Optiperm™ biogas completes successful demonstration

NEWPORT, Del., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Compact Membrane Systems (CMS), a pioneer in innovative separations technology, has completed the first pilot demonstration of Optiperm biogas. The latest addition to the CMS portfolio is aimed at enabling the clean energy…

NEWPORT, Del., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Compact Membrane Systems (CMS), a pioneer in innovative separations technology, has completed the first pilot demonstration of Optiperm biogas. The latest addition to the CMS portfolio is aimed at enabling the clean energy transition underway in the biogas industry, a market valued at 55 billion. Optiperm™ biogas holds the potential to create pipeline ready gas with a simpler and less expensive product. Such a technology solution would enable local farms, landfills, and other sites to process and use their own biogas product or to sell it. 

Optiperm biogas targets the separation of methane from carbon dioxide with fewer stages and less compression than existing membrane solutions, addressing the biogas market. CMS completed its first pilot demonstration and has proven membrane stability and achieved 90% methane purity with a single stage membrane unit.  

Request the pilot system for your facility.

Technology Overview

Optiperm biogas reduces the stages, compression, and pretreatment needed to upgrade biogas streams. The lower operating pressure (2-3 bara) makes the upgrading process more energy efficient than current high pressure membrane solutions. The fluoropolymer nature of the membranes provides stability in H2S, and resistance to common poisons like hydrogen, water vapor, and CO. The technology is scalable and can produce economically viable biogas upgrades for small, medium, and large streams. Optiperm biogas permeates the carbon dioxide, water, and hydrogen sulfide, leaving upgraded methane in the retentate. 

Pilot Results

Working with Dickinson College Energy Projects Manager Matt Steiman, a spiral wound module system was installed at the Dickinson College Farm in late 2020. During the pilot installation, Optiperm biogas demonstrated stability and verified the performance that was measured in CMS laboratory testing. The unit took feed directly from the digester with no pretreatment and operated at a feed pressure of 2.7 bara. The feed contained 56-60% methane with balance carbon dioxide, 300 ppm H2S and was saturated with water vapor.

In a single stage, Optiperm biogas achieved:

  • Stable performance for 2 months
  • 90% methane product
  • 90% methane recovery
  • 80% carbon dioxide in permeate stream
  • 8x H2S reduction (from 300 ppm to 37 ppm)

The next steps include scale-up of the membrane modules for commercial use. The rig used at Dickinson Farm is available for additional pilot demonstrations. To learn more about the pilot rig or Optiperm™ biogas Contact CMS.

Contact Info:
Christine Parrish
302-999-7996 x 1018
cparrish@compactmembrane.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optiperm-biogas-completes-successful-demonstration-301224781.html

SOURCE Compact Membrane Systems

Don Tapscott Releases Comprehensive Report on How US Government Could Reimagine Digital Technology Policy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Blockchain Research Institute, in collaboration with the Washington DC-based <a target="_blank"…

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Blockchain Research Institute, in collaboration with the Washington DC-based Chamber of Digital Commerce and other experts have produced a 120-page report on how the Biden-Harris administration could reimagine US technology strategy and policy—and take action to implement it.

Don Tapscott, Anthony Williams, and Kirsten Sandberg are the principal authors with a foreword by Tony Scott, former Federal CIO of the United States in the Obama-Biden administration.

The Biden-Harris administration arrives at a unique time in history. The pandemic exposed problems at all levels of government, creating a demand pull for transformation. The advent of the second era of the digital age, with a «trivergence» of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, is creating an innovation push.

The report advocates for government leaders to acknowledge our new digital realities and develop a comprehensive framework for ensuring justice, sustainability, citizen trust, social cohesion, and good governance. To do this, federal leaders must get up to speed quickly on these technologies.

The report outlines five broad areas of change, each of which addresses major priorities for the new administration. Among the dozens of recommendations are the following.

1. Ensure security, privacy, autonomy, and citizen-owned identities 

2. Embrace the digital dollar and digital currency

3. Retool government services and service delivery to meet world-class digital standards 

4. Engage citizens, hold elected officials accountable, and rebuild trust 

5. Reboot America’s innovation economy to include a diversity of entrepreneurs 

According to the report, digital transformation is not just about modernizing technology and tools. It is about adopting appropriate digital technologies to change how we work, deliver public value, and build prosperity through the emerging digital economy.

It also advises fresh new thinking about the role of the new digital age in the economy, body politic, and society. The goal is to ensure the fulfillment of the new promise of technology and the minimization of the dark side, the dystopian futures.

Leaders are encouraged to take personal responsibility to learn about these threats and opportunities and foster a bi-partisan culture of innovation and a commitment to change. Read the full report here.

Media Contact

Noah Lehman

Director of Communications

Blockchain Research Institute

noah@tapscott.com

Related Images

image1.png

Related Links

Blockchain Research Institute

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/don-tapscott-releases-comprehensive-report-on-how-us-government-could-reimagine-digital-technology-policy-301224974.html

SOURCE Blockchain Research Institute

SunPower Recognizes Dealers for Excellence in Solar Design and Installation

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services company, recognized seven of its dealers for exceptionally designed and deployed solar projects commissioned in 2020. The awards were given at the company’s annual dealer conference, held virtually on Feb. 3 and 4, 2021.  SunPower’s installing dealer base of more than 540 small and medium-sized businesses provide localized sales, installation and support…

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services company, recognized seven of its dealers for exceptionally designed and deployed solar projects commissioned in 2020. The awards were given at the company’s annual dealer conference, held virtually on Feb. 3 and 4, 2021.  SunPower’s installing dealer base of more than 540 small and medium-sized businesses provide localized sales, installation and support to residential and commercial customers across 48 U.S. states.

«A strong network of dealers is integral to our business — they excel at their craft, are deeply ingrained in their local markets and represent the SunPower brand with incredible expertise and service,» said Norm Taffe, Executive Vice President at SunPower. «People and companies are demanding better, cleaner energy from a provider they can rely on. We’re proud to see our dealers deliver this every day, and to recognize those taking not only their installations — but also their customer service — to the next level.»

SunPower 2020 Intelegant Award Winners
Intelegant – a portmanteau combining «intelligent» and «elegant» to represent SunPower’s smart and sleek solar solutions – defines the award recognizing residential and commercial projects that exemplify the company’s commitment to outstanding system aesthetics, quality, performance and customer satisfaction.

National Residential Intelegant Award
Renova Energy, based in Palm Desert, Calif., and GreenLogic Energy, based in Southampton, NY, shared the top honor as co-National Residential Intelegant Award winners. Renova completed a 96 panel 32.2-killowat system in Mirage, Calif. that is expected to provide the customer nearly $14,000 in energy savings in the first year alone.

GreenLogic installed a 7-killowat all black inset system in Amagansett, N.Y. that meets the design standards of an architecture firm specializing in builds that integrate with the land around them. 

Regional Residential Intelegant Awards
Dealers recognized for outstanding home solar projects in their respective regions included:

  • Berger Solar Electric from Bishop, Calif. for a 16-kilowatt system installed to power a multi-unit home and electric vehicles in Bishop.
  • SunPower by Freedom Solar from Austin, Texas for a 9.9-kilowatt system designed to evoke the arcade game Space Invaders in San Antonio.
  • Tayco Electric and Solar Inc. from Indian Trail, N.C. for an 11-kilowatt system installed for a design-minded architect in Charlotte.

National Commercial Intelegant Award
Trinity Power based in Fresno, Calif., secured the National Commercial Intelegant Award for a 902-kilowatt SunPower® Helix ® Carport at the Fresno Grizzlies Baseball Club. The 1,920-panel installation provides ample shade for fans, helps lower electricity costs for the team and clean energy to power the field during home games.

Regional Commercial Intelegant Awards
Dealers recognized for outstanding commercial solar projects in their respective regions included:

  • Hawaii Unified Industries LLC from Waianae, Hawaii for a 226-kilowat Helix® Roof Dual Tilt system on an ocean-front resort in Lahaina.
  • General Energy Corporation from Elk Grove Village, Ill., for a 700-kilowatt Helix® Roof system installed at a beer and wine distribution company in Gurnee.

To view images of the award-winning installations, please visit https://bit.ly/SPWR_Intelegant_Award 

To learn more about becoming a SunPower dealer, visit www.sunpower.com/become-a-dealer.

About SunPower
Headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley, SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) is a leading Distributed Generation Storage and Energy Services provider in North America. SunPower offers the only solar + storage solution designed and warranted by one company that gives customers control over electricity consumption and resiliency during power outages while providing cost savings to homeowners, businesses, governments, schools and utilities. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains «forward-looking statements» within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding product performance and cost savings. These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, expectations, and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance, or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: regulatory changes and the availability of economic incentives promoting use of solar energy and fluctuations or declines in the performance of our solar panels and other products and solutions. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, including our most recent report on Form 10-K, particularly under the heading «Risk Factors.» Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or on the SEC Filings section of our Investor Relations website at investors.sunpowercorp.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

© 2021 SunPower Corporation. All Rights Reserved. SUNPOWER, the SUNPOWER logo, and HELIX are registered trademarks of SunPower Corporation in the U.S.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sunpower-recognizes-dealers-for-excellence-in-solar-design-and-installation-301224932.html

SOURCE SunPower Corp.

ALYI Announces RevoltTOKEN ICO Update Scheduled Friday, February 12, 2020

DALLAS, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Alternet Systems, Inc. (USOTC: ALYI), in conjunction with its recently released democratized electric vehicle ecosystem multimedia presentation, today announced the company’s finance partner, RevoltTOKEN, will publish an independent update on progress toward its planned ICO. The update is scheduled for release this Friday, February 12, 2020.

ALYI has kick-started a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem with the…

DALLAS, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Alternet Systems, Inc. (USOTC: ALYI), in conjunction with its recently released democratized electric vehicle ecosystem multimedia presentation, today announced the company’s finance partner, RevoltTOKEN, will publish an independent update on progress toward its planned ICO. The update is scheduled for release this Friday, February 12, 2020.

ALYI has kick-started a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem with the introduction of the Revolt Electric Motorcycle with North American and African Continent editions scheduled to rollout this year.

Now ALYI is unveiling the company’s overarching strategy for its global, long-term, democratized electric vehicle ecosystem designed to continuously introduce new electric vehicles, supporting technology, and the infrastructure components necessary to support electric vehicle transportation on land, sea and in the air. 

View the presentation in either a flip book format or video presentation:

Flip Book:

The Global Democratized Electric Vehicle Ecosystem Collaboration Strategy

Video:

The Global Democratized Electric Vehicle Ecosystem Collaboration Strategy

For more information and to stay up to date on ALYI’s overall latest developments, please visit www.alternetsystemsinc.com.

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies’ contracts, the companies’ liquidity position, the companies’ ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur.

Alternet Systems, Inc. Contact:
Randell Torno
info@lithiumip.com
+1-800-713-0297

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alyi-announces-revolttoken-ico-update-scheduled-friday-february-12-2020-301224966.html

SOURCE Alternet Systems, Inc.

Sin Bandera, Camila, Carlos Rivera and Eddy Herrera Bring Love to Tarima TV

MIAMI, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Tarima, the Latin music concert channel, brings to your screen a very special Valentine’s night. The evening features some of the most romantic performers of our time.

The concerts will begin at 7 pm (Eastern) and 4 pm (Pacific) with Carlos Rivera and his «Yo Vivo» show. This is a compilation of this talented Mexican…

MIAMI, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Tarima, the Latin music concert channel, brings to your screen a very special Valentine’s night. The evening features some of the most romantic performers of our time.

The concerts will begin at 7 pm (Eastern) and 4 pm (Pacific) with Carlos Rivera and his «Yo Vivo» show. This is a compilation of this talented Mexican artist’s best songs. The show goes on with «Romántico», where Eddy Herrera sings his wealth of hits, including some pieces by the Prince of Song, José José.

Tarima brings the show to a close with «4 Latidos» from Camila and Sin Bandera, who are among the most successful romantic pop groups both in Mexico and in the Americas as a whole.

Tarima TV offers you this gift so that you can share this beautiful day with your friends and family at home.

The channel is available in the United States on Spectrum, DishLATINO, Optimum and Suddenlink. It is also available on OTT via Boss TV. In the Dominican Republic you can access it on Claro, Altice and Wind Telecom. More details at www.tarima.tv.

About Tarima
The first Latin music concert channel in the United States, Tarima is an innovative media company set up to celebrate music, dance and community. Tarima is a pioneer in the live concert broadcasting industry. It features a wide range of Latin music genres, ranging from Latin pop, reggaeton, merengue, salsa, bachata, ranchera and banda. Tarima also broadcasts exclusive music events, music documentaries, and other original programmes with a strong focus on Latin culture.

Contact:
Freddy Arias Jr
freddy.jr@tarima.tv

 

SOURCE tarima.tv

Kia Wins Trifecta Of 2021 «Best Car For The Money» Awards From U.S. News & World Report

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Three of the world-class vehicles from Kia Motors America were named «Best Cars for the Money» in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report. Taking top honors this year are the 2021 Forte, Sorento…

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Three of the world-class vehicles from Kia Motors America were named «Best Cars for the Money» in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report. Taking top honors this year are the 2021 Forte, Sorento and Soul models.

Kia Wins Trifecta of 2021 “Best Car for the Money” Awards from U.S. News & World Report

«Kia has outperformed the industry with a world-class lineup of sporty sedans and undeniably capable SUVs, and these Best Cars for the Money awards from U.S. News & World Report speak to the strength and appeal of our entire product line,» said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America. «It is not enough to offer stylish, functional and technologically-advanced vehicles that meet and exceed the wants and needs of our customers. There also must be an exceptional value proposition. Our goal is to consistently deliver on that promise.»

Winners were chosen on the basis of quality and value. Quality is determined by each vehicle’s performance in U.S. News & World Report Best Car Rankings and value is measured by a combination of transaction prices and five-year total ownership costs.

«The Kia Sorento’s low price and operating costs make it a great value, and that value comes without compromises on features, comfort or performance,» said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor, U.S. News & World Report. «Car reviewers love the Forte for its roomy passenger cabin and long list of standard features. Its low price and long-term ownership costs make it a great value. This is a car that buyers – and their budgets – will enjoy owning for the long haul. And the Kia Soul has plenty of interior space and an excellent infotainment system. Its long warranty keeps repair costs low, making it an excellent long-term value.»

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

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

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1435484/Kia__2021_Sorento.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812837/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Plant-based Protein Market worth $15.6 billion by 2026 – Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets™

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — According to the new market research report «Plant-based Protein Market by Source (Soy, Wheat, and Pea), Type (Isolates, Concentrates, and Textured), Form, Application (Food(Dairy Alternatives, Meat Alternatives, and Performance Nutrition) and Feed), and Region – Global Forecast to 2026«, published by MarketsandMarkets™, the global Plant-Based Protein Market size is projected to grow from USD 10.3 billion in…

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — According to the new market research report «Plant-based Protein Market by Source (Soy, Wheat, and Pea), Type (Isolates, Concentrates, and Textured), Form, Application (Food(Dairy Alternatives, Meat Alternatives, and Performance Nutrition) and Feed), and Region – Global Forecast to 2026«, published by MarketsandMarkets™, the global Plant-Based Protein Market size is projected to grow from USD 10.3 billion in 2020 to USD 15.6 billion by 2026, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period. The major factors driving the growth of the plant-based protein market include the growing demand for wellness-focused organic food & beverages among consumers. 

MarketsandMarkets Logo

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=14715651

The isolates segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The plant-based protein market is segmented, based on type, into isolates, concentrates, and textured protein. The isolates segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period since it has a high concentration of protein with the advantage of color, flavor, and functional properties. This makes it an ideal raw ingredient to be used in applications such as beverages, infant foods, children food, textured protein products, and other types of specialty foods.

Browse in-depth TOC on «Plant-based Protein Market«
116 – Tables
66 – Figures
216 – Pages

The food segment is projected to account for the largest market share in the plant-based protein market during the forecast period.

The plant-based protein market is segmented, based on application, into food, and feed. The food segment is projected to be a leading segment in the plant-based protein market, since, plant-based foods represent the growing consumer segment of the market with an increasing number of manufacturers utilizing the characteristics of plant-based proteins to develop new product types and alternatives to conventional products. Plant-based foods are now occupying mainstream presence driven by large-scale manufacturers such as Beyond Meat (US), Impossible Foods (US), Danone (France), and Tyson Foods (US).

The pea-based protein market is projected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.

The plant-based protein market is segmented, based on source, into soy, pea, wheat, and others, that include potato, canola, and rice. The pea-based protein segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period, owing to its nutritional benefits and easy integration into final products. Furthermore, the demand for pea protein continues to grow from application industries. Moreover, rising consumer preference for pea-based protein due to increasing health consciousness and awareness regarding the benefits of pea-based protein, particularly in the European and the North American regions, is expected to drive their market growth.

Request for Customization: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=14715651

The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing region in the forecast period

The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the plant-based protein market during the forecast period due to the growing application of plant-based protein in the food segment. The Asia Pacific region continues to be a strong prospect for manufacturers based in North America. The young demographic and growing interest in plant-based products have resulted in organizations expanding their scope for improved geographic coverage in the region. Countries such as China and India with a strong agricultural background have emerged as key entry points into the region with a well-established infrastructure suited for the processing of plant-based proteins.

This report includes a study on the marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It consists of profiles of leading companies, such as DSM (Netherlands), Kerry Group (Ireland), ADM (US), Roquette Freres (France), Cargill (US), Glanbia (Ireland), DuPont (US), Ingredion (US), Emsland Group (Germany), Puris (US), Cosucra Group (Belgium), Batory Foods (US), Burcon Nutrascience (Canada), AGT Food & Ingredients (Canada), and  Axiom Foods (US).

Related Reports:

Soy Protein Ingredients Market by Type (Soy Protein Concentrates, Soy Protein Isolates, and Soy Flours), Application (Bakery & Confectionery, Meat Alternatives, Functional Foods, Dairy Replacements, Infant Foods, and Feed), and Region – Forecast to 2022

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/soy-protein-ingredients-market-857.html

Pea Protein Market by Type (Isolates, Concentrates, and Textured), Form (Dry and Wet), Source (Yellow split peas, Lentils, and Chickpeas), Application, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Rest of the World) – Global Forecast to 2025

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/pea-protein-market-36916504.html

Browse Adjacent Reports: Plant-Based Alternatives/ Ingredients Market Research Reports & Consulting

About MarketsandMarkets™ 

MarketsandMarkets™ provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies’ revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets™ for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets™ are tracking global high growth markets following the «Growth Engagement Model – GEM». The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write «Attack, avoid and defend» strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets™ now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets™ is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets’s flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, «Knowledge Store» connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mera
MarketsandMarkets™ INC.
630 Dundee Road
Suite 430
Northbrook, IL 60062
USA: +1-888-600-6441
Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com
Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/plant-based-protein-market.asp 
Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com
Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/plant-based-protein.asp

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plant-based-protein-market-worth-15-6-billion-by-2026–exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301224861.html

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets

Local Biology Teacher, Renee Capozzola, Wins World’s Most Prestigious Underwater Photography Competition

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Local AP Biology teacher and acclaimed underwater photographer,
 Renee Capozzola, has just been named the «Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021» by the Underwater Photographer of the Year (<a target="_blank"…

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Local AP Biology teacher and acclaimed underwater photographer,
 Renee Capozzola, has just been named the «Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021» by the Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition. Considered the world’s most prestigious international underwater photography contest, UPY bestows this yearly honor on a single image that their judges feel is «Best in Show.»

Sharks’ Skylight, Renee’s award-winning piece, was chosen as the winner from over 4,500 entries sent in from 68 countries. Her stunning image, shot in French Polynesia, features an underwater scene of noble and imposing blacktip reef sharks, contrasted with the calm sorbet hues of the above-water sunset. 

«I am beyond proud to be the first female photographer to win this award and I’m hoping my photo will help build awareness of how endangered sharks are throughout the world,» remarks Renee. «It is estimated that 70-100 million sharks are killed every year, and without added legal protection, they may soon disappear completely, which would create complex issues in our marine ecosystem.» 

Alex Mustard, UPY’s head judge and former marine biologist (who is regarded as one of the world’s leading underwater photographers), further commented on Renee’s piece: «This is a photograph of hope, a glimpse of how the ocean can be when we give it a chance. Renee not only persevered until this serendipitous scene unfolded, but more importantly, she has the talent to capture such a precise moment.»

To interview Renee Capozzola, contact EKC PR at 310-441-1000 or email – info@ekcpr.com.

About Renee Capozzola 

A California native, Renee Capozzola has taught AP Biology at Palos Verdes High School for almost 20 years. She became a certified scuba diver in 2004 and was immediately fascinated by the beautiful reefs and marine animals she encountered. Quickly realizing that she wanted to share the underwater world with others, Renee grabbed a camera and began shooting. 

Specializing in wide angle and split-level images, the award winner’s work (awarded in over 40 international accolades), showcases an intriguing combination of artistic talent honed through oil painting during her youth and a professional background in science. 

Renee believes that her striking photographs can help increase awareness of our fragile marine ecosystems and encourage others to help protect our oceans. 

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/local-biology-teacher-renee-capozzola-wins-worlds-most-prestigious-underwater-photography-competition-301224742.html

SOURCE Renee Capozzola

Kia Wins Trifecta Of 2021 «Best Car For The Money» Awards From U.S. News & World Report

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Three of the world-class vehicles from Kia Motors America were named «Best Cars for the Money» in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report. Taking top honors this year are the 2021 Forte, Sorento and Soul models….

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Three of the world-class vehicles from Kia Motors America were named «Best Cars for the Money» in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report. Taking top honors this year are the 2021 Forte, Sorento and Soul models.

«Kia has outperformed the industry with a world-class lineup of sporty sedans and undeniably capable SUVs, and these Best Cars for the Money awards from U.S. News & World Report speak to the strength and appeal of our entire product line,» said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America. «It is not enough to offer stylish, functional and technologically-advanced vehicles that meet and exceed the wants and needs of our customers. There also must be an exceptional value proposition. Our goal is to consistently deliver on that promise.»

Winners were chosen on the basis of quality and value. Quality is determined by each vehicle’s performance in U.S. News & World Report Best Car Rankings and value is measured by a combination of transaction prices and five-year total ownership costs.

«The Kia Sorento’s low price and operating costs make it a great value, and that value comes without compromises on features, comfort or performance,» said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor, U.S. News & World Report. «Car reviewers love the Forte for its roomy passenger cabin and long list of standard features. Its low price and long-term ownership costs make it a great value. This is a car that buyers – and their budgets – will enjoy owning for the long haul. And the Kia Soul has plenty of interior space and an excellent infotainment system. Its long warranty keeps repair costs low, making it an excellent long-term value.»

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

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

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kia-wins-trifecta-of-2021-best-car-for-the-money-awards-from-us-news–world-report-301224601.html

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Banking On Diversity-Minority Business Fund Launched By Four Community Banks in Virginia and West Virginia

BERRYVILLE, Va., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — (OTC:EFSI) – Bank of Clarke County, announced today the launch of the Banking on Diversity initiative, a minority business funding program to improve and develop local communities.

BERRYVILLE, Va., Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — (OTC:EFSI) – Bank of Clarke County, announced today the launch of the Banking on Diversity initiative, a minority business funding program to improve and develop local communities.

The Banking on Diversity program was created through a partnership of four community banks in the regions including Suburban Northern Virginia, Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and Washington County, Maryland.  These community banks understand the importance and benefit of having a diverse business community.  In addition to Bank of Clarke County, sponsoring banks include BCT- The Community’s Bank, The Fauquier Bank, and First Bank. 

The banks have collectively committed up to $1 million in interest-free loans to aid both startup and existing minority-owned small businesses within the sponsoring community banks’ markets.  There are two loan programs: one for start-ups and one for existing businesses. The program is expected to include educational seminars to support the evolution of the business.  Qualified businesses may receive only one loan.

Program Guidelines are as follows:

  • Must have MBE Certification (Minority Business Enterprise)
  • Annual revenues cannot exceed $1MM (business) or $500k (farms)
  • Business must be located in counties of Clarke (VA), Fauquier (VA), Frederick (VA), Loudoun (VA), Prince William (VA), Shenandoah (VA), Warren (VA), city of Winchester (VA), Berkeley (WV), Jefferson (WV) or Washington (MD)
  • Annual individual loan amounts up to $50,000 (existing business) or $10,000 (new business)
  • New business must have been in existence for at least 3 months.
  • Existing business must have been in existence for more than 2 years
  • Ability to provide documentation as described below

To qualify as a minority-owned business, the business must be 51 percent owned and operated by one or more minority individuals who are United States citizens or legal resident aliens – or – 51 percent equity ownership in a corporation, partnership, or LLC or other entity and is owned by one or more minority individuals who are United States citizens or legal resident aliens, and both the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minority individuals.

The Banking on Diversity program is open for application.  Those interested may apply by visiting a bank partner’s website or a local branch of their choosing.  Though not required, it is encouraged for applicants to apply with a partner bank in their geographic region.  The websites of the banks are as follows:

About Bank of Clarke County

Founded in 1881, Bank of Clarke County is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eagle Financial Services, Inc. (OTC:EFSI). The mission of BoCC is to be a trusted partner and preferred provider of financial solutions in the communities we serve by using the power of every connection.

Bank of Clarke County offers a broad range of commercial banking, retail banking and trust and investment services through 13 bank branches and 1 loan production office located throughout Clarke, Frederick, Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, as well as the City of Winchester, Towns of Purcellville and Leesburg. The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint® network plus online and mobile banking for individuals and businesses.

The Company’s common stock trades on the OTC Markets Group’s OTCQX Market under the symbol EFSI. For more information about Eagle Financial Services, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.bankofclarke.bank.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banking-on-diversity-minority-business-fund-launched-by-four-community-banks-in-virginia-and-west-virginia-301223992.html

SOURCE Bank of Clarke County