OYA Solar Closes Development Capital Facility with Greenbacker Capital That Will Support Community Solar Projects Across New York State

Financing supports OYA’s continuing effort to construct 100 MWDC of Community Solar projects in New York in 2021

NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – OYA Solar, a solar developer and asset owner, announced today that it has secured financing that will support the development and construction of approximately 350-400 MWDC of community solar projects across New York State. The development capital financing transaction was successfully closed with a private…

Financing supports OYA’s continuing effort to construct 100 MWDC of Community Solar projects in New York in 2021

NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – OYA Solar, a solar developer and asset owner, announced today that it has secured financing that will support the development and construction of approximately 350-400 MWDC of community solar projects across New York State. The development capital financing transaction was successfully closed with a private equity and credit fund affiliated with Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC., with NY Green Bank, a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority («NYSERDA»), participating.

OYA is on track to commission its first New York project in March 2021, a 6.8 MWDC project located in Constable, New York, and is expected to start construction on its next six New York community solar projects in the first quarter of 2021. By the end of 2021, OYA expects to have placed in service 16 New York community solar projects, or nearly 100 MWDC of capacity and 143 GWh of annual production, enough to power approximately 21,000 homes, and provide clean energy to a wide variety of local businesses, public sector agencies, affordable housing providers and residents.

«We are pleased to have found a strong partner in Greenbacker to enable OYA to unlock the value of its robust portfolio of community solar and utility scale projects in the U.S. northeast and mid-Atlantic regions,» says Manish Nayar, CEO & Founder of OYA Solar. «The Greenbacker team is comprised of seasoned developers with strong market conviction, ultimately providing a flexible, structured solution that recognizes the tremendous value created by converting development pipeline into operating cash flow.» Additionally, OYA is in the process of securing a tax equity commitment of approximately $40 to $50 million for its 2021 construction portfolio. 

«Greenbacker is proud to support renewable energy development and investment in its home state of New York, and we are excited to work with the OYA team over the next several years as the company continues to grow and execute its significant solar development pipeline,» said Ben Baker, Managing Director and Principal of the Greenbacker fund.

«NY Green Bank is pleased to support OYA Solar and provide financing that continues to position New York as one of the fastest growing solar markets in the nation. This transaction and the resulting projects moves us closer to meeting Governor Cuomo’s goal to install six gigawatts of solar by 2025,» said Alfred Griffin, NY Green Bank President.

Today’s announcement builds on existing financing provided to OYA projects and demonstrates NY Green Bank’s mission to accelerate the deployment of capital into New York’s clean energy market.  

The successful closing of the transaction, along with the previously announced $35 million construction financing facility from NY Green Bank, positions OYA to meet its long-term growth objectives and solidifies the company as one of the top community solar developers in New York State. Furthermore, the construction of these projects will have a significant and immediate positive economic impact in New York State and provide direct economic and environmental benefits to New Yorkers for the next 25 years. OYA plans to increase its investment across the State to help support the State’s goal to deploy 6 GW of Distributed Solar by 2025.

If you have any questions for OYA Solar, please contact Janet Janzen at (416) 840-3358 x 131 or media@oyasolar.com. Any questions for Greenbacker Capital, please direct to Joseph Kuo from Haven Tower Group at (424) 317-4851 or mediarelations@greenbackercapital.com.

About OYA Solar
OYA Solar is a North American full-service solar developer committed to developing, constructing, and operating solar projects that provide clean energy and widespread economic and environmental benefits for landowners, communities, and energy customers. Founded in 2009, the company has a track record of delivering projects that provide the best levelized cost of energy («LCOE») across North America. With a project development pipeline of 1,000 MWDC, OYA Solar is proud to be contributing to a better future.

About Greenbacker Capital
Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries.

For more information, please visit www.greenbackercapital.com.

