Geovanny Vicente – Página 145

5 Best Caribbean Islands…And Two to Avoid–Internationalliving.com

BALTIMORE, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — «Our newly updated Caribbean island report at InternationalLiving.com has seen a…

BALTIMORE, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — «Our newly updated Caribbean island report at InternationalLiving.com has seen a spike in web traffic of 225% over the last month. And that traffic is up 184% over the same period last year,» says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor, International Living.

«Interest in the Caribbean has increased, which is not surprising considering the cold weather that’s plagued much of the States of late. Even though most folks are largely hunkered down, I think people are using this time at home to plan for where they’ll go once the world opens up again—and the idea of sun, sand, and not-too-long a plane ride has its appeal.

«Just say the word ‘Caribbean‘ and you conjure images of turquoise waters, leaning palms, and cocktails on the sand,» says Stevens. «And that’s about right—it’s hard to beat the sunny skies and warm, clear waters; the fishing, diving, snorkeling, sailing. A laidback life in flip flops and a sun hat sounds pretty good when you’re shoveling snow in below-zero temperatures.

«But most people assume that Caribbean dream comes with a steep price tag. And that’s not necessarily so. On the five good-value Caribbean islands our International Living team has pinpointed, a couple could live comfortably in the sun for around $2,500 a month—and even less in some places.»

Belize, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Mexico all offer islands off their Caribbean coasts—islands that share the same turquoise-blue waters and powder-white beaches as more expensive Caribbean destinations and are much, much more affordable.

International Living editors have identified five of the best Caribbean islands that won’t break the bank…and two that just might—in their report, 5 Best Caribbean Islands to Live On…and 2 to Avoid.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

English-speaking Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize at 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide, and San Pedro is its only town. About 30 years ago, Ambergris became a hotspot for divers and fishermen thanks to the Belize Barrier Reef, just a half-mile offshore. This natural wonderland of living coral supports a dizzying array of marine life, and it’s the main reason Ambergris has seen its recent (and significant) growth.

Until just a few years ago, San Pedro was a little fishing village that catered to adventure tourists coming for the scuba-diving and deep-sea fishing. The main motorized transportation on Ambergris Caye at that time was golf carts (which remain popular, though there are many more cars on the island today). San Pedro is now the second-largest town in Belize District with more than 15,000 people, surpassed in size only by the former capital, Belize City.

Expats give up little living on Ambergris Caye. Power, water, cell phone coverage, and internet are reliable…and most necessities for daily living are readily available on the island. Regular water taxis and flights make it easy to take a quick shopping trip in Belize City, or Chetumal, Mexico. The selection of quality restaurants and bars is constantly expanding.

How much?

For between $2,950 to $3,150 per month, a couple can enjoy a comfortable retirement in Ambergris Caye—a budget that includes the cost of a house or apartment rental. Own your own home on the island outright and it’s possible for a couple to live quite comfortably on less than $2,000 a month.

Belize is currently open to international travel, with some COVID restrictions.

Roatan, Honduras

Roatán, one of the Bay Islands, has quietly graduated from secret divers’ getaway to a livable island haven. Just 50 square miles, this green, hilly island off Honduras’ northern coast is long and skinny, fringed by a reef rich with sea life and garnished by white-sand beaches.

The beaches here are quiet and pristine. Life is laidback, lived in rhythm with the sun and the surf. No big-name resorts. No «spring break» strips. No high-rise developments. This is old-school Caribbean…though fitted out with modern conveniences. And English is commonly spoken.

This is an island where «normal» people can buy a vacation home or permanent digs to live out their sunny, low-cost, and comfortable retirement. The infrastructure is good and getting better all the time, with a new power plant online and the recent opening of a hospital with specialist care and a 24-hour emergency room.

How much?

Less than $175,000 buys a two-bedroom Caribbean home right on the water in a quiet neighborhood with no tourists. Life on an island is often more expensive than mainland living—almost everything has to be imported, after all. But relative to the rest of the Caribbean, Roatán offers excellent value.

The monthly cost of living for a couple, including rent, is $2,000 to $2,500.

Roatan is currently open to international travel, with some COVID restrictions.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Isla Mujeres is about eight miles from Cancún in Mexico, but this laidback island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of its more tourist-developed older sister. Before Cancún existed, Mexicans and a few adventurous foreigners went to Isla Mujeres for some of the best beaches and water sports in the world—diving for coral, swimming with dolphins, and sailing on a crystal blue sea.

The island enjoys a warm tropical climate (low to mid-80s F for most of the year) and a laidback vibe; golf carts are preferred to cars as the main means of transport.

How much?

Clear, azure waters and white-sand beaches are never far away, and the cost of living is far lower than a similar lifestyle would cost back in the States. A one-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse condo goes from $230,000, and a one-bedroom place rents for $700 to $1000 a month.

A couple can live a very nice life on Isla Mujeres for $2,500–$3,000 a month, including rent.

Mexico is currently open to international travel, with some COVID restrictions.

Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Columbus knew he was on to something good when he spotted a beautiful, coral-rimmed island in 1492. «This is the fairest land under heaven,» the explorer is reported to have said.

The Dominican Republic has great weather and world-class beaches, not to mention a low cost of living and a stable government—plus it’s just three-and-a-half hours from New York.

The north coast of the island has some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, the east coast is a sportsman’s paradise with some of the newest designer golf courses in the region.

This isn’t all-inclusive resort territory, and thanks to strict planning laws it should stay that way. The beach hotels here are small and family-run rather than sprawling, faceless chains.

The beaches around Las Terrenas are some of the most pristine in the Dominican Republic.

How much?

The most incredible thing about it, though, is the real estate prices. A one-bedroom, one-bathroom loft apartment can be had for as little as $92,000.

A couple can live in this tropical haven for around $2,000 a month, although most choose to spend closer to $3,000 a month.

The Dominican Republic is currently open to international travel, with some COVID restrictions.

Isla Colon, Panama

Not many people know that Panama has its own tropical archipelagos. Set on the Caribbean coast, close to the border with Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro is a group of nine main islands and a few hundred smaller cayos and islets, dotting calm turquoise waters.

The main hub is bustling Bocas Town, on the large island of Isla Colon, which sits below the hurricane belt. It’s a ramshackle seaside town of brightly painted buildings—many on stilts over the water. It’s the home base for most visitors and where the majority of expats live.

Bocas, as it is known, is all about water. Water sports, fishing, and whale watching are just some of the popular pastimes for locals. The small city is tourist driven but with a laidback feel.

How much?

Depending on the lifestyle expats choose, a couple can live here on as little $2,000 a month, renting a simple, snug, island-style home. Bocas is home to a great deal of untitled or right of possession (ROP) property. It’s best to rent and familiarize yourself with the unique landscape before contemplating a property purchase here.

Panama is currently open to international travel, with some COVID restrictions.

Two to Avoid…Because Costs Are High

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Located in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands is made up of over 60 islands…most of them uninhabited. The three most populated, and most visited, are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The U.S. Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated United States territory and their people are U.S. citizens.

St. Thomas is the island on which most of the population of the U.S. Virgin Island lives. It is also the most commercialized of the islands and a regular stopping off point for Caribbean cruise ships. This 30-square-mile island has jungle cliffs that soar high into the sky and the turquoise sea is dotted with yachts of all shapes and sizes. St. Thomas, and in particular the capital of Charlotte Amalie, can get overrun by tourists.

While St. Thomas may be a nice place to live, apartments rent for about $2,000 a month, and to buy a two-bedroom house in a good neighborhood will cost about $285,000-plus.

Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

What do Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, Oprah Winfrey, Sean Connery, Bill Gates, and Tiger Woods have in common? Apart from being celebrities, they’re among thousands of North Americans and Europeans who own second homes in the Bahamas.

Like other expats who live there for all or part of the year, these stars often think of the Bahamas as a paradise—an upscale group of islands with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Bahamas are friendly to newcomers, there’s no foreign language to cope with, crime is relatively low, and the islands are positioned just off the Florida coast.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that property on the islands usually isn’t cheap. Medium-size residences in exclusive gated communities with ocean views often cost more than $2 million.

Grand Bahama Island has become a haven for beach-lovers as well as divers, fishermen, golfers, and sports enthusiasts of all kinds. It’s also a prime destination for people who enjoy world-class shopping. But living here costs a premium as it’s between 30% and 50% more expensive than in the U.S.

For more information on the Caribbean’s most affordable islands, including interviews with expats living and working there, go to 5 Best Caribbean Islands to Live On… and 2 to Avoid.

International Living’s complete 2021 Annual Global Retirement Index can be found at: The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2021.

Members of the media have permission to republish the article linked above once credit is given to Internationalliving.com.

Further information, as well as interviews with expert authors for radio, TV or print, is available on request. Photos are also available.

For information about InternationalLiving.com content republishing, source material or to book an interview with one of our experts, contact Editorial Director for Web Content, Social Media, and PR, Donal Lucey, dlucey@internationalliving.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalliving/
Twitter: @inliving
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/International.Living/

About International Living

Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has contributors traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.

Media Contact

Marita Kelly, www.internationalliving.com, +001 667 312 3532, mkelly@internationalliving.com

Donal Lucey, www.internationalliving.com, +001 667 312 3532, DLucey@internationalliving.com

Twitter

SOURCE InternationalLiving.com

StormForge Announces Cloud Waste Reduction Challenge, Pledging to Reduce Cloud Waste by $100 Million in 2021 (Or They Will Pay Your Cloud Bill)

BOSTON, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — StormForge, the leader in cloud-native performance testing and resource optimization, announced today a new initiative to help companies that are utilizing cloud services reduce cloud waste and curb the cloud’s growing carbon footprint. Starting today, companies managing and releasing…

As a part of this pledge, StormForge is guaranteeing that they can reduce your Kubernetes application cloud waste by 30% or more and if they fail to do so CEO Matt Provo has agreed to pay the difference toward your cloud bill for one month (up to $50,000/customer) and donate the same amount to a green charity of your choice.

