Tag: PR Newswire

IRVINE, Calif., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia America, in partnership with Central Texas Kia Dealers, today announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross as it provides ongoing relief in communities impacted by the recent floods across the state of Texas.

The donation is the latest made under the brand’s “Accelerate the Good” charitable initiative and will fund essential services including emergency shelter, food distribution, medical aid, and rebuilding assistance for affected families.

“Kia America and our Central Texas Dealer Network stand united in the face of hardship, committed to supporting the communities we serve,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “This $100,000 donation reflects our continued dedication to aiding neighbors and families impacted by natural disasters. We are grateful to the American Red Cross for its rapid and sustained response in Texas, and we hope these funds help bring relief and stability to those who need it most.”

The donation underscores Kia’s philanthropic focus, bolstered by collaboration with local Kia dealers who are equally devoted to assisting flood-affected areas. Beyond financial support, Kia is exploring additional measures—such as customer assistance programs and local volunteer efforts—to further aid recovery across the state.

This donation represents the latest made as part of the brand’s “Accelerate the Good” charitable program, which includes both national and local initiatives and has provided more than $30 million to those in need since 2019. Donations made by Kia’s charitable initiative include those to organizations that help treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases; help end childhood hunger; provide shelter to youth facing homelessness; provide natural disaster relief for recovering communities; offer support for military families; help shelter animals find forever homes; and assist with environmental cleanup projects nationwide.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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SOURCE Kia America

ATLANTA, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In response to changes in the federal funding environment, the Arthritis Foundation and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) have increased funding for their joint grant program that supports physician-led research in pediatric rheumatology. This year, the CARRA-Arthritis Foundation Grant Program will award nearly $2 million – an increase of $200,000 from the previous year – to advance research in this critical field.

In light of recent federal research funding cuts, the Arthritis Foundation and CARRA each contributed an additional $100,000 to support the grant program this year. Meanwhile, demand for research support continues to grow, as the program received almost a 50 percent increase in grant applications compared to last year.

“The CARRA–Arthritis Foundation Grant Program provides critical support as there are very few funding sources for pediatric rheumatology research,” said CARRA President, Stacy Ardoin, M.D., who is also Division Chief of Rheumatology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “We’re committed to keeping pediatric rheumatic diseases at the forefront of scientific discovery to ensure that children living with these complex conditions will have better treatment options and an improved quality of life.”

Children growing up with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are burdened with pain, disability, frequent medical appointments, and the emotional toll of living with a chronic disease. These children and their families need researchers to find answers to the many questions they have about their diseases and the most effective ways to treat them.

Since its inception in 2016, the program has provided $10 million in funding to advance research in pediatric rheumatic diseases and help improve the lives of the patients.

With this year’s additional funds, the CARRA-Arthritis Foundation Grant Program funded one additional mentored career development award to support an early-career investigator and one additional bridge award.

This year’s awards will fund research in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), pediatric lupus, juvenile dermatomyositis, chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) and other childhood rheumatic diseases. There were seven types of grants awarded: advancing biosample collection, large grant, small grant, bridge, fellow, mentored career development award, and clinical management JIA grant.

The 2025 awardees represent a cross-section of researchers at various career stages, illustrating how the program empowers pediatric rheumatology research throughout our diverse community. Five of this year’s 13 awardees are first-time recipients of a CARRA-Arthritis Foundation grant.

The CARRA-Arthritis Foundation Grant Program has provided over 140 grants to more than 100 researchers at over 70 academic institutions since it was launched in 2016.

“The Arthritis Foundation is proud to have partnered with CARRA for a decade to advance care for pediatric rheumatic diseases,” said Anna Lampe, Ph.D., Senior Director, Autoimmune and Inflammatory Arthritis at the Arthritis Foundation. “Through the CARRA-Arthritis Foundation grant program, we’ve made meaningful investments in childhood arthritis research—supporting a diverse range of topics and investigators at various career stages and helping researchers build momentum and secure future funding.”