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SOURCE OYA Solar

DuPont Launches SYNERXIA® Gemstone Collection of New High-Performance Yeasts for U.S. Ethanol Market

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences today announced the launch of the SYNERXIA® Gemstone Collection, the next advancement in high-performance yeasts. The new collection from the XCELIS® platform includes SYNERXIA® SAPPHIRE and SYNERXIA® RUBY – two innovative, high-yield yeasts designed for the unique needs of ethanol producers.

This marks the first time that DuPont has co-launched two high-yield yeasts. SYNERXIA® SAPPHIRE brings the…

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences today announced the launch of the SYNERXIA® Gemstone Collection, the next advancement in high-performance yeasts. The new collection from the XCELIS® platform includes SYNERXIA® SAPPHIRE and SYNERXIA® RUBY – two innovative, high-yield yeasts designed for the unique needs of ethanol producers.

This marks the first time that DuPont has co-launched two high-yield yeasts. SYNERXIA® SAPPHIRE brings the most powerful combination of yield, robustness and enzyme expression in a yeast. It offers enhanced ethanol yield increase paired with revolutionary thermotolerance and infection robustness in fermentation and has been genetically engineered to withstand harsh stressors, while still finishing fermentation with ultra-low DP1.

SYNERXIA® SAPPHIRE has been engineered to provide a strong ethanol yield increase compared to conventional yeast and powers through fermentation finishing clean when ethanol producers encounter hot fermentations or severe infections. The product also expresses enough glucoamylase to displace up to 80 percent of the glucoamylase injected to fermentation. The yeast’s strong expression of the powerful glucoamylase offers reduced residual starch for many producers.

SYNERXIA® RUBY is the highest yielding yeast available today from the XCELIS® platform, delivering exceptional performance to producers via a patented PKL pathway and additional targeted genetic modifications. It produces less acetic acid compared to SYNERXIA® THRIVE GX and enables up to 65 percent glucoamylase reduction.

«The SYNERXIA® Gemstone Collection will give ethanol producers flexibility in responding to their individual plant needs while ensuring high ethanol yield and minimal waste,» said Hans Foerster, global marketing director, DuPont Biorefineries. «These new yeasts represent a new standard in high-yield yeasts on the market for ethanol producers and is just the latest in DuPont’s innovative approach to ethanol solutions through the XCELIS® platform.»

To learn more about the SYNERXIA® Gemstone Collection and the XCELIS® platform, visit http://www.xcelis.com or https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/xcelis-ethanol-solutions.

About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. For more information: http://www.dupontnutritionandbiosciences.com.

About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food, and worker safety. More information can be found at http://www.dupont.com/. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

# # #

1/26/2021
DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.

Media Contact

Missy Abbott, DuPont, 314-659-3564, Missy.Abbott@dupont.com

 

SOURCE DuPont

Cox Enterprises Accelerates Sustainability Goals by 10 Years

ATLANTA, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Cox Enterprises announced it has accelerated its goal to be carbon and water neutral from 2044 to 2034 as part of the company’s national sustainability program, Cox Conserves. The new Cox Conserves strategy expedites the company’s zero environmental footprint…

ATLANTA, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Cox Enterprises announced it has accelerated its goal to be carbon and water neutral from 2044 to 2034 as part of the company’s national sustainability program, Cox Conserves. The new Cox Conserves strategy expedites the company’s zero environmental footprint goals by reducing, replacing and recycling within its own operations, along with developing new renewable projects and partnerships to offset impacts.

Since Cox set its original goals in 2013, clean technologies and renewables have advanced, and the costs associated with these industries have decreased. At the same time, the pace of climate change has led to ever-worsening consequences and driven a more urgent need for change.

«Our planet is in crisis,» said Ira Pearl, vice president of environmental sustainability. «Corporate involvement is critical to addressing climate change. When companies, governments and people work together, we can build a more sustainable future.»

By achieving carbon and water neutrality 10 years earlier, Cox will substantially reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere, while also having a meaningful impact on both drinking water and water-related ecosystems. The Zero Waste to Landfill goal will retain its original target of 2024.

Recent advancements in clean technology and the reduced cost of renewable energy have now put these goals within closer reach. The company’s new strategy includes a clear roadmap to achieve these accelerated goals, including: 

  • Reducing Cox’s energy use (75% of our carbon footprint), while replacing the energy we must use with renewable resources.
  • Leveraging new and emerging technologies, utilizing a whole facility approach to reduce energy demand and generate green energy, reducing water use, and driving waste diversion.
  • Reducing water consumption by 30% within our facilities and working with external partners on projects to replenish the remaining 70%.
  • Investing in rainwater harvesting, water reclamation and facility water reductions to achieve the 30% reduction within Cox’s built environment.

Cox also partners with its highly engaged employees, who are a tremendous source of inspiration and ideas to help achieve water and carbon neutrality. The company is enhancing employee education on what can be done at work and home, while offering more immersive and engaging ways for employees to participate.

With nearly $140 million invested in more than 400 projects, Cox has long been committed to driving meaningful progress toward environmental change. Some of its investments include New River Clean Energy, which captures landfill gas to generate renewable energy and reduce methane emissions, and the development of 63 solar arrays in 34 locations. To learn more about Cox’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.CoxCSRReport.com.

About Cox Enterprises 
Cox Enterprises is dedicated to building a better future through our leading communications, automotive, and media companies. Our major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, and we are strategically investing in new industries and emerging technologies, with sizeable interests in clean technology and healthcare. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with nearly $20 billion in annual revenues and brands that include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Cox Homelife. Founded in 1898 by Ohio Governor James M. Cox, the company is a family-owned business committed to its people, communities and planet. To learn more about Cox, visit coxenterprises.com, view our Sustainability Report at coxcsrreport.com, or follow us on Twitter via @CoxEnterprises or @AlexTaylor_Cox. 

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises

New research highlights racial inequities in the Bay Area workforce and makes actionable recommendations for equitable economic recovery

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A new report shows that despite the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation for innovation and prosperity, deep racial inequities are built into the regional economy and disproportionately impact people of color. The report analyzes disaggregated data to identify workforce equity strategies that should be implemented to foster broad economic prosperity.

Advancing Workforce Equity in the Bay Area: A Blueprint for…

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A new report shows that despite the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation for innovation and prosperity, deep racial inequities are built into the regional economy and disproportionately impact people of color. The report analyzes disaggregated data to identify workforce equity strategies that should be implemented to foster broad economic prosperity.

Advancing Workforce Equity in the Bay Area: A Blueprint for Action, released today by the National Equity Atlas (a partnership between PolicyLink and the USC Equity Research Institute) with the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, ReWork the Bay, Burning Glass Technologies, and JPMorgan Chase, highlights stark realities for workers in the region.

Occupational segregation is stark and the impact of this is widespread. Latinx workers are about 22% of the total area workforce, but more than 67% of building maintenance workers, and just 5% of computer and mathematical jobs. White workers earn more than people or color across every level of education, with the exception of Asian American or Pacific Islander workers with a bachelor’s degree, who earn similar median wages to White workers.

Deeply entrenched racial inequity cost the region $348 billion in unrealized GDP in 2018 alone. Inequities in the system are felt by the whole region, and workers of color are bearing the burden.

«Across our national network of employers, workforce development boards, training providers, and community partners, the situation mirrors what this data reveals: Racial inequities are entrenched in all aspects of the workforce system,» said Amanda Cage, president and CEO of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions. «To ensure the system works for everyone, we need to start fixing these issues now.»

The report offers a robust plan, which centers workers themselves, to build a thriving and inclusive regional workforce: 

  • Establish a worker bill of rights.
  • Define health and wellness standards to empower workers and incentivize employers.
  • Develop community-centered economic plans.
  • Strengthen the social safety net to improve worker benefits.
  • Include workers’ rights training into workforce development programs.

«Our region has generated tremendous wealth, but it has been inequitable. We want everyone, especially underpaid working people, to have jobs that allow them to both benefit from and shape the Bay Area’s economy,» said Rob Hope, director at Rework the Bay – the local partner of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions.

The report, data, and analysis can be found at https://nationalequityatlas.org/research/workforce-equity-bay-area.

Advancing Workforce Equity in the San Francisco: A Blueprint for Action was developed through a partnership of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, ReWork the BayPolicyLinkUSC Equity Research Institute, and Burning Glass Technologies, with support from JPMorgan Chase.

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SOURCE The National Fund for Workforce Solutions

New ROUSH CleanTech Electric Truck Achieves Key California Incentive

LIVONIA, Mich., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ROUSH CleanTech’s Ford F-650 battery electric truck has achieved the prestigious California Hybrid and Zero-emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) eligibility listing.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), in partnership with CALSTART, launched the California HVIP vehicle purchase incentive program in 2009 to accelerate the acquisition of cleaner, more efficient trucks and buses in the state. HVIP provides point-of-sale…

LIVONIA, Mich., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ROUSH CleanTech’s Ford F-650 battery electric truck has achieved the prestigious California Hybrid and Zero-emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) eligibility listing.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), in partnership with CALSTART, launched the California HVIP vehicle purchase incentive program in 2009 to accelerate the acquisition of cleaner, more efficient trucks and buses in the state. HVIP provides point-of-sale discount vouchers that reduce the buying cost of vehicles operated in California.

«CARB is pleased to add the ROUSH CleanTech Ford F-650 to the growing lineup of HVIP-eligible zero-emission trucks and buses, helping California reach the goal in Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20 that all operations of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles be 100 percent zero emission by 2045, where feasible,» said Steven Cliff, CARB deputy executive officer.

Engineered for performance, the all-electric F-650 has a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour and a 100-mile range. «ROUSH CleanTech is renowned for its advanced clean transportation solutions, and it continues to move aggressively in the battery electric vehicle space,» said Todd Mouw, president of ROUSH CleanTech.

The company’s battery electric vehicles meet all Department of Transportation regulations, comply with all applicable vehicle Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications (FMVSS) requirements, and adhere to the California Zero Emissions Powertrain certification program. The battery pack is warranted for five years or 60,000 miles, with a minimum 80% (110 kW) recharging capacity for the warranty lifecycle. The all-electric F-650 is suitable for a range of industry applications, including delivery, urban maintenance and aviation ground support.

South Coast Air Quality Management District, the regulatory agency focused on improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, helped partially fund product development.

Built in the United States, these battery electric vehicles create local, American jobs, and at the same time keep communities and the air cleaner, Mouw said. Plus, battery electric vehicles save time and money over the vehicle lifespan. Many studies show the cost per mile for electric fleet vehicles is about two-thirds less than with conventional fuels.

The company recently hired Natalia Swalnick, a transportation and energy public policy expert, as its West Coast director of government affairs to serve the burgeoning market.

«With more than 37,000 medium-duty trucks and buses accumulating well over 1 billion road miles, we understand how to engineer, sell, service and support our customers through the complete asset lifecycle,» said Mouw. The vehicles are backed by decades of electric vehicle engineering capability from parent company Roush Enterprises.

The company, which has already supplied two electric vehicles to Penske, is currently taking orders.

About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of advanced clean transportation solutions, is a division of the global engineering company Roush Enterprises. ROUSH CleanTech develops propane autogas and electric propulsion technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses. With more than 37,000 vehicles on the road, the Livonia, Michigan-based company delivers economical, emissions-reducing options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.

Media Contact

Gregg Voss, ROUSH CleanTech, 224.542.9530, gvoss@tsncommunications.com

Twitter

 

SOURCE ROUSH CleanTech

Recorded Future Caps 2020 with 50% ARR Growth

BOSTON, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Recorded Future, the world’s largest provider of intelligence for enterprise security, today announced outstanding, continued growth in 2020, fueled by the critical need for intelligence to strengthen the security posture of organizations. Despite challenging economic circumstances, the company increased global revenue by 50 percent; acquired more than 350 new clients; and doubled its user base.

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BOSTON, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Recorded Future, the world’s largest provider of intelligence for enterprise security, today announced outstanding, continued growth in 2020, fueled by the critical need for intelligence to strengthen the security posture of organizations. Despite challenging economic circumstances, the company increased global revenue by 50 percent; acquired more than 350 new clients; and doubled its user base.

In addition to its best sales year in company history, Recorded Future increased the breadth of data collection within its security intelligence platform by 56 percent; launched a portfolio of use-case focused intelligence solutions; and published groundbreaking research on nation state cyber campaigns.

«The acceleration of digital transformation, combined with skyrocketing adversarial activity, made 2020 a tumultuous year and created a greater sense of urgency for threat visibility across the enterprise. Our intelligence is more vital today than ever before, empowering security teams to preempt and disrupt adversaries, mitigate risk, and avoid business disruption. Despite the increasing chaos and uncertainty, our team provided elite support to our global client base with the world’s best intelligence — through our platform and our amazing people — and as a result achieved our strongest financial year in the history of our company.»— Dr. Christopher Ahlberg, CEO and Co-Founder, Recorded Future

Record Growth
In 2020, Recorded Future achieved annual recurring revenue (ARR) of more than $140M, 50 percent year-over-year (YOY) growth, making the company the largest provider of security intelligence and the de facto standard for organizations around the world. It added 350 new clients, bringing the total to more than 900 organizations and 7,000 users in 50 countries.

Recorded Future introduced use-case focused modules that deliver contextualized intelligence across a wide range of business areas, including: SecOps Intelligence, Threat Intelligence, Brand Intelligence, Vulnerability Intelligence, Third-Party Intelligence, and Geopolitical Intelligence. With more than 150 technology integrations, the Recorded Future Security Intelligence Platform enables collaboration across security functions while providing a single authoritative source for all intelligence needs. Recorded Future plans to introduce additional modules in 2021.

Request a demo of Recorded Future at: https://www.recordedfuture.com/demo/

Industry-Leading Cybersecurity Research
In 2020 alone, Recorded Future’s Insikt Group curated over 8,000 proprietary analyst notes and published groundbreaking research, including nation state analysis with insights into North Korean senior leadership’s internet activity, and cyber campaigns by RedDelta, a Chinese-state sponsored threat activity group, against the Vatican. The Recorded Future platform now maintains over 20,000 threat analyst-curated research notes to offer contextualized intelligence to security teams.

Intelligence-Led News Coverage
The company’s media engine continued to grow with the addition of The Record by Recorded Future, a news site spearheaded by former Wall Street Journal cybersecurity journalist Adam Janofsky, to report on the people, threats, and policies driving the cybersecurity world. Recorded Future’s industry-leading podcast Inside Security Intelligence also closed out the year with over 1.1M unique downloads to-date.

Awards
Recorded Future and its solutions received numerous awards and recognitions in 2020, including: Boston Globe Top Places to Work; Deloitte Technology Fast 500™; CyberSecurity Breakthrough Award; SC Awards Europe 2020; 2020 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards; and the 2020 Cyber Defense Magazine’s InfoSec Awards.

About Recorded Future
Recorded Future is the world’s largest provider of intelligence for enterprise security. By combining persistent and pervasive automated data collection and analytics with human analysis, Recorded Future delivers intelligence that is timely, accurate, and actionable. In a world of ever-increasing chaos and uncertainty, Recorded Future empowers organizations with the visibility they need to identify and detect threats faster; take proactive action to disrupt adversaries; and protect their people, systems, and assets, so business can be conducted with confidence. Recorded Future is trusted by hundreds of businesses and government organizations around the world. Learn more at www.recordedfuture.com and follow us on Twitter at @RecordedFuture.

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SOURCE Recorded Future