Texas enters 2021 as world’s 9th largest economy by GDP

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Texas enters 2021 as the world’s ninth largest economy, proof of the success of a long-term strategy to make Texas the best place to start or relocate a business, said Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation.

«This is more than just a statistic,» Allen said. «The fact that our state, if it were a nation, would be the world’s ninth largest economy…

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Texas enters 2021 as the world’s ninth largest economy, proof of the success of a long-term strategy to make Texas the best place to start or relocate a business, said Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation.

«This is more than just a statistic,» Allen said. «The fact that our state, if it were a nation, would be the world’s ninth largest economy shows that Texas is well positioned to outperform economically, regardless of the challenges that may lie ahead.»

TxEDC is an independently funded non-profit organization in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism charged with marketing Texas as a premier business location, the cornerstone of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s economic development agenda.

«While 2020 brought unique challenges, Texas continued to shine as a beacon of hope and opportunity,» Abbott said. «Texas’ ranking as the world’s ninth largest economy is because of the hardworking men and women of the Lone Star State, our commitment to economic freedom, our state-of-the-art infrastructure and business climate. As we cultivate an environment of growth and opportunity, Texas will continue to build an even brighter future for all Texans.»

Since 2015, Texas has been recognized as the world’s 10th largest economy — ahead of Canada and South Korea and behind Brazil. Texas’s economy overtook Brazil’s to become the ninth largest economy in the world, according to 2019 GDP data from the International Monetary Fund.  

Gross Domestic Product is a measurement of the size and strength of an economy. As of 2019, the United States has a GDP of $21.4 trillion, making it the world’s largest economy, followed by China, Japan and Germany, according to the IMF. Texas has a GDP of $1.9 trillion. Italy, with a GDP of $2 trillion, is in eighth place, and Brazil, with a GDP of $1.8 trillion, is 10th, according to the IMF ranking of global economies.

Texas is ranked first in the nation for its growth prospects, «thanks to strong employment and income growth forecasts for the next five years,» says a recent Forbes report.

In 2020, Amazon, CBRE, Tesla, HP and Oracle moved to or expanded their operations in Texas, which has further bolstered the strength and size of Texas’s economy. This trend is expected to continue in 2021, Allen said.

«Why come to Texas from other states? Our highly competitive tax climate, world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce of 14 million people, business-friendly economic policies and abundant quality of life,» Allen said. «Texas obviously has a lot to offer. Our standing as the world’s ninth largest economy and our long-term expansion shows that Texas also offers rock-solid stability to companies that want to locate here.»

The Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) is an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to economic development, business recruitment and job creation in the state of Texas. The public-private partnership of TxEDC and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism markets Texas as a premier business destination to let corporate decision- makers and site selection consultants know that they can Go Big in Texas. For more information about TxEDC, visit www.GoBigInTexas.com.

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SOURCE Texas Economic Development Corporation

Super-Majority of Virginia Residents Want the Freedom to Choose Clean Energy

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A new poll shows that a super-majority of Virginia residents want the freedom to choose their energy supplier, choose clean energy, and want more renewable energy to be generated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. SurveyUSA interviewed more than 500 Virginia adults who rent or own their home, pay their utility bills, and have at least some input on their utility company’s household choice….

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A new poll shows that a super-majority of Virginia residents want the freedom to choose their energy supplier, choose clean energy, and want more renewable energy to be generated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. SurveyUSA interviewed more than 500 Virginia adults who rent or own their home, pay their utility bills, and have at least some input on their utility company’s household choice. Support for consumers being able to choose their renewable energy provider cuts across the typical partisan divide. The vast majority of Republicans and Democrats agree that they want the freedom to choose their energy provider. The poll bolsters the case for HB2048, a bill sponsored by Delegate Jeff Bourne (D-Richmond, 71st District), that would restore Virginians’ ability to select their own 100% renewable energy provider.

