe is serving pollo or steak rice bowls ($19.95–$21.95) with $12.99 Sangria and Guava Margarita specials. Fresh Harvest Buffet highlights rotating dishes from Latin countries, including croquetas, mofongo, pozole, empanadas, and tres leches, along with a $7 Fresh Harvest Margarita. Constant Grind features desserts such as Mango Tajín Naked Cake, Coconut Flan, and Churro Truffles, while Rise Kitchen & Deli offers Huevos Rancheros ($14), Arepas con Queso ($14), weekly entrée specials, and Guava Cream Cheese Cheesecake. The Rez Grill introduces Latin Thursdays with a $55 prix-fixe menu and $14 cocktails, and Jubao Palace Noodle Bar joins the celebration with Carne Guisada ($19). At Rock N’ Raw, guests can enjoy a Latin-inspired Rintintin Roll ($24), while L Bar hosts Latin Nights every Thursday with $12 cocktails and weekly salsa lessons. The Pool Bar & Grill rounds out the festivities with Beef Barbacoa Arepas ($14) and Churro Funnel Cake ($8).

Adding to the cultural celebration, a memorabilia exhibit will feature iconic items from Latin music legends, including Celia Cruz, Christina Aguilera, Gloria Estefan, Maluma, Pedro Fernández, Robi Draco Rosa, Shakira, and more.

For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, visit www.DescubreTuRitmo.com/Tampa.

About Hispanic Heritage Month at Seminole Casinos
Seminole Casinos and Seminole Hard Rock honor the ongoing achievements of Latin American culture and influence through the annual Hispanic Heritage Month campaign, “Mi Ritmo. Mi Sabor. Mi Gente!” The campaign highlights Latin music, food, culture, and community with year-round concerts across Seminole Casinos featuring artists such as Carlos Vives, Juanes, Jorge Celedón, Alex Sensation, Jerry Rivera, and more. Events also feature Latin nights and poolside parties with high-energy performances, Latin DJs, and vibrant entertainment that celebrate the rhythms and spirit of Latin culture, along with exclusive pop-up culinary experiences led by famed Latin chefs including Michelle Bernstein, Lorena Garcia, and Juanma Barrientos. The celebration extends to the community through philanthropic partnerships with local Hispanic charity organizations and curated Memorabilia displays featuring iconic pieces from Latin superstars, including Jennifer Lopez, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Maluma, and Hard Rock brand ambassadors Messi and Shakira. For more information on Seminole Hard Rock’s vibrant Latin essence, visit https://seminole.hardrock.com/descubre-tu-ritmo.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is one of the largest and most successful casinos in the world, offering award-winning gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. The casino offers nearly 5,000 of the hottest slot machines, 168 table games (which include eight craps tables and 16 roulette tables), a state-of-the-art Poker Room featuring 46 tables, and a smoke-free Mezzanine Level Casino. The 800-room hotel is AAA-Four-Diamond-rated and proudly offers 12 restaurants, including upscale dining venues Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, The Rez Grill, and Cipresso. Amenities include the 1,500-seat Hard Rock Event Center, which hosts some of the nation’s hottest entertainers and must-see concerts; a 60,000-square-foot pool deck area with three pools and 19 cabanas; as well as the luxurious Rock Spa® & Salon. The resort is located off I-4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, about 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, please call 866-502-PLAY or visit us online and via Facebook, X and Instagram.

Media Contacts

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Lindsey Lorelei, Director of Advertising, Public Relations & Community Affairs,
(813) 627-7815, lindsey.lorelei@seminolehardrock.com 

Darien Cobb, Manager of Public Relations and Community Affairs,
(813) 627-7788, darien.cobb@seminolehardrock.com

Bitner Group Public Relations 
Mayra Hernandez, Bitner Group, (954) 309-9606, mayra@bitnergroup.com

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SOURCE Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Prairie View A&M University announces the inaugural appointment in its Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program, a new initiative that connects students and faculty with industry leaders whose careers have redefined business and culture. 