Since the program began, every grant application has been reviewed by a team of scientists and a patient or caregiver to ensure that proposed research is meaningful to patients and reflects their priorities. Patients and families are embedded throughout CARRA, and their involvement is crucial to CARRA’s mission, Ardoin added.

Here are few examples of innovative research that will be funded by this year’s grants:

Many JIA patients want to stop medicines once the disease is under control, but doctors can’t always tell who will have a flare and who will stay well without medicine. The new clinical management JIA grant will support a project that addresses this dilemma. Led by Daniel Horton, M.D., M.S.C.E, of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the “JIA Flares, Recapture of Inactive Disease, and the Patient’s Voice” study will use the CARRA Registry to see if patients’ and caregivers’ views on disease activity can predict flares and how well they can be controlled. It will also look for ways to predict who will have easy-to-control flares and who might have more trouble. This research will help everyone make better decisions about stopping or reducing medicines.

Another project aims to lay the groundwork for more individualized treatments for patients with kidney disease caused by ANCA-associated vasculitis, known as AAGN, which leads to kidney failure in about 25% of patients. Ivana Stojkic, M.D., of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, received the mentored career development award for her study using cutting edge genetic technologies to better understand the root causes of kidney damage in AAGN. Stojkic will examine proteins from urine of AAGN patients to see which proteins are associated with kidney inflammation and the risk of end-stage kidney disease. This builds on her previous research looking at genetic expression of kidney tissue in AAGN, which provided evidence that immune cells play an important role.

Kaveh Ardalan, M.D., M.S., of Duke University School of Medicine is a recipient of a bridge award to support his ongoing research into better understanding how adolescents and young adults with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis think about their risk of cardiovascular disease, need for cardiovascular health (CVH) behavior intervention, and measurement of stress. Ardalan previously conducted a study that showed nearly all JSLE/JDM patients need to improve CVH behaviors, and that high stress is associated with worse CVH behaviors, especially in adolescents and young adults. His prior work also found that most of these patients experiencing high stress cannot access mental health specialists.

Arthritis affects both adults and children across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and gender. JIA, the most common pediatric rheumatic disease, affects as many as 16 to 50 children per 100,000 in the United States. An autoimmune disease, JIA has seven different subtypes. Although the management of JIA and other pediatric rheumatic conditions has improved over the years, there are still many gaps in the treatment of these diseases, as well as the understanding of their pathologies, progression, and impacts.

2025 CARRA-Arthritis Foundation Grant Program Awardees

Kaveh Ardalan, M.D., M.S., of Duke University School of Medicine 
Bridge Grant
Patient-Centered Stress Reduction & Cardiovascular Health Promotion Intervention: Engaging Patients with Lupus & Dermatomyositis 

Lauren Covert, M.D., of Duke University School of Medicine
Bridge Grant
Using Bioengineered Human Muscle to Understand Mechanisms of Juvenile Dermatomyositis 

Brian Feldman, M.D., M.Sc., of The Hospital for Sick Children
Large Grant
Creation and Implementation of Timed Squat Muscle Function Assessment Curves to Enable Strength Assessment in Children with Childhood Myositis 

Linda Hiraki, M.D., Sc.D., of The Hospital for Sick Children 
Advancing Biosample Collection Award
Epigenetics of cSLE in Subtyping and Understanding Disease Heterogeneity 

Daniel Horton, M.D., M.S.C.E., of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Clinical Management of JIA Grant
JIA Flares, Recapture of Inactive Disease, and the Patient’s Voice 

Sivakanathan Kasinathan, M.D., Ph.D., of Stanford University School of Medicine
Mentored Career Development Award
Analysis of Somatic Genetic Variation in Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases 

Sahar Lotfi-Emran, M.D., Ph.D., of the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH NIAMS)
Advancing Biosample Collection Award
Identification of Pathogenic T Cell Clones in Enthesitis Related Arthritis 

Brittney Newby, M.D., Ph.D., of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Mentored Career Development Award
IMPACT-ERA: Identifying Multi-Omic Profiles for Assessing and Characterizing Treatment Response in Enthesitis-Related Arthritis 

