Tag: PR Newswire

Federal Reserve recognition highlights deep, long-term commitment to community investment

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ally Bank, the nation’s largest all-digital bank with an industry-leading auto financing business, announced today that it has received an “Outstanding” rating on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance evaluation by the Federal Reserve Board. Since 2017 Ally Bank has earned the highest possible rating four consecutive times. This distinction places Ally among the top 15% of U.S. financial institutions evaluated under the CRA.

“Ally’s fourth consecutive ‘Outstanding’ CRA rating reflects that doing right by our communities is foundational to our long-term business success,” said Ally chief legal and corporate affairs officer, Hope Mehlman. “This rating is a testament to the strength of our CRA program and the passion our teams bring to serving their communities.”

As part of the most recent exam period (2023-2024), Ally delivered on its community reinvestment mission through $2.68 billion of community development loans and investments, including:

• $1.7 billion in community development investments, including $1.47 billion supporting affordable housing
• $734.4 million in community development loans, including $138 million supporting economic development and community services
• $3.4 million in grants to non-profit organizations supporting community development and economic mobility
• 1,685 in employee volunteer hours focused on financial literacy initiatives and nonprofit partnerships

The rating affirms Ally’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to capital in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities across the country. Impactful examples include:

• A $35 million loan to Lendistry, one of the most active and impactful small business lenders in the country. In 2023 alone, Lendistry provided capital to more than 1,300 startups utilizing funding from Ally’s loan.
• An $11.7 million real estate construction loan to Ogden PSH, LLC for a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) rental project for chronically homeless individuals. The project will set aside units for homeless veterans and people with disabilities.
• A $5 million investment into ResilienceVC, an early-stage venture fund focused on investing in visionary entrepreneurs making financial services work for all Americans. Resilience VC targets scalable embedded financial technology startup companies that build financial resilience for users.

Adopted in 1977, the CRA requires federally insured deposit-taking institutions to support the borrowing needs of all the communities where they do business, including low– and moderate–income areas. Banks are rated during periodic evaluation intervals for their lending, investments, and service activities.

For more information about Ally’s community development efforts are available here.

Ally Bank, Member FDIC

About Ally Financial
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to “Do It Right” and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves customers with deposits and securities brokerage and investment advisory services as well as auto financing and insurance offerings. The company also includes a seasoned corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. For more information, please visit www.ally.com.  

For more information and disclosures about Ally visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures.

For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com.  

Contacts:
Alex Moore
Ally Communications
Alex.moore@ally.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ally-bank-earns-fourth-consecutive-outstanding-cra-rating-302532485.html

SOURCE Ally Financial

HOMESTEAD, Fla., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Allied NP Wellness and Primary Care, a primary healthcare and wellness service provider, is the first in the Miami area to offer EXOMIND, a noninvasive brain stimulation treatment that boosts mental health and emotional suffering from depression, anxiety and mental fog.

“Depression is everywhere,” says Alvis Linares, NP, owner of Allied NP Wellness and Primary Care. “Being able to offer EXOMIND, an FDA-cleared treatment for depression, helps us keep our commitment to providing the highest level of patient care.”

Allied NP Wellness and Primary Care is run by the dynamic duo of Linares and his wife, Monica Lee, two licensed nurse practitioners who are fluent in Spanish. The center offers leading-edge technologies for fat burning, hormone balancing, muscle building, incontinence, aesthetics and overall health.

With EXOMIND, the applicator is placed on the head and uses magnetic pulses to stimulate or suppress brain activity. The technology addresses key brain areas involved in emotional regulation, cognitive function and self-control. To maximize results, doctors recommend a treatment twice a week for three weeks.

An additional benefit? Research shows that 100% of patients experienced reduced food cravings and, on average, reported a four-to-five-pound weight loss after six treatments.

Allied NP Wellness and Primary Care provides patients with other cutting-edge technologies to address everything from spinal health to muscle definition. Emsculpt NEO uses muscle activation and heat to burn up to 30% fat and build up to 25% muscle in hard-to-treat areas, including the abdomen, buttocks, arms and thighs.

In addition, Allied NP Wellness and Primary Care has Emface, the first FDA-cleared device that simultaneously tightens facial muscles and lifts loose skin along the cheeks, jawline and under the chin.

