Tag: PR Newswire

The appointees bring decades of expertise supporting nonprofits and community organizations to expand the impact of Native Forward Scholars Fund. 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students, announced today the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, as well as four leadership appointments among its existing Board Members. 

The new Board Members bring decades of experience supporting nonprofits, corporations, and community organizations: 

• Rohit Menezes, Partner in Bridgespan’s San Francisco office, with more than 15 years of experience as an advisor to a wide range of nonprofits/NGOs and foundations in the United States and India
• Katherine Carlton (Chugach), Member of Chugach’s executive leadership team, overseeing Chugach’s community and regional development, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) lands, and cultural resources; and President of Chugach Regional Development, and Chugach Tribal Services
• Ben Notti (Athabascan), Senior Associate at Pt Capital, a private equity firm in Alaska

Menezes, Carlton and Notti join the existing Board of Directors in their mission to improve higher education outcomes for Native students. 

In addition, four current Board Members are serving in the following leadership roles:

• Lillian Sparks Robinson (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), former Commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and Executive Director of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), has been named Chair
• Franklin “Hud” Oberly, Jr.  (Comanche, Osage & Caddo), Founder and Creative Director of Here’s To You, has been named Vice Chair
• Cecilia Gutierrez, Managing Director, Portfolio Lead at Blue Meridian Partners will continue to serve as Treasurer
• Amber Garrison (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Global Brand President of Origins, will continue to serve as Secretary

“I’m thrilled to welcome Rohit, Katherine, and Ben to our board,” said Angelique Albert (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), CEO of Native Forward. “They both bring incredible experience working with nonprofits and community organizations, as well as a commitment to supporting Native-led organizations. I’m confident their expertise will help us amplify our impact in supporting Native students pursuing higher education.”

“I’m excited to contribute to Native Forward’s work to expand access to quality higher education for all Native students. I look forward to working with the Board and Native Forward staff team to support this important mission,” said Rohit Menezes.

“As a Chugach shareholder, I’m honored to join the Board. Native Forward is a trailblazer in empowering the next generation of Native leaders, and I’m eager to bring my expertise to support this important mission,” said Katherine Carlton. 

“Native Forward is an innovator, breaking down systemic barriers to higher education for Native students. I’m excited to advise the organization as a Board Member,” said Ben Notti.

About Native Forward:

Native Forward Scholars Fund is the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students for greater economic mobility, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty for scholars and Tribal communities. The organization is committed to ensuring that every Native student who wants to pursue higher education has the resources to do so. Over 55 years, it has empowered over 22,000 scholars from more than 500 Tribes in all 50 states and contributed to over 1,700 law degrees and more than 2,200 PhD degrees. By pairing scholarships with meaningful, culturally relevant student support and programming, Native Forward has succeeded in increasing the graduation rates of undergraduate students to 69%, compared to the national average of 41% for Native students, and has boosted the rate for graduate students to 95%.

Contact: Josefin Dolsten
josefin@brysongillette.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/native-forward-announces-new-board-members-302459424.html

SOURCE Native Forward Scholars Fund

BRAINTREE, Mass., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Westport Group (TWG), a veteran-operated business in Braintree, MA, has once again teamed up with America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) to race in the time-honored Figawi Race on Memorial Day weekend from Hyannis, MA to Nantucket, MA. The veteran-led team will be sailing to raise awareness and funds to fight veteran suicide.

“At AWP, suicide prevention is not a stand-alone program,” says AWP President and CEO Jim Lorraine, “but rather, the outcome of best-in-class service, collaboration, care, compassion, and productive partnerships that begin with a trusted, meaningful relationship.” AWP is working to grow in local and national partnerships with 4,000 partners working with the AWP Network in addition to their multi-year veteran suicide study, Operation Deep Dive™.

The team of veterans will race aboard the Defender, led by female captain, Martha Kristian. According to Kristian, “Our past efforts have resulted in raised awareness, driving increased activity from at-risk veterans reaching out for help – a response directly linked to the exposure we receive during the race.” TWG Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Chris Kristian, added, “Along with providing outcome-based solutions, AWP is doing fantastic research along with Duke Medical to identify at-risk veterans. This is a team effort supported by the entire TWG organization, and we’re fortunate to use the race as a platform.” Chris added, “While the cause behind why we race is serious, our team is equally serious about winning.”

The Westport Group has raised over $50,000 in support of AWP’s mission in the last year.

The Defender will be crewed by veterans and TWG personnel including:

Chris Kristian, The Westport Group, Executive Vice President and Managing Director – former infantry officer who served in several of the Army’s most elite units.

Gary Terry, The Westport Group, Executive Vice President and Managing Director

David Fridovich, AWP Board Member – Lieutenant General United States Army (retired) and former Deputy Commander U.S. Special Operations Command; Fridovich was the Army’s highest-ranking Special Forces Officer at the time of his retirement.

Bobbi Scroggin, US Army Veteran, who served a tour in Afghanistan.  Bobbi was an All-Army boxer and the former coach of West Point’s women’s boxing team.  Currently, she is a Relationship Executive at JP Morgan.

About America’s Warrior Partnership

America’s Warrior Partnership is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with communities to prevent veteran suicide. They connect local veteran-serving organizations with the appropriate resources, services, and partners to support veterans, their families, and caregivers at every stage of life. Their goal is to improve veterans’ quality of life and end veteran suicide by empowering local communities to serve them proactively and holistically before a crisis occurs.

Learn more at americaswarriorpartnership.org or @AWPartnership.

About The Westport Group

The Westport Group’s proprietary insurance coverage empowers companies to offer top talent a greater amount of protection from the financial challenges of an unexpected disability. As an innovator and industry leader, TWG serves their clients with bespoke products, intuitive service, and unwavering integrity. TWG is a veteran-operated business and proud supporter of America’s Warrior Partnership and the Figawi Charities. If you’d like to help us make a difference, we welcome you to donate today.

For more information, please visit westportgp.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterans-set-sail-in-figawi-race-to-fight-veteran-suicide-302459339.html

SOURCE AWP

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 19, the “Revitalization of Mangroves” China-Indonesia Dialogue on Sustainable Development was held in Jakarta. The event brought together over a hundred guests, including government representatives, experts, scholars, and business leaders from China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and other countries, to explore ecological protection and sustainable development pathways for mangrove ecosystems.

Gao Anming, Editor-in-Chief of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, noted that China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration will continue to act as a bridge in promoting mangrove conservation by building a platform for friendly exchange. He emphasized the importance of balancing ecological protection with economic development and showcasing the “green achievements” of China–Indonesia cooperation to the world.

Wang Siping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, stated in his remarks that China and Indonesia have enormous potential for cooperation in mangrove and biodiversity conservation. As 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China is willing to work with Indonesia to expand collaboration across economic, social, cultural, and ecological sectors, injecting new momentum into the China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Zhao Shibin, General Manager of GD Power under China Energy Investment Corporation (CHN Energy), remarked that ecological protection is not a multiple-choice question, but a necessary answer for the survival of civilization. The expansion of mangrove forests has increased employment opportunities for local communities and bolstered fishery resources. This reflects a shared responsibility for improving livelihoods and strengthens the bonds that unite our shared home.

During the conference, scholars from various countries delivered keynote speeches focused on mangrove conservation, offering valuable insights under the theme “Protecting Mangroves, Safeguarding Our Blue Planet”.

Linda Krisnawati, Senior Environmental Extension Officer, Ministry of Environment of Indonesia, highlighted the multifaceted value of mangrove restoration for marine ecosystems and fisheries. She expressed hope for deeper cooperation with China in technological innovation and talent development. Meas Rithy, Deputy Director of Department of Coastal Zone and Marine Conservation of Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, said that mangrove restoration is not only an environmental goal, but also a symbol of cross-national and cross-sector collaboration. He called on all parties to join hands in reviving mangroves and restoring marine ecosystems to create a green, inclusive, and resilient future.

The event was co-hosted by China International Communications Group, China Energy Investment Corporation, and Indonesia’s State Electricity Company (PT PLN). During the dialogue, youth representatives from China and Indonesia jointly released The Earth’s Lung and the Guard of Coast: Jakarta Initiative on Conservation of Mangroves.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/revitalization-of-mangroves-china-indonesia-dialogue-on-sustainable-development-held-in-jakarta-302459271.html

SOURCE China International Communications Group

Submissions are now open till June 13^th; nominate the changemakers shaping Black Culture in 2025

LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Black excellence has a home, and for eight decades, that home has been EBONY. Today, as the iconic and beloved Black-owned media company prepares to celebrate 80 years of championing and elevating the Black identity through powerful storytelling, around the globe, we are now proud to announce that nominations are open for the 2025 EBONY Power 100 List.

The EBONY Power 100 captures lightning in a bottle—the dynamic forces who aren’t just participating in culture, but transforming it. As part of our enduring mission to amplify and celebrate Black voices, we recognize the visionaries who turn obstacles into opportunities, the innovators whose dreams become our daily reality, and the voices that resonate from boardrooms to recording studios, research labs to movie sets. From activists to actors, innovative scientists to business leaders, these are individuals who not only break barriers, but are redefining what’s possible for future generations, while embodying the spirit creative expression that has defined EBONY for decades.

Past honorees include Cynthia Erivo, USHER, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Deion Sanders, Gayle King, and Pat McGrath.

Submissions are now open for the 2025 EBONY Power 100 list. The full list of 2025 EBONY Power 100 categories include:

• Artists in Residence
• Business Disrupters
• Community Crusaders
• Entertainment Powerhouses
• Generation Next
• Influential Creators
• Leaders in Sports
• Media Mavens
• Music Innovators
• Stem Trailblazers

To learn more about EBONY Power 100 and to nominate visit:
https://www.ebony.com/ebony-power-100-nomination-form.

All nominations must be submitted by June 13, 2025. Final honorees will be celebrated at the highly anticipated EBONY Power 100 ceremony in Los Angeles November 2025.

For inquiries about the EBONY Power 100 contact:

• For EBONY Power 100 list inquires – EP100@ebony.com
• For sales and brand partnerships – Duryea Ruffins, druffins@ebony.com
• For PR & marketing – Deon Harris, dharris@ebony.com

About EBONY
For nearly 80 years, EBONY has served as the leading voice of the Black American experience and is the most influential Black-owned media company in the world. Under new ownership and leadership, EBONY has grown into a multi-media entity, covering cultural news, entertainment, and lifestyle with a commitment to Move Black Forward with EBONY, EBONY Studios, and JET. EBONY continues to be the leading authority and anchor for all facets of Black culture, illuminating the Black perspective and serving as the ultimate curator for the past, present, and future of the Black and African American experience.

EBONY Media Group is a division of 1145 Holdings, LLC.

Media Contact:
Allison
ebony@allisonworldwide.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/announcing-the-return-of-ebony-power-100-where-legacy-meets-tomorrows-leaders-302459140.html

SOURCE EBONY Media Group

Immediate Capital Raised Willl Sustain More Than 1050 Families’ Daily Access to Food, Shelter, Faith Formation, Education, Work Training and Medical Care

OLD LYME, Conn. and ASUNCION, Paraguay and CHHATTISGARH, India, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heart of Love International (HOLI), a start-up nonprofit Christian-faith organization working towards bridging the gap in love for children in need – is announcing the launch of their first public outreach campaign. The targeted $150,000 in immediate capital will support grassroots work in New England, India and Paraguay, privately backed to date. Through the HOLI foundation and parish partnerships, local mothers and children facing domestic abuse are provided with long-term assistance to re-establish their safety and health. Abroad, HOLI provides daily essentials (such as meals, shelter and water) to struggling, malnutritional families in need of basic care, professional opportunities and renewed hope in generosity. The organization emphasizes the universal call to mercy and Jesus Christ’s living example to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34-35).

Every day, HOLI helps more than 1050 families struggling to maintain faith in impoverished parts of the world. As part of HOLI’s overseas approach, the charity partners with trusted Christian missionaries “He Cares Mission” in India and “Fundación Con Una Sonrisa” in Paraguay to better reach local communities. The charity has also started to employ childhood advocates and unite volunteers in the faith, academic and medical fields to form a daily foundation children can trust will care for them – mind, body, and spirit. The integrated support network creates the base of a family structure for a child to experience the benefits and joy that comes with strong family ties and an introduction to the Lord. Often for the first time.

While still in its infancy, the foundation’s vision is to share HOLI’s resources and approach to child developmental care with more families facing adversities. Unfortunately, the charity’s grassroots base faces the need for new capital and evangelization behind their work. HOLI believes resources can be replenished to support the charity’s mission and is calling on the public to pray, give, share, and love with them, through their new GoFundMe campaign raise (open now; search “Heart of Love”) and SpotFund micro campaigns which will spotlight the culture and support opportunities for families in Paraguay and India through their “#Rebuke” (#Reprensión) and “#LightUpLove” (#IluminaAmor social media campaigns featuring educational, faith and inspiration-driven stories, posts and data. HOLI will also host fundraising themed pop-ups through Spotfund. Spanish-speaking regional spokesperson are available to comment on the work and campaigns underway, more on the schedule can be found below.

“It’s intuitive to those who grow up with access to essential resources and a well-rounded foundation in the Lord. Of course, every child need’s faith and to feel loved! And of course, that love manifests in things like food, shelter, medical care, education and, yes, a trusted family they can turn to for daily advice and affection, “said 40-year pastoral and financial leader Michael Calo, President and CEO of Heart of Love International.

“But that’s not always the norm in our own neighborhoods, and most certainly not in the areas abroad stricken with chronic disease, economic limitations and violence. The childhood experience is not only dangerous, but incredibly lonely and disheartening. Love, hope, charity – these are just words and concepts to those in need. They can’t keep their faith alive, unless we action on them and share the joy that comes with knowledge of the Gospel. That’s what this raise will allow us to do. We want these kids to feel connected to God and a world that cares about them. Our team just hopes the public answers HOL’s call for donations, because it’s urgent for us to continue the good work, that’s already been started.”

The funds raised starting today, will go to expand HOLI’s model with managed individualized, personal care in the regions they currently service. The charity plans to pave the way for enhanced centralized case management (locations with integrated services such as meal distribution, dental care, technical work skills-programs, faith and spiritual counseling etc.). These local centers will provide early, teen and young adult resources that can follow a child through their most difficult years, to provide them with a foundation for success as adults.

In addition to these physical locations, HOLI plans to build out a digital ‘international family network’ of love, encouragement and care for children in need. The online network will provide an opportunity to personally donate and digitally-journey to the impoverished region where HOLI aims to grow support for those in need. By bringing new family members together around the Gospel, the charity hopes over time more access to love, and resources will come to fruition across borders. Donors’ will be able to personally connect with a child’s story – becoming an adopted mother, father, sister, brother etc. and advocate for the gift of ‘perfect love’ graced to all individuals.

MORE ON THE HOLI CALL TO ACTION

STARTING TODAY: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & HOMELESS MOTHERS AWARENESS 

We quietly kicked off our GoFundMe with Mother’s Day and our SpotFund to #Rebuke domestic violence (#RebukeAbuse #ReprensiónAbuso) will run through all of May (International Mother’s Day Month). Help grow awareness. Please search “Heart of Love” on GoFundMe or SpotFund and donate today.

• Help us bring light and safety to mother’s facing safety, relocation and health needs following domestic abuse. Donate through SpotFund through Mother’s Day month and #LightUpLove (#IluminaAmor). Please also help HOLI get the word out. Share awareness materials HOLI posts on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook on domestic violence and help bring inspiration for change throughout the campaign. http://spot.fund/32krd76sc.

May 19 – May 26: #MercyMonday for Paraguay Mother & Children:  Please search “Heart of Love” on SpotFund for our pop-up raise! Or continue to give through our GoFundMe during our full fundraising run.

• Help bring awareness to mothers and children in need in Paraguay every #MercyMonday. HOLI will also feature their work with Paraguay and call on the public to #Rebuke poverty with a special Spotfund raise (#RebukePoverty #ReprensiónPobreza). Share it all through HOLI posts on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
• A Spanish-speaking regional spokesperson available to discuss HOLI’s mission and speak to the inspiration the public can bring to families of the region.

May 28 – June 2: Please search “Heart of Love” on SpotFund for our pop-up raise! Or continue to give through our GoFundMe during our full fundraising run.

• International Children’s Day on June 1 will come with feature posts on different childhood developmental issues. Join HOLI as they #Rebuke silence (#RebukeSilence #ReprensiónSilencio) and #evangelize (#evangelizar) for children the world over. Plan to also meet more of your neighbors – families HOLI cares for in need of support – through our social channels.

June 4 – June 30 HUNGER AWARENESS: Please search “Heart of Love” on SpotFund for our pop-up raise! Or continue to give through our GoFundMe during our full fundraising run.

• Help us kick off National Hunger Awareness Day June 6 and the full Hunger Awareness Month throughout June with an extended pop-up on SpotFund starting June 4. Combat hunger through donations and educational posts, shares and prayers from our social channels during the month of June. Continue to use #Rebuke and #RebukeHunger (#ReprensiónHambre) to bring more light, inspiration and change to those in need.

June 11 – 17 INDIA’s CULTURE & FATHERS: Please search “Heart of Love” on SpotFund for our pop-up raise! Or continue to give through our GoFundMe during our full fundraising run.

• Celebrate fathers’ and the local culture with HOLI during Father’s Day week in India. HOLI will also feature their work with India. Share it all through HOLI posts on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook and continue to #RebukePoverty with HOLI throughout the month.

ABOUT HOLI

Heart of Love International (HOLI), is a start-up nonprofit Christian-faith organization working towards bridging the gap in the love children need. United in love for the Lord, HOLI’s vision and mission comes from God and is supported by a team of missionary, financial and operational business leaders with decades of experience at the helm of cause-driven ventures. HOLI’s impact on historically impoverished regions where children face regular famish, disease and solitude (i.e., Asunción, Paraguay; provinces of Kakavedu, Ahhattisgarh, and Gujarat, India), would not be possible without the dedication of local nonprofits “He Cares Mission” in India and “Fundación Con Una Sonrisa” in Paraguay. Get to know more about HOLI and stay up to date on the good works by visiting the website or HOLI’s social channels. Donate and make an impact today!

• Heart of Love, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations in the United States are tax deductible in full or part.

Media Kit

https://heartofloveintl.com 

https://gofund.me/b9a6a105

http://spot.fund/32krd76sc 

http://spot.fund/t5k3dppsc 

https://www.youtube.com/@HeartofLoveInternational

https://www.tiktok.com/@heartofloveinternational?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/heartofloveinternational/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Diane Zuniga Bernal
281-891-0882
DEW COMMS
impact@dew-comms.com 

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SOURCE Heart of Love International

Demanding Senate Take Immediate Action on Sexual Assault Legislation, HB3073 (the Summer Willis Act)

If the Act is Not Scheduled for a Vote by EOD Tuesday, the Bill Dies, Despite Its Overwhelming Passage in the House and Support from Gov. Greg Abbott

AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Summer Willis, a rape survivor and advocate, will be joined by the family of Virginia Robert Giuffre at a press conference with other sexual assault survivors to demand that HB3073 (the Summer Willis Act) be scheduled for a vote before end of day Tuesday 5/20, the final deadline. HB3073 will define consent in Texas and will close a legal loophole that prevents prosecution of rape cases involving voluntary intoxication. Willis will receive an award from the Senate earlier that morning.

Co-sponsored by Rep. Ann Johnson (Dem) and by Rep. Tan Parker (Rep), HB3073 passed the House by a huge margin of 129 – 4. The Act is also supported by Gov. Greg Abbott and his Sexual Assault Task Force. However, the bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote in the Senate, where it is being held up by Sen. Pete Flores.

Willis and others will urge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to overrule Flores and schedule the vote, before the end of the day on Tuesday, 5/20, or the bill will die in committee. The Texas legislature only meets every two years.

The family of the late activist and survivor Virginia Giuffre are joining Willis and will make remarks, as are other survivors, including Dr Lavinia Masters, the survivor behind the Lavinia Masters Act.

Willis was raped while a sophmore at University of Texas, at a fraternity party where one man drugged her drink before another raped her. Because Willis voluntarily drank the drink, unknowing that it was drugged, neither man was prosecuted, as their acts didn’t violate Texas law.

“Texas, I can’t begin to describe what survivors go through after we survive,” said Willis. “And I don’t have words strong enough to describe what it feels like to know our state offers loopholes to rapists and locked doors to us.”

“As the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we recognize the need for change in legislation for sexual assault survivors everywhere. It was our sister’s wish to give sexual assault survivors the chance to fight for justice,” said Sky and Amanda Roberts, and Lannette and Danny Wilson, brothers of Virginia Giuffre. “We firmly stand by Summer Willis and call on the Texas State Senate to take immediate action on HB 3073.”

“Summer’s bravery and vulnerability in sharing her story and the resilience in her advocacy are constant reminders that we should always stand for doing the right thing. When our sister Virginia was asked, Why speak now? Her answer was very clear: because when I held my baby girl for the first time, I knew it was the right thing to do.”

“So today, we fight with Summer for all survivors and our children and ask the Texas Senate to vote accordingly because it is the right thing to do. We hope that this bill is the driving force for change all over the world and will continue to carry our sister’s legacy for change.”

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who died last month, was one of the most prominent accusers of Jeffrey Epstein and a longtime activist for survivors of sexual abuse.

“Because of gaps in Texas law, Summer Willis was denied justice. House Bill 3073 is a critical step toward changing that. Survivors of sexual assault deserve more than sympathy—they deserve a legal system that holds perpetrators accountable,” says Rep. Ann Johnson. “This bill strengthens our laws and moves Texas closer to ensuring that every sexual assault case is met with the seriousness and justice it deserves.”

Willis will receive support from other survivors: Dr. Lavinia Masters is the pioneering advocate and survivor of sexual assault who has significantly influenced legislative reforms. She is the namesake of the Lavinia Masters Act, which passed in Texas in 2019. Sophia Rose Centurioni, crowned Miss Highland Park Teen of 2025, is a 19-year-old sexual assault survivor and advocate.

The bill has already gotten significant public support, including from celebrated activist Monica Lewinsky and Emmy award-winning actor Julianna Margulies.

Willis is calling on Texans to contact their Senator today and urge the Senate Criminal Justice Committee to hear HB 3073 before it’s too late.

Press Conference Details:
12:30 PM
Monday, May 19 at the Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX

Contact:
Dini von Mueffling
395426@email4pr.com
(917) 494-4096

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/family-of-jeffrey-epstein-survivor-virginia-roberts-giuffre-join-rape-survivor-and-activist-summer-willis-at-texas-state-capitol-302459132.html

SOURCE Summer Willis

Precision pollination leader also unveils company impact on pollinator protection and agricultural sustainability in honor of World Bee Day

FRESNO, Calif. , May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BeeHero, the global leader of data-driven precision pollination, today announced the launch of its Beekeeping Task Manager tool to provide beekeepers with more effective and larger-scale apiary management, in honor of World Bee Day. BeeHero also released new data about its growing impact on pollinator health, effective pollination, and sustainable agriculture, in support of beekeepers, growers, and the wider agricultural industry.

The new Beekeeping Task Manager helps beekeepers plan, assign, and track daily tasks with greater efficiency. Accessible via web and mobile apps, the tool enables seamless coordination of field visits and real-time updates to field teams. The mobile app also features offline pollination actions to allow beekeepers to log deployments in remote orchards with limited cell coverage and then sync when phones return online. This feature is especially critical for commercial agriculture regions with low coverage, such as in Australia, where the upcoming almond pollination is set to begin in August.

The new tool comes as bees are experiencing an ongoing crisis. Over 75% of global food crops rely on pollinators, but US bee colony losses soared to an unprecedented 60-70% this past winter, threatening beekeepers’ livelihoods, growers’ crop yields, and the global food supply. However, BeeHero’s data shows that in that timeframe, BeeHero-supported hives experienced significantly lower mortality rates around 30%. The difference amounts collectively to over 2 billion bees saved by using BeeHero-monitored hives. Additionally, BeeHero enabled more efficient pollination using fewer, stronger hives, thus preventing  1,313 tons of CO₂ emissions through reduced colony transport.

“At a time when bees are under unprecedented pressure, we’re proud to protect these crucial pollinators. Together with our valued beekeeper and grower partners, we are demonstrating that data-driven apiary management and pollination is better for all—bees, the global food supply, and the planet,” said Omer Davidi, CEO and Co-Founder of BeeHero. “Our team continues to work tirelessly to massively scale the world’s largest pollination network we’ve built, supported by our proprietary, never-before-possible infrastructure. With stronger, healthier hives and real-time, AI-powered insights, we’re helping to champion hardworking beekeepers and growers around the world and transforming pollination into a scalable, sustainable solution to global food and climate challenges.”

BeeHero’s solutions utilize proprietary, low-cost IoT sensors placed in hives and in fields to monitor bee health, activity, and environmental conditions in real time. This data is then analyzed by the company’s AI and machine learning, delivering beekeepers and growers actionable insights into colony health, pollination efficiency, and stress factors that enable them to make data-based decisions to improve bee welfare and boost crop yield and quality. With over 300K hives monitored across the globe collecting over 25M daily data samples, BeeHero is the world’s largest provider of precision pollination.

BeeHero’s impact since the last World Bee Day was amplified by the rollout of new, next-generation precision pollination tools, including the company’s Pollination Insight Platform (PIP 2.0), an in-field sensing solution offering real-time pollination heat maps, multi-pollinator detection, and a resilient, weatherproof design, and HeroLink, a solar-powered field gateway with an industry-first multi-frequency antenna capable of reliably transmitting data even in the most remote, signal-starved agricultural regions. The company also recently launched the Global Million Hive Network aiming to address alarming bee declines by expanding smart hive monitoring, advancing research, and encouraging cross-collaboration between industry stakeholders.

About BeeHero

BeeHero is a data-driven technology company redefining pollination in commercial agriculture. Using advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and low-cost IoT sensors, BeeHero brings transparency and efficiency to the complex logistics of commercial crop pollination. Its Precision Pollination as a Service (PPaaS) results in better crop yields and increased profits for commercial crop growers and agribusiness stakeholders. Its precision pollination solution is rapidly evolving into the backbone of the data-driven approach needed to build a resilient and future-proof sustainable agriculture ecosystem. The company is headquartered in Fresno, California, with offices in Palo Alto, California and R&D in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Media Contact

Allison Grey
Headline Media
allison@headline.media
US: +1 323 283 8176
UK: +44 203 807 4482

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beehero-launches-beekeeping-task-manager-tool-for-apiary-management-302459065.html

SOURCE BeeHero

GLASGOW, Scotland, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Star Refrigeration will be taking part in the upcoming UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from 20^th – 22^nd May 2025, with a focus on large-scale renewable district heating and the central role of river-source heat pumps in the UK’s decarbonisation strategy.

Prof. Dave Pearson, Director of Sustainable Development at Star Refrigeration, will join a panel discussion alongside Nick Gosling, Group Sales and Strategy Director at Vital Energi, a long-standing Star customer and collaborator. During the session ‘City-Wide Clean Heat: A Real Estate ESG Saviour or an Investment Pipe Dream?‘ which will take place on 21^st May from 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm, they will explore the pivotal role that river source heat pumps and district heating networks play in achieving Net Zero goals -particularly for cities and large-scale developments.

 The panel will explain in detail the importance of heat networks as an alternative to gas heating, and how developers can future-proof new buildings while supporting government ambitions. With investment potential estimated between £60 billion and £80 billion by 2050, heat networks represent a major opportunity for decarbonisation through the construction of high-value, long-term assets. However, with less than 3% of UK heat currently supplied by heat networks, the pace of deployment must accelerate significantly to meet the government’s 20% target by 2050.

“To stay on track, the rollout of heat networks across cities and large-scale developments must at least quadruple within the next five years”, said Prof. Pearson. “The expectation for large buildings to integrate clean energy is only growing, and district heating powered by clean water source heat pumps, is no longer a concept for the future. It’s a proven, high-value solution that’s ready to deliver today.”

The collaboration between Star Refrigeration and Vital Energi has already delivered some of the most innovative and technically challenging district heating projects in the UK, demonstrating the potential of public-private partnerships for city-scale decarbonisation. These include the 5.2MW twin water source heat pumps at Queens Quay in Clydebank, a 3MW installation at Castle Park in Bristol, and the ongoing £2.5m Mersey Heat project in Liverpool, where heat is being extracted from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to serve a new 6km heat network.

These projects, designed and delivered by Vital Energi with engineering and heat pump technology support from Star Refrigeration, demonstrate how government-backed, large-scale low carbon infrastructure can drive real progress in the UK’s heating transition while aiding economic growth for local communities and investors. Each has received recognition from the European Heat Pump Association, marking them as exceptional in terms of scale, environmental impact, and technological soundness.

Prof. Pearson said, “This event is an opportunity to show that the shift away from gas is not just possible: it’s already happening. By working with partners like Vital Energi, we’re proving that river source heat pump technology is ready to meet the needs of urban infrastructure at scale.

“Sustainable buildings are now seen as lower risk, more resilient, and capable of commanding higher prices and better financing terms. With the market shifting, we see a clear opportunity to collaborate with developers to accelerate decarbonisation projects and help stakeholders avoid the looming ‘ESG meltdown’.

If we get it right, clean heat won’t just reduce emissions – it will improve asset value, investor confidence and public health”.

UKREiiF 2025 is a must-attend real estate, property, and infrastructure event taking place in Leeds from 20–22 May at the Royal Armouries Museum and New Dock. Over 16,000 professionals from government, investment, development, and the wider built environment will gather to drive investment and regeneration across the UK’s regions. Attendees of the session will also receive a complimentary “grab bag” lunch.

To view and register for UKREiiF 2025, visit https://2025.ukreiif.com/

To learn more about Star Refrigeration’s river source heat pumps for district heating, visit https://www.neatpumps.com/

To learn more about Vital Energi’s work on district heating networks, visit: https://www.vitalenergi.co.uk/ 

Notes to editors

Founded in 1970, Star Refrigeration is the UK’s largest industrial refrigeration and heating engineering company, renowned for its innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability. The company has received widespread recognition for the development of high-profile projects including the world’s first and largest 90^oC natural ammonia district heat pump in Norway, England’s largest high-temperature water source heat pump in Bristol City and Scotland’s largest water source district heat pump in Queens Quay, West Dunbartonshire.

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SOURCE Star Refrigeration

New solution seamlessly connects ecobee smart thermostats with Generac Home Standby Generators and PWRcell 2 Solar Battery Storage Solution

WAUKESHA, Wis., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC), a global leader in energy solutions, today announced the launch of ecobee by Generac Smart Thermostat Enhanced with Home Energy Management, an all-new smart thermostat that integrates with Generac Home Standby Generators and Generac PWRcell 2 Solar Battery Storage Solutions to improve real-time system visibility and make home energy management more seamless for homeowners.

At a time when Americans are seeing both rising energy costs and more frequent power outages – with 1.5 billion hours of outages taking place in 2024 alone – ecobee by Generac Smart Thermostat Enhanced with Home Energy Management is the latest in Generac’s suite of residential energy technology solutions that provide reliable, more efficient, and better managed energy solutions.