Dr. Mathew Knowles, entrepreneur, branding strategist, and cultural architect behind global icons Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, and Solange, has been named the University’s first Executive-in-Residence for the 2025–2026 academic year. With more than $100 million in business exits and acquisitions, plus groundbreaking campaigns for Pepsi, L’Oréal, and Samsung, Dr. Knowles brings unmatched expertise to PVAMU. A LinkedIn Top Voice and recipient of the National Speakers Association’s Master of Influence Award, he is also recognized by Marquis Who’s Who and serves as a global advocate for health and wellness.

Throughout the fall and spring semesters, Dr. Knowles will lead four master classes (two each term), in collaboration with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Languages and Communication.

Master class topics include:

• From Solopreneur to Entrepreneur: Debunking myths, embracing mindset, and building meaningful work (Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
• Strategic Visibility: Brand, business, and the power of narrative (Department of Languages and Communication)

These interactive sessions give students direct experience in:

• Launching purpose-driven ventures
• Designing and executing strategic communication campaigns
• Navigating the evolving worlds of business, branding, and media

As part of his residency, Dr. Knowles will also lead two faculty development workshops on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, harnessing storytelling, and advancing brand strategy and media innovation. These sessions, exclusive to Prairie View A&M,  bridge academic theory with professional practice, equipping faculty to drive ingenuity, enrich teaching, and prepare students for future-ready careers.

Dr. Knowles’ appointment marks the beginning of a program that reflects Prairie View A&M University’s commitment to embedding visionary leadership into the academic experience. Through the Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program, PVAMU reinforces its distinction as a national model for student success, innovation, and the transformative power of education.

For more information about the program, or to request an interview with Dr. Knowles or University leadership, please contact:

Liz Faublas-Wallace 
Communications Professional
936-261-1562
lswallace@pvamu.edu

Candace Johnson
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
936-261-1566
cajohnson@pvamu.edu 

The Office for Marketing and Communications, 936-261-1560, www.pvamu.edu/marcomm

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY, founded in 1876, is the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state of Texas and the third largest Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the nation. Designated as an “institution of the first class” in the Texas Constitution, the enrollment exceeds 9,000 students and over 80,000 graduates. PVAMU offers academic programs through its ten colleges and schools, boasting degree options leading to bachelor’s to doctoral-level degrees. A Carnegie-classified high-research (R2) University and a member of The Texas A&M University System, PVAMU is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. For more information, visit www.pvamu.edu. 

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SOURCE PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Awards include nonprofit grants and recognitions of individuals

WELLESLEY, Mass., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sun Life and DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., have announced this year’s recipients of the Health Access Hero Awards, which recognize nonprofits and individual change-makers working to broaden access to health services and improve health outcomes for communities in need. Areas of focus include education, awareness, treatment and access for oral health, diabetes, obesity prevention and nutrition.

“Sun Life and DentaQuest are committed to broadening access to care through philanthropic initiatives that can have large-scale impact at local levels,” said David Healy, president, Sun Life U.S. “Over the years, we have had the privilege of supporting many incredible programs and witnessing the meaningful results achieved. Congratulations to these Health Access Heroes who work every day to strengthen their local communities and move the needle toward equitable health access for all.”

There are two tracks to the Health Access Hero awards: grants to fund innovative health and wellness programs at community organizations, and recognition of individuals who have made a significant impact in their communities. Individual Heroes also receive a $10,000 donation to the charity of their choice. The Health Access Hero Awards have provided more than $3.5 million in grants and recognized more than 130 individuals across the country to date.

The 2025 winners of the Health Access Hero Awards are:

Individual winners

Dr. Douglas Cross, DDS, Dental Director, Excelth
As Dental Director at EXCELth, Inc., Dr. Cross works to expand access to dental services across Louisiana. His innovative approach led to the implementation of the state’s first teledentistry program and first general dentistry residency program through NYU-Langone, addressing dental shortages in rural areas. His combined efforts have positively affected the dental health of over 5,000 individuals across the state.