The cloud industry is one of climate change’s biggest challenges and most overlooked contributors. In a matter of years, data centers became one of the largest annual energy consumers and emitters of carbon pollution, representing roughly 3% of the world’s total energy consumption and emitting nearly 100 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere per year. Behind the rising energy consumption and carbon emissions is an unchecked cloud waste crisis. Last year, companies wasted over $17 billion in cloud spend on idle resources. Some organizations are finding that as much as 40% of their cloud spend is wasted on over-provisioned and unused infrastructure, and 49% of companies are using less than 30% of their requested CPU and memory resources.

«There are proactive and accessible options for companies to explore if they want to curb their own cloud usage — and contributions to the carbon emissions crisis — right away,» said Matt Provo, co-founder and CEO of StormForge. «Simply put, much of the cloud waste surge stems back to poor resource utilization. But with cloud spend predicted to cross the $300 billion mark this year, we can’t wait around and hope that the waste magically goes away. The fastest way to cut cloud carbon emissions is to improve resource efficiency. So not only are we pledging to reduce our own cloud waste by 30% this year, but we’re challenging others who rely on the cloud to run their business to join us in this pledge, pop the hood, and explore immediate waste reduction opportunities.»

Resource optimization and efficiency are core drivers of cloud waste reduction, so if you’re interested in learning more about how you can play a part in cutting waste and reducing carbon emissions, visit the StormForge website to learn more about the pledge and StormForge’s 30% Cloud Waste Reduction Guarantee.

About StormForge

StormForge brings together world-class data scientists and software engineers to enable businesses to drive breakthrough IT and operations efficiency. The StormForge Platform is set apart by its unwavering focus on building AI-powered software products that are designed to help people, not replace them. The StormForge Platform uses enterprise-grade performance testing coupled with machine learning to drive major application performance gains and cost reductions in complex environments. In February 2020, StormForge announced funding from Insight Partners to accelerate the growth of its Platform. StormForge was founded in 2015 and is based in Boston and Washington, DC. Learn more at https://www.stormforge.io.

Media Contact:
Josh Tammaro
860-306-3683
291253@email4pr.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stormforge-announces-cloud-waste-reduction-challenge-pledging-to-reduce-cloud-waste-by-100-million-in-2021-or-they-will-pay-your-cloud-bill-301226104.html

SOURCE StormForge

Avocado Green Launches Made-In-Los-Angeles Sustainable Luxury Furniture Collection

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Avocado Green Mattress — makers of organic and eco-luxury sleep products — is launching its extraordinary Malibu line. The modern, sustainable furniture collection includes a floating bed frame, dresser, and nightstand — all handmade in their FSC-certified facility in Los Angeles.

…

«We built the furniture of our dreams,» says Avocado Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Abrials. «Every piece is exceptionally well-crafted — made to last generations — in our own socially and environmentally responsible facility. The Malibu collection is a new benchmark in eco-luxury.»

Each piece is built to be an heirloom, with an artisanal obsession to detail. Avocado crafts the Malibu line from FSC-certified maple — an elegant, eco-friendly hardwood. Dovetail joints — a rarity in furniture — provide exceptional durability and strength. The modern design makes the Malibu Floating Bed Frame look like it’s suspended above the floor. On the Malibu Dresser and Malibu Nightstand, high-quality birchwood soft-close drawers are highlighted with matte-gold handles.

Because of its abundance and shorter life span, maple is one of the most sustainable timbers. It’s also extremely durable and long-lasting. Avocado’s maple, like all its forest products, is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The authority on forest certification, the independent, nonprofit has 25 years of sustainable forest management experience. An FSC-certified company manages forests in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability.

As part of Avocado’s commitment to 1% For the Planet, 1% of all sales through the quarter will benefit Leave No Trace — the nationwide nonprofit protecting the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy them responsibly. LNT educates millions throughout the country to help protect wildlife, water, and public trails and minimize our impact on the natural world.

Avocado is redefining what it means to be a sustainable, ethical brand. As a Certified B-Corp, their vision is as urgent as it is aspirational — a world united by sustainability and social responsibility. They practice radical transparency and a «farm-to-bedroom» approach; they co-own a latex farm, factory, and wool collective in India — from where they source and process raw materials. Mattresses are handcrafted in a Los Angeles factory that they also own. Their materials, factory, and finished products are GOTS/GOLS organic certified. Their mattresses are also GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions, MADE SAFE® certified, and have achieved STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® for both human and ecological safety. As a Climate Neutral® Certified business, Avocado is the world’s first mattress brand to achieve net-negative carbon emissions across its entire business scope. As long-standing members of 1% for the Planet and recipients of their inaugural Pinnacle Award, one percent of all revenue is donated to environmental nonprofits on an annual basis. Learn more at AvocadoGreenMattress.com.

If you would like more information, please contact Jessica Hann at jessica@avocadomattress.com.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avocado-green-launches-made-in-los-angeles-sustainable-luxury-furniture-collection-301226085.html

SOURCE Avocado Green Mattress

Nulogy releases new capability to automate materials replenishment on co-packing and manufacturing production lines

TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Nulogy, a leading provider of agile supply chain solutions, today announced the release of Just-In-Time Line Replenishment, a new capability to empower contract packagers, contract manufacturers, and value-added third-party logistics providers to fulfill customer orders with less labor overhead and line downtime, resulting in higher levels of operational efficiency, profitability, and customer service.

With the rapid pace and constant demands associated…

With the rapid pace and constant demands associated with contract packaging and manufacturing operations, labor costs and line downtime due to material shortages can hinder business growth and customer service levels. Nulogy’s new capability helps automate the flow of materials on the production floor, solving these issues and delivering concrete value to customers.

«Nulogy’s Just-In-Time Line Replenishment capability is the latest innovation in our mission to bring agility and automation to contract packaging and manufacturing operations,» said Jason Tham, CEO, Nulogy. «These efficiencies on the floor translate into reduced costs, increased profitability, and stronger, healthier supply chains—which are needed now more than ever.»

This capability automatically triggers pallet pick requests based on space available in the line staging area, inventory on the line, and line consumption rate. With this new capability, contract packagers, contract manufacturers and value-added third-party logistics providers can:

Reduce line downtime due to material shortages
Reduce overhead labor
Increase floor space available for revenue-generating activities
Prioritize forklift traffic and work queues

By leveraging Nulogy’s Just-in-Time Line Replenishment capability, external supply chain providers can efficiently manage their resources for more streamlined operations and greater business growth.

About Nulogy

Nulogy, a leading supplier of agile supply chain solutions, allows consumer brands to respond with ease and speed to a volatile retail and consumer environment while reducing waste and costs. Designed to optimize contract packaging and manufacturing operations and enhance supply chain collaboration, Nulogy’s cloud-based software solution allows consumer brands and their external suppliers to unleash innovation in the consumer products value chain and accelerate brand growth.

Learn more about Nulogy at nulogy.com.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nulogy-releases-new-capability-to-automate-materials-replenishment-on-co-packing-and-manufacturing-production-lines-301226006.html

SOURCE Nulogy Corporation

Metrus Announces New Project with Daimler Trucks North America

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Metrus Energy has announced a $6.4 million project with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), the first in the Sustainable Energy Service Agreement (SESA) program. The work will take place at DTNA’s truck manufacturing plant in Cleveland, North Carolina; improvements include LED lighting retrofits, chiller replacements, cooling tower replacements and chilled water plant control system…

«Our SESA is all about addressing the whole sustainability ecosystem for our customers and we are thrilled to kick-off this important new program with Daimler,» said Anastasia Beckett, Metrus’ SVP of Sales. «We look forward to rolling out added comprehensive retrofits across their portfolio that lower operating expenses and improve the sustainability of DTNA’s operations.»

The upgrades will be implemented across seven buildings and generate roughly $1 million in average annual savings over a 12-year SESA term. There will be an annual CO2 reduction of approximately 6,104 tons resulting from an 8.6 million annual kWh reduction.

«We appreciate Metrus’ collaboration in helping our Cleveland facility come one step closer to achieving our CO₂-neutral manufacturing goals,» said Erik Johnson, Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant manager, DTNA. «Collaborating with outside partners like Metrus is an important component of our overall strategy and we look forward to working with their team in the years ahead.»

Metrus partnered with KeyBank Equipment Finance and Centrica Business Solutions, which will provide engineering, construction, and ongoing measurement and verification services.

About Metrus Energy
Metrus Energy develops and finances sustainable energy projects at commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. Our comprehensive climate-positive financing solution pays for all upfront and ongoing project costs, using our Sustainable Energy Services Agreement (SESA). Our projects upgrade the built environment, improve equipment resiliency and lower carbon emissions. Metrus bundles energy efficiency and clean energy measures into one simplified contract, tailoring each project to provide a turnkey solution for each of our customers.

About Daimler Trucks North America

Daimler Trucks North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. It manufactures, sells, and services commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star, Detroit, and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.

Media Contact

Sadie Mae Palmatier, Metrus Energy, +1 406-241-4501, palmatier@metrusenergy.com

SOURCE Metrus Energy

8 Rivers Capital, Leader in Zero Carbon Technologies, Announces New Chief Executive Officer and President

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 8 Rivers Capital, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Cam Hosie as the firm’s new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds 8 Rivers’ co-founder Bill Brown, who is continuing in the role of Chairman of the Board. Damian Beauchamp has been promoted to President, after having served as the firm’s Chief Development Officer.

The world needs to spend around…

The world needs to spend around $5 billion a day, every day, for the next 30 years to achieve «net zero.» 8 Rivers is working with world-class financial partners, private industry, utilities, and the public sector to roll out multiple billion-dollar-class marquee projects to produce clean power, hydrogen and ammonia that are carbon neutral to carbon negative, demonstrating an economic and sustainable path to net zero.

Since 2012, Hosie has led the development and commercialization of 8 Rivers’ technology portfolio and projects, where as Chief Operating Officer he brought to bear his previous major project experience to mold 8 Rivers into a world-class execution team ready to deliver critical net-zero solutions. Alongside Brown, Hosie has helped lead financing rounds for 8 Rivers and its portfolio companies and has managed strategic execution. Prior to joining 8 Rivers, Hosie was an energy corporate finance lawyer at Clifford Chance LLP and Russell McVeagh, focused on projects in Europe, the Russian Federation, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and New Zealand. Hosie holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University of Wellington, and a Master of Laws focused on international business, trade, and tax from Duke Law. He is admitted to practice law in the Senior Courts of England and Wales.

«Deployment today of zero carbon technologies at infrastructure scale is critical to addressing the global climate challenge. 8 Rivers’ technology solutions will be a cornerstone of the global energy transition, tackling the hardest abatement problems such as carbon-free 24/7 power, hydrogen and other clean fuels, and fertilizers—to name a few,» said Hosie. «I’m incredibly excited at the opportunity to lead the 8 Rivers team as we work with the world’s largest institutions to help the world get to net zero by 2050. I am proud of 8 Rivers’ deep commitment to addressing the climate challenge with solutions that are economically and environmentally sustainable, and which offer a generational opportunity for value and job creation.»

Bill Brown is a founder of both 8 Rivers and NET Power and has served as CEO of both firms since their respective inceptions. As Chairman of the 8 Rivers Board, Brown will work with senior leaders at 8 Rivers and continue to help 8 Rivers and its partners bring his visionary perspective to help the world to get to «net zero» by 2050. At 8 Rivers, Brown drove the creation of a high-value enterprise that has developed multiple innovative technologies now in various stages of commercialization. In 2018 Brown was named to the list of «50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs» by Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2020, Brown was appointed to the Hydrogen Roundtable and the Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage Roundtable of the Sustainable Markets Initiative assembled by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

«One of the biggest challenges in any organization is delivering on a succession plan. With Cam and Damian, I am turning over the organization to a team with skills and abilities ready to deliver these critical technologies and projects to market. I could not be more content or proud, and 8 Rivers has the most extraordinary group of individuals anywhere. I finally get to spend time on the area I enjoy the most—being creative in finding the extraordinary in plain sight.» – Bill Brown

Damian Beauchamp has driven revenue growth, project development, and strategic partnerships since joining 8 Rivers in 2016, serving most recently as Chief Development Officer and previously as Chief of Staff. Beauchamp founded two start-ups prior to joining 8 Rivers while pursuing his graduate degree in Chemistry, for which he was named to the Forbes «30 Under 30» list and featured in Fortune. Beauchamp holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Kent State University and a Master of Science in chemistry from The Ohio State University.

«I am honored by this new opportunity and look forward to the mission ahead. The growth trajectory for 8 Rivers has never been greater, and we have a very capable, experienced, and ambitious team.» – Damian Beauchamp

8 Rivers Capital, LLC is a Durham, NC-based firm leading the invention and commercialization of sustainable, infrastructure-scale technologies for the global energy transition. 8 Rivers is the inventor of the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle, a paradigm-changing net-zero power solution that was named ADIPEC’s «Breakthrough Technology of the Year 2018» and that is anticipated to form a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. 8 Rivers is also focusing on developing and deploying technologies for clean hydrogen and ammonia, direct air capture, retrofit carbon capture, sour gas sweetening, and space-based solar power. For more information, please visit: www.8Rivers.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/8-rivers-capital-leader-in-zero-carbon-technologies-announces-new-chief-executive-officer-and-president-301225993.html

SOURCE 8 Rivers Capital, LLC

Koch Announces Strategic Partnership With EVBox Group, Industry Leader In EV Charging Solutions

WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Koch Strategic Platforms («KSP»), a subsidiary of Koch Investments, announced today a strategic partnership with EVBox, a pioneer in the development of electric vehicle («EV») charging station solutions. KSP is a newly formed group created to evaluate growth opportunities and investments in companies working in «new economy» areas. KSP aims to be the preferred partner beyond capital investment by leveraging the resources and capabilities of Koch Industries…

Founded in the Netherlands with offices across Europe and North America, EVBox recently agreed to a business combination with TPG Pace Beneficial Finance Corp. (NYSE: TPGY.U, TPGY, TPGY WS), which will result in the company being publicly listed on the NYSE and provide it with growth capital for expansion. Koch Investments is participating in that transaction as an investor in TPG Pace’s fully committed Private Investment in Public Equity («PIPE»), which will provide EVBox with additional growth capital to expand its reach globally.

As part of the partnership, KSP will help EVBox continue to scale its operations across North America. KSP and EVBox will explore opportunities to leverage the power of Koch companies’ leading market positions to accelerate the growth of EVBox in the United States and around the world. The two companies will look to collaborate on matters ranging from software and hardware technology integration, project management, operations excellence, and domestic sales and marketing.

Additionally, the companies will evaluate charging station installations at various Koch corporate locations around the world. Koch Industries is the largest privately held company in North America with more than $115 billion in revenue, according to Forbes, and more than 122,000 employees globally.

«Koch is very excited to invest in and partner with EVBox as it continues to grow and build on its strong momentum,» said Steve Feilmeier, President of Koch Investments. «For over a decade, EVBox has been a global leader in charging strategies and solutions, having shipped more than 200,000 charge points to customers in 70 countries. With its market-leading, flexible architecture software-enabled platform designed to meet the needs of a broad range of customer segments, EVBox is an ideal candidate for rapid expansion in the U.S.»

«As we position EVBox for global expansion, this partnership with KSP will provide us with tremendous insights and strategic growth opportunities to bring our market-leading charging solutions to the United States and beyond, while empowering KSP to help accelerate transformative energy solutions for consumers across the globe,» said Kristof Vereenooghe, President and CEO of EVBox Group. «Our mutual focus on developing innovative products and services that improve lives and consume fewer resources, combined with TPG Pace’s extensive track record of supporting high-growth ESG companies, will further position EVBox to accelerate the next step in its growth strategy as the world moves toward EV adoption globally.»

«The world continues to see significant change as technology and innovation impact everything we do,» says David Park, President of Koch Strategic Platforms. «Our investment in EVBox demonstrates Koch’s continuous commitment to evaluating specific industries for potential investment opportunities, including the energy transformation space.»

The strategic relationship with EVBox represents a broader developing relationship between Koch Investments and TPG Pace. Koch Investments also participated in the recent TPG Pace transaction with Nerdy (NYSE: PACE), leading direct-to-consumer, curated gig economy platform for live online learning benefiting both learners and experts.

About Koch Strategic Platforms

With offices in Atlanta and Wichita, KSP desires to be the preferred investment partner with growth focused, strategic companies who are innovating in «new economy» industries. Created in 2020, the KSP team pursues public and private investments with companies where long-term mutual benefit can be realized.

About EVBox Group

Founded in 2010, EVBox Group empowers forward-thinking businesses to build a sustainable future by providing flexible and scalable electric vehicle charging solutions. With its extensive portfolio of commercial and ultra-fast EVBox charging stations, as well as scalable charging management software engineered by Everon, EVBox Group ensures that electric mobility is accessible to everyone.

EVBox Group is a leader in R&D, with facilities across Europe and North America developing groundbreaking electric vehicle charging technology. With offices across the globe, including Amsterdam, Bordeaux, Munich, and Chicago, and strong foundations in dozens of markets, EVBox Group is working to shape a sustainable future of transportation.

In 2021, EVBox Group will become a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange via a business combination with TPG Pace Beneficial Finance (NYSE: TPGY) and initial investors BlackRock, Inclusive Capital, Neuberger Berman Funds, and Wellington Management.

About TPG Pace Group and TPG Pace Beneficial Finance

TPG Pace Group is TPG’s dedicated permanent capital platform. TPG Pace Group has a long-term, patient, and highly flexible investor base, allowing it to seek compelling opportunities that will thrive in the public markets. TPG Pace Group has sponsored five special purpose acquisition companies («SPACs») and raised more than $3 billion since 2015.

TPG Pace Beneficial Finance raised $350 million in its October 2020 IPO in order to seek a business combination target that combines attractive business fundamentals with, or with the potential for strong environmental, social and governance («ESG») principles and practices. For more information, visit https://www.tpg.com/pace-beneficial-finance.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/koch-announces-strategic-partnership-with-evbox-group-industry-leader-in-ev-charging-solutions-301225616.html

SOURCE Koch Industries

QVC and HSN to Debut Over 60 New Women and Minority-Owned Brands Through the Big Find International Product Search

WEST CHESTER, Pa., Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Qurate Retail Group’s QVC^® US and HSN^®, leaders in building brands through livestream video storytelling across multiple platforms, today announced plans to introduce more than 90 emerging brands in apparel, accessories, beauty, culinary, home décor and innovations, and electronics throughout 2021. Two-thirds of the winning brands have self-identified as either women-owned or minority-owned, reflecting QVC and HSN’s commitment…

Winning brands reflect QVC and HSN’s commitment to developing a diverse and inclusive vendor community.

QVC and HSN discovered the brands through The Big Find^®, the retailers’ second annual international search to discover entrepreneurs with the next big brand or unique product. Finalists met virtually with a panel of judges comprised of QVC and HSN merchandising leaders, program hosts, and brand founders from QVC and HSN established brands as well as return winners from The Big Find 2019, to prove that they have what it takes to bring their products to life to millions of QVC and HSN customers.