For individuals dealing with incontinence, there is EMSELLA, a device using muscle activation to strengthen the pelvic floor. Patients sit fully clothed on the EMSELLA chair for 28-minute sessions. Research shows a 98% patient satisfaction rate for restoring bladder function.

From now through the end of September, Allied NP is launching EXOMIND by offering $1,000 discount per treatment series for the first 10 guests who purchase a package. For more info, call 786-377-3192 or visit www.alliednpprimarycare.com. Allied NP is conveniently located at 70 NW 8^th St. in the heart of Homestead.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allied-np-wellness-and-primary-care-blazing-new-trails-with-brain-stimulation-to-treat-depression-and-optimize-mental-health-302532518.html

SOURCE Allied NP Wellness and Primary Care

125-MW project located in Jackson County, Michigan is anticipated to contribute more than $70 million in direct economic impact

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Geronimo Power (Geronimo) announced today the start of onsite construction at its 125-megawatt (MW) Jackson County Solar (Jackson) project in Jackson County, Michigan. Jackson will join the previously announced MiSolar Portfolio (MiSolar) in nearby Clinton and Monroe counties and will expand the company’s presence within the Midwestern Independent System Operator (MISO) market to nearly one gigawatt (GW).

“As a company founded on a farm in the rural Midwest, I’m thrilled to see our MISO footprint continue to grow,” said Joe Ibrahim, Vice President of Construction at Geronimo. “The addition of the Jackson project to our Michigan portfolio will bring more than $70 million in total economic benefit. This is significant when you consider the impact that will make for local residents and communities – we’re proud to be part of that story.”

Once operational, Jackson is anticipated to produce $28 million in new tax revenue over the first twenty years, which will be distributed to local counties, townships and school districts. Barnhart Energy Company (BEC) is constructing the project, which is estimated to sustain approximately 300 construction and service jobs.

“We’ve enjoyed serving Geronimo Power on the Jackson County Solar project and are proud to help bring this milestone to life in Michigan,” said Jeff Bowin, CEO of BEC. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when vision and execution align with collaborative problem-solving. A true one-team culture. We’re grateful for the trust placed in us as their EPC partner.”

Geronimo has had a longstanding presence in the MISO region, with a history of developing projects that deliver vital energy infrastructure across the Midwest. Most recently, the company announced the addition of its 250-MW Portage Solar project in Wisconsin. In total, Geronimo has developed more than 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy within the MISO market, delivering more than $275 million in new tax revenue to local communities.

Anticipated to begin operations next year, Jackson is expected to generate enough clean, renewable energy to provide the equivalent electrical usage of an estimated 33,600 homes each year. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, the project is estimated to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 161,300 metric tons annually – the equivalent of removing an estimated 37,600 cars off the road for one year.

About Geronimo Power
Geronimo Power (formerly National Grid Renewables) develops, owns and operates large-scale power assets throughout America’s Heartland, including solar, wind and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, Geronimo Power equips landowners and rural communities with sustainable revenue to ignite local economic growth. To learn more about Geronimo Power, visit www.geronimopower.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Media Inquiries
Contact: Emily Morissette
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Geronimo Power
press@geronimopower.com
612-504-4839

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/geronimo-power-breaks-ground-on-jackson-county-solar-in-michigan-302532464.html

SOURCE Geronimo Power

GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — News report from GDToday. 

The Southern China Book Fair 2025 opens on August 15 in Guangzhou. Unlike previous editions, this year’s book fair has expanded its international area to an unprecedented level, covering over 2,000 square meters. Many acclaimed international authors and exhibitors have also come to meet Chinese readers. What prompted them to join one of the largest book fairs in South China? Check the video to find out.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-participants-see-southern-china-book-fair-as-a-stage-for-culture-302532454.html

SOURCE GDToday

The warnings are unmistakable: California’s cities, lawmakers, and residents must join forces to speed up seismic preparations. Structural expert Kyle Tourjé urges swift steps to break the cycle of inaction and start reinforcing buildings now—before the Big One hits.