Rashida Ferdinand, Founder and CEO, Sankofa Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Rashida Ferdinand, founder and CEO of Sankofa Community Development Corporation, is improving preventive healthcare access in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. Through the development of a healthy food hub, she is helping to address food and health disparities by providing affordable, locally sourced produce in the area as well as free healthy cooking, nutrition education, diabetes prevention and CVD education classes. Rashida works in partnership with local healthcare practitioners, civic leaders and residents, to build a system that ensures food justice and supports community wellness.

Nancy Gaudet, Founder, Type One Families
Nancy was profoundly affected by the diagnosis of her son’s type 1 diabetes at age nine. Faced with the challenges of research, nutritional needs, and other hurdles, she realized how impactful it could be to have a community of parents in the same situation to talk to and lean on. Type One Families has multiple parent communities along the North and South Coasts of Massachusetts, and continues to grow.

Dr. Scott Miller, DDS, Founder and Director, Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center
Founder of Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center (AHCDC) in Abingdon, Va., Dr. Miller is dedicated to improving access to dental care, serving more than 8,000 patients and training 29 new dentists since 2020. He has tripled the clinical capacity of AHCDC, established the first local digital dental lab, and directs the Johnston Memorial Hospital Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, where more than 25% of graduates choose to practice locally.

Dr. Bradley Smith, NMD, Medical Director, Arizona Mission of Mercy (MOM)
Since joining Arizona MOM more than 20 years ago, Dr. Smith has significantly expanded mobile clinical operations to serve diverse, underserved communities across Maricopa County. Ninety-nine percent of patients are uninsured and 85% live below the federal poverty line. Dr. Smith has been instrumental in launching a Comprehensive Diabetes Management and Education program, addressing the needs of the 56% of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Joshua Williams, Founder, Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF)
Joshua Williams was recognized for his work to address food insecurity in underserved communities across South Florida, which he began at the age of four. Twenty years later, he has led and inspired over 60,000 youth volunteers in the fight against hunger and poverty, empowering them to address social change. Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF) has reached more than 800,000 individuals and distributed more than eight million pounds of nutritious food and essential hygiene items to families in need.

Grant winners

Bay Area Community Health, California, $100,000
The result of a merger of two federally qualified health centers, Bay Area Community Health provides ongoing health services to communities in need. Its clinics are open seven days a week, and provide medical, dental, vision and behavioral health care regardless of a person’s ability to pay. The grant will fund their Diabetes & Oral Health Integrated Care program, which addresses the inherent connection between oral health services and diabetes care.

Breakthrough T1D, California, $50,000
Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, is the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. Type 1 diabetes can now be identified early, before insulin is required, with a simple blood test that looks for T1D autoantibodies. Breakthrough T1D’s early detection pilot clinic program is designed to increase access to T1D screening in medically underserved communities across the country and inform broader clinical implementation of T1D screening in the future. The grant will support T1D early detection through screening in partnership with Touro University California’s Mobile Diabetes Education Center (MOBEC.)

The Health Wagon, Virginia, $50,000
The Health Wagon provides access to integrated medical care throughout the Appalachian Mountains at several mobile and stationary clinics. The grant will support a diabetes management initiative at the dental clinic, located in a medically underserved, designated health professional shortage area. At least 700 additional diabetic patients will gain access to oral health care and education about oral hygiene and diabetes management, which can positively influence overall health and wellness in the long-term.

Independence Gardens, Texas, $25,000
Their mission is to provide comprehensive food and health education through hands-on learning experiences. Independence Gardens has impacted over 10,000 children through its outdoor edible learning spaces that integrate various subjects with nutrition and agriculture lessons. Their Beanstalk Project introduces hydroponic towers in school cafeterias, enabling year-round produce cultivation and offering students continuous access to fresh vegetables while teaching sustainable farming techniques.

Karis Community Health, Tennessee, $100,000
Karis Community Health has been serving Bradley County since 2013, providing more than $13 million in dental services. Originally Karis Dental, the organization changed its name after recognizing other underlying health conditions among many patients. What started as a faith-based clinic aimed at closing adult dental care gaps, has become an essential community resource that also provides medical care, chronic disease management and health education. The grant will help expand its reach to additional underserved counties in need.

