Leyline Renewable Capital Partners with Momentum Energy Storage Partners, Invests in Growing Energy Storage Market

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Leyline Renewable Capital, a leading provider of pre-construction debt and equity capital for renewable energy development, announced a new partnership with Momentum Energy Storage Partners, an energy storage developer based in <span…

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Leyline Renewable Capital, a leading provider of pre-construction debt and equity capital for renewable energy development, announced a new partnership with Momentum Energy Storage Partners, an energy storage developer based in Columbus, Ohio. Leyline’s funding will facilitate the development of numerous renewable energy projects across the United States, including existing endeavors underway within the Pennsylvania, Jersey and Maryland Power Pool (PJM) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) regions.

Momentum Partners and co-founders Davion Hill and Ed Rode have a collective 45 years in the renewable energy space with deep technical expertise and a vast network. This experience, combined with Leyline’s financial capabilities and extensive development knowledge, will allow the two companies to take on new storage markets and ultimately move the needle in the fight against climate change.

«The Momentum team has a wealth of experience in energy storage,» said Erik Lensch, CEO of Leyline. «Through this partnership, Leyline will provide financing and guidance to help Momentum grow its business and achieve success. This investment commitment will provide the capital needed to support the development of up to 2GW of stand-alone battery storage and solar, plus storage projects representing $2 billion in capital investments. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Momentum team.»

Before an energy storage project can get off the ground, it requires extensive development work, including land contracts, permits, interconnection agreements and other preparations. Leyline will support Momentum and help fund the activities that occur before Momentum receives construction financing from long-term investors. Momentum will package projects with the necessary performance guarantees, revenue contracts, and long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) through its partner networks.

«The time is now to invest in energy storage – renewables and the growing threat of climate change are going to require energy storage, and lots of it,» said Davion Hill, Momentum co-founder and partner.

«Leyline provides us not just the funding we need, but additional development experience to help us grow our business,» said Ed Rode, Momentum co-founder and partner. «This partnership with Leyline accelerates our business to larger scales. We look forward to utilizing the teams’ collective knowledge to enable more renewables and fight climate change.»

Renewable energy developers interested in partnering with Leyline Renewable Capital can learn more here.

About Leyline Renewable Capital
Leyline Renewable Capital invests in the development, construction and financing of sophisticated renewable energy projects. Backed by a team of seasoned investors with deep experience in the renewable industry, Leyline provides financing that bridges the gap between development and construction. By investing in the pre-construction phase of renewable energy projects, Leyline is able to accelerate the development process and help developers scale their business. Leyline leverages a broad base of experience in greenfield project development, design, construction and finance with an extensive network of relationships with industry leaders to provide support and capital for projects from concept to commercial operation. Leyline actively promotes anti-racism and diversity in the renewables industry and reports quarterly on its environmental impact and social change efforts. Learn more about Leyline Renewable Capital at https://leylinecapital.com

About Momentum Energy Storage Partners
Momentum Energy Storage Partners conducts the entire development process from inception to commissioning. After Notice to Proceed, Momentum manages construction funds, works with engineering firms and O&M providers, and oversees acceptance testing and commissioning processes. Momentum delivers projects with system operations that align with the project guarantees, revenue contracts, O&M plan and safety plans. Learn more about Momentum Energy Storage Partners at https://solvedbymomentum.com/.

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SOURCE Leyline Renewable Capital

Eisenhower Fellowships Launches 2021 Africa Program for Regional Leaders Fighting Climate Change

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Confronting the urgent challenge of climate change, Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) seeks outstanding applicants from the African subcontinent for its innovative Fall 2021 Africa Program.

Ascendant African midcareer leaders from <span…

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Confronting the urgent challenge of climate change, Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) seeks outstanding applicants from the African subcontinent for its innovative Fall 2021 Africa Program.

Ascendant African midcareer leaders from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are invited to propose transformative projects in their respective fields and collaborative solutions to the negative impacts of global warming across Sub-Saharan Africa. Exceptional leaders from other countries with a track record of working regionally also will be considered.

Ideal candidates, ages 32 to 45, are dynamic doers, working in fields actively confronting the consequences of climate change, including agriculture, housing, public safety, environmental protection, finance, water quality, food security and energy, among others.

EF will select a diverse mix of Fellows based on their track records of effective leadership, their potential for greater influence in their professional fields and their commitment to foster understanding through dialogue. All Eisenhower Fellows pledge a lifelong engagement with EF to advance its mission of creating a world more peaceful, prosperous and just.

The program will combine a mixture of virtual and in-person meetings spread over several weeks this fall, bringing African leaders to the United States for a unique personal and professional experience. EF will accept applications through March 15, 2021.

In the fall of 2016, EF hosted the first regional program in its history dedicated exclusively to Sub-Saharan Africa. From a record pool of more than 800 applicants, EF assembled a diverse group of two dozen visionaries who met with thought leaders in the U.S. and returned home to improve their societies, incorporating the best practices they had learned. A highlight of the program was a visit to the White House hosted by President Barack Obama.

The 2016 Africa Fellows went on to organize a regional conference in Kigali, Rwanda in 2019 that brought together 345 participants from 43 countries to discuss the future of global integration in Africa. They also participated in EF’s global conference on the Future of Work in Malaga, Spain, in 2017, and in the 2018 Annual Meeting events in Philadelphia, which honored former EF Chairman General Colin L. Powell and welcomed incoming chairman, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

Since the founding of EF in 1953, more than 230 Fellows from Africa have participated in its programs.

«This renewed focus on Africa builds on the momentum that we began in 2016,» said EF President George de Lama. «If you are a young African leader who wants to fight climate change and improve the quality of life in Africa, we’re looking for you.»

Now in its 68th year and named for America’s 34th president, Eisenhower Fellowships brings together innovative leaders from across geographies and sectors, united by their drive to tackle big challenges and improve the world. Since 1953, more than 2,400 mid-career professionals from 156 countries have benefited from the unique, customized experience of an Eisenhower Fellowship.

For more information, visit http://www.efworld.org

Media Contact

Erin Hillman, Eisenhower Fellowships, 215-546-1738, Ike@efworld.org

 

SOURCE Eisenhower Fellowships

IQST – iQSTEL Enters Agreement To Develop Proprietary Electric Vehicle Battery For Alternet Systems Revolt Electric Motorcycle

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — iQSTEL, Inc. (USOTC: IQST) today announced a letter of intent (LOI) agreement to develop a proprietary electric battery (www.iQBatteries.com). The agreement is entered into between iQSTEL’s Technology Division subsidiary, IoT Labs (www.iotlabs.mx), and MODUS GROUP (

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — iQSTEL, Inc. (USOTC: IQST) today announced a letter of intent (LOI) agreement to develop a proprietary electric battery (www.iQBatteries.com). The agreement is entered into between iQSTEL’s Technology Division subsidiary, IoT Labs (www.iotlabs.mx), and MODUS GROUP (http://www.modusai.co/about-us/), the industrial engineering and design firm engaged by Alternet Systems, Inc. (USOTC: ALYI) for the design and development of Alternet’s Revolt Electric Motorcycle.

IoT Labs has produced industry award winning technology solutions (www.iotsmartgas.com) recognized alongside Apple, Amazon and General Electric (https://iotbreakthrough.com/2021-winners/). The MODUS design team brings more than 200 patentable claims. 

Together, the two plan to concentrate electric vehicle battery development efforts on HD Thin Film Lithium Battery technologies while also conducting new battery technologies research and development to include, for example, research and development into Hemp and Nano-Material based batteries.

The agreement announced today expands upon the existing working partnership between IoT Labs and MODUS. IoT Labs and MODUS recently announced working together to develop Smart EV solutions (www.iotsmartev.com) that IoT Labs will in turn market to the entire EV industry.  Under the current project timeline, IoT Labs anticipates a Smart EV solution suite prototype by July of this year.

About iQSTEL Inc (Updated):

iQSTEL Inc (OTC: IQST) (www.iQSTEL.com) is a US-based publicly-listed company offering leading-edge Telecommunication, Technology and Fintech Services for Global Markets, with presence in 13 countries. The company provides services to the Telecommunications, Electric Vehicle (EV), Liquid Fuel Distribution, Chemical and Financial Services Industries. iQSTEL has 4 Business Divisions: Telecom, Technology, Fintech and Blockchain, with worldwide B2B and B2C customer relations operating through its subsidiaries: Etelix, SwissLink, QGlobal SMS, SMSDirectos, IoT Labs, Global Money One and itsBchain. The Company has an extensive portfolio of products and services for its clients: SMS, VoIP, 4G & 5G international infrastructure connectivity, Cloud-PBX, OmniChannel Marketing, IoT Smart Electric Vehicle Platform, iQ Batteries, IoT Smart Gas Platform, IoT Smart Tank Platform, Visa Debit Card, Money Remittance, Mobile Number Portability Application MNPA (Blockchain Platform) and Settlement & Payments Marketplace (Blockchain Platform).

Safe Harbor Statement: Statements in this news release may be «forward-looking statements». Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and iQSTEL Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

iQSTEL Inc.
IR US Phone: 646-740-0907, IR Email: investors@iqstel.com

Source: iQSTEL Inc. and its subsidiaries: www.iqstel.com 

 

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SOURCE iQSTEL, Inc.

Universal Engineering Sciences Strengthens Western Expansion By Acquiring Construction Testing & Engineering, Inc., In Southern California

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Engineering Sciences® (UES), a nationwide leader in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting, has acquired Construction Testing & Engineering, Inc. (CTE), one of Southern California’s leading engineering firms providing geotechnical, environmental and civil engineering; survey; construction inspection and materials…

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Engineering Sciences® (UES), a nationwide leader in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting, has acquired Construction Testing & Engineering, Inc. (CTE), one of Southern California’s leading engineering firms providing geotechnical, environmental and civil engineering; survey; construction inspection and materials testing services to development and construction communities. CTE has 150 employees, with locations in San Diego/Escondido, Chula Vista, Riverside and Ventura/Oxnard, strengthening UES’s presence in California. UES recently acquired Wallace-Kuhl & Associates in Northern California and operates an office in Irvine.

«We are committed to developing innovative approaches to our clients’ projects, and we have a strong track record of delivering high-quality services for more than 30 years,» said CTE Vice President and Principal Dan Math, RCE, GE. «Since UES is known for their innovative approach and excellent client service, joining the family of companies is an exciting way for us to leverage the resources of a national firm to serve our valued clients.»

CTE is the seventh investment made by Palm Beach Capital and UES Chief Strategy Officer Gary Elzweig, PE. UES serves clients throughout the West and Southeast, including California, Nevada, Utah, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia and North Carolina, operating from 37 offices with 1,850 highly skilled professionals.  

«We are pleased to welcome CTE to the UES family of companies, since we share a similar approach to developing trusted client relationships that stand the test of time,» said UES Western Regional President James Bristow, PE. «Together we can pioneer groundbreaking geotechnical solutions by bringing together some of the brightest minds and strongest legacies in geotechnical engineering and our other complementary businesses.»

CTE’s projects have included deep foundation design, site-specific seismic response development, ground modification, slope stability analyses and typical grading control in high-rise and mid-rise office buildings, hotels, condominiums and apartments, casinos, universities, various K-12 public school projects, churches, shopping malls, residential developments, industrial parks and earth and rockfill dams, as well as hundreds of U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps, federal highway, state, city, municipal, and utility projects.

UES is considered a pioneer of the industry and stands at the forefront of emerging technology, best practices and influential legislature. Projects include both public and private clients, ranging from transportation and healthcare to commercial and education. UES engineers, geologists, certified inspectors and scientists offer an unwavering commitment to excellence, approaching each project as an opportunity to cultivate enduring relationships with clients.

Launching a Unified Digital Presence
UES recently launched a sophisticated new website, combining the entire family of companies under one unified digital presence at universalengineering.com. The website offers more robust content and a more sophisticated look and feel as the company continues to grow and evolve.

«As our seven companies merge together and leverage our incredible bench strength of talent, expertise and brand recognition nationwide, our new website demonstrates our unified, collaborative approach,» said James. «We are sharing our growth story and conveying our leadership in the industry while remaining true to our roots and showing how we are making a lasting, positive impact in our communities.»

About Universal Engineering Sciences
Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), headquartered in Orlando, is a rapidly growing engineering firm with nearly six decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting. With more than 1,850 professionals across 37 national branches, UES consults on projects of all sizes to help deliver needed infrastructure and to build safe and successful communities. Recent mergers with GFA International, Inc., Nova Geotechnical & Inspection Services, Contour Engineering and Wallace-Kuhl & Associates have made UES one of the largest, most resource-rich organizations of its kind. For more information, please visit universalengineering.com or follow UES on social media.

About Construction Testing & Engineering
Founded in 1989, Construction Testing & Engineering, Inc. (CTE), commenced operations with two professional engineers and one engineering geologist. Over the past 25 years, CTE has grown to become a large regional multi-disciplined engineering company employing more than 150 professionals. Locally owned and operated, CTE is a leading engineering firm primarily doing business in the southwestern United States. From offices located in San Diego/Escondido, Chula Vista, Riverside and Ventura/Oxnard, CTE provides geotechnical, environmental, and civil engineering; survey; construction inspection and materials testing services for owners, developers, contractors and public entities within the communities we reside. Visit www.cte-inc.net for more information.

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SOURCE Universal Engineering Sciences

National Park Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Preserving Black History and Culture in National Parks

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Coinciding with the start of Black History Month, the National Park Foundation (NPF) announced it is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its African American Experience Fund (AAEF)…

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Coinciding with the start of Black History Month, the National Park Foundation (NPF) announced it is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its African American Experience Fund (AAEF) throughout 2021. Established in 2001, with the support of the 15th Director of the National Park Service (NPS) Robert G. Stanton, the first African American NPS Director, AAEF’s mission is to connect all people to the role of African Americans in U.S. history through national parks. Thanks to the generosity and ongoing partnership of the Fund II Foundation (Fund II), NPF is increasing philanthropic support for AAEF, focusing on projects at 13 national park sites.

«Black history is American history,» said National Park Foundation Chief Program Officer LaTresse Snead. «The stories our national parks tell will be enriched by investing in sites and programs that preserve and share the diversity of our country, including the contributions of Black people in America.»

The National Park Foundation works hand in hand with NPS and other partners to preserve and share stories that honor Black history in parks and communities across the country.

In 2013, NPF helped establish Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio, which honors the first African American national park superintendent, by funding the purchase of Col. Young’s historic home from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Friendship Foundation and donating it to NPS.

More recently, the Fund II Foundation’s investment has dramatically expanded AAEF’s impact.

«We’re grateful to the Fund II Foundation for their partnership to honor and elevate the stories, contributions, and leadership of African Americans through the lens of national parks,» said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. «Thanks to the generosity and vision of partners like Fund II, the National Park Foundation is increasing public understanding of and access to our shared heritage within national parks.»

In Atlanta, NPF and Fund II worked together to purchase the homes where Dr. King was born and where he and Coretta Scott King raised their family and launched the civil rights movement. These homes are now a part of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. NPS will now be able to preserve and share these critical pieces of American history in perpetuity, including through digital platforms. Among the projects now underway is one to create an exhibit to interpret and celebrate the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King.

«Fund II Foundation is honored to preserve the cultural richness of the African-American experience in the places we share, places that are as close to sacred spaces as you can get,» said Fund II Foundation Founding Director Robert F. Smith. «The outdoors is a natural antidote to despair, and in these times, that’s essential for us to trust in the future. I am awestruck when I see the tender, loving care being taken by the Park Service to preserve the lands and buildings that were so important to our ancestors. Their sacrifices shaped history as well as today and tomorrow, and they deserve our honoring them.»

In Auburn, New York, NPF acquired the Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, donated it to the National Park Service, and is now helping to restore it. This church is where Harriet Tubman’s funeral was held in 1913.

In Chicago, NPF has raised and contributed more than $10 million to support bringing Pullman National Monument to life, transforming the iconic clocktower into the park’s visitor center and enabling the planning, design, and renovation of the 10,000 square foot building and surrounding 12-acre factory site. NPF funding will also facilitate the installation of new exhibits at the future visitor center and the development of educational programming for young visitors and their families. These exhibits will connect people to the important role that Pullman Porters played in labor history, including calling attention to the growing wealth inequality of the Gilded Age and advocating for better working conditions and wages.

In Mississippi, NPF was instrumental in the effort to establish Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, honoring Medgar’s legacy and Myrlie’s ongoing leadership in advancing civil rights. Through a grant to the National Park Service, NPF provided the funds necessary to acquire the Evers’ property from Tougaloo College. 

In Alabama, NPF is supporting the Discovery Lab at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. The lab will serve as a central location for aviation research, education, training, and public programming. It will enhance visitors’ interpretive experience and train the next generation of aerospace engineers with virtual reality flight training using a flight simulator system.

During the summer and fall of 2020, NPF partnered with NPS, Greening Youth Foundation, and Fund II on the internX program to place 12 collegiate interns with national parks, including Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site. The internships create on-ramps for future leaders in conservation and preservation.

Individuals, foundations, and companies can support NPF’s AAEF efforts to preserve and share Black history and culture through national parks by visiting the NPF website. 

Endnote: In this press release, NPF uses the language Black and African American interchangeably. While the intent is to honor inclusivity and be representative of various ways that people identify, we recognize that this language does not account for all identities. We also recognize the importance and need of specificity in reference to particular communities.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.

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SOURCE National Park Foundation

Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC Announce the Launch of Phase Two of the DC CARES Program Providing Over $8M for Excluded Workers Relief

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, launched Phase 2 of the DC CARES Program this week, which will provide over $8 million in relief funding to eligible excluded workers in the District of Columbia. The program is intended to serve residents that have been omitted from…

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC, Washington DC’s official convention and sports authority, launched Phase 2 of the DC CARES Program this week, which will provide over $8 million in relief funding to eligible excluded workers in the District of Columbia. The program is intended to serve residents that have been omitted from federal stimulus efforts and are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional aid comes from the District of Columbia’s budget and supplements the $5 million in relief for Phase 1 of the program provided by Events DC in June.

«In funding this initiative for excluded workers, Mayor Bowser and her partners on the DC Council are proud to collaborate with Events DC to make this investment in our DC values of hope, love, diversity and inclusiveness,» said John Falcicchio, deputy mayor for planning and economic development.

DC CARES is a continuing partnership among Events DC, the Executive Office of the Mayor, the Greater Washington Community Foundation and key partnering community-based organizations (CBOs). To implement Phase 2 Events DC has provided the Greater Washington Community Foundation with $8.1 million to purchase pre-paid debit cards of $1,000 per card. In collaboration with the Executive Office of the Mayor, the Community Foundation will facilitate the outreach, processing and distribution of the pre-paid debit cards through the CBOs.

«This program remains a core part of our mission to serve and give back to our communities which will help to continue to propel our city forward,» stated Greg A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. «We’re excited to see the overwhelming response to the program so far. We thank Mayor Bowser, the DC City Council, the Community Foundation and our partnering organizations for their tireless efforts in supporting the excluded worker community during this critical time of need. «

The identified community-based organizations will issue the pre-paid debit cards to eligible workers based on certain criteria. The relief funding will be targeted to those families who live in the District, have experienced loss of income due to the public health emergency, and are ineligible for unemployment insurance or federal COVID-19 relief, to include returning citizens and cash economy workers.

The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that manages hundreds of charitable giving funds on behalf of generous individuals, families, and businesses in the Washington, DC metro area. The community-based organization currently designated to help implement the DC CARES program include the following:

  • Bread for the City
  • The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)
  • CentroNía
  • Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
  • Mary’s Center
  • Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative
  • DC Jobs with Justice

Applicants who may be eligible for the program can access it through the centralized intake process at www.DCCARES2021.org or 202-332-1264. Any applicant who believes they may be eligible is encouraged to apply.

About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKCampus.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena (www.ESAontheRise.com), all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.

CONTACTS

Chinyere Hubbard, Events DC
202-439-5133
chubbard@eventsdc.com

Elizabeth Falcon, DC Jobs with Justice
202-674-2872
elizabeth@dcjwj.org

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SOURCE Events DC

SWAT Environmental Adds New Board Member To Accelerate Industry Awareness

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SWAT Environmental, the nation’s largest provider of radon mitigation and testing services for homeowners and commercial properties, announced the appointment of Aaron Fisher to its Board of Directors. Mr. Fisher serves as the Director of Industry Relations for SWAT Environmental following nearly a decade as the owner/operator of the successful SWAT Environmental Pennsylvania business. In November…

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SWAT Environmental, the nation’s largest provider of radon mitigation and testing services for homeowners and commercial properties, announced the appointment of Aaron Fisher to its Board of Directors. Mr. Fisher serves as the Director of Industry Relations for SWAT Environmental following nearly a decade as the owner/operator of the successful SWAT Environmental Pennsylvania business. In November 2020, Mr. Fisher was elected to the Board of Directors at the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), is a member of the AARST/ANSI Mitigation Standards Committee and serves on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s Radon Protection Advisory Committee.

SWAT Environmental Adds New Board Member To Accelerate Industry Awareness

«Aaron Fisher is a strong advocate for building consumer and regulatory awareness of the health hazards caused by radon.  As an AARST Board member and Director of Industry Relations for SWAT Environmental, Aaron will play a unique and meaningful role in improving the indoor air quality standards for homes, schools, and businesses while reducing the health risks posed by radon for millions of Americans,» states Mark Burel, Chief Executive Officer of SWAT Environmental. «We look to Aaron to drive increased awareness of radon exposure risk as well as significant change as the radon mitigation industry evolves to support the health of our communities.»

About SWAT Environmental
SWAT Environmental is the nation’s largest privately held radon mitigation services company. The company is dedicated to providing healthier homes and workplaces in neighborhoods everywhere. Through its nationwide service network of certified AARST technicians, SWAT Environmental delivers the highest quality radon mitigation solutions with unmatched customer satisfaction. Since 1988, SWAT Environmental has served the needs of homeowners, businesses, and commercial property owners through seven regional offices and has installed over 300,000 radon mitigation systems nationwide. The company has been named numerous times to the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies. Learn more about SWAT Environmental and inquire about joining our growing team, visit www.swat-radon.com.

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SOURCE SWAT Environmental

Texas Leaders Unite To Urge Passage Of A Permanent Legislative Solution For DACA Recipients

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Texas Business Immigration Coalition (a member of the American Business Immigration Coalition) and the Texas Business Leadership Council, along with more than thirty Texas leaders in business and higher education launched the Texas Opportunity Coalition, a new initiative that promotes and supports targeted immigration reform. The Texas Opportunity Coalition is dedicated to securing passage of a federal Dream Act,…

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Texas Business Immigration Coalition (a member of the American Business Immigration Coalition) and the Texas Business Leadership Council, along with more than thirty Texas leaders in business and higher education launched the Texas Opportunity Coalition, a new initiative that promotes and supports targeted immigration reform. The Texas Opportunity Coalition is dedicated to securing passage of a federal Dream Act, which would provide young undocumented immigrants (Dreamers) in Texas and across the country the right to work, pursue higher education, contribute to their local economies, and obtain permanent legal status. 

U.S Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), who has pushed for a permanent legislative solution for DACA recipients, stated the following in a recorded message during the event:

«Despite all the ways Dreamers strengthen our country and our communities, they’re living in a constant state of uncertainty about their futures. We must take action that will give them the certainty they deserve, and the only way to do that is through legislation. We need to learn from the lessons of the past, and begin working on smaller packages that can gain broad support, and hopefully build trust in the process. This approach provides an opening to build goodwill and finally take action on DACA, which is something folks on both sides of the aisle support.»

In Texas alone, Dreamers contribute more than $400 million in state and local taxes on top of the $440 million they pay in federal taxes. Their purchasing power injects close to $2.9 billion annually into the state’s economy. The Texas Opportunity Coalition is calling for Congress to enact laws that recognize Dreamers’ economic contributions, and provide them an opportunity to legally work, start businesses, and continue paying taxes in Texas.

«Texas is in a unique position to lead the country in economic growth, especially with the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,» said Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President of IBC Bank. «A vital piece to ensuring our successful transition into a 21st Century economy is by protecting Texas Dreamers. Our businesses are able to grow and thrive when they have access to the human capital they need. By filling high-skilled jobs, serving in our military, and starting businesses, these Dreamers have proven that they are an integral part of our state’s economy. Not only is providing these hard-working individuals with a permanent legal status the right thing to do, it is also in the state’s and the nation’s best economic interest to allow these dedicated workers, entrepreneurs, and neighbors to continue to work, live, and create jobs in Texas

«We hope that by launching and building this coalition, we can speed the passage of bipartisan federal legislation that will create permanent legal status for our Dreamers, and allow Texas’s economy to rebuild after the devastating impact of COVID-19,» said Justin Yancy, president of the Texas Business Leadership Council. «A federal Dream Act will help ensure that Texas leads in job creation and economic growth in the post-pandemic recovery.  Texas Dreamers fill critical workforce needs in fields such as healthcare, high-tech, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction, and many served as frontline workers during this pandemic.»

Texas leaders representing businesses, chambers of commerce, and higher education institutions across the state have signed on to support the Coalition’s efforts, including:

  • Austin Chamber of Commerce
  • Center for the United States and Mexico – Baker Institute at Rice University
  • El Paso Chamber of Commerce
  • El Paso Community College
  • El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
  • Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Grayson College
  • Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Dallas Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce
  • HMS
  • IBC Bank
  • Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • North Texas Commission
  • San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
  • SWBC
  • Tarleton State University
  • Texans for Economic Growth
  • Texas Association of Business
  • Texas Association of Manufacturers
  • Texas Business Immigration Coalition
  • Texas Business Leadership Council
  • Texas Lutheran University
  • Texas Restaurant Association
  • Texas State University
  • Texas Woman’s University
  • The Borderplex Alliance
  • United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
  • University of North Texas
  • University of North Texas at Dallas
  • University of Texas at Dallas
  • University of Texas at San Antonio
  • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • University of the Incarnate Word

Over the next 100 days, members of the Texas Opportunity Coalition will meet with Texas congressional representatives on both sides of the aisle to make the economic case for a federal Dream Act and build broad-based and bipartisan support for federal legislation that protects Dreamers.  As the state with the second largest number of Dreamers, Texas will be disproportionately affected by any Dream Act negotiations. 