“As energy costs climb and power outages escalate, we’re bringing together Generac Home Standby Generators and ecobee smart thermostats into one integrated solution that helps adapt automatically to homeowners’ energy needs, and deliver significant energy savings, increased comfort and control,” said Kyle Raabe, President of Consumer Power at Generac.

ecobee by Generac Smart Thermostat Enhanced with Home Energy Management intelligently manages HVAC systems to not only optimize home energy consumption but also reduce the size of the backup system required. This new all-in-one solution eliminates the need for additional hardware, ultimately reducing total installation costs and improving overall system affordability. ecobee by Generac Smart Thermostat Enhanced is also outfitted with advanced occupancy sensing technology that reacts to homeowners’ habits, delivering effortless energy and cost savings of up to 26%* on annual heating and cooling bills.

“We’re excited to be able to provide homeowners greater control and confidence in managing comfort in their homes without compromise,” said Greg Fyke, President and CEO of ecobee. “With the launch of our new Smart Thermostat Enhanced with Home Energy Management, we not only intelligently optimize heating and cooling in the home but also coordinate electrical loads during generator startup to keep the lights on during an outage.”

June 2025 Availability
Beginning next month, ecobee by Generac Smart Thermostat Enhanced with Home Energy Management will be available to order through Generac’s extensive dealer network.

Additionally, Generac’s new PWRcell 2 Solar Battery Storage Solution will begin shipping in the coming months. The new solution elevates the standard for solar battery storage, providing capability for significant electricity bill savings by storing energy from solar panels and providing reliable backup power during outages. Each PWRcell 2 system includes an ecobee by Generac Smart Thermostat Enhanced for intuitive in-home monitoring and energy consumption optimization.

For more information on boosting home energy independence, visit generac.com/dealer-locator/ to locate your nearest authorized installer. With over 10,000 and growing providers nationwide, potential buyers and current home energy system owners can enjoy these next-gen solutions.

*Compared to a hold of 72°F/22°C. Actual savings will vary based on several factors, such as use, weather, and energy costs.

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 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.

For more information about Generac, visit www.generac.com.

About ecobee
ecobee Inc. was founded in 2007 with a mission to improve everyday life while creating a more sustainable world. Today, ecobee continues to innovate with smart home solutions that solve everyday problems with comfort, security, and conservation in mind. With ecobee’s devices and services, ecobee continues to encourage Smart Owners to imagine what home could be. In 2021, ecobee joined Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC), a leading global designer and manufacturer of energy technology solutions, and other power products. Generac and ecobee share a vision to deliver a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for customers and communities. The Generac and ecobee home of the future will be more comfortable, secure, resilient, and efficient. For more information about ecobee, visit www.ecobee.com.

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

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SOURCE Generac Power Systems, Inc.

CHICAGO, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Designed to bring joy to kids with special needs and their families and caregivers, the third annual Double Good Days will take place June 8 at the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview. Registration is now open for this free event, which runs from 9 am to 1 pm and features a dynamic lineup of 10 multi-sensory activities, from therapy animals to adaptive sports and even popcorn. Double Good Kids Foundation created Double Good Days to address the need for more social opportunities for children with special needs.

Children can experience a multitude of activities, including interacting with miniature therapy horses and dogs, dancing at the silent disco, digging into slime, participating in adaptive sports and skills stations, and more. The inclusive, all-abilities experiences allow attendees to explore and engage in a safe environment. This year’s event includes new partners Special Olympics Illinois and Special Gifts Theatre, joining favorites like GiGi’s Playhouse and Rainbow Therapy Animals. Last year’s attendees described the day as “a blessing” and “a rare moment of belonging.”

“Providing joyful memories for kids with special needs and their families is an honor,” says Double Good Kids Foundation Co-Founder Tim Heitmann. “Seeing the huge smiles on the faces of kids and families says it all—Double Good Days is making a real impact, and we’re proud to continue this commitment for many years to come.”

Chicagoans and supporters nationwide have made Double Good Days possible by purchasing popcorn directly from the DoubleGood.com website. Fifty percent of the e-commerce sales go to the Double Good Kids Foundation, which organizes Double Good Days.

About Double Good & Double Good Kids Foundation

Founded in 1998, Double Good was born out of a love for delicious popcorn and grew into a passion for positively impacting the community. Double Good combines an easy-to-use virtual fundraising platform with fan-loving popcorn to help create opportunities for children and teens to realize their dreams. Most recently, Double Good was included in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing businesses for 2024 and was recognized on the Crain’s Fast 50 list (No. 21) for Chicago’s fastest-growing companies. The Double Good Kids Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to tilting the playing field for children with special needs and unlocking experiences they may not be able to access. To learn more about the Foundation or how Double Good can create joy for you, visit www.doublegood.com and follow the brand on Instagram.

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SOURCE Double Good