Hanna Saltzman, M.D., of The University of Utah 
Fellow Grant
Developing a Patient-Oriented, Nature-Based Intervention for Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis 

William Soulsby, M.D., of the Regents of the University of California, San Francisco
Small Grant
Predictors of Corticosteroid Dosing and Disease Severity in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Lupus Nephritis 

Ivana Stojkic, M.D., of Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Mentored Career Development Award
A Multi-Omic Approach to Uncover AAGN Mechanisms and Biomarkers

Joy Um, M.D., of Washington University in St. Louis
Fellow Grant
Investigating the Role of Pathogenic CD8 T Cells in HLA-B27 Positive Juvenile Spondyloarthritis 

Yongdong Zhao, M.D., Ph.D., of Seattle Children’s Hospital
Large Grant
Assessment of Disease Activity Using Deep Learning on MRI Images in Children with Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO) 

About the Arthritis Foundation:
The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation’s mission is to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and it also provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care and join the fight for a cure — uniting hearts, minds and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit arthritis.org.

About the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA):
CARRA’s mission is to conduct collaborative research to prevent, treat, and cure pediatric rheumatic diseases. Formed in 2002 by a small group of dedicated physicians, CARRA now has 800 members at more than 120 institutions. CARRA has built the largest observational multi-center registry for pediatric rheumatic disease and operates two biorepositories – one in the US and one in Canada. CARRA is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit. Learn more at carragroup.org.

Media Contact:
Erin Moriarty Wade

ewade@carragroup.org

404.931.2377

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SOURCE Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA)

“Exploring the Future of EV Propulsion: Advances in Solid-State, Sodium-Ion, and Flow Batteries Pave the Way for Safer, More Efficient, and Sustainable Transportation Solutions”

BOSTON, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BCC Research announces the release of its “2024 Fuel Cell and Battery Research Review,” offering in-depth analysis and market forecasts for the most innovative and rapidly advancing battery technologies. This review focuses on the significant growth projections for solid state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and the electric vehicle (EV) battery reuse and recycling market.

Highlights:

• Solid State Batteries Market:
• The market is projected to grow from $274.0 billion in 2023 to $1.7 billion by the end of 2029.
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): 36.7%.
• Electric Vehicle Batteries Market:
• The market is projected to grow from $8.0 billion in 2024 to $28.1 billion by the end 2029.
• CAGR: 28.5%.
• Sodium-ion Batteries Market:
• The market is projected to grow from $318.0 billion in 2023 to $838.5 billion by the end of 2029.
• CAGR: 18.6%.

Research Coverage and Insights:

The 2024 Fuel Cell and Battery Research Review focuses on the central role of advanced battery technologies in operating various applications and driving innovation. Areas of growth include:

1. Rapid Advances in Battery Technology:

   – Innovations in EV propulsion systems.
   – Benefits include improved energy density, enhanced safety, and extended driving range.

2. Solid-State Batteries (SSBs):

   – Utilize solid electrolytes instead of liquid solutions.
   – Enhance safety by eliminating thermal runaway and electrolyte leakage.
   – Enable faster charging times, longer driving range, and extended cycle life.

3. Sodium-Ion Batteries:

   – Emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
   – Use abundant sodium, reducing reliance on scarce and costly materials like lithium and cobalt.
   – Known for lower production costs and better performance in cold temperatures.

4. Diversification in EV Applications:

   – Advanced batteries such as SSBs, sodium-ion batteries, and flow batteries are expanding possibilities.
   – High-performance EVs, low-cost urban transportation, and efficient commercial fleets are on the horizon.
   – Paving the way for the next chapter in sustainable transportation.

Research Summary:

This 2024 Research Review of Fuel Cell and Batteries exemplify the quantitative market data, analysis, and guidance that BCC Research has been developing since its inception in 1971 to help its customers make informed business decisions. This Research Review includes highlights and excerpts from the following reports published by BCC Research in 2024:

• FCB053B Solid State Batteries: Global Markets
• FCB058B Global Electric Vehicle Battery Reuse and Recycling Market
• FCB041B Sodium-ion Batteries: Materials, Technologies and Global Markets to 2029
• FCB040F Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles: Global Markets
• FCB055B Flow Batteries: Global Markets
• FCB065A E-Bike: Global Markets

This Research Review provides a consolidated overview of key market insights from these recent reports. The full reports referenced in this review offer additional depth on each topic, offering further context and more detailed analysis.