Highlights from the new survey:

  • 83% of Virginia residents want the freedom to choose clean energy for their homes.
  • 77% of Virginians want to be able to choose their electric supplier. 
  • 66% of Virginia residents would like to see more clean, renewable energy in Virginia’s generation mix.
  • 66% of respondents expressed an interest in community solar as a new way to support solar development without putting solar panels on their rooftop (assuming savings of 5-10% on electricity costs).

Restoring Virginians’ ability to shop for 100% renewable energy would promote and expand the Commonwealth’s growing clean energy economy and help it to meet its ambitious carbon reduction goals.

The poll was commissioned by CleanChoice Energy, a member of a broad coalition supporting HB 2048. For more information about HB 2048 and to contact legislators visit: www.EnergyChoiceforVirginia.com.

About CleanChoice Energy
CleanChoice Energy empowers people and businesses to cut emissions, support renewable energy, and live cleaner lives. Founded in 2012, the company has become one of the fastest-growing businesses in America, as ranked on the Inc. 500 and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™. CleanChoice Energy is a Certified B Corporation, a member of the American Sustainable Business Council and the U.S. Green Building Council, and is certified with the highest available rating by Green America’s Green Business Network. For more information or to become a customer, visit CleanChoiceEnergy.com.

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SOURCE CleanChoice Energy

A Second Chance for Organic Photovoltaics, IDTechEx Investigates

BOSTON, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Printing solar panels like newsprint using organic semiconductors is the longstanding aspiration, given the obvious benefits of renewable energy and the potential for low-cost, large-area, energy-efficient production. However, despite attempts by Konarka and others, commercializing organic photovoltaic (OPV) panels has previously proved challenging. This was largely due to the falling prices of silicon panels, the comparatively low efficiency of OPV modules, and…

BOSTON, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Printing solar panels like newsprint using organic semiconductors is the longstanding aspiration, given the obvious benefits of renewable energy and the potential for low-cost, large-area, energy-efficient production. However, despite attempts by Konarka and others, commercializing organic photovoltaic (OPV) panels has previously proved challenging. This was largely due to the falling prices of silicon panels, the comparatively low efficiency of OPV modules, and the difficulty of ensuring adequate long-term stability under constant irradiation.

Around 2015 single-junction organic solar cell efficiencies seemed to be plateauing at around 11%, and the technology was largely regarded as a nice idea that never quite met the necessary efficiency and longevity requirements. However, recently efficiencies have increased, while the differentiated attributes of OPV enable commercial viability for applications such as building-integrated, indoor, and semi-transparent photovoltaics. Additional discussion of this renaissance in OPV, along with analysis of the printed electronic materials market, is provided in the recently released IDTechEx report «Materials for Printed/Flexible Electronics 2021-2031: Technologies, Applications, Market Forecasts«.

OPV suits emerging applications

OPV offers all the advantages associated with printed electronics: flexibility, thinness, low weight and energy-efficient manufacturing. These attributes make it ideal for small volume emerging applications where flexibility and a thin film format is essential, such as incorporating solar panels into clothing and bags. However, for established applications such as rooftop panels, these are offset by the lower efficiency and perceived lower durability relative to conventional silicon PV.

As such, some of the most promising applications for OPV with the potential for high volumes are those that exploit a feature not present in silicon cells: a tunable absorption spectrum. Changing the molecules used to make the active, light-absorbing layer enables semi-transparent solar cells with around 70% transmission at visible wavelengths. This approach reduces installation costs since window glass will be installed in buildings anyway while harvesting energy from non-visible light reduces air conditioning requirements – Brazilian OPV manufacturer Sunew are seeing rapid growth for this application.

Another emerging application in which OPV is well-suited is indoor energy harvesting. The light-absorbing molecules can be chosen to maximize efficiency for the emission spectrum of indoor lighting, such as white LEDs or fluorescent tubes, while the lower intensity reduces unwanted energy loss mechanisms. These features enable OPV to out-compete silicon PV for indoor applications. Indeed, Swedish company Epishine have raised millions of Euros to commercialize OPV for indoor energy harvesting, targeting low power IoT applications.

Technological transition brings multiple benefits

Improvements in OPV efficiency and stability have largely been driven by a recent technological transition. The first generation of OPV cells had the active, light-absorbing layer containing a blend of polymer and fullerene, with an energy level offset between the materials enabling charges to be separated and thus current to be produced. The fullerene is known as an acceptor material and was regarded as an essential component of an organic solar cell. However, fullerene-based molecules have now largely been replaced with non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs). This technological transition brings multiple benefits, including:

  • Increased efficiency (now over 17%, see Figure 1)
  • Increased stability
  • Greater tunability
  • Increased absorption 
  • Facilitating simpler donor polymers
  • Improved printability
  • Easier manufacturing of acceptor materials

Analyzing the printed electronic materials market

Extensive discussion regarding organic photovoltaics and the opportunities for this technology in emerging applications are given in the new IDTechEx report «Materials for Printed/Flexible Electronics 2021-2031: Technologies, Applications, Market Forecasts«. This report also covers a wide range of other materials, including materials for organic light-emitting diodes, transistors and photodetectors, carbon nanotubes, perovskites, quantum dots, functional inorganic inks, conductive adhesives, low-temperature solder, and conductive inks. Our granular market forecasts (in both revenue and volume (kg)) cover each of the material categories outlined above, with breakdowns into further subcategories where relevant. The market is enabled by specialized, functional materials, with the report focusing on material requirements, progress, and opportunities. Technical analysis and an interview-led approach bring the reader unbiased outlooks, benchmarking studies, and player assessments across the diverse printed electronic materials market.

For more information on this report, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/PEMats or for the full portfolio of Printed Electronics research available from IDTechEx please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/PE.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

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Natalie Moreton
Digital Marketing Manager
press@IDTechEx.com
+44(0)1223 812300

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FlexGen, KPP Team Up to Deliver Kansas’ Solomon Energy Storage Center

DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — FlexGen, a leading energy storage technology company, announced that it is partnering with The Kansas Power…

DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — FlexGen, a leading energy storage technology company, announced that it is partnering with The Kansas Power Pool (KPP), to design, build and operate the Solomon Energy Storage Center in Minneapolis, Kansas. KPP is a member-driven public power organization which procures energy and transmission service for community-owned electric utilities across Kansas. 

«FlexGen is proud to serve KPP and the people of Kansas on this record-setting battery storage project.» Alan Grosse, COO

When commissioned at the end of the year, the Solomon Energy Storage Center will deliver a total of 1 MW of power – with enough energy to supply four hours of power to more than 250 homes when the utility’s members need it most. The FlexGen battery system also includes a «black start» capability for the utility to use if the grid goes offline. «Black start» is often compared to jumpstarting a car, where the FlexGen battery system provides the power needed to jumpstart backup generators that put more power onto the grid.

«The Solomon Energy Storage Center is another example of KPP delivering on its mission to provide cost-effective and reliable public power and services for our community of members,» says Mark Chesney, KPP’s CEO and General Manager. «We are pleased to work with FlexGen on this important project that will add resiliency and reduce costs.» Kelson Energy is providing project development, market analytics and implementation support to KPP on the project.

Kansas’ largest battery storage project
Sized at 5.1 MWh, the Solomon Energy Storage Center will be the largest battery project in Kansas, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance data. Kelson Energy is providing project development, market analytics and implementation support to KPP on the project. The battery system operates on FlexGen’s energy management software platform, FlexGen HybridOS, which enables the seamless export of power onto the grid when it’s most needed – during times of peak demand or when weather disrupts the grid. During off-peak times the battery storage systems will charge when power prices are lower.

«FlexGen is proud to serve KPP and the people of Kansas on this record-setting battery storage project,» says Alan Grosse, COO of FlexGen. «The Solomon Energy Storage Center exemplifies how the FlexGen HybridOS platform enables utilities to affordably offer dependable energy storage for their customers.»