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The recent Tsunami warnings issued along California’s coast following a magnitude-8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula may have seemed excessive—especially when only small waves reached the shore. But when it comes to California’s seismic readiness, one expert, Kyle Tourjé, Executive Vice President of Alpha Structural says, “There is no such thing as an overabundance of caution.” As a second-generation contractor, he has clocked many hours “in the trenches” working with his team of builders, engineers and structural specialists. He can confirm that despite decades of warnings, many California cities remain unprepared for the 99% chance of a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake striking California within the next 30 years. ⁽¹⁾ In fact, recent policy changes could set the state back decades in terms of disaster readiness.

Gutted Federal Grants Leave Retrofit Programs in Jeopardy
In May 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) canceled $30–33 million in retrofit grants intended for California’s many high‑risk soft‑story apartment buildings. ⁽²⁾ These buildings, common in Los Angeles and tracked for compliance by the Los Angeles Department of Building Safety (LABDS), have historically caused deadly collapses in events like the 1994 Northridge quake. ^(2,3)

Meanwhile, San Francisco enacted an ordinance on May 9, 2025, requiring preliminary structural assessments of nearly 4,000 non‑ductile concrete or tilt‑up buildings to be completed within 18 months. ^(4,5) This means owners must hire engineers to evaluate seismic risks, which can cost thousands per building. In contrast, Los Angeles passed an ordinance targeting both soft-story and non-ductile concrete buildings, but retrofitting non-ductile concrete structures presents far greater funding challenges because of their size, complexity, and high costs.

This blend of urgency and caution has experts calling for faster progress—pushing Californians from assessment to implementation and building the partnerships needed to safeguard the city’s buildings. “We can’t assess our way to safety,” said Tourjé. “Every year we delay retrofits, more lives and livelihoods are put at risk.”

Cut Through Fear with Action
“It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of natural disasters, but inaction is the worst choice,” said Tourjé. “Property owners want to retrofit their buildings, but they aren’t given many funding options. In a highly regulatory State like California, most building owners want to retrofit, but simply can’t afford to. I urge property owners to contact their elected state, county and city officials. Ask them to support low-interest loan programs that help building owners—not saddle them with more mandates and no reasonable funding solutions. If we want to make earthquake-resilient cities, we need to see incentives for that goal.”

Tourjé notes that seismic resilience requires action at every level. Local, county, and state governments can prioritize it by creating low-interest loan programs for building owners. Private partners can collaborate with local agencies to apply for multi-million-dollar grants, and some counties and municipalities already offer retrofit and mitigation funding aid. Statewide, the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program can help fund seismic retrofitting and landslide mitigation projects.

“Act now,” Tourjé urged. “You can’t control when the next quake hits, but you can control how ready you are for it.” Here are some targeted tips:

• Homeowners: There are a range of reinforcement steps to take. Seismic retrofitting or “bracing and bolting” foundations can secure some older houses.⁽⁶⁾ Checking roof-to-wall connections and strengthening with framing anchors is an affordable retrofit, while concrete repairs, foundation replacement, and retaining walls are some more ambitious mitigations.
• Commercial Property Owners: Earthquake resilience should be a core part of your maintenance strategy. Prioritize retrofitting high-risk elements that could cause collapse or severe injury. Working with a licensed structural engineer to assess vulnerabilities is essential, especially in older buildings or those with soft-story, older tilt-up or reinforced masonry, unreinforced masonry, or non-ductile concrete conditions.

Bottom line: Earthquake resilience isn’t just a safety precaution—it’s an imperative. Acting now can protect lives, reduce liability, and minimize downtime after the next big quake.

“We need to start reinforcing structures today. Earthquakes don’t wait for ordinances or funding cycles. There are no shortcuts to earthquake readiness,” said Tourjé. “But there are smart, manageable steps we can take.”

About Alpha Structural, Inc.
When he saw geological challenges trigger catastrophic building collapses, Dave Tourjé, founder of Alpha Structural, Inc., immersed himself in construction repairs and mitigation facing the iconic hillside homes and buildings throughout Los Angeles in the 1980s. He recognized a lack of skilled tradesmen and the need for repairs or upgrades to be engineered and constructed successfully. Today, Alpha Structural is Southern California’s premier structural repair and engineering firm, with over 30 years of experience in foundation repair, hillside stabilization, and seismic retrofitting. Alpha Structural is trusted by homeowners, municipalities, and commercial partners alike. For more information, visit https://www.alphastructural.com/.