For further information or any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact info@bccresearch.com.    

About BCC Research

BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement, and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts’ goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype.

Contact Us

Corporate HQ: 50 Milk St., Ste. 16, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Email: info@bccresearch.com
Phone: +1 781-489-7301

For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit our media page for access to our market research library.

Any data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/5413458/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE BCC Research LLC

NEW YORK, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DESRI, in partnership with El Paso Electric (EPE), today announced that the Santa Teresa Solar and Storage project (Santa Teresa, or the Project) has achieved financial notice to proceed (FNTP) and commenced construction. Santa Teresa is a 150 megawatt (MWac) solar facility with a 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

“The Santa Teresa Project is a cornerstone of DESRI’s growing partnership with El Paso Electric and a prominent example of how cost-effective solar and storage assets can power New Mexico’s future,” said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI. “The Project not only contributes to regional grid stability via large-scale energy storage, but it also underscores our shared commitment to clean energy and economic development in Doña Ana County and across the state.”

“This Project is about more than adding solar power – it’s about delivering lasting value to the communities and businesses we serve,” said Dave Hawkins, Vice President of System Planning and Operations Support at El Paso Electric. “By providing clean energy and added capacity to the entire region, we’re strengthening reliability, supporting sustainability and investing in future economic development growth.”

Santa Teresa has a 20-year power purchase agreement with EPE. The Project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 60,000 EPE customer homes each year. Santa Teresa is DESRI’s second project to begin construction in EPE’s territory, following the 130 MWac solar and 260 MWh BESS Carne project, which began construction in 2024.

Financing for the construction of the Project was provided by DNB Bank ASA, New York Branch and National Bank of Canada as Joint Coordinating Lead Arrangers, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, New York Branch and Korea Development Bank. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas acted as the Administrative Agent.

“During this hot summer, energy demand continues to rise. We’re proud to be a part of a project that helps support the community by adding clean energy technology to the electric grid, and to do so using U.S. made battery systems,” said Jaehong Park, CEO of LG Energy Solution Vertech. “This is a pivotal moment for energy storage, and we’re working with DESRI and El Paso Electric to build on the momentum we’ve seen in the American energy storage market.”

LG Energy Solution Vertech will provide U.S. made battery energy storage systems and the AEROS™ software suite for the project with continuous support through a long-term service agreement. SOLV Energy will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the Project and will also provide ongoing operations and maintenance services once the Project is operational.

About DESRI
DESRI and its affiliates develop, acquire, own, and operate long-term contracted renewable energy assets in the U.S. DESRI’s portfolio of contracted, operating, and in-construction renewable energy projects currently includes 70 solar and wind projects representing more than ten gigawatts of aggregate capacity.

About El Paso Electric
El Paso Electric is an energy provider that is engaged in generation, transmission and distribution service to power approximately 465,000 customers in a 10,000 square mile area from Hatch, New Mexico to Van Horn, Texas. Major cities in the service region include El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

This press release is provided for the reader’s information only and does not constitute investment advice or convey an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities or other financial products.

Please also note that this press release has not been updated since its dateline for any information contained in it that may have changed, including any beliefs and/or opinions. In addition, no assurances can be given that any aims, assumptions, expectations, and/or goals described in this release will be realized or that the activities or any performance described herein did or will continue at all or in the same manner as at the time of the press release.

Contact:
DESRI Media
media-inquiries@desri.com

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SOURCE DESRI

New 400 MW Peaking Facility Developed in Partnership with NB Power and North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC)

SEDALIA, Mo., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PROENERGY has been awarded a contract to develop, construct, own, and operate the New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power) Renewable Integration and Grid Security (RIGS) project in Centre Village. The facility—a 400 MW PowerFLX installation driven by eight aeroderivative turbines—will operate under a power purchase agreement with NB Power as the offtaker for 25 years.

The facility will maximize the potential of the province’s renewable investment. It will provide the reliable backup support that wind and solar generation requires in addition to providing grid stability.

“At NB Power, our commitment is to provide secure and sustainable energy for New Brunswickers. Launching this generation expansion project addresses the pressing need to enhance our grid’s reliability and security to meet the unprecedented growth in energy demand,” said Lori Clark, President, CEO & Chief Nuclear Officer. “Partnering to secure additional electricity and capacity through this project ensures we can confidently navigate the energy transition, providing New Brunswickers with the reliable electricity they need, when they need it most.”

Located in Westmorland County, New Brunswick, the facility will minimize impact on the surrounding environment due to its proximity to existing transmission and fuel infrastructure while reducing provincial reliance on oil, coal, and imported power.

“This project is an essential part of a clean, reliable, affordable power grid, and it’s a great example of our approach to Indigenous-led, responsible development,” says Jim Ward, General Manager of North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council. “We need clean energy, and we need to keep costs down and keep the power on. We’ve seen in other places how too much renewable energy can cause grid failures or high costs. To avoid those issues, this load-following power plant is a perfect complement to New Brunswick wind and solar power now and in the future. PROENERGY has been a great partner on this. We welcome other developers to get in touch with us.”

The project will enter commercial operations in 2028.

“Our team has a deep understanding of Eastern Canada. PROENERGY appreciates the trust placed in us by NB Power and the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council to provide the reliable fast-start power they need,” says Jeff Canon, PROENERGY President and CEO.

About PROENERGY
Based in Sedalia, Missouri, PROENERGY is a global peaking-power solutions provider with operational experience on every continent. The company offers vertically integrated aeroderivative power solutions, including equipment, engineering, construction, operations, repair, maintenance, research, and true, turnkey power generation facilities that include the complete balance of plant. For more on PROENERGY, visit www.proenergyservices.com.

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SOURCE PROENERGY

Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division provides $405,000 year-to-date in grant funding to help individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership

FAIRFAX, Va., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Freedom Bank of Virginia’s Mortgage Division is pleased to announce its continued success and unwavering commitment to expanding access to homeownership across the DC Metro area through strategic participation in Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta’s (FHLBank Atlanta) Affordable Housing Program. As of June 30, 2025, Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division has provided $405,000 in homeownership assistance, including $180,000 in Workforce Housing Plus+ grants (a total of 12 loans and $4.7 million in loan balances) and $225,000 through the First-time Homebuyer and Community Partners programs (a total of 12 loans and $4.6 million in loan balances). Funding supports down payments and closing costs, which are often hurdles to entering the housing market.

These targeted programs are designed to help first-time and repeat homebuyers, low-to-moderate-income families, and public service professionals realize their dream of homeownership. These non-taxable grants support FHLBank Atlanta’s mission of strengthening communities and helping individuals and families invest in their future and build generational wealth.

Freedom Bank Mortgage participates in the following FHLBank Atlanta programs:

• First-time Homebuyer Program which provides up to $17,500 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for the purchase of a home or purchase and rehabilitation of a home by a first-time homebuyer.
• Community Partners Program which offers up to $20,000 in down-payment, closing cost, and principal reduction assistance for the purchase or purchase and rehabilitation of a home. This program is designed specifically for law enforcement officers, educators, firefighters, health care workers, veterans and surviving spouses, and other first responders, both employed and retired.
• Workforce Housing Plus+ Program which is an initiative for borrowers earning between 80.01% and 120% of the area median income (AMI). Eligible applicants may receive up to $15,000 to assist with down payment, closing costs and principal reduction assistance for the purchase of a home or purchase and rehabilitation of a home by a first-time homebuyer or non-first-time homebuyer. Properties must be the borrower’s primary residence.

“Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division is proud to partner with FHLBank Atlanta to break down financial barriers to homeownership in the communities we serve. These grants make a lasting impact, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to public service and strengthen our neighborhoods. Beyond mortgages, Freedom Bank empowers clients to achieve their goals with a comprehensive suite of financial products and services tailored to their unique needs. With experienced bankers, quick decisions, flexible solutions, innovative technology, and responsive service, we are committed to being our clients’ primary relationship bank,” said Richard Hutchison, Executive Vice President and Chief Mortgage Officer, Freedom Bank.

“In 2025, FHLBank Atlanta will distribute nearly $120 million for affordable housing and community development through a variety of programs, with all funding going through our members like Freedom Bank, who apply for the grants to support their communities,” said Kirk Malmberg, President and CEO of FHLBank Atlanta. “Half of these funds have been allocated specifically for homeownership grants, which Freedom Bank is leveraging in an impactful way to make homeownership possible for several of its clients.”

Freedom Bank’s Mortgage Division invites prospective homeowners to connect with our mortgage team to learn more about qualifying for these impactful programs. With rising housing costs, these grants can provide a critical financial bridge to sustainable homeownership.

Visit the FHLBank Atlanta website for full details and eligibility requirements for the 2025 Affordable Housing Program. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Borrower contribution and credit counseling are required for most homeownership products.

About Freedom Bank

The Freedom Bank of Virginia is a next-generation community bank, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, offering commercial banking, personal banking, and mortgage banking solutions using banker expertise and innovative technology to build lead relationships with clients. Focusing on businesses, real estate owners, and professionals, Freedom Bank concentrates on key industry verticals to deliver unique, sector-specific solutions to help clients meet their goals and empower their dreams. Freedom Bank has locations in Fairfax, Vienna, Reston, Manassas, and Chantilly, VA. For information about Freedom Bank, visit our website at www.freedom.bank.

About FHLBank Atlanta

FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank’s members – its shareholders and customers – are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households.

Contact:
Joseph J. Thomas
President & Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 703-667-4161
Email: jthomas@freedom.bank

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SOURCE The Freedom Bank of Virginia

• Promotion reflects transformative growth of company’s legal function under Abajuo’s guidance since 2021

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chaberton Energy has announced the promotion of Reason Abajuo to chief legal officer, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the company’s continued growth. Abajuo, who joined Chaberton Energy in October 2021, becomes the company’s inaugural CLO, reflecting the strategic importance of legal counsel in the organization’s expansion and success.

Since joining Chaberton Energy, Abajuo has transformed what began as a one-person legal function into a strategic powerhouse that drives business outcomes across the organization. His leadership has enabled the company to navigate complex transactions, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities with confidence, directly contributing to Chaberton’s growth trajectory.

“Reason’s ability to balance legal precision with business acumen has made him an invaluable partner to our entire organization,” said Mike Doniger, president, Chaberton Energy. “His expanded role as CLO reflects the critical importance of his counsel in our continued success and our commitment to building distributed energy solutions.”

Abajuo brings extensive experience in energy law and corporate affairs to his new role. Prior to joining Chaberton Energy, he served as legal counsel for the power sector at The African Development Bank’s Legal Support Facility, where he managed more than $10 million in technical assistance grants and loans for power projects across multiple African countries. His background also includes legal support roles at renewable energy companies and experience with boutique and international law firms serving the energy sector.

“I’m honored to take on this expanded role and look forward to continuing to support Chaberton Energy’s mission while ensuring we maintain the highest standards of legal and corporate governance,” said Abajuo. “It is an honor to help lead the team in building sustainable and resilient communities, one energy project at a time.”

Abajuo holds a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class) from Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. He is licensed to practice law in both Nigeria and New York State, and holds certifications in financial modeling and valuation analysis, further strengthening his ability to provide comprehensive legal and business guidance.

About Chaberton Energy
Headquartered in Maryland, Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation developing renewable distributed energy projects, with a particular emphasis on community solar, solar for businesses and storage. Chaberton was named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and ranks as the No. 1 fastest-growing community solar company, the No. 2 fastest-growing Maryland company, and the No. 34 fastest-growing company overall.