About FlexGen 
FlexGen is the second-largest U.S. energy storage technology company, and first in Texas with 80% market share. Leveraging its best-in-class energy management software and power electronics, FlexGen delivers utility-scale storage projects integrated with traditional and renewable power generation globally. Our customers and partners include the most technically and commercially demanding developers, utilities, government agencies and industrial companies in the world. For more information, visit www.flexgen.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Carrera, 972-207-1935
karen@mckeemanpr.com

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SOURCE FlexGen

Darden Restaurants Helps Feeding America® Food Banks In Five States Add Mobile Food Pantries To Serve Communities In Need

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As part of the company’s ongoing efforts to fight hunger, Darden Restaurants has partnered with Feeding America® to enhance mobile food pantry programs in areas with higher levels of food insecurity, including communities of color. Through a $500,000 grant from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and additional support from Darden’s partners, Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Logistics,…

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As part of the company’s ongoing efforts to fight hunger, Darden Restaurants has partnered with Feeding America® to enhance mobile food pantry programs in areas with higher levels of food insecurity, including communities of color. Through a $500,000 grant from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and additional support from Darden’s partners, Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Logistics, five Feeding America food banks will each receive a 26-foot refrigerated box truck to help increase access to nutritious food and address transportation needs.

«As a restaurant company, we are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger, and we are proud to partner with Feeding America to make a positive impact in communities where it is needed most,» said Gene Lee, Chairman and CEO of Darden. «Mobile food pantries are an important tool to help food banks meet the increased need caused by the pandemic. These vehicles will help Feeding America food banks in five different states directly distribute a large supply of food in their communities for years to come.»

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Feeding America projects that one in six people could experience food insecurity, and people of color are even more likely to face hunger. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, when compared to white households, black households are 2.4 times more likely to be food insecure, and Hispanic households are two times more likely.

«Hunger in America is a devastating reality for millions of our neighbors. The pandemic has created an increased need for food assistance and caused major disruptions for charitable food distribution,» said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, Chief Executive Officer for Feeding America. «Mobile food pantries are a critical solution to addressing both concerns. These refrigerated vehicles will remove significant barriers to getting food to vulnerable populations in five different communities. We are grateful to Darden, Penske and Lineage for making this possible.»

Feeding America helped identify food banks serving communities of color with disproportionately high levels of food insecurity and the need to increase their mobile food pantry capacity to serve neighbors facing hunger. Food banks receiving this gift include:

  • Feeding the Valley Food Bank in Midland, Ga.
  • Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana in Shreveport, La.
  • Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis, Tenn.
  • San Antonio Food Bank in San Antonio, Texas
  • Second Harvest of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla.

Darden and the Darden Foundation have a long-standing commitment to help fight hunger and have been partners with Feeding America for more than 10 years. Since 2018, the Darden Foundation has provided $6.5 million to support member food banks across all 50 states.

These efforts go hand-in-hand with Darden’s Harvest program. Each day, every Darden restaurant collects surplus, wholesome food that is not served to guests and prepares it for donation to local nonprofit partners. Since its inception, more than 120 million pounds of food — totaling more than 100 million meals — have been donated through the Harvest program.

About Darden Restaurants and The Darden Foundation
Darden is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

The Darden Foundation works to bring to life our spirit of service through its philanthropic support of charitable organizations across the country. Since 1995, The Darden Foundation has awarded more than $90 million in grants to non-profit organizations such as Feeding America, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and American Red Cross.

About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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SOURCE Darden Restaurants, Inc.

PuroClean Surges to #102 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 42nd Annual Franchise 500®

TAMARAC, Fla., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PuroClean, a leading restoration and remediation franchise, today announced it has earned the 102nd spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2021 Franchise 500®. Recognized for its exceptional growth, leadership, and culture in the restoration franchise industry, PuroClean ranked…

TAMARAC, Fla., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PuroClean, a leading restoration and remediation franchise, today announced it has earned the 102nd spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2021 Franchise 500®. Recognized for its exceptional growth, leadership, and culture in the restoration franchise industry, PuroClean ranked second in the restoration service franchise category. PuroClean has risen nearly 20 places in one year and has risen more than 150 spots since 2018.

«It’s an incredible honor to be acknowledged year after year in one of the most competitive rankings within the franchising industry, especially as our network comes together in support of those impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic,» said Mark W. Davis, CEO and Chairman of PuroClean. «Despite the unprecedented challenges we all faced during 2020, PuroClean was able to reach record-breaking heights, and we look forward to continuing this track record in the years ahead.» 

One of the fastest-growing restoration franchises in the United States, PuroClean enables its franchise owners to capitalize on diverse revenue opportunities and offers a pathway to success in the multimillion-dollar property damage restoration industry. Beyond its ranking on the Franchise 500®, PuroClean has earned countless other accolades for its innovations in franchising, including recognition for its PuroVet program, which helps military veterans realize their dream of business ownership.

«This year’s Franchise 500 ranking speaks to the true testament of The PuroClean Way, answering the call of those in need, as our franchise owners aid and protect home and business owners, guided by our world-class support team each and every day,» said Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean. «Together, as one team, we will continue moving forward to build upon the success of our franchise network, servicing our local communities with relentless customer service.»

The Franchise 500® is recognized as the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. PuroClean was evaluated against key factors such as costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, financial strength, and stability. Each prospective franchise is awarded a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and Entrepreneur ranks the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores each year in the Franchise 500®.

Over its 42 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. PuroClean’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view PuroClean in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2021 issue of Entrepreneur. For more information on the PuroClean franchise system, contact 800-351-2282 or visit www.PuroCleanFranchise.com.

About PuroClean
PuroClean provides water damage remediation, flood water removal, fire and smoke damage remediation, mold removal, and biohazard cleanup to commercial and residential customers. Founded in 2001, PuroClean has a comprehensive network of more than 300 franchise offices across North America. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures, while operating under a strict code of ethics. Each PuroClean office is independently owned and operated. For more information about PuroClean, contact 800-775-7876 or visit www.puroclean.com; for franchise information, visit www.purocleanfranchise.com.   

Media Contacts:
Hemsworth Communications
Rachel Tabacnic / Julie Hong
954-716-7614 or PuroCleanPR@HemsworthCommunications.com

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SOURCE PuroClean

Keurig Dr Pepper Joins Leading Collaboratives Focused on Building a Circular Economy for Plastics

BURLINGTON, Mass. and PLANO, Texas, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) announced today that it has become a signatory in two regional initiatives of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global

BURLINGTON, Mass. and PLANO, Texas, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) announced today that it has become a signatory in two regional initiatives of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global Plastics Pact network – the U.S. Plastic Pact and the Canada Plastics Pact.  Both Pacts bring together key players from across the local plastic value chain behind a common vision and clear, actionable targets to create a path forward toward a circular economy for plastics. In addition, the Company also recently joined Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas Alliance®, which brings together thought leaders from the private sector, conservation and academia actively working toward solutions that will mitigate plastic waste entering the ocean.

«At Keurig Dr Pepper, we are committed to driving real impact and circular solutions,» said Monique Oxender, Chief Sustainability Officer at Keurig Dr Pepper. «We recognize that achieving a truly circular economy for plastics requires significant systematic change, and we are eager to join these groups of diverse leaders from across sectors to ensure that plastics never become waste or pollution.»

As an Activator of the U.S. Plastics Pact and Canada Plastics Pact, Keurig Dr Pepper has agreed to collectively make efforts toward these four ambitious country-level goals espoused by the Pacts:

  1. Define a list of packaging to be designated as problematic or unnecessary by 2021 and take measures to eliminate them by 2025.
  2. By 2025, all plastic packaging is 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
  3. By 2025, undertake ambitious actions to effectively recycle or compost 50% of plastic packaging.
  4. By 2025, the average recycled content or responsibly sourced bio-based content in plastic packaging will be 30%.

The U.S. Plastics Pact is a collaboration led by The Recycling Partnership, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Ellen MacArthur Foundation supporting upstream innovation and a coordinated national strategy to rethink the way plastic is designed, used and reused.  Announced today, the Canada Plastics Pact is committed to tackling plastic waste and pollution by bringing together businesses, government, non-governmental organizations and other key actors under the vision of creating a circular economy in Canada in which plastic waste is kept out of the environment.  

Founded in 2012 by leading U.S.-based environmental non-profit Ocean Conservancy, the Trash Free Seas Alliance is the oldest collaborative forum focused on innovative and pragmatic solutions to the ocean plastic pollution crisis. Trash Free Seas Alliance members are working toward demonstrably reducing the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean annually by 50% by 2025.

These memberships build upon Keurig Dr Pepper’s current sustainable packaging commitments and will aid in ensuring new levels of accountability and transparency when reporting annual progress against its goals. Under its Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility program, the Company recently achieved one of its longstanding commitments to make all K-Cup® pods in the U.S. recyclable at the end of 2020, following achieving that important milestone in Canada at the end of 2018. The Company has committed to converting 100% of packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2025, as well as to use 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content across its packaging portfolio by 2025.

About Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with annual revenue in excess of $11 billion and nearly 26,000 employees. KDP holds leadership positions in soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks and mixers, and markets the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. and Canada. The Company’s portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands is designed to satisfy virtually any consumer need, any time, and includes Keurig®, Dr Pepper®, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters®, Canada Dry®, Snapple®, Bai®, Mott’s®, CORE® and The Original Donut Shop®. Through its powerful sales and distribution network, KDP can deliver its portfolio of hot and cold beverages to nearly every point of purchase for consumers.  The Company is committed to sourcing, producing and distributing its beverages responsibly through its Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform, including efforts around circular packaging, efficient natural resource use and supply chain sustainability.  For more information, visit, www.keurigdrpepper.com.

KDP Contacts
Tyson Seely (Investors)
T: 781-418-3352 | tyson.seely@kdrp.com

Steve Alexander (Investors)
T: 972-673-6769 | steve.alexander@kdrp.com

Katie Gilroy (Media)
T: 781-418-3345 | katie.gilroy@kdrp.com 

(PRNewsfoto/Keurig Dr Pepper)

 

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SOURCE Keurig Dr Pepper

Sanwa Alterna Brokerage Says Canada Economy Expected To Grow

MONTREAL, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sanwa Alterna Brokerage has today said that the Canadian economy is expected to experience economic growth throughout 2021. Canada’s biggest priority comes from the newly elected U.S. president Joe Biden, as their administration looks to re-enter the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, which would boost trade in <span…

MONTREAL, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sanwa Alterna Brokerage has today said that the Canadian economy is expected to experience economic growth throughout 2021. Canada’s biggest priority comes from the newly elected U.S. president Joe Biden, as their administration looks to re-enter the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, which would boost trade in North America.

The Asia-Pacific is now the world’s leading region of economic growth. Upon re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Canada will secure a free trade agreement with ten other Asia-Pacific countries, offering major opportunities for both trade and expansion.

«Canada is a trading nation. 70% of the country’s economic output comprises international trade alone, and we see a strong administration committed to open trade and economic recovery. The United States hugely influences the Canadian economy, and with the last few years of US-China trade wars likely to come to an end, we see a positive uptrend growth for Canada’s economy this year.» said Michael Sharpe, Head of International Equities at Sanwa Alterna Brokerage.

Economic researchers from Sanwa Alterna Brokerage highlighted that Canada’s national inflation rate lowered to an annual rate of 0.7%. Economic growth has been projected to accelerate to 4% in 2021 and approach the 5% benchmark in the following year. 

Ken Keisuke who heads up the Market Intelligence department at Sanwa Alterna Brokerage commented «Canada has been one of the major countries that have supported fiscal stimulus and are committed to continuing support further if needed over the next couple of years. These efforts have ensured that interest rates stay low, and they have also positively affected the lowering of unemployment rates.»

Financial stock markets have rallied to all-time highs since bottoming out from last April, and both the Dow Jones and the S&P are now up by more than 60%. With investor confidence increasing on the global economy’s state entering a full recovery from the coronavirus declines, markets continue to rally.

About

Sanwa Alterna Brokerage was founded in 2011 to provide a streamlined wealth management and investment service for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth private investors and corporate clients. We have partnered with people and businesses for two decades, incorporating a forward-looking approach that has guided our success.

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SOURCE Sanwa Alterna Brokerage

Loanpal receives $800+ million in first external investment round

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Loanpal, America’s number one point-of-sale payment platform for sustainable home solutions, today announced its first external investment round of more than $800 million led…

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Loanpal, America’s number one point-of-sale payment platform for sustainable home solutions, today announced its first external investment round of more than $800 million led by NEA and WestCap Group, as well as Brookfield Asset Management, Riverstone Holdings and private investors. As part of the transaction, which closed in 2020, Scott Sandell, Managing General Partner at NEA, and Laurence Tosi, Managing Partner of WestCap Group, have joined the company’s board of directors.

«We are solving big world problems with industry-leading technology that makes it easier for everyone to live a more sustainable lifestyle,» said Hayes Barnard, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Loanpal. «Everything on our platform is available as a convenient ‘buy now, pay later’ solution to help homeowners swiftly install smart home upgrades. The mission is to scale an easier deployment of carbon reducing products that benefit the planet, while empowering more Americans to work in mission-driven jobs.»

Loanpal’s proprietary point-of-sale payment platform equips businesses with the fast and frictionless digital tools they need to deploy sustainable home solutions at scale. The technology removes cost barriers for homeowners by providing flexible payment options and creates an efficient channel for financial institutions to deploy their capital in high-performing environmental, social and governance (ESG) assets. Loanpal has provided approximately $5.8 billion of capital for solar and other home efficiency products since 2018, empowering more than 175,000 families to upgrade their homes with modern, sustainable technologies. The platform is accessed by more than 12,000 sales professionals, supporting more than 20,000 clean energy jobs across the United States.

«Loanpal’s commerce platform puts sustainable home solutions within easy reach for homeowners, while creating tens of thousands of jobs and slashing carbon emissions in the process,» said Scott Sandell, Managing General Partner, NEA. «As with any market transformation, the path to sustainability requires a compelling value proposition and Loanpal’s offering squarely hits the mark. It’s one of the best businesses I’ve seen in my career, addressing a critical need for our planet, and I’m thrilled to support this team and its mission.»

«We believe this is just the beginning of a world-changing movement to empower homeowners through access to sustainable energy solutions,» said Laurence Tosi, Founder and Managing Partner, WestCap. «The Loanpal culture and mission reflects a passion for protecting our planet, enabling installers and helping homeowners easily adopt renewable energy technologies.»

About Loanpal
Loanpal is the nation’s number one point-of-sale payment platform for sustainable home solutions. The company is committed to delivering a technology-enabled lending experience that is simple, fast and frictionless, resulting in instant approvals at the point of sale. Loanpal’s technology is being utilized by over 12,000 sales professionals to deploy approximately $5.8 billion of capital for solar and other home efficiency products through its platform since 2018, empowering more than 175,000 families with the flexibility to buy now and pay over time.

Loanpal is a proud partner of GivePower, a 501c3 corporation, whose mission is to build and deploy solar-powered clean water and energy systems to communities in need around the world, currently serving 450,000 people in 19 countries. To learn more about Loanpal, visit, follow and connect with us at loanpal.com, @loanpal, and Linkedin.

About NEA
New Enterprise Associates, Inc. (NEA) is a global venture capital firm focused on helping entrepreneurs build transformational businesses across multiple stages, sectors and geographies. With nearly $24 billion in cumulative committed capital since the firm’s founding in 1977, NEA invests in technology and healthcare companies at all stages in a company’s lifecycle, from seed stage through IPO. The firm’s long track record of successful investing includes more than 230 portfolio company IPOs and more than 390 mergers and acquisitions. www.nea.com.

About WestCap Group
The WestCap Group is a growth equity firm founded by Laurence A. Tosi, who, together with the WestCap team, have founded, capitalized, and operated tech-enabled, asset-light marketplaces for over 20 years. With over $2 billion of assets under management, WestCap has made notable investments in technology businesses such as StubHub, Addepar, Bolt, Hopper, iCapital, Skillz and Sonder. To learn more about WestCap, please visit WestCap.com.

Contact
press@loanpal.com 

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SOURCE Loanpal

VayuAI Among Teams Competing in AFWERX Energy Showcase

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — AFWERX, the catalyst for fostering innovation within the U.S. Air Force, announced VayuAI as one of the 179 participating teams selected from across the globe competing to Reimagining Energy for the DoD.

The AFWERX Challenge is centered around six topics – Fixed and Mobile Energy Generation, Energy Transmission and Distribution, Fixed and Mobile Energy Storage, New Warfighting and Operational Equipment, Data Availability for Improved Planning…

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — AFWERX, the catalyst for fostering innovation within the U.S. Air Force, announced VayuAI as one of the 179 participating teams selected from across the globe competing to Reimagining Energy for the DoD.

The AFWERX Challenge is centered around six topics – Fixed and Mobile Energy Generation, Energy Transmission and Distribution, Fixed and Mobile Energy Storage, New Warfighting and Operational Equipment, Data Availability for Improved Planning and Decision Making, and Energy Culture, Policy, and Education. The proposals selected to advance represent innovative solutions to allow for more effective warfighting and humanitarian missions less reliant on fossil fuels.

Located in San Francisco, VayuAI is competing in the New Warfighting and Operational Equipment alongside a diverse group of teams – originating from the vast regions of North America, Europe, Australia and other allied countries – that represent entrepreneurial startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academic institutions and research labs all vying to Reimagine Energy for the Department of Defense.

«The AFWERX Reimagining Energy for the DoD Challenge is critical to our mission of increasing collaboration between large businesses and entrepreneurs to accelerate solutions for the Air Force,» stated Mark Rowland of AFWERX. «On behalf of AFWERX and the Department of Defense, we congratulate the teams advancing to the next phase. Their contributions are invaluable and have the potential to create game-changing results across the Air Force enterprise.»

The New Warfighting and Operational Equipment Challenge strives to radically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create non-fossil fueled vehicles and equipment. The Department of Defense (DoD) consumes large amounts of operational and facility energy to provide a combat-credible force. The DoD is one of the largest single consumers of energy globally, and the Air Force is the largest user of fuel energy in the US Government. The way we generate, transmit, store, and use this enormous amount of energy today is both a paramount combat enabler and a potentially crippling vulnerability.

VayuAI’s cloud-based platform will reduce labor-intensive tasks by enabling drones to autonomously and safely navigate their environment and perform their work. VayuAI enables drones and robotic ground vehicles to maneuver without risk of collision- in all weather, day or night. This breakthrough will allow the Air Force to transfer appropriate manned truck, helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft missions to smaller and more efficient autonomous vehicles, with significant savings in fuel and manpower.

«VayuAI’s proprietary technology retires the current model of one drone per human operator,» said Jim Kiles, CEO of VayuAI. «This will enable a more scalable and autonomous fleet capable of executing the most challenging missions.»

To learn more about the Reimagining Energy for the DoD Challenges, click here

ABOUT VayuAI
VayuAI’s cloud-based AI enables connected machines to work better together to dramatically enhance outcomes. Solutions are focused on Drones and Wind Energy.

Learn more at vayuai.com.

ABOUT AFWERX
Established in 2017, AFWERX is a product of the U.S. Air Force, directly envisioned by former Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson. Her vision of AFWERX — to solve some of the toughest challenges that the Air Force faces through innovation and collaboration amongst our nation’s top subject matter experts. AFWERX serves as a catalyst to unleash new approaches for the warfighter through a growing ecosystem of innovators. AFWERX and the U.S. Air Force are committed to exploring viable solutions and partnerships to further strengthen the Air Force, which could lead to additional prototyping, R&D, and follow-on production contracts.

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Media Contacts:
Neil Cohen
Neil@vayuai.com

AFWERX Media Contacts:
support@afwerxchallenge.com
Marketing@afwerx.af.mil

Media Contact

Jim Kiles, VayuAI, +1 (415) 317-2956, jim@vayuai.com

Neil Cohen, VayuAI, 415-652-5544, neil@vayuai.com

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SOURCE VayuAI