Twenty-three brands are expected to launch by the end of March, including Pili Ani and 54 Thrones (beauty); Nude Barre and Poppy + Sage (accessories); Pacific Northwest Cookie Company, Curly Girlz Candy and Pure Food by Estee (culinary); and Go Hang It! and The Strappee (home innovations). After seeing the increased demand specifically in categories like home decor, food, and electronics during the COVID-19 pandemic judges looked for product to address customers’ shifting needs as well as great storytellers who are authentic and passionate about their brand. Additional Big Find brands will launch throughout Q2 and through the rest of 2021.

«Each of these entrepreneurs have moved us with their remarkable personal stories and innovative products,» said Mary Campbell, Chief Merchandising Officer, Qurate Retail Group, and Chief Commerce Officer, QVC US. «We’re excited to give these emerging businesses a national stage to share their stories across multiple platforms and our team members are honored at the opportunity to provide mentorship and guidance in support of their growth. As The Big Find has shown once again, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the US, and around the world, and we know that our customers will be inspired by these new brands.»

QVC and HSN form one of the world’s largest video commerce platforms, reaching more than 90 million homes in the U.S. (380 million worldwide) via broadcast channels and millions more via streaming, web, mobile, and social platforms. The brands selected through The Big Find will have the opportunity to expand their reach and relevance and share their products directly with QVC and HSN customers, reaching them across all these platforms.

The 2020 Big Find search opened in July and received record-breaking interest and international reach, in part due to the virtual format of the pitch panel sessions. More than 2,400 entries from more than 60 countries were received. The search expanded in 2020 to include four new categories – home décor, home innovations, electronics, and culinary (including food and kitchen) – based on the success of the inaugural Big Find as well as recent growth in these categories. The five 2019 categories were also included: apparel, jewelry, accessories, footwear, and beauty.

In September, 270 finalists shared their brand stories and demonstrated their products virtually to the panel of judges. More than 100 finalists received a «Big Ticket,» an invitation to continue the product discovery process with QVC or HSN.

The brands launching this year follow the inaugural Big Find 2019 winners, including Mented Cosmetics, Sassy Jones, Cleo + Coco and Truth and Style, all of which sold out of items during their on-air premieres and continue to bring new products to QVC and HSN customers.

«Winning the Big Find has been an incredible experience and one that we are truly grateful for,» said Charis Jones, Owner of Sassy Jones, an accessories brand and 2019 Big Find Winner. «The QVC and HSN platforms have given us the ability to reach a large audience and share the story behind our brand. The connection that this creates with the customer is unique and one that you cannot find through other retail experiences. The QVC and HSN teams have welcomed us with open arms and we are excited to continue to grow our brand together.»

QVC and HSN are once again tapping the expertise of their vendor community to offer mentoring sessions for the winners of The Big Find. Founders and other leaders from such brands as Laura Geller, Peace Love World, Patricia Nash, and others are meeting with the up-and-coming entrepreneurs to answer questions, share insights, and offer coaching on live, authentic product storytelling.

The Big Find builds on QVC and HSN’s foundation of launching and fostering the growth of some of today’s most successful brands through the power of live video storytelling, discovery-driven shopping experiences, and loyal customer community-building. Qurate Retail Group recently announced the 2021 expansion of its Small Business Spotlight, a collaboration with the National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation to support small businesses outside of the company’s vendor base. In 2021, QVC, HSN, and sister brand Zulily are providing on-air and/or digital exposure and various other pro-bono in-kind services to 100 entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds.

To learn more about The Big Find, search «The Big Find» on QVC.com and HSN.com.

Big Find digital assets are available at https://www.qurateretailgroup.com/media-item/big-find-2020_launches_final.

About QVC^®and HSN^®

QVC delivers the joy of discovery through the power of relationships. Every day, QVC engages millions of shoppers in a journey of discovery through an ever-changing collection of familiar brands and fresh new products, from home and fashion to beauty, electronics, and jewelry. Along the way, QVC connects shoppers to interesting personalities, engaging stories, and award-winning customer service. Based in West Chester, Pa., and founded in 1986, QVC has retail operations in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy, and through a joint venture in China. Worldwide, QVC engages shoppers on 13 broadcast networks reaching approximately 380 million homes and on multiple websites, mobile apps, and social pages. To learn more, visit corporate.qvc.com, follow @QVC on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or follow QVC on Pinterest, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

HSN delivers the thrill of discovery through inspiring her passions. HSN is a leading interactive and lifestyle retailer, offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. HSN incorporates entertainment, personalities, and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. At HSN, customers find exceptional selections in health and beauty, jewelry, home/lifestyle, fashion/accessories, and electronics. HSN engages customers on two broadcast networks reaching approximately 92 million homes, and on a website, mobile apps, and social pages. HSN was founded over 40 years ago as the first shopping network and is based in St. Petersburg, Fla. To learn more, visit corporate.hsn.com, follow @HSN on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or follow HSN on Pinterest, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

