diciembre 2020 – Página 117

Lev Peker and David Meniane of CarParts.com Win Silver Medals in 10th Annual Best in Biz Awards

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — CarParts.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRTS) («CarParts.com») CEO Lev Peker and CFO/COO David Meniane have been named silver medal winners in the Executive of the Year and Operations Executive of the Year for mid-sized companies categories in the Best in Biz Awards, the only independent business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications in North America.

It is rare for one company to receive two awards in this competition, vouching for the tremendous leadership both Lev and David have shown over the past year. Since they both joined the firm in early 2019, Lev and David have transformed the company both internally and for their consumers, resulting in a complete financial, logistical, and operational turnaround. CarParts.com recently reported its third consecutive quarter of double digit, profitable growth and the highest gross profit in the company’s history.

2020 marked the 10th annual Best in Biz Awards and – with a continuing global pandemic – was also a year like no other in the program’s 10-year history. Despite the global challenges, the 10th annual program saw a particularly strong field of entries from public and private companies of all sizes and spanning all geographic regions and industries in the U.S. and Canada, ranging from some of the most recognizable and admired global brands to the most innovative start-ups and nimble local companies – proving North American business’ resilience and continuing innovation and growth despite the odds. The judges were impressed with this year’s winners’ agility and adaptability that allowed their businesses to thrive, their willingness to always go the extra mile to help their customers in these unusual times.

«It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey and privilege to guide CarParts.com over the past year with David, and we are both very excited to be recognized by the Best in Biz team. Together, we’ve reimagined the auto parts market and built a platform that’s helped thousands of consumers get back on the road faster and more cost-effectively,» says Lev Peker, CarParts.com CEO.

«I’m humbled that our growing team has continued to prosper through the adversity and global challenges of this year with record performance. Lev and I have rebuilt the purpose and success of the firm and are honored on behalf of all CarParts.com employees – from our corporate office to distribution centers – to receive this recognition,» says David Meniane, CarParts.com CFO and COO.

Since the program’s inception in 2011, the Best in Biz Awards judging panels have consisted of both editors and reporters with keen expertise in selecting the best of the best from hundreds of high-performing companies and leaders. The 2020 judging panel included, among others, writers from Barron’s, Consumer Affairs, USA Today and Wired.

«Corporate resiliency has never been more important than in 2020 and the winning entries in the 10th annual Best in Biz Awards have impressive accomplishments in this area,» said Mark Huffman, Consumer Affairs, having judged six of the last 10 Best in Biz Awards competitions.

For a full list of gold, silver and bronze winners in Best in Biz Awards 2020, visit: http://www.bestinbizawards.com/2020-winners.

About CarParts.com
With over 25 years of experience, and 50 million parts delivered, we’ve streamlined our website and sourcing network to better serve the way drivers get the parts they need. Utilizing the latest technologies and design principles, we’ve created an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly shopping experience that, alongside our own nationwide distribution network, cuts out the brick-and-mortar supply chain costs and provides quality parts at a budget-friendly price.

CarParts.com is headquartered in Torrance, California.

About Best in Biz Awards
Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has been the only independent business awards program judged by a who’s who of prominent reporters and editors from top-tier publications from North America and around the world. Over the years, judges in the premier awards program have ranged from Associated Press to the Wall Street Journal and winners have spanned the spectrum, from blue-chip companies that form the bedrock of the global economy to some of the world’s most innovative start-ups and nimble local companies. Each year, Best in Biz Awards honors are conferred in two separate programs: North America and International, and in 90 categories, including company, team, executive, product, and CSR, media, PR and other categories. For more information, visit: http://www.bestinbizawards.com

SOURCE CarParts.com, Inc.

Hoffa: Granholm Will Bring Needed Experience To U.S. Energy Department

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as the next U.S. Secretary of Energy.

<a…

«The future path of our nation requires that we take a forward-looking view on energy resources in this country. To that end, I can think of few better equipped to lead that mission for the incoming Biden administration than Jennifer Granholm

«I know the Governor well, given both our Michigan roots. And after speaking with her yesterday, it only affirmed for me why she would make a terrific Secretary of Energy. Her relationship with this union, as well as the U.S. auto industry and its tens of thousands of unionized workers, means she understands our concerns and will keep them in mind while formulating new policy.

«The Teamsters applaud President-elect Biden’s choice and urge the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm her nomination after lawmakers are seated next month.»

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and «like» us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Ted Gotsch, (703) 899-0869
tgotsch@teamster.org

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hoffa-granholm-will-bring-needed-experience-to-us-energy-department-301195373.html

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Drinking Water Significant Source Of Microplastics In Human Diet

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Emerging environmental contaminants, both chemicals and particulates, have been a concern for risk scientists for many years. Methods for reducing health and environmental risks from particles are still evolving. Micro/nanoplastic particles are one environmental contaminant that has recently received research and media attention, and scientists are only beginning to study their potential for adverse environmental and human health effects.

In an effort…

In an effort to understand the potential risks associated with exposure to micro/nanoplastics, the Emerging Risks of Micro/nanoplastics: Perspectives From Diverse Sectors symposia at the 2020 Society for Risk Analysis virtual Annual Meeting, December 13-17, 2020, aims to highlight the current state of knowledge associated with physical and chemical transformation, hazard characterization, environmental effects, social implications and policy limitations.

Scott Coffin, Ph.D., California State Water Resources Control Board, will present the world’s first regulatory investigation of microplastics in drinking water. His presentation, «Microplastics in drinking water: California’s path towards assessing risks and developing regulations,» outlines the state’s ongoing implementation efforts of a 2018 Senate Bill, that require the State Water Resources Control Board to i) standardize the definition, ii) develop measurement methods for their presence in drinking water, iii) monitor for microplastics in drinking water for four years and publicly disclose the results, iv) consider a health-based guidance level to aid consumer interpretations of the results and v) accredit laboratories to analyze microplastics.

«The standardization of methods to analyze microplastics is urgently needed to reliably compare data from different studies,» states Coffin. «In June 2020, California’s regulatory definition of microplastic was adopted, which provides regulatory agencies, policymakers and researchers with a common language for a diverse group of contaminants.»

In New York, researchers detected microplastics in the municipal tap water. James McGrath, University of Rochester, tested water samples from the 30-mile route of the Hemlock Lake water production facility to Georgen Hall on the University of Rochester campus. McGrath’s study, «Silicon nanomembranes for the evaluation of microplastic entrainment along a municipal water delivery route,» used tools and methods that are easier than current protocols for the capture and assessment of microplastics. The nanomembrane filtration tools enable rapid detection of microplastics and other debris.

Despite the Hemlock Lake facility producing nearly debris-free water, entrainment increased the amount of debris along the route and the water delivered to the Hall was polluted with large amounts of microdebris, including plastics. Broad surveillance, as demonstrated in this study, will need to be implemented to curb the growing level of pollution from plastics.

These studies will be presented on December 17 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. ET as part of the 2020 Society for Risk Analysis virtual Annual Meeting.

About SRA

The Society for Risk Analysis is a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, scholarly, international society that provides an open forum for all those interested in risk analysis. SRA was established in 1980 and has published Risk Analysis: An International Journal, the leading scholarly journal in the field, continuously since 1981. For more information, visit www.sra.org.

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drinking-water-significant-source-of-microplastics-in-human-diet-301195368.html

SOURCE Society for Risk Analysis (SRA)

JetBlue adds MIA flights to its New Year’s resolutions

MIAMI, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways, one of the busiest airlines in the U.S. with 42 million passengers in 2019, fully committed

MIAMI, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways, one of the busiest airlines in the U.S. with 42 million passengers in 2019, fully committed today to one of its New Year’s resolutions: launch first-ever flights at Miami International Airport.

JetBlue has set February 11, 2021 – the airline’s 21^st birthday – as the start date for its Miami route expansion, which will include service to four U.S. cities: Boston (up to four times daily); Los Angeles (up to twice daily); New York-JFK (up to four times daily); and Newark (up to four times daily). The Miami–Los Angeles route will feature JetBlue Mint®, the airline’s premium travel experience. The maximum of 14 daily flights would instantly make JetBlue one of MIA’s busiest passenger airlines.

«JetBlue’s historic launch into Miami-Dade County with up to 14 daily flights is great news for our families, tourism industry, and business community, as we work to help our economy rebound from the pandemic,» said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. «I proudly welcome JetBlue to Miami-Dade. And I’m pleased to see them taking important steps to keep passengers and employees safe and healthy.»

Headquartered in New York and trademarked as New York’s Hometown Airline^®, JetBlue serves nearly 100 domestic and international BlueCities – soon to also include Magic City.

«JetBlue has a long history of serving Florida and we are so pleased to expand our presence to Miami International Airport – the busiest airport in the U.S. we do not currently serve – where we can introduce our award-winning service and low fares to even more travelers in South Florida,» said Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue. «With JetBlue service now stretching from Miami to Fort Lauderdale to West Palm we have a winning combination of service that will set us up for continued success in the Sunshine State.»

«I wish JetBlue my deepest thanks and congratulations for making this monumental expansion to MIA, and for their significant investment of flights to the Miami market,» said Lester Sola, MIA Director and CEO. «Welcoming one of the world’s leading low-cost carriers and busiest airlines to our network is a major landmark event in our airport’s history. Their new daily flights on four popular U.S. routes provide a diverse menu of travel options to our passengers and will generate increased business revenue and job creation in our community.»

Subscribe here for more MIA news

Connect with us on:
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Linkedin

MEDIA CONTACT:
Greg Chin
305.876.7017
MIAcommunications@miami-airport.com
www.miami-airport.com

Philip Stewart
Manager Corporate Communications
JetBlue
philip.stewart@jetblue.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jetblue-adds-mia-flights-to-its-new-years-resolutions-301195360.html

SOURCE Miami International Airport

Alpha Motor Corporation Unveils The ACE™ Of Mobility – Versatile Technology On Wheels With A Sleek Electrifying Presence

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Accelerating innovation for humanity, automotive company Alpha Motor Corporation has unveiled the ACE™, a striking Coupe, hailing it as the quintessential urban electric vehicle set to transform zero emission mobility.

The ACE™ Coupe balances versatility, performance, and sustainability on a compact footprint that supports multiple body styles including coupe, sedan, and utility crossover. The ACE™ Coupe is built on a modular vehicle platform that is an extension of Alpha’s much anticipated ICON™ EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle). Both ACE™ and ICON™ are created to prioritize consumer friendliness through technology with a welcoming energy.

The ACE™ Coupe was unveiled in a refined silver paint that the company named as «Blue Seraph» for its chic metallic finish. Underneath the polished bonnet and rear hatch is abundant cargo space enabled by its electric vehicle architecture. The ACE™ Coupe vehicle dimensions measure approximately 4,180mm (165in) in length, 1886mm (74in) in width, and 1450mm (57in) in height.

«The ACE™ Coupe is for consumers who desire a sleek ride with the versatility, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness of an electric vehicle,» stated Michael Smith, Alpha Motor Corporation Chief Executive Officer.

Inside the dynamic ACE™ Coupe is comfortable front seats for the driver and passenger, along with compact rear seats for occasional storage. Its interior architecture optimizes cabin space through a seamless and fluid construction that reduces components without compromising ergonomic comfort or ease of use. Furthermore, a central display integrates user interface controls that can be synchronized or replaced with the user’s own electronic device.

«ACE™ is a departure from contemporary automotive and places emphasis on mobility for the user. Alpha is rethinking automobiles for the sake of innovation that moves humanity. ACE™ was created from the perspective of technology that empowers individuals and their lifestyles,» continued Mr. Smith.

The ACE™ line of pure electric vehicles is built for flexible customization and is anticipated to be offered in a variety of unique color, material, and feature combinations. ACE™ Coupe reservation inquires can be sent to reservemyace@alphamotorinc.com. Alpha plans to roll out variants of ACE™ in the coming months. Details on ACE™ and Alpha Motor Corporation is provided on the company’s website www.alphamotorinc.com.

Please contact pr@alphamotorinc.com for more information.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alpha-motor-corporation-unveils-the-ace-of-mobility–versatile-technology-on-wheels-with-a-sleek-electrifying-presence-301194841.html

SOURCE Alpha Motor Corporation

Able Sees Corporate Responsibility as Behavioral Weigh Station en Route to Moving Industry Net-Zero Emissions

MANASSAS, Va., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — «The idea that our fossil fuel-dependent industry will somehow wake up one morning with better emission solutions is a form of corporate apathy,» says Able CEO Joe Singleton. «When these rapid advancements do arrive, it will have been the everyday decisions and policies fractionalizing output that we have put in place which will create lasting and significant change.» (<a target="_blank"…

Longtime advocates of environmental awareness, Able was one of the first independent moving companies to utilize GPS tracking and logistics software in order to minimize travel redundancy. In-house scales at Able reduce total mileage, and the company replaces its trucks every 7 years in efforts to take advantage of new technology and maintain fuel efficiency.

Aware of the impact organic matter in landfills has on the environment, Able works with Move for Hunger and other groups that can utilize items left behind in moves. Recently the company consulted C2 Management, a reuse and recycling specialist in Berryville, Virginia, to assess its diversionary practices.

«Building a network of professionals that are seeking and providing answers to environmental issues is what responsible business leaders do,» says Able Chief Operating Officer Steve Kuhn, «and sharing this information with clients is part of our corporate mission.»

Company efforts to begin aggregating best industry practices for distribution are underway through the Community arm of its recently launched Wellbeing program «Alive and Able.» Able Chief Strategist Gary Corbett lauds the organic interest in the community expressed by the group and sees the impact of programs like these hastening reductions in energy pollution. «Sharing helpful practices and resources with both our residential and commercial clients can exponentially increase environmental awareness and interest in a very practical way,» he says.

Able Director of International Michele Eckert appreciates the international exposure to energy issues the company receives through being a FIDI Affiliate, the gold standard for international moving. «Carbon reduction is a topic that comes up frequently in conversations with Affiliates around the world,» she says, «and it makes me feel proud to work for a company that not only considers these issues but also takes steps to reduce its footprint.»

While the company understands that net-zero emissions may be a longer way off, it feels like a near-zero emissions scenario is achievable by 2035. «Drastic reductions through technology and more carbon offsetting opportunities may make neutrality an earlier possibility, says COO Kuhn, «but we feel more responsible owning an ideal of near-zero in that time frame.»

CEO Singleton now carefully considers the environmental impact of all operational decisions the company makes from facilities efficiency to truck replacement. «Cautionary thinking in this regard leaves us in the best position possible to seriously consider change when presented with advancements in energy efficiency,» says Singleton.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/able-sees-corporate-responsibility-as-behavioral-weigh-station-en-route-to-moving-industry-net-zero-emissions-301195335.html

SOURCE Able Moving & Storage

Texas luxury home sales top $10 billion

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas homes that sold for $1 million or higher from November 2019 to October 2020 increased 23.5% to 6,347 sales, according to the 2020 Texas Luxury Home Sales Report released today by Texas Realtors. The annual report examining housing statistics for luxury homes in the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio metropolitan areas also showed total sales of million-dollar and higher homes reached $10.3 billion, a 23.8% increase from the previous year. That total accounted for 8.8% of all sales dollar volume.

Marvin Jolly, 2021 chairman of Texas Realtors, commented, «One reason we’ve seen strong growth in luxury home sales despite the pandemic is that mortgage rates are so low. Buyers of high-end properties are finding they can buy more for their money, particularly when compared to many real estate markets in New York, California and other pricier areas.»

The median price for luxury homes in Texas for the first 10 months of 2020 was $1,360,000, 0.7% less than the previous year. The average price per square foot for luxury homes increased 3.5% to $361, which is substantially more than the $139 average price per square foot for all residential Texas homes.

From January to October 2020, luxury homes in Texas spent an average of 86 days on the market, a decrease of one day from the same time frame in 2019. On average, luxury homes spend more time on the market than lower-priced homes.

Jolly concluded, «Buyers in the market for homes priced at $1 million and above will continue to have a good selection in most areas of Texas. The features of luxury homes vary considerably from one property to another, though—from luxury condominiums and waterfront properties to homes with large acreage and guest quarters. Realtors have seen every type of home and can help homebuyers and sellers weigh all their options to make the best real estate decisions for them.»

About the Texas Luxury Home Sales Report
The 2020 edition of the Texas Luxury Home Sales Report is provided by the Data Relevance Project, a partnership among Texas REALTORS® and local REALTOR® associations throughout the state. Data analysis is provided by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The report analyzes home sales priced $1 million and higher from November 2019 through October 2020 for the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio MSAs.

About Texas REALTORS®
With more than 140,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. In 2020, Texas REALTORS® is celebrating a century of shaping Texas by being the advocate for private property rights, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, and providing its members with the tools to achieve success. Visit texasrealestate.com to learn more.

Contact:
Morgan Moritz
mmoritz@piercom.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1317682/Texas_Realtors_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Texas REALTORS

Texas luxury home sales top $10 billion

Contact:
Morgan Moritz
mmoritz@piercom.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1317682/Texas_Realtors_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Texas REALTORS

Unicorns May Not Exist, but Clean, Sustainable Energy Does

EAST PEORIA, Ill., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — NTS Innovations has achieved a major milestone in its development of a revolutionary clean energy source – Graphene Energy Harvesting (GEH). The company, in partnership with the University of Arkansas, has completed the development of its energy harvesting circuit on a silicon wafer. This technology will be packaged in a commercial chip and available for purchase through a global network of electronics distributors in 2021.

Graphene Energy Harvesting is nothing short of a game changer. A turning point in history that could change the way we do things today, for the better.

Imagine that jumble of power cords taking up space in your drawer being obsolete. No need to search for spare batteries. No more waiting on your devices to charge… they are always charging in the background, leaving your device powered and ready for use when you need it. But that’s just the beginning…

How does it work?

You may have heard of a material called graphene. Graphene is 100x stronger than steel and a better conductor of electricity than copper. It is also flexible and elastic. What’s better, when graphene is freestanding, it is actually in a constant state of motion.

This motion can now be harvested as clean, sustainable energy.

NTS Innovations, partnering with the University of Arkansas, has developed the revolutionary technology called Graphene Energy Harvesting.

GEH is the act of harvesting energy at the nanoscale level from the naturally occurring oscillations in graphene. Envision a wind turbine. The wind turbine captures the energy of the wind through movement. In a similar way (but at nanoscale), freestanding graphene converts ambient energy into mechanical energy in the form of ripple fluctuations, much like waves on the ocean.
GEH is the only clean and continuous power alternative that can operate in any environment, anywhere on the planet… and beyond.

«GEH is a nanoscale device on a semiconductor wafer. The technology itself varies slightly with temperature but is otherwise robust in all environments,» said Preston Carter, Chief Technology Officer at NTS Innovations. «GEH can generate power in outer-space and aerospace environments, GEH will work anywhere on Earth, and will continue to work deep in the ocean. The only environmental limitations to GEH will be the packaging used to contain it.»

From theory to commercial application

With the development of an energy harvesting circuit complete, NTS Innovations is now moving on to prototypes and optimization for commercial applications.

When the first generation GEH chip is fully developed and available for purchase in late 2021, it will mark the beginning of a scalable and virtually limitless power-fulfillment solution for countless applications.

GEH chips are made with common semiconductor manufacturing techniques, making them cost-effective, scalable, and easy to mass produce. The first generation GEH chip is targeted for 10mW (milliwatts) with a chip size of 12x12x3mm.

The first generation GEH chip will enable sensors and small electronics to become self-powered, without the need to recharge or replace batteries. But it doesn’t stop there. Future releases of the GEH chip will increase in power density, holding promise for applications ranging from cell phones, tablets, appliances, and cars.

«We are very excited to introduce this game-changing technology. An enormous amount of work has gone into the development of Graphene Energy Harvesting. We are extremely thankful for the NTS Innovations team taking this from its discovery to a proven concept, and now chip production. This ‘World Changing Technology’ can bring power to every corner of the globe. Something as simple as a small light can change lives,» said Don Meyer, Founder and CEO of NTS Innovations.

NTS Innovations holds the exclusive, global rights to this technology.

About NTS Innovations

NTS Innovations is a science to commercialization company specializing in nanotechnology. Since its founding in 2016, NTS has been dedicated to partnerships with the academic community to bring innovative research to market. Having participated in projects involving next generation water filtration, 2D material supply and novel spray applied coatings, NTS is currently focused on the commercialization of Graphene Energy Harvesting. The NTS team possesses a diverse commercial background, with an extensive track record in product development and company building.

For More Information

Prospective customers can sign up to receive developer kit notifications at NTSInnovations.com.

To contact representatives at the company directly with questions or for details on current investor round and licensing considerations, please reach out to the NTS PR Team via email, phone (309) 305-3450, or visit our website at NTSinnovations.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unicorns-may-not-exist-but-clean-sustainable-energy-does-301195261.html

SOURCE NTS Innovations

Texas luxury home sales top $10 billion

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Texas homes that sold for $1 million or higher from November 2019 to October 2020 increased 23.5% to 6,347 sales, according to the 2020 Texas Luxury Home Sales Report released today by Texas Realtors. The annual report examining housing statistics for luxury homes in the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio metropolitan areas also showed total sales of million-dollar and higher homes reached $10.3 billion, a 23.8% increase from the previous year. That total accounted for 8.8% of all sales dollar volume.

Contact:
Morgan Moritz
mmoritz@piercom.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-luxury-home-sales-top-10-billion-301194707.html

SOURCE Texas REALTORS