Media Contact:
Lia Morrison
‪412-573-9095
Lia.Morrison@chaberton.com

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SOURCE Chaberton Energy

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As families begin back-to-school preparations across the Midwest, Meijer is dropping prices on school supplies for students of all ages. This year, Meijer shoppers can find all their back-to-school basics, such as notebooks, crayons, pencils, folders, glue, and more, for $1 or less. Examples include:

• Meijer 2-Pocket Paper Folders: $0.25
• Meijer Washable Glue Stick 2-pack: $0.25
• Meijer Washable School Glue: $0.25
• Meijer Crayons 24-count: $0.25
• Meijer Notebook Wide or College Rule (70 sheets): $0.45
• Meijer Laminated 2-Pocket Folders: $0.50
• Meijer 8-count No.2 Yellow Pencils: $0.79
• Meijer Colored Pencils 12-count: $0.50
• Crayola Crayons 24-count: $0.50
• Meijer 2- Pocket Poly Folder: $0.55
• Meijer Composition Book (100 sheets): $0.50
• MVP Plastic School Box: $0.99
• Crayola Colored Pencils 12-count: $1
• Crayola Markers 10-count: $1

“We know families are busy this time of year, attempting to balance summer fun and preparations for the school year,” said Becky Bronkema, Vice President of Hardlines for Meijer. “By offering school supply essentials for $1 or less, we’re making back-to-school shopping easy and affordable, ensuring families find the best value in the convenience of a one-stop shop.”

The retailer is bringing back its digital “School Supply List” technology, which allows parents to search for their school’s supply lists for each specific teacher, and add items to their cart with a single click.

For the fifth consecutive year, Meijer is offering teachers 15 percent off school and home office equipment. Teachers may receive the discount, in the form of a paper coupon, by presenting a current school ID at their local Meijer Customer Service desk. Through Sept. 7, the coupon can also be used on additional categories like kids’ apparel and select electronics and hydration products. Meijer will continue to offer a 15 percent coupon* on school supplies and home office products for teachers throughout the school year. Teachers can take advantage of the coupon repeatedly by obtaining a new one any time they shop at Meijer. 

According to AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers spent an average of $895 out of their own pockets on school supplies during the 2024/25 school year, up nearly 50 percent from 2015. To help with that, Meijer will offer select school supplies, including crayons, markers, colored pencils, dry-erase markers, and more, in affordable bulk packaging.

*Coupons are valid in-store only. Certain restrictions apply.

About Meijer: Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com. 

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SOURCE Meijer

Participants will Tee Off to Bring Job Opportunities to Youth Aging Out of Foster Care in Texas

HOUSTON, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Petra Cares, the non-profit arm of Petra Automotive Products, is excited to announce the 1st Annual Driving Futures Golf Tournament, a high-impact fundraising event dedicated to helping young adults aging out of foster care build careers in the automotive industry. The tournament will take place at the scenic Highland Pines Golf Club in Porter, Texas, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with a 1:00 PM shotgun start.

This isn’t just another round of golf—it’s a chance to put your swing to work for a life-changing cause. All proceeds from the tournament will help Petra Cares create lasting change through training, mentorship, education and finally, a career for some of our most vulnerable young people.

“We’ve seen the lasting impact of these donations in the youth we serve every day. We don’t just use these funds for training, we provide the classes, but we also give mentorship, help with purchasing their technician tools, provide life skills training, and even serve meals,” said Arnold Gacita Sr., Founder of Petra Cares. “For some of our graduates this is the first real support they have experienced from an adult. We try to provide all of the love, support, and guidance these young people need to make real change in their lives and then encourage them to pass that on to our community.”

Your Impact in Action:
Since its founding, Petra Cares has served 106 students, with a 79% graduation rate and a 71% job placement rate—real numbers that reflect real lives changed. Each dollar raised helps build brighter futures and stronger communities.

“Petra didn’t just give me a job when I had nowhere else to turn. I was living out of my car. They provided a path to success and a real career. What made Petra truly special was the community; it felt like family, like I had brothers by my side. Huge thanks to Brian Meza for always showing up and making sure we were cared for, and to Mr. Schield for teaching us not just the mechanics but valuable life lessons. Petra is the best company I’ve seen, dedicated to lifting up those who are less fortunate,” said Levi Patterson, Former Petra Cares graduate and current employee at Mac Haik Ford.

Event Details

• When: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
• Where: Highland Pines Golf Club, 6700 Highland Pines Drive, Porter, TX 77365
• Schedule:

11:00 AM – Player Arrival & Driving Range Warm-Up

12:00 PM – Lunch Served

1:00 PM – Shotgun Start

5:00 PM – Dinner, Awards, & Prizes

• Format: Four-Person Scramble

Participants will enjoy a full day of premium hospitality, camaraderie, and competition, including lunch, dinner, swag bags, on-course contests, raffle prizes, and an awards celebration.

Sponsorships & Foursomes Available
Scan the QR Code or visit https://petra-cares.org/golf-tournament to sign up, donate, or become a sponsor today.

For more information on Petra Cares and the Driving Futures Golf Tournament, contact: Kimberly Elliott at: kelliott@petra-cares.org or 281-224-3130, or visit: https://petra-cares.org.

About Petra Cares
Petra Cares is dedicated to supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care and homeless, at-risk youth. Our mission is to eliminate barriers and offer exceptional training opportunities to empower our students to graduate, secure employment, and build stable futures for themselves and their families, thereby creating a ripple effect of positive change for generations to come.

Media Contact:
Laurie Halter
Charisma! Communications
503-816-2474
397888@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE Petra Cares

Nearly $100,000 Raised for ToolBank Disaster Services in 2025

WAUKESHA, Wis., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Generac Holdings (NYSE: GNRC), a leading global designer, manufacturer and provider of energy technology solutions and other power products, reported a record-breaking year for its “Power Up With Purpose” fundraising initiative, reaching $94,000 in support of ToolBank Disaster Services.

The funds raised will purchase and equip a mobile disaster-response tool trailer for the non-profit organization. ToolBank Disaster Services deploys tool-equipped trailers staffed by skilled personnel to assist volunteers with cleanup and rebuilding efforts at no cost to communities affected by natural disasters.

“Thanks to support from Generac, we can continue to bring the tools to any location in the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico,” said Trey Bearden, CEO of ToolBank USA. “With extreme weather events on the rise, we are more prepared to serve the servers with the right tools for the job. If we did not have opportunities like this and partners like Generac, our capacity to respond would be limited.”

The “Power Up with Purpose” initiative launched in 2023 as a way for Generac to give back to its local community. The program is possible through the sale of “Power Up with Purpose” pit passes at the Generac Power Stage with Miller High Life at Summerfest and Generac fundraising. Since its inception, the program has raised $233,078 dollars with funds donated to a different charity each year.

“This is the most money raised in a single year through the Power Up with Purpose initiative,” said Tami Garrison, Senior Director of Social Responsibility at Generac. “This year’s partnership with ToolBank is particularly meaningful because it expands Generac’s longstanding role in disaster response by helping communities rebuild both physically and economically in the wake of severe weather events.”

Generac surpassed its fundraising goal of $50,000 by the second week of Summerfest, which had a three-weekend run from June 19 to July 5. Summerfest, located in Generac’s home state of Wisconsin, is one of the most iconic celebrations of music in America, hosting the industry’s biggest acts for an unforgettable live music experience.

Over the three weekends of Summerfest, the Generac Power Stage welcomed a variety of artists including the Plain White T’s, Motion City Soundtrack, The Head and the Heart and The Psychedelic Furs.

About Generac 
Generac is a total energy solutions company that empowers people to use energy on their own terms. Founded in 1959, Generac is a leading global designer, manufacturer, and provider of a wide range of energy technology solutions. The company provides power generation equipment, energy storage systems, energy management devices & solutions, and other power products serving the residential, light commercial, and industrial products markets. Generac introduced the first affordable backup generator and later created the automatic home standby generator category. The company continues to expand its energy technology offerings for homes and businesses in its mission to Power A Smarter World and lead the evolution to more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions.

Media Contact: Jonathan Stern
Jonathan.Stern@Generac.com | (312) 402-7167

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SOURCE Generac Power Systems, Inc.