References:

1. United States Geological Survey. What Are Earthquake Hazards/Risks Where I Live? U.S. Geological Survey, usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-earthquake-hazardsrisks-where-i-live
2. Mandatory Retrofit Programs: Soft-Story Retrofit Program. Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, ladbs.org/services/core-services/plan-check-permit/plan-check-permit-special-assistance/mandatory-retrofit-programs/soft-story-retrofit-program.
3. Lin, Rong‑Gong II. “California FEMA Earthquake Retrofit Grants Canceled, Imperiling Critical Work, Schiff Says.” Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025. Los Angeles Times.2025, latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-21/california-fema-earthquake-retrofit-grants-canceled-imperiling-critical-work-schiff-says
4. Ellis, Maliya. “San Francisco Fears Nearly 4,000 Buildings Could Be at Risk in an Earthquake. It Could Soon Know for Sure.” San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Apr. 2025. San Francisco Chronicle, sfchronicle.com/sf/article/earthquake-risk-buildings-20306985.php
5. Melgar, Meglar and Mandelman, Rafael .”Existing Building Code – Concrete Building Inventory Assessment.” City and County of San Francisco, File No. 250211, introduced 4 March 2025; passed 9 May 2025. sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7253047&GUID=A3EB96B4-8493-4D1B-A23F-D7619C1E8B6D&Options=ID%7cText%7c&Search=
6. “Brace and Bolt Grants.” California Earthquake Authority, earthquakeauthority.com/prepare-your-house-earthquake-risk/brace-and-bolt-grants

Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms
JOTO PR ™
727-777-4629
Jotopr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-big-one-wont-wait-structural-expert-urges-swift-action-on-seismic-safety-302532402.html

SOURCE Alpha Structural

CPUC filing marks a milestone in meeting Senate Bill 1440 goals and reducing climate pollutants

VICTORVILLE, Calif., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Southwest Gas Corporation (Southwest Gas) has submitted a procurement agreement to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that would bring renewable natural gas (RNG) to its California customers, marking an important step in supporting the state’s goals to reduce emissions from short-lived climate pollutants.

The agreement between Southwest Gas, Anew Climate LLC, and Anaergia, Inc. (Anaergia) subsidiary SoCal Biomethane, LLC (SCB) is the result of a competitive biomethane procurement process initiated by Southwest Gas. If approved, it will fulfill regulatory requirements under the CPUC’s Senate Bill (SB) 1440 Biomethane Procurement Program, which requires gas utilities to procure biomethane to help reduce methane emissions.

“Long-term offtake agreements from natural gas utilities support local and state climate goals,” said Ryan Childress, Managing Director of Low Carbon Fuels at Anew Climate. Under this agreement, RNG that is produced at the SCB facility located at the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA) and is cleaned and upgraded to pipeline-quality natural gas, will be injected into Southwest Gas’ California system for distribution to its customers. The VVWRA treats wastewater from several local communities, including Victorville, Apple Valley, and Hesperia. The upgraded anaerobic digestion facility, owned and operated by Anaergia, co-digests food waste and municipal wastewater solids to generate biogas.

This RNG procurement agreement has the potential to reduce emissions from natural gas delivered to Southwest Gas’ California customers by up to 11,841 MTCO2e per year – equivalent to emissions from 2,762 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year. Additionally, this agreement presents a first-time opportunity for an actively producing project to qualify under the SB 1440 Biomethane Procurement Program to deliver RNG in the state of California. “Anaergia is committed to supporting California in achieving its ambitious methane reduction goals through innovative partnerships that serve communities with local and resilient infrastructure solutions,” said Yaniv Scherson, COO of Anaergia.

The facility can accept up to 65,000 gallons of slurried food waste daily, diverting an estimated 104,000 tons of organic waste per year. This project not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions in support of California’s broader environmental goals, it also provides economic benefits to the community by employing local part-time and full-time staff.

VVWRA engages the community through educational outreach, facility tours, and a local Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship program, demonstrating the project’s broader environmental and educational impact. These efforts reflect aligned commitments between VVWRA and Southwest Gas to support local communities while advancing a sustainable energy future.

“At Southwest Gas, we are committed to providing access to safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy,” said Karen S. Haller, President and CEO of Southwest Gas Holdings. “Delivering RNG to our customers from innovative projects like this one, demonstrates our dedication to environmental stewardship, long-term energy solutions, and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.”

To learn more about Southwest Gas’ RNG projects, visit www.swgas.com/rng.

About Southwest Gas
Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel our communities’ growth. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a safe, sustainable energy future, please visit swgas.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-gas-seeks-to-move-forward-with-renewable-natural-gas-supply-from-food-and-wastewater-in-california-302530782.html

SOURCE Southwest Gas Corporation

Two-week giving campaign includes more than $1.5M in matching funds to boost access to youth sports

DENVER, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — All Colorado kids deserve a chance to play sports – and the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado are making it possible. In collaboration with hundreds of youth sports nonprofits across the state, the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado will launch the second annual Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. MDT. The two-week giving campaign aims to raise critical funds to break down barriers and expand access to organized sports for Colorado’s youth.

Last year’s inaugural event was a game-changer, raising an incredible $3.7 million for 175 nonprofits dedicated to empowering kids ages 18 and younger to experience the joy and benefits of sports. The 2024 participants used donations in a variety of ways to get more kids in the game, including purchasing equipment and uniforms, growing programming, expanding to new communities and even funding new sports facilities.

A Community United for Youth Sports
From Sept. 3-17, individuals, businesses and community groups are invited to rally behind youth sports nonprofits. Donations will be made through the Colorado Gives platform at www.youthsportsgivingday.org, ensuring simple, flexible and secure giving. Contributions will help ensure every child in Colorado has a chance to play, grow and thrive.

“Giving every Colorado kid the chance to play sports isn’t just about the game. It’s about building grit, confidence and character,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Youth Sports Giving Day fuels opportunities for kids to learn teamwork, bounce back from setbacks and grow into strong, resilient leaders on and off the field.”

$1.5M Matching Fund Unlocks Opportunity
This year, thanks to tremendous support from sponsors, the campaign features a matching fund of more than $1.5 million. The first $1 million donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the impact of every early gift. Remaining matching funds will be awarded based on the overall totals raised by participating organizations throughout the campaign. 

“Too many kids still face barriers to playing sports, especially those from low-income families and communities of color,” said Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program. “We’re committed to changing that. Our goal is to make Colorado a leader in equitable youth sports access, showing what’s possible when communities come together. Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is a powerful driver of that change, helping more kids leave the sidelines for play and experience the lifelong benefits of sports.”

Building Skills That Last a Lifetime
Research underscores the tremendous benefits of youth sports on long-term personal and professional development. Kids who play sports enjoy higher self-esteem, improved mental and physical health, stronger academic performance and better leadership skills. They’re not just more confident today – they’re more likely to have greater career earnings as adults.

Yet, financial barriers often keep kids, especially those in low-income households, from participating. According to Project Play Colorado, only 38% of children in households earning 0–99% of the federal poverty Level participate in sports, compared to 72% of children in households earning 400% or more of the federal poverty level. Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day aims to close this gap and make sports accessible to every child.

“Imagine this: 72% of higher-income kids have the chance to play sports, but only 38% of kids from low-income backgrounds get that same chance,” added Farrey. “Your support can help change this reality and give every child the opportunity to run onto the field, join a team and grow.”

At a time when childhood obesity rates are climbing, physical activity is declining and youth mental health challenges are on the rise, youth sports have never been more essential. The lessons of teamwork, discipline and belonging don’t stay on the field – they shape the leaders and contributors of tomorrow.

Sponsors of this year’s Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day include the Daniels Fund, Alpine Bank, The Anschutz Foundation, Bank of Colorado, Boettcher Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Colorado Rockies, Google, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Link Family Foundation, Telluray Foundation, UCHealth, The Weld Trust, Wold Foundation and Mike and Nancy Zoellner.

Support Our State of Play!
Every gift fuels opportunity, transforms communities and changes lives. Join in fostering a brighter, healthier future for Colorado’s youth. To learn more, to register as a participating nonprofit or to make a donation and support our State of Play, visit www.youthsportsgivingday.org.

Members of youth sports organizations from around the state will be at Coors Field on Sept. 3 to officially kick off the campaign during the Colorado Rockies home game. Baseball fans can join the fun, and $5 from each ticket sale will be added to the matching fund. Tickets can be purchased here.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs will celebrate this year’s Youth Sports Giving Day on Saturday, Sept. 6 by offering free admission. Families are invited to explore the museum’s world-class exhibits, meet Team USA athletes and connect with local youth sports organizations supporting efforts to increase youth participation in sports across the state. While walk-up tickets are available, guests are encouraged to reserve free admission tickets online. 

About Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day
Launched in 2024, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is a collaborative effort between Project Play Colorado, Daniels Fund and hundreds of local nonprofit organizations supporting youth sports across Colorado. Through this campaign, nonprofits offering organized sports for Colorado youth ages 18 and younger raise essential funds to get more kids playing sports. Each year, Coloradans will be asked to give generously to ensure all children in our state can enjoy the many benefits of athletics. To learn more, visit www.youthsportsgivingday.org.

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, provides grants to highly effective nonprofits and college scholarships to the next generation of America’s leaders. Through its Big Bets, it invests in solutions tackling some of the most complex challenges with innovations that have the power to scale. The Daniels Fund is making a Big Bet in youth sports, aiming to give one million youth the opportunity to compete in sports by 2030 and build the core life skills that increase achievement, leadership, teamwork, confidence and resilience. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

About Project Play Colorado
Project Play Colorado is a collective impact initiative comprised of state-level entities and community organizations aiming to increase opportunities for youth of all ages to participate in sports. It is the first statewide initiative of Project Play, an Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program-led effort that develops insights, ideas and opportunities to build healthy children and communities through sports. Since 2013, the award-winning initiative has convened leaders, identified gaps in access to quality sport activity and mobilized organizations for action. To learn more, visit www.projectplay.org.

Media Contact:
Caitlin Jenney, GFM|CenterTable
cjenney@gfmcentertable.com
www.youthsportsgivingday.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/daniels-fund-and-project-play-colorado-announce-2025-colorado-youth-sports-giving-day-302532204.html

SOURCE Daniels Fund

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MDSi, the IT solutions partner of choice for some of the world’s largest, most trusted network service providers and enterprises, today announced it is joining PedalPoint Holdings, a U.S.-based circular economy platform backed by Korea Zinc, a global leader in non-ferrous metals and sustainable refining.

By joining subsidiary PedalPoint as part of the Korea Zinc portfolio, MDSi will rapidly gain the expanded footprint and financial strength required to serve the growing technology needs of clients navigating the AI era. The partnership brings MDSi expanded warehouse and logistics capacity, capital for growth, integrated resale and ITAD services, and access to Korea Zinc’s downstream recycling capabilities—enabling end-to-end asset recovery and material reuse at scale.

For Korea Zinc, MDSi delivers portfolio diversification by giving them an entry into the network infrastructure and IT services sectors. It also provides them a foothold in the front-end supply chain space, where MDSi has already built a noteworthy network transformation and IT deployment business. And finally, it takes advantage of the natural synergies between the two companies around e-waste acquisition and recycling.

MDSi co-founder Lisa McDonald says the compatibility of the companies is undeniable. “PedalPoint is a proven force in e-waste processing and circular infrastructure. They expand our reach and capabilities, while we bring deep client relationships and decades of expertise in IT sourcing, integration, and asset recovery. It’s a highly complementary fit.”

“This partnership strengthens our position across the circular supply chain,” said a spokesperson for Korea Zinc. “MDSi is a leader in telecom and IT asset transformation, and their services perfectly align with our commitment to sustainability, technology enablement, and resource recovery.”

About MDSi

MDSi is the IT solutions partner of choice for some of the world’s largest, most trusted service providers and enterprises. Founded in 1990, the company specializes in professional services, technology sourcing and integration, and supply chain solutions. MDSi’s team is committed to helping companies derive maximum value from their IT assets while delivering highly responsive, world-class levels of service.

About Korea Zinc

Founded in 1974, Korea Zinc (KZ) is a global leader in non-ferrous metals, producing over 1.2 million tons annually across more than 10 types of base metals and critical minerals, while upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility. Looking ahead, KZ is accelerating its transition toward the recycling of secondary metals, operating its facilities with renewable energy, and producing the materials essential for a cleaner, more sustainable future. As a proud member of RE100, KZ is committed to sourcing 100% of the energy for its global operations from renewable sources by 2050.

About PedalPoint

PedalPoint Holdings is a North American holding company with businesses spanning multiple stages of the base and precious metals, e-waste, and battery recycling value chain, all built to secure critical feedstock for KZ’s refineries and future U.S. recovery operations. Through six facilities strategically located in major U.S. markets, PedalPoint’s portfolio companies process waste electronics and scrap metal, channeling this material into KZ’s secondary refining network to produce LME-grade copper cathode and precious metal concentrates.

Contact

Ali Amagasu
650-207-6169
ali.amagasu@mdsiinc.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mdsi-joins-pedalpoint-holdings-the-us-circular-economy-platform-of-korea-zinc-302532281.html

SOURCE MDSi

BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 18, 2025  /PRNewswire/ — Sage Dental, a leading dental service organization (DSO), is proud to announce its latest expansion in South Florida with the acquisition of The Dental Group, a trusted and well-established practice in Fort Lauderdale. With more than 30 years of clinical excellence and loyal patient relationships, The Dental Group is now part of Sage Dental’s growing network of over 140 supported practices.

Led by the highly respected Dr. Henry Rodriguez-Martin, The Dental Group has become a cornerstone of quality care in the Fort Lauderdale community. Now operating as Sage Dental of Oakland Park, the practice will continue its tradition of personalized, patient-first dentistry—now backed by Sage’s innovative technology, operational support, and commitment to empowering clinicians.

“We’re proud to become part of Sage Dental, a group that shares our values of excellence, integrity, and patient-centered care. With this transition, our patients will benefit from a broader network, greater efficiency, and the same familiar faces they know and trust,” said Dr. Henry Rodriguez-Martin.

“At Sage Dental, everything we do centers around the patient experience. By combining The Dental Group’s decades of trusted care with Sage’s technology and resources, we’re ensuring patients in Fort Lauderdale receive the highest level of dentistry—delivered by the people they already know and trust,” said Thomas Marler, CEO of Sage Dental.

The Fort Lauderdale practice will now enjoy access to Sage Dental’s full range of tools and support, including:

• Cutting-edge digital tools like 3D scanning, same-day restorations, and AI-supported treatment monitoring
• Centralized systems for patient communication, billing, and revenue cycle management
• A comprehensive, multi-specialty model offering general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and pediatric care
• The SageCare+ membership plan, helping more patients access affordable care—even without insurance
• Improved insurance partnerships and payer support to increase access and affordability for the community

With this latest addition, Sage Dental continues to demonstrate how local care and enterprise-level innovation can go hand-in-hand. By supporting clinicians with the tools they need to grow while honoring the relationships they’ve built, Sage is redefining what modern, patient-centered dental care looks like—one practice at a time.

About Sage Dental
Sage Dental Group operates as a trusted leader in dental care, serving communities throughout the Southeastern U.S. with a commitment to top-tier clinical expertise, patient comfort, and innovative treatment solutions. With over 140 practices, Sage Dental has provided care to over one million patients through a broad network offering general, specialty, and cosmetic dental services, including restorative, prosthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery, periodontics, pediatric, and orthodontic treatment. Sage Dental participates in most dental plans and provides various payment and financing options to ensure accessible care for all patients.

Dental practices interested in learning more about joining Sage Dental can contact Chief Development Officer Jim Mizouni at jmizouni@mysagedental.com. For media inquiries, please contact marketing@mysagedental.com. 

For a complete list of services and locations, please visit www.mysagedental.com or follow @MySageDental on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sage-dental-grows-in-south-florida-with-the-addition-of-the-dental-group-in-fort-lauderdale-302531307.html

SOURCE Sage Dental

XI’AN, China, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As solar power becomes globally popularized, over 30% of rooftops still not suit to install solar panels due to load issues. Despite those owners eager for green transformation, most of them have to give up because of high reinforcement costs. On August 15, 2025, LONGi launched the Hi-MO X10 Light design Module, officially targeting the low-load C&I market.

The Hi-MO X10 Light design Module is based on HPBC 2.0 cell, maintaining excellent performance in safety, reliability, and high-efficiency, with a maximum efficiency of 24.8% and a maximum power of 560W. The module weighs 7.2KG/㎡, a reduction of over 30% compared to conventional modules.