«I am an immigrant and DACA Recipient. Since moving to the U.S more than twenty years ago, I have graduated high school in Texas, obtained a degree from Yale University, and returned to the state to teach elementary school. I continue to give back to my community through my taxes, my investment in our children’s education, and my professional leadership positions,» said Juan Carlos Cerda, DFW business outreach manager at the Texas Business Immigration Coalition. «Unfortunately, DACA is only a temporary solution for Dreamers like me, and we need permanent legal solutions that allow us to continue contributing to our local communities.»

«Poll after poll shows that Texans, like all Americans, overwhelmingly support permanent legal status for Dreamers, but politics continues to get in the way of sensible policies like the Dream Act,» said Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of the Texas Business Immigration Coalition. «This effort is about moving past politics and showing members the economic and financial benefits they are leaving on the table every time they decide not to pass a federal Dream Act. Texas is among the states that stand to lose the most, and the Coalition wants to make sure Texas’s business community has a seat at the table and, we hope, the chance to positively influence negotiations.»

«To continue to grow our economy, Texas must retain its existing workforce and talent.  With 96% of DACA recipients working or in school, they are some of our state’s highest achieving and most talented assets.  They fill critical positions in industries that keep our state competitive, such as manufacturing, construction, technology, and hospitality.  Nationwide, more than half a million Dreamers are essential workers.  During the pandemic, Texas Dreamers have helped keep our state safe,» said Woody L. Hunt, Senior Chairman of the Board, Hunt Companies, Inc. 

The Texas Opportunity Coalition’s efforts are structured around five core principles that legislators should recognize and that should inform any legislative effort to enact comprehensive immigration reform. These principles can be viewed at http://txopportunity.org/policy.

To learn more about the Texas Opportunity Coalition, please visit https://www.txopportunity.org/.

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SOURCE Texas Opportunity Coalition

Go Sockless With LONO, the Ultimate Sneaker to Simplify Your Active Lifestyle Launching on Kickstarter

HONG KONG, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Go sockless in total comfort with LONO, the ultimate vegan, eco-friendly, insanely breathable sneaker designed to mimic the connection between the human body and nature, which launched on Kickstarter today. When going barefoot isn’t possible or practical, step confidently with LONO.

Today’s casual shoes aren’t nearly breathable enough for the lives people lead. Whether running errands, walking dogs, taking kids to the park, exploring their…

HONG KONG, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Go sockless in total comfort with LONO, the ultimate vegan, eco-friendly, insanely breathable sneaker designed to mimic the connection between the human body and nature, which launched on Kickstarter today. When going barefoot isn’t possible or practical, step confidently with LONO.

Today’s casual shoes aren’t nearly breathable enough for the lives people lead. Whether running errands, walking dogs, taking kids to the park, exploring their neighborhoods, or heading to and from activities like yoga classes, sporting events, and other events that require a change of shoes, current footwear options miss the mark.

LONO is the ultimate casual shoe. Made from all-natural, organic materials, and modern technology, LONO sneakers are meant to be worn sockless. They keep feet cool and crisp no matter the occasion. For those who prefer to be barefoot, but recognize it isn’t always practical or possible, LONO provides the same level of comfort with the security of a shoe.

«Shoe brands across the world are turning to sustainable materials, but misusing them for the purpose of marketing, whereas LONO is maximizing the potential and properties of these organic materials and translating them into shoes with remarkable functionality,» said Ben Hui, Founder of LONO. «LONO is the perfect ‘pre-game’ shoe. Take it easy with LONO and wear them to take a walk or when the final destination – like yoga class or sports practice – requires a change in footwear.

LONO takes its inspiration from the first known human shoes: sagebrush bark sandals. Modern manufacturing technology enables the team to turn tree bark into fine yarn which becomes the shoe’s zero-waste flyknit upper. This yarn is soft and quick-drying, more so than its wool counterparts. An AIRSIP mesh pattern creates significant airflow throughout the shoe and also provides the right balance of stretch and security for every step. LONO also features ELASLET, an elastic fixed on the top eyelet of the shoe providing stretch for easy slip in and out without the need to adjust the laces. For those who still prefer socks, LONOs witty invention of the SOLESOCK, a sock for the insole, is designed for users to easily swap when it gets dirty. LONOs are vegan footwear for conscious consumers who refuse to sacrifice on comfort or quality.

LONOs are available in nine colorways starting at $79. To pre-order, visit pr.go2.fund/lonowear.

About LONO
Making shoes is in Ben Hui’s blood. The grandson of a shoe manufacturer in Hong Kong, Ben followed in familiar footsteps and began working in the footwear industry 10 years ago. After seeing the industry’s reliance on low-quality, high-volume production with detrimental environmental impacts, he decided to do it better. By taking inspiration from the first known shoes in human history, Ben applied the benefit of modern technology to create LONO – comfortable, casual, and vegan shoes designed for life. The name Lono came from the Hawaiian deity associated with agriculture, music and peace, representing life itself without compromises. For more information, visit https://lonowear.com/.

Media Contact

Lauren Ratcliffe, LONO, 980-239-7982, lauren@lonowear.com

 

SOURCE LONO

VLS Recovery Services, LLC, a Portfolio Company of Aurora Capital Partners, Expands Waste Services Business into California and Mexico with Acquisition of Pacific Trans Environmental Services, Inc. and Pacific Treatment Environmental Services, S.A. de C.V.

HOUSTON, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — VLS Recovery Services, LLC («VLS» or the «Company»), the North American leader in waste management services, railcar cleaning, and barge cleaning and repair services, today announced that it has acquired Pacific Trans Environmental Services, Inc. and Pacific Treatment Environmental Services, S.A. de C.V. («PTES»). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in El Cajon, California, PTES provides waste management,…

HOUSTON, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — VLS Recovery Services, LLC («VLS» or the «Company»), the North American leader in waste management services, railcar cleaning, and barge cleaning and repair services, today announced that it has acquired Pacific Trans Environmental Services, Inc. and Pacific Treatment Environmental Services, S.A. de C.V. («PTES»). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in El Cajon, California, PTES provides waste management, industrial services and other environmental services to customers in California while the PTES location in Tijuana provides storage and transfer services to customers in Mexico. As part of the transaction, the PTES business will operate within the VLS Waste division.  Al Montero, President of PTES, will run the Mexican business, and Michael Jeffries, Vice President of PTES, will run the West Coast business.

«PTES shares our commitment to providing industry-leading services to customers and is a perfect fit for our expansion and acquisition strategy. We look forward to welcoming the team to our organization,» said John Magee, Chief Executive Officer of VLS.

«The acquisition of PTES allows us to significantly expand our waste business on the West Coast and into Mexico. With PTES’ outstanding service reputation and the ability to provide our customers there with local services, we are excited about the future of our waste business,» said Ken Hines, Vice President of Waste Services.

«We are thrilled to become part of VLS, which has quickly become a North American leader in our industry,» said Al Montero. «With access to their operational expertise and geographic reach, we will be able to better serve our customers and further expand our reach on the West Coast and in Mexico. On behalf of the entire team at PTES, we look forward to working with John and the rest of the VLS team.»

This acquisition marks VLS’s sixth add-on acquisition since being acquired by Aurora Capital Partners in October 2017.

About VLS Recovery

VLS Recovery Services is a leading provider of waste management services, railcar cleaning, and barge cleaning and repair services. VLS provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products including chemicals, hardened materials and pressurized gases using the most environmentally friendly and safe processes in the industry. The Company also provides customized processing solutions for non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, and wastewater treatment. Today, VLS has over 450 employees in 12 locations across the country. For more information about VLS, visit: www.vlsrs.com.

About Aurora Capital Partners

Aurora Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm focused principally on control investments in middle-market companies with leading market positions, stable industry dynamics, attractive business model characteristics and actionable opportunities for growth in partnership with management. Aurora provides unique resources to its portfolio companies through its Strategy & Operations Program and its team of experienced operating advisors. Aurora’s investors include leading public and corporate pension funds, endowments and foundations active in private equity investing. For more information about Aurora Capital Partners, visit: www.auroracap.com.

Media Contacts

For VLS Recovery Services
Keith Rensink
877-861-8588
keith.rensink@vlsrs.com

For Aurora Capital Partners
Steve Bruce / Taylor Ingraham
ASC Advisors 
sbruce@ascadvisors.com / tingraham@ascadvisors.com 
203-992-1230

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SOURCE VLS Recovery