Qurate Retail, Inc. (NASDAQ: QRTEA, QRTEB) includes QVC^®, HSN^®, Zulily^® and the Cornerstone brands (collectively, «Qurate Retail Group^SM«), as well as other minority interests and green energy investments. Qurate Retail Group believes in a Third Way to Shop^® – beyond transactional ecommerce or traditional brick-and-mortar stores. In addition to being a world leader in video commerce, Qurate Retail Group is among the top 10 ecommerce retailers in North America (according to Digital Commerce 360) and is a leader in mobile commerce and social commerce. For more information, visit www.qurateretailgroup.com, follow @QurateRetailGrp on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or follow Qurate Retail Group on YouTube or LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qvc-and-hsn-to-debut-over-60-new-women-and-minority-owned-brands-through-the-big-find-international-product-search-301225498.html

SOURCE QVC and HSN

QVC and HSN to Debut Over 60 New Women and Minority-Owned Brands Through the Big Find International Product Search

WEST CHESTER, Pa., Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Qurate Retail Group’s QVC^® US and HSN^®, leaders in building brands through livestream video storytelling across multiple platforms, today announced plans to introduce more than 90 emerging brands in apparel, accessories, beauty, culinary, home décor and innovations, and electronics throughout 2021. Two-thirds of the winning brands have self-identified as either women-owned or minority-owned, reflecting QVC and…

To learn more about The Big Find, search «The Big Find» on QVC.com and HSN.com.

Big Find digital assets are available at https://www.qurateretailgroup.com/media-item/big-find-2020_launches_final.

About QVC^®and HSN^®

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1436112/QVC_and_HSN_Big_Find.jpg

SOURCE QVC and HSN

NMB y Americasa se enorgullecen en ofrecer hipotecas FHA para beneficiarios de DACA

MELVILLE, Nueva York, 10 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Nationwide Mortgage Bankers (NMB) y Americasa, su subsidiaria para el mercado Hispano, se enorgullecen en ofrecer hipotecas FHA para beneficiarios del programa DACA, de la mano de un equipo bilingüe dispuesto a acompañar a los clientes durante el proceso de hipoteca en el idioma de su preferencia.

<img id="prnejpg7e7bleft" title=" " border="0" alt=" " align="middle"…

«Los préstamos FHA, con sus requisitos crediticios modestos y un mínimo de cuota inicial del 3.5 %, han ayudado durante décadas para que las familias puedan alcanzar su sueño de tener casa propia», comentó Jodi Hall, presidenta de NMB. «Para poder ofrecer este producto a nuestros Dreamers en todos los Estados Unidos nos hace extremadamente orgullosos de nuestro país y nuestra labor».

Ampliar la elegibilidad de las hipotecas FHA a los beneficiarios de DACA le permite a NMB y a Americasa servir mejor a un segmento fundamental de la población de inmigrantes en Estados Unidos. «Estamos realmente ayudando a que muchas familias logren tener casa propia gracias a este cambio trascendental en los criterios de elegibilidad de FHA», señaló Richard Steinberg, fundador y presidente de NMB y Americasa. «Nuestra visión al crear Americasa fue constituir una compañía hipotecaria que disminuyera las barreras que enfrenta la comunidad hispana para tener casa propia. Dar acceso a los Dreamers a préstamos FHA representa una potente herramienta para que sigamos impulsando esta importante visión».

Fundada en 2011, Nationwide Mortgage Bankers ha crecido rápidamente hasta convertirse en la compañía hipotecaria de más rápido crecimiento en los Estados Unidos, de acuerdo con Inc 5000. En 2019 se creó Americasa para disponer un equipo permanente de asesores de confianza para la comunidad hispana. NMB y Americasa han originado más de mil millones de dólares en préstamos para clientes hispanos desde 2019.

Acerca de Nationwide Mortgage Bankers y Americasa
NMB nació con la visión de desmitificar las hipotecas por medio de la transparencia, la educación y el soporte permanente al cliente. La misión de NMB es ser los asesores de confianza de nuestros clientes, orientándolos durante el proceso de financiamiento de vivienda con el mayor nivel de servicio y profesionalismo. NMB es una compañía con la certificación «Great Place to Work», y en los dos últimos años fue calificada por Inc 5000 como la compañía hipotecaria de tamaño mediano #1 en velocidad de crecimiento. NMB es una compañía hipotecaria de servicio completo con licencia en 43 estados. Americasa, una subsidiaria de NMB, forma parte de una nueva generación de compañías hipotecarias diseñadas exclusivamente para apoyar las necesidades de la comunidad hispana, la cual representa cerca del 30 % del total de negocios de NMB.

Contacto:
Yianni García, director de marketing de
Nationwide Mortgage Bankers Inc – NMLS 819382
ygarcia@nmbnow.com
786.423.3225

Logotipo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1228777/Nationwide_Mortgage_Bankers_Logo.jpg

Logotipo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1434834/Americasa_Logo.jpg

FUENTE Nationwide Mortgage Bankers; Americasa