Maine Community Integration (MCI), Maine, $25,000
MCI works with immigrant families in Maine who face ongoing barriers with access to care, including language, culture, finances, and health literacy. The grant will support the launch of Access to Care: Dental & Health Equity, which focuses on new families in Maine and addresses oral health, type 2 diabetes prevention, and healthy eating habits through education, outreach and care coordination.

Monitor My Health, Connecticut, $50,000
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Dana Wade, Monitor My Health aims to help people prevent chronic disease and promote healthier communities by reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and its related complications. The grant will fund MyHEALTHExpress, a new mobile laboratory that will bring blood sugar and blood pressure screenings to underserved communities in Connecticut, such as the New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford areas.

Neighborhood Services Organization, Oklahoma, $100,000
Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) is focused on addressing Oklahoma’s poor oral health outcomes. NSO operates the only low-cost dental clinic in Oklahoma, addressing a critical healthcare gap in a state with concerning oral health statistics. Their Oral Health Outreach Program, which was established in 2012, provides essential education, free dental screenings and dental referrals to thousands of low-income individuals who would otherwise go without vital care.

Oceana Community Health, Florida, $25,000
A community health center with locations from Miami to Saint Lucie, Oceana is focused on advancing health equity and expanding access to timely, optimized medical care. Its Diabetes and Dental Access initiative, funded by the Health Access Hero Award grant, aims to improve diabetes identification, management and oral health outcomes for underserved populations, particularly areas affected by recent hurricanes, which can heavily disrupt healthcare access.

For more information about the Health Access Hero Awards and this year’s recipients, visit https://www.dentaquest.com/en/about-us/health-access-heroes.

About Sun Life 
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.54 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

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

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

About DentaQuest
Sun Life U.S. Dental, which includes DentaQuest, is dedicated to improving the oral health of all through purpose-driven, outcomes-based solutions. We make dental benefits better for everyone through Preventistry^® – an inclusive approach centered on preventive, quality care, expanded access and solutions built on valued relationships across the health care ecosystem. We manage dental and vision benefits for approximately 35 million Americans. For 30 years, we have delivered cost-effective benefit plans and services for employer groups, individuals, health plans, and government-sponsored dental programs. We are the largest Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits administrator in the U.S., by membership. We also support direct patient care through an expanding network of approximately 75 dental practices in underserved communities across the United States. Learn more about Sun Life U.S. Dental at sunlife.com/dental and dentaquest.com.

Media contact

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

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.

CLEVELAND, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) employees are accustomed to helping people, but for an extended period this year, they will work side-by-side with those they support to assist other mission-driven organizations.

This fourth-annual Days of Service event stems from a 2021 Cuyahoga DD Innovative Idea contest.

“When we reviewed entries from the Innovative Idea contest, we were especially excited by the opportunity for staff and people we serve to volunteer together throughout the community,” said Dr. Amber C. Gibbs, Superintendent and CEO of Cuyahoga DD.

The Cuyahoga DD Days of Service will take place at 17 organizations in Cuyahoga County. Cuyahoga DD expects 304 employees and 68 people served to take part. The event will take place over many days to ensure the maximum number of people can participate.

Organizations that will welcome Days of Service volunteers include:

• The City Mission
• Cleveland Botanical Gardens
• Stella Maris
• MedWish International*
• Shalom Tranquility Garden
• Kids’ Book Bank*
• Eden Housing
• West Side Catholic Center
• Cleveland Foster Care Project*
• Cleveland Metroparks – Euclid Beach Park*
• Cuyahoga DD – Trunk or Treat
• Greater Cleveland Food Bank
• Cleveland Metroparks – Edgewater Beach*
• Cleveland Metroparks – Huntington Beach*
• Cleveland Pregnancy Center
• Fieldstone Farm
• Cleveland Metroparks – Rocky River Reservation*

* = People served will also help at this site

About Cuyahoga DD
Cuyahoga DD supports and empowers people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and play in the community and proudly serves 15,000 county residents from birth through adulthood. Cuyahoga DD is primarily supported by a property-tax levy last approved by voters in 2005. Learn more at www.CuyahogaDD.org.

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SOURCE Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities