Tag: PR Newswire

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HiTHIUM, a leading global manufacturer of energy storage solutions, has been awarded a major contract by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to deploy two battery energy storage system projects in northern Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk and Hail provinces. The total capacity of the projects is 4GWh, utilizing HiTHIUM’s long-duration energy storage battery cells in ∞Power 6.25MWh Desert Eagle Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This landmark project, developed in partnership with Alfanar Projects, represents one of the largest BESS deployments in the Middle East and will play a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enhancing grid stability and renewable energy integration.

Innovation Meets Extreme Environments

Leveraging HiTHIUM’s industry-leading ∞Cell 1175Ah technology – the world’s first mass-produced long-duration energy storage solution – the project features ∞Power 6.25MWh Desert Eagle series containerized systems specifically engineered for Saudi Arabia’s harsh climate.

• Heat Resilience: Multi-layer insulation reduces internal temperatures by 8–10°C, ensuring reliable operation in -30°C to 60°C.
• Sandstorm Protection: Fully sealed components and automated dust alerts minimize maintenance needs.
• Proven Durability: Critical components rated for 40,000+ hours of continuous operation.

Strategic Impact & Local Commitment

The BESS will provide critical grid services, including load shifting, black-start capabilities, frequency regulation, and voltage support, enabling higher renewable energy penetration and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As the technology provider, HiTHIUM will oversee system design, supply, installation supervision, and long-term maintenance, while will lead Alfanar Projects leads construction, with commissioning targeted for 2026.

Dr. Keramat Fakhari, President of MEA at HiTHIUM highlighted: “This landmark 4GWh project marks a pivotal moment—not just for Saudi Arabia, but for HiTHIUM’s commitment to delivering mission-critical energy storage where it matters most. By integrating our industry-leading ∞Cell technology with SEC’s vision and Alfanar’s regional expertise, we’re redefining renewable integration in extreme environments. The deployments in Tabuk and Hail set a new benchmark for gigawatt-scale storage globally, proving HiTHIUM’s role in accelerating the clean energy transition.”

About HiTHIUM

Founded in 2019, HiTHIUM is a leading global company in renewable energy technology, committed to delivering energy storage solutions centered on advanced battery and system technologies. With robust research, production, sales, and service capabilities worldwide, HiTHIUM is the only energy storage-focused company to achieve GWh-scale global shipments of lithium-ion ESS batteries. Its customer-centric approach drives cutting-edge products and solutions for customers across more than 20 countries and regions.

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SOURCE HiTHIUM

• Hyundai Motor Group highlighted hydrogen’s role in decarbonization and energy resilience during two high-level dialogues at the 16^th Clean Energy Ministerial
• The Group presented its comprehensive hydrogen business strategy, emphasizing the need for public-private collaboration to accelerate the energy transition
• At CEM16 and the APEC Clean Energy Summit, the Group provided a fleet of 32 units of the all-new NEXO FCEV as official vehicles for ministerial-level officials

BUSAN, South Korea, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) demonstrated its global hydrogen leadership at the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16), reinforcing the Group’s commitment to advancing hydrogen innovation on an international stage.

During CEM16, the Group actively participated in two high-level dialogues, sharing perspectives on industrial decarbonization, energy efficiency and the role of hydrogen as a future energy source. By engaging with global leaders, the Group showcased its expanding hydrogen business and encouraged meaningful policy and industry collaboration.

Ken Ramirez, Head of Energy & Hydrogen Business Division at Hyundai Motor Group, presented the Group’s comprehensive hydrogen business strategy, emphasizing the need for public-private collaboration to accelerate the energy transition.

In particular, Ramirez outlined the Group’s initiatives to:

• Advance industrial decarbonization through hydrogen-powered mobility and industrial applications.
• Promote energy efficiency across the entire value chain.
• Highlight hydrogen’s critical role in reshaping the global energy mix and enabling a sustainable future.

“As an efficient energy carrier, hydrogen plays a central role in enhancing energy resilience and driving industrial innovation,” said Ramirez. “Hyundai Motor Group is capitalizing on our broad expertise and proven heritage in hydrogen of nearly three decades to deliver real-world hydrogen-powered solutions at scale through our HTWO brand and platform. We are committed to a decarbonized society and to building a hydrogen ecosystem that drives sustainability and competitiveness.”

At the ‘High-Level Dialogue on Industry Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency,’ the Group highlighted the advancement of low-carbon industries through international cooperation. The dialogue underlined the need for practical, scalable public-private initiatives and comprehensive value chain engagement to build a robust hydrogen ecosystem and enhance industrial competitiveness.

In the next session, ‘High-Level Dialogue on Future Fuel,’ the Group focused on advancing hydrogen as a key energy carrier and strengthening the ecosystem through infrastructure and upstream innovation. The Group also stressed the need for hydrogen certification and standardization frameworks, urging greater international cooperation in infrastructure, investment and policy.

Supporting both CEM16 and the APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting on August 27–28, the Group provided a fleet of 32 all-new NEXO SUVs as official transport for ministerial-level officials—the first time FCEVs have served as state vehicles at a major international event. The fleet featured custom branding and included English-language brochures on the NEXO vehicle, HTWO hydrogen brand and hydrogen fuel cell business solutions.

– End –

About Hyundai Motor Group

More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Newsroom

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group

Announces intent to vote AGAINST a new investment advisory agreement with
incumbent investment adviser Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC

FINS share price has declined by over 35% since inception (2019) and adviser Angel
Oak Capital Advisors, LLC should be held accountable

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trevor Montano (“Mr. Montano” or “I”) today issued the letter below to shareholders of Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust (NYSE: FINS) (“FINS” or the “Fund”) outlining the reasons why shareholders should join Mr. Montano (a shareholder) in voting AGAINST a new investment advisory agreement with adviser Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC (“Angel Oak“) at the upcoming Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”). Angel Oak’s decisions have led to poor investment performance on an absolute and relative basis, and Angel Oak should be held accountable.

Dear Fellow FINS Shareholders –

Just two months ago, shareholders voted for change at the 2025 FINS Annual Meeting and DID NOT APPROVE an identical new investment advisory agreement to the one before shareholders at the upcoming Special Meeting. Additionally, two incumbent Trustees recommended by the Board of Trustees (“Board”), Keith M. Schappert and Andrea N. Mullins each received only 36%¹ of the outstanding share vote at the Annual Meeting and were not duly elected to serve (majority requirement). However, FINS permits them to remain as Trustees until their replacement(s) are duly elected.  These Trustees represent half of the independent Trustees on the Board, and they are supporting the new investment advisory agreement despite their unelected status and recommendations I shared with the Board to hold another Trustee election to allow the shareholders to properly elect independent Trustees. A web of governance provisions and Board actions have led to Trustee and Angel Oak entrenchment and a trampling of shareholder rights.  The lack of accountability at both the Board and Angel Oak has led to poor financial performance on both an absolute basis and relative to peer closed-end funds.

I am voting AGAINST the new investment advisory agreement and AGAINST any potential adjournment of the Special Meeting and encourage all shareholders to join me.

I am voting AGAINST the new investment advisory agreement primarily for the following reasons:

1.     The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to engage the best investment advisor for FINS at competitive investment advisory fees – it appears the Board, with the same four independent Trustees since inception, has never run a competitive selection process for the FINS investment adviser. Additionally, given the outcome of the Trustee election at the Annual Meeting, only two of six Trustees are both independent and duly elected by shareholders. How can shareholders trust that the Board is acting in their best interest, identifying the best investment adviser for FINS, when two-thirds of the Board is either unelected or an employee of Angel Oak? 

2.     FINS poor financial performance under Angel Oak – Angel Oak has been the investment adviser to FINS since inception, while the share price is down over 35%² since inception. Additionally, shareholders have not been able to realize the full Net Asset Value (“NAV”) of their shares in over 5 years since February 27, 2020, as the shares have traded at a discount to NAV every day since, with a median discount of 9.4%³.

FINS has also underperformed on total shareholder returns relative to a group of peer closed-end funds, especially over 3- and 5-years where FINS has significantly underperformed (see table below). Additionally, FINS traded at a discount to NAV that was more than double the peer closed-end fund median discount to NAV as of June 30, 2025.

3.     Angel Oak enrichment at expense of shareholders – FINS has paid Angel Oak more in investment advisory fees than cumulative net income generated for shareholders over the past 3- and 5- fiscal years, respectively.

Additionally, Angel Oak is compensated based on managed assets and receives more fees when FINS has higher levels of financial leverage. I believe Angel Oak has inappropriately maintained FINS financial leverage through the interest rate cycle and yield curve inversions to enrich themselves, at the expense of shareholders.

4.     Anti-shareholder actions by the Board and Angel Oak – I contend that the Board has been acting in the best interest of Angel Oak for some time, not in the best interests of shareholders. Numerous entrenchment governance provisions including the staggered board structure, unitary board, majority vote requirement without a plurality carveout for contested elections and lack of a resignation requirement for incumbent Trustees that are not elected seek to silence shareholders and prevent us from exercising our rights. The Board’s decision not to hold a Trustee election at the Special Meeting but instead permit unelected Trustees to recommend Angel Oak receive a new investment advisory agreement is another example of such actions.

Sincerely,

Trevor Montano
Concerned investor and advocate for FINS Shareholders

About Trevor Montano
Trevor Montano is a private investor focused on financial services, business services, financial technology and energy companies. He formerly served as the Chief Investment Officer at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and has 25 years of experience investing in, structuring, and underwriting, U.S. Bank capital instruments including subordinated debt, convertible debt, trust preferred securities, preferred shares and other forms of debt and equity regulatory capital securities. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at Blue Ridge Bancshares.

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OF AUTHORITY TO VOTE YOUR PROXY. DO NOT SEND MR. MONTANO YOUR PROXY CARD. MR. MONTANO IS NOT ASKING FOR YOUR PROXY CARD AND WILL NOT ACCEPT PROXY CARDS IF SENT. HE IS NOT ABLE TO VOTE YOUR PROXY, NOR DOES THIS COMMUNICATION CONTEMPLATE SUCH AN EVENT.

¹ Per 2025 Annual Meeting certified results (LINK)
² FINS inception 5/29/2019 (market price $20.00/share) through June 30, 2025 (market price $12.98/share)
³ Median FINS market price discount to NAV February 27, 2020 through June 30, 2025
⁴ Source: FINS and peer closed-end fund fact sheets as of June 30, 2025. FINS closed-end fund peers identified by Mr. Montano are tickers: FPF, LDP, JPI and NPFD. Figures may not compute exactly due to rounding.
⁵ Source: S&P Capital IQ Pro and FINS annual reports (2021-2025). 

Contact: 
West Potomac Capital LLC
info@westpotomaccap.com

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SOURCE West Potomac Capital LLC

BAD SÄCKINGEN, Germany and BOSTON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — eschbach, a leading provider of enterprise software solutions for the process industry, is proud to announce it has been awarded a Silver Certification by EcoVadis, the global standard for business sustainability ratings. This recognition places eschbach among the top 15% of companies assessed worldwide.

“Quality and sustainability go hand in hand. This level of certification is a testament not only to our sustainable practices but also to the rigorous standards we apply in everything we do,” says Lisa Köpfer, head of quality management for eschbach.

EcoVadis evaluates companies across four key areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. eschbach’s silver rating reflects its holistic approach to sustainability, with strong performance across all categories and industry-leading excellence in environmental responsibility.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition,” says Andreas Eschbach, CEO of eschbach. “It reflects our deep commitment to sustainability—not just in our internal operations, but in the solutions we provide to our customers.”

eschbach’s flagship product, Shiftconnector®, helps industrial teams collaborate more effectively and safely, driving operational efficiency while supporting environmental goals. The company continues to invest in sustainable practices, ethical governance, and responsible supply chain management.

About eschbach

With its global headquarters in Southern Germany and its North America headquarters in Boston, MA, eschbach is the premier enterprise software developer for pharmaceutical, chemical and other process industry manufacturing. Shiftconnector incorporates AI technology and helps manufacturing teams take charge of facility operations, process safety, asset performance, and production quality. eschbach transforms digital manufacturing operations that helps managers, operators, and technicians to achieve the highest level of team communications. The award-winning solution is trusted worldwide by leading manufacturing companies such as BASF, Roche, and Bayer. For more information, visit www.eschbach.com.

Media Contact – North America
Dawn Fontaine
Ripple Effect Communications
T: 617-536-8887
dawn@rippleeffectpr.com 

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SOURCE eschbach

With decades of experience in nonprofit health care, Stuart’s leadership will focus on strengthening Blue Shield’s commitment to high-quality affordable healthcare coverage for all

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Shield of California today announced Mike Stuart as its new president and chief executive officer. A longtime executive and former chief financial officer of the nonprofit health plan, Stuart brings more than two decades of leadership experience in health care that will further Blue Shield’s mission of providing access to high-quality care that’s sustainably affordable for all.

“Mike Stuart is the right leader at the right time for Blue Shield of California,” said Kristina Leslie, chair of the Blue Shield of California board of directors. “He has a deep understanding of our mission, our members and the complex healthcare landscape we operate in. Mike’s financial expertise, collaborative approach and long-standing commitment to the nonprofit values that guide us make him uniquely positioned to lead our organization forward.” 

As chief financial officer since 2022, Stuart has helped guide the organization through some of the most complex challenges the healthcare industry has faced. He has been instrumental in helping to make health care more affordable for Blue Shield’s members, supporting provider partnerships and ensuring financial sustainability of the health plan while staying true to the company’s nonprofit mission.   

“Our industry is facing extraordinary challenges — from rising costs to regulatory shifts and increasing demands for equity and access,” Leslie said. “In this environment, we need a leader who not only understands the complexity of the healthcare system but also has the conviction and capability to drive real, sustainable change. Mike brings exactly that.” 

As president and CEO, Stuart will lead over 6,500 employees who serve 6 million members with health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health service plans in California and beyond. He is also deeply committed to advancing the organization’s values across teams and partnerships, including recent collaborations to serve over 750,000 active-duty military members and their families, and expand our offerings for CalPERS members.  

“I am honored to lead Blue Shield of California at such a critical moment for our state and industry,” said Stuart. “We have a responsibility as a nonprofit health plan to lead with integrity, partner with purpose and ensure care is both accessible and affordable. I’m proud to work alongside our talented leaders across the Ascendiun family of companies to build a healthcare system that works better for everyone.” 

Stuart’s experience spans finance, operations and systemwide transformation. Prior to joining Blue Shield, he spent 11 years in senior leadership roles at the Daughters of Charity Health System, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges providers face and the importance of aligning incentives to improve outcomes and access for patients. He holds an MBA in Finance from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal State Chico.  

About Blue Shield of California 

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a taxpaying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 6 million members, over 6,500 employees and more than $27 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities.  

 For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.  

 Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. 

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

DETROIT, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – AquaAction, an organization that empowers innovators to solve critical water challenges and launch water-tech startups, is announcing the extension of its flagship AquaHacking program binationally for 2026 across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region with a goal of attracting 1,000 participants.

This marks a significant milestone in AquaAction’s mission to foster a water-secure future through collaboration and innovation. To bolster cross-border cooperation, AquaAction’s President, Soula Chronopoulos, is proud to unveil today the major co-hosts from both the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI), reinforcing the program’s commitment to regional cooperation and impact.

Chronopoulos made the announcement during the open house for the new Urban Tech Xchange in Detroit, Michigan, where AquaAction will soon officially open their U.S. headquarters.

Now entering its 10th year and 16th edition, the AquaHacking program cultivates the next generation of water tech entrepreneurs through a rigorous 10-month program that provides intensive mentorship, technical guidance, seed funding and other strategic support.

As the world’s largest freshwater basin faces increased pressures from extreme weather, geopolitical turbulence, population growth and pollution, there has never been a more critical time for cross-border innovation on water technologies.

Water issue themes that will be tackled could include:

• Bridging the water Access Gap in Underserved Communities
• Drought-resistant crop cultivation and water-smart agricultural practices
• Water-efficient cooling solutions for data centers
• Resilient municipal infrastructure
• Hybrid energy systems with water-saving components
• Economic Opportunities in the Circular Water Economy
• Maximizing value from Great Lakes fisheries and aquaculture, including sustainable use of 100% of each fish

Call for Partners

AquaAction is actively seeking post-secondary recruitment hubs and major funding sponsors to support the successful delivery of the 2026 AquaHacking Binational Program. Together, we can empower the next generation of water innovators to build a resilient, water secure future. For partnership inquiries or to learn more about the program, please visit aquaaction.org.

Quotes 

“Water knows no borders and neither should innovation. By uniting talent and resources across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region, we’re empowering the next generation to tackle water challenges with bold, scalable solutions,”

• Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction

“The water tech innovation that AquaAction is sparking with a new generation of entrepreneurs is precisely the kind of catalytic collaboration we first envisioned for the UTX. Our team at Bedrock is thrilled to be working with them to grow an ecosystem of innovators and scale them into successful industry disruptors.”

• Kevin Mull, Senior Director for the Office of Urban Strategy and Innovation, Bedrock

“Innovation without borders is exactly what our freshwater demands. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is proud to stand alongside AquaAction in advancing solutions that cross geography and jurisdiction. Together, we are building a pipeline from university labs to municipal deployment—ensuring that brilliant ideas don’t remain prototypes but become real tools that communities can implement. This is about more than technology; it’s about ensuring residents have safe, affordable water, infrastructure that can withstand the stress of higher temperatures and more frequent storms, and opportunities to participate in a growing economy that is rooted in sustainable solutions.”

• Jonathan Altenberg, President and CEO, the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Cities Initiative

“The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers are committed to innovating to strengthen our region. AquaHacking offers a unique platform for young entrepreneurs and problem-solvers to address some of our real-world challenges. We look forward to working together to bring new ideas for improving our fisheries and addressing other water-related opportunities.”

• David Naftzger, Executive Director, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers

“When expertise meets innovation, we become trusted partners for those who value water, working together to bring this vital resource to life. Together with AquaAction’s 2026 AquaHacking program, we’re empowering the next wave of changemakers to protect, preserve, and revolutionize the future of water.”

• Pierre-Marc Sarrazin, Vice-President, Ovivo

Quick Links

• https://aquaaction.org/en/our-programs/aquahacking-challenge/aquahacking-binational-2026

Quick Facts 

• AquaAction’s Impact since 2016: 
  • 100+ water tech companies 
  • $200M+ in annual revenues 
  • $65M+ capital raised 
  • 400+ green jobs created 
  • Over 3,000 participants engaged
  • Over 95B litres (25B gallons) of water saved and the equivalent of over 85,000 trees in carbon avoided
• The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region is home to 110 million people. It contains 21% of the world’s and 95% of North America’s surface fresh water supply and has a ground water supply the volume of Lake Michigan.
• The region accounts for more than 50% of all U.S./Canadian bilateral border trade and sees over 200 million tons of cargo shipped annually. If it were its own country, it would have a GDP of US$8 trillion, making it the third biggest economy in the world.
• The 2026 AquaHacking Binational Great Lakes and St. Lawrence program builds on the success of AquaAction’s first-ever binational Great Lakes AquaHacking program with Northwestern Michigan College in 2023-20234 which brought together over 200 water tech innovators from across the U.S. and Canada.
• The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Basin faces mounting threats:
  • Toxic PFAS contamination continues to infiltrate waterways, outpacing current filtration systems and raising alarms about long-term health effects.
  • Nutrient runoff, in the form of phosphorus from agriculture and urban areas, is fueling harmful algal blooms that degrade water quality and damage aquatic ecosystems, most notably in Lake Erie.
  • The spread of invasive species is destabilizing food production systems and threatening biodiversity across multiple lakes.
  • Extreme weather is disrupting precipitation patterns, intensifying lake-level fluctuations, increasing shoreline erosion, and stressing aging infrastructure.
  • Urban and industrial expansion contributes to chemical runoff and challenges cities already struggling to modernize outdated wastewater systems.

About AquaAction

AquaAction is a charity registered in both the United States and Canada that is building a water-secure future through innovation, education, and collaboration. We support aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs to launch and scale water technology solutions to tackle the increasing economic, environmental and water security challenges we face. AquaAction works across sectors connecting innovators, policymakers, communities, and industries to empower the next generation of water stewards. We are a growing community of changemakers who are building the freshwater economy, one solution at a time.

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SOURCE AquaAction

CHICAGO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), in partnership with the USO, has concluded the 12th annual Drive for the Troops campaign, a month-long fundraiser that raised more than $70,000 in support of local military service members and their families.

Throughout the month of July, more than 80 new-car dealerships across the Chicagoland area came together to host community-focused fundraising events and activities. From car shows to classic summer barbecues to online fundraising activities, the campaign ignited strong community engagement and underscored the vital role of the USO in supporting those who serve.

“Drive for the Troops continues to be a shining example of how our local dealerships step up, not just as businesses, but as dedicated community leaders,” said CATA Chairman Ryan Kelly. “This year’s campaign was another powerful reminder that our communities are eager to rally around our service members, and we are proud to once again support the USO’s mission.”

Dealerships participated in a variety of ways, including hosting onsite events and contributing donations for every test drive taken throughout July. In total, this year’s fundraising brings the program’s lifetime contribution to more than $1.2 million, raised through nearly 800 dealership-led events since its inception.

“The impact of Drive for the Troops is profound, and the USO is incredibly grateful for the continued support from the CATA and Chicagoland’s new-car dealers,” said USO Executive Director, Christopher Schmidt. “These funds help ensure that we can continue offering hundreds of vital programs, services and moments of connection for service members and their families.”

The program culminated this week where CATA board members presented a check to the USO for a total of $72,047.

“Lastly, we must thank our incredible media partners who played a key role in amplifying the message, increasing awareness, and driving community participation throughout the campaign,” said Kelly.

For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the USO, please visit USO.org.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation’s largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.

About USO
The USO is the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families. Since 1941, the USO has been by the side of service members throughout their military service. Impactful support is provided through our 250+ locations around the world, a robust care package delivery program, global entertainment, military spouse and youth programming, and much more, all made possible by donors, corporate partners, volunteers and staff. To learn more and support our critical mission around the globe, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association

A Portion of Every Anniversary Facial Helps Feed Children Across America Through Blessings in a Backpack

DENVER, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spavia Day Spa, the resort-inspired day spa with 60 locations nationwide, is proud to announce a charitable initiative in partnership with IMAGE Skincare and Blessings in a Backpack in honor of its 20th anniversary. This initiative is part of Spavia Cares, the brand’s year-round philanthropic program where every spa partners with local organizations by fundraising, volunteering, and donating to causes that support education, health, community development, animal welfare, and more. The campaign kicks off with open house events at Spavia locations across the country, marking the start of a month-long effort centered on wellness, community engagement, and giving back.

Starting September 1, guests at Spavia locations nationwide can experience the limited-time Platinum Ice & Glow Facial, a result-driven treatment powered by IMAGE Skincare’s newest AGELESS+ retinol innovation. For each facial performed in September, Spavia National and IMAGE Skincare will donate a combined $25 to Blessings in a Backpack. Aligning with Hunger Action Month, these donations will help provide weekend meals to children facing food insecurity. 

“This partnership truly reflects the heart of Spavia Cares and the core of who we are,” said Allison Langenderfer, co-founder of Spavia. “Marking this 20-year milestone with a meaningful donation to children in need feels like the most authentic way to honor Spavia’s mission of making a positive difference in the world, one guest at a time. We’re proud to partner with two organizations that share our values, and we hope this campaign inspires our guests to feel good and do good, all in one visit.”

Blessings in a Backpack provides more than 3 million bags of weekend nutrition each school year to children who rely on school lunch programs but face hunger on weekends. With back-to-school season marking a high-need period for many families, the campaign aims to make a tangible difference where it matters most. As an extension of Spavia Cares, the brand and its franchise owners are supporting additional local charity partners with various giveback efforts that will greatly impact meaningful causes.

“Food insecurity doesn’t take weekends off, and neither do we,” said Nikki Grizzle, vice president of national partnerships at Blessings in a Backpack. “This partnership with Spavia and IMAGE Skincare is a beautiful example of how businesses can champion real change. Each facial helps ensure a child returns to school on Monday ready to learn, grow, and thrive.”

The Platinum Ice & Glow Facial was developed exclusively for Spavia’s 20th anniversary in collaboration with IMAGE Skincare. It delivers both instant and long-term results with an ice-like cooling sensation that calms, lifts, and depuffs to deliver powerful results. 

“Celebrating Spavia’s 20th anniversary with a treatment that nourishes both skin and spirit is something we’re incredibly proud to be part of,” said Michele Snyder, chief marketing and innovation officer of IMAGE Skincare. “This partnership reflects what we believe at our core, which is that beauty is more than skin deep. When guests choose this facial, they’re investing in themselves and helping feed children in need. That’s the kind of impact that stays with you.” 

A calming oasis in your backyard, Spavia invites guests to visit their neighborhood day spa and enjoy an affordable luxury experience like never before. Open seven days a week, guests are welcome to relax in a resort-inspired atmosphere with a variety of result-driven massage and skin care treatments including facials, body wraps, waxing, lash extensions, make-up, and more. With plush spa robes and sandals, a tranquil retreat area, warm aromatherapy neck pillows, inspirational readings, exotic teas, and the ability to customize every aspect of any treatment, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information on your local Spavia or to book the Platinum Ice & Glow Facial, visit www.spaviadayspa.com.

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SOURCE Spavia

Dedicated to Funding Chocolate History Research, Scholarship, and Educational Programming

NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate announced today that they are currently accepting submissions for the 2026 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant through October 26, 2025. The grant provides funding to organizations, individuals, and schools for innovation in the areas of chocolate history research, cocoa science, scholarship, and education.

Launched in 2013, the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant has provided over $600,000 in grant funding to 32 institutions for 63 grant projects. Last year, a total of $58,9000 in grant funding was awarded to five organizations. The winners were:

• Historic Philadelphia/Betsy Ross House (Philadelphia, PA)
• University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
• Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education (Tampa Bay, FL)
• Conner Prairie Museum (Fishers, IN)
• The Lovett School (Atlanta, GA) for the first Classroom Resource Grant

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the vital role of chocolate in culture, science, and education. Funding will be awarded for projects that investigate and/or educate on the history of chocolate, the chocolate-making process, or cocoa science, with an emphasis on anticipated audience reach. Teachers of K-12 students are also encouraged to apply for a classroom resource grant.

“Every year we are impressed by the depth and breadth of grant applications and the projects proposed,” said Kelly Lynch, Marketing Director, Mars Wrigley Premium Brands. “There is no shortage of exciting and educational chocolate-based research and programming to share with the world. Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate are honored to support these inspiring initiatives.”

Awards for this competitive scholarship will be made based on merit as judged by a panel of experts. The educational impact will highly influence the decision process, as will attention to equity, inclusion, and diversity in the proposal.

Grant submissions can be made on the AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate website at https://www.americanheritagechocolate.com/grants/grant-application/.

Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant winners will be announced at the annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society scheduled for February 18-19, 2026, in Washington, DC. The Heritage Chocolate Society was founded by Forrest E. Mars, Jr. in 2003 to explore the diverse history of chocolate in the Americas as well as its impact on society and culture. What started as a gathering of 15 attendees has evolved into an annual meeting of more than 150 history and educational leaders dedicated to exploring new ideas and concepts that would benefit their historic sites and museums.

About AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate
The AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brand was developed in 2006 by Mars Chocolate North America (now Mars Wrigley) and is the only chocolate brand solely dedicated to sharing the history of chocolate through products inspired by authentic recipes from the 18th century. Backed by research and fueled by legacy, the brand calls itself “The Chocolate History People” for a reason! By offering unique, immersive products that both educate and entertain, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brings the rich and diverse story of chocolate to life. Rainforest Alliance Certified™ and made with no preservatives, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate currently comes in four formats: Tasting Squares, Tablet Bars, Grated Chocolate for baking/drinking and Gourmet Hot Cocoa. AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate is sold at fine gift shops at historic sites, museums, and historic inns across the USA. The brand can also be found on Amazon.com, at Ethel M Chocolates stores around Las Vegas, Nevada, and on ethelm.com.

Learn more about AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate at www.Facebook.com/AmericanHeritageChocolate, on Instagram at @AmericanHeritageChocolate, and on Pinterest @Chochistory.

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom—inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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SOURCE Mars

United States Marine Corps Invites Atlanta to Commemorate its 250^th Birthday

Marine Week Atlanta to be Honored at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Piedmont Park

ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The United States Marine Corps is proud to announce Marine Week Atlanta will take place Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2025, as part of its year-long 250th birthday celebration in service to the nation. In metro Atlanta, Marines will honor its Veterans, connect with fellow Americans, commemorate the Corps’ centuries-long legacy and sacrifice, and inspire future Marines and leaders.

The series of events is an opportunity for the Atlanta community to experience in person the extraordinary talent and commitment of Marines who uphold with honor and pride the Corps’ heritage of excellence. The celebration will include ceremonies inside Mercedes-Benz stadium during a weekend of dual college football games as well as an impressive display of Marine Corps personnel and vehicles outside the stadium, daily public workouts with the Marines at Piedmont Park, 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and Silent Drill Platoon performances throughout the area, and much more.

An Act by the Second Continental Congress authorized the U.S. Marine Corps 250 years ago, bestowing upon Capt. Samuel Nicholas the duty to create the first Marine Corps recruiting command, which he did at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa., on November 10, 1775.

“Georgia has supported the Marine Corps and its Marines for decades, from our Combat Logistics Regiment, to our reserve units, to recruiting stations located in the state,” said Col. J.J. Wilson, commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250, the unit leading the Marine Corps’ year-long commemoration. “Just as the college football kickoff classic unites fans from across the Southeast in spirited competition, the Marine Corps thrives on the same discipline, teamwork, and relentless drive found on the gridiron—only our field of play is the battlefield in defense of our nation. Marine Week Atlanta is our opportunity to express our gratitude for the community’s unwavering support and showcase our dedication to the blessings of liberty. We invite Georgians from across the area to join us.”

Public and Media Opportunities during Marine Week Atlanta include:

1. Fri, Aug. 29: Special Marine Corps Performance: To help kick off Marine Week Atlanta, the Silent Drill Platoon and a Marine vocalist will make a unique appearance at the Gainesville High School football game at 830 Century Place, Gainesville, Ga. 30501. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Of special significance, one member of the Silent Drill Platoon performing will be a Gainesville native and hometown Marine.
    
2. Sat-Sun, Aug. 30-31: Colors Ceremonies: Daily colors ceremonies will take place at Piedmont Park each morning at 8 a.m. and each evening at 8 p.m. (east side of ‘active oval’ ballfields area).
    
3. Sat-Sun, Aug. 30-31: Wreath-Laying Ceremonies: The Marine Corps will commemorate the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the Nation with daily wreath-laying ceremonies. The public is invited to observe the ceremonies at Piedmont Park (dockside at Lake Clara Meer) each day at 9 a.m.
    
4. Sat, Aug. 30: Static Display: The public is invited to interact with a large display of Marine Corps equipment at the AFLAC Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Opportunities are available to climb aboard equipment, participate in a pull-up challenge, take part in camo face painting for kids, and see performances by the Quantico Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. Open from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    
5. Sat, Aug. 30: Witness the awe of a Marine Corps flyover during the pregame of the AFLAC Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A Marine Corps KC-130 and two MV-22B Ospreys will fly over the stadium around 9:45 a.m.
    
6. Sat, Aug. 30: Marine Band Performance: The 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Rock Band will perform at Rally Point Grille at 10009 GA-92 in Woodstock, Ga., between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    
7. Sun, Aug. 31: Static Display: The public is invited to interact with a large display of Marine Corps equipment at the AFLAC Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Opportunities are available to climb aboard equipment, participate in a pull-up challenge, take part in camo face painting for kids, and see performances by the Quantico Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    
8. Sun, Aug. 31: Experience the exhilaration of a Marine Corps flyover during the pregame of the AFLAC Kickoff Game over Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A Marine Corps KC-130 and two MV-22B Ospreys will fly over the stadium around 12:45 p.m.

Primary On-Site Media Contact:
Josh Zecher
josh@mediaadvisoryexperts.com
(703) 930-4941 cell

Secondary Media Contact:
Mark Albert
mark@mediaadvisoryexperts.com
(202) 241-1833 cell

About the United States Marine Corps 

The electronic press kit for the Marine Corps’ 250^th birthday celebration can be downloaded here. The celebration’s official website is here; hashtag #Marines250. The U.S. Marine Corps Style Guide is here. Learn more about the history of the Marine Corps.

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SOURCE U.S. Marine Corps