Lighter, More cost saving, and Safer

On May 25, LONGi first launched this module in the Chinese market, leading the industry in lightweight design, convenient installation, and reliability.

Lighter: The Hi-MO X10 Light Design Module features multiple weight-reduction processes, weighing only 7.2KG/㎡, a 42% reduction from conventional Dual glass TOPCon modules. A 10,000㎡ rooftop can reduce the load by 34 tons. Preliminary estimates show this module could enable 1 billion square meters of factory rooftops worldwide to access green energy.

More cost saving: The Hi-MO X10 Light Design Module achieves a conversion efficiency of 24.8%, far exceeding 21.6% of other products. The power of a single module is 140W higher than conventional lightweight modules, and the overall BOS cost is reduced by 33%.

In the past, old factories always did not pre-reserve solar loads, so it is necessary to reinforce rooftops to install solar system. Take Chinese buildings as an example, the cost of reinforcing the “main structure+purlins” is as high as 0.5RMB yuan/W. For a 10,000㎡ rooftop, the reinforcement cost is approximately 500,000RMB yuan .

On the other hand, many such factories cannot carry out internal reinforcement work due to production continuity issues. For a 10,000㎡ rooftop, the entire process of roof reinforcement (surveying, designing, constructing, inspecting) and solar system installation takes about 42 days. Lightweight modules only take 8-10 days, saving both time and costs.

Safer: Although the weight of the Hi-MO X10 Light Design Module is reduced, its quality remains uncompromised. The module adds one-line welding ribbon on the back to form an efficient mechanical distribution, increasing the maximum bearing capacity by over 50% and reducing the deformation at the center of the module by 50%, effectively improving the module’s compression and bending resistance. Meanwhile, the thickness of the module frame is increased by 5%. With a special frame structure design, the overall mechanical strength is increased by 20%, which can inhibit frame distortion and deformation in case of strong winds or snow.

Dual-Protection Function: Anti-Fire and Anti-Shading

The Hi-MO X10 Light Design Module continues the Anti-shading function of the Hi-MO X10 series.

Anti-Fire: In case of local shading by bird droppings or leaves, this module can significantly reduce the hot-spot temperature under shadow, preventing overheating and fires. Laboratory and field tests show that under the same leaf shading, the local temperature of the Hi-MO X10 Light Design Module is only 80°C, greatly reducing the risk of fire.

Anti-Shading: According to the two-month empirical test by CGC Certification, under different shading conditions (full light without shading, simulated bird droppings, simulated shading in wind and solar hybrid fields), the average backplane temperature of HPBC 2.0 modules is 7.43°C lower than that of TOPCon modules. The lower operating temperature effectively prevents safety risks caused by local shading.

Leading Performance as Before

So far, there are more than ten types of lightweight or flexible modules on the market, but they are prone to lack reliability during long-term outdoor use. Yellowing, leading to reduced light transmittance and power degradation; deformation, which increasing the safety risks of electric leakage or short circuits; fires, with toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride releasing.

Most lightweight modules based on PERC, TOPCon, and other technologies with a conversion efficiency of only about 21%. In terms of structure, most of the flexible modules have no frames, making them more prone to micro cracks. The adhesive installation method not only poses a risk of debonding during long-term use but also increases the difficulty of later maintenance.

The market has long awaited a lightweight module which is “lighter, more cost saving, and safer”.

Regarding the launch of this product, Jiang Dongyu, President of LONGi’s Distributed Business Group, said that LONGi has always adhered to the development philosophy of stability, reliability, and technological leadership even when facing the trend of “cost reduction” in the solar industry. “When the demand for cost reduction conflicts with the “reliability” of products, LONGi will firmly prioritizes reliability.” said Jiang Dongyu.

The launch of the Hi-MO X10 Light Design Module not only address the pain points of the low-load rooftop market, but also represents another implementation of LONGi’s ” scenario-based+ differentiated ” product strategy. In the future, LONGi will continue to drive “dual innovation” in solar technology and product R&D to create more scenario-based products and solutions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/longi-launches-lightweight-module-officially-entering-low-load-market-302532180.html

SOURCE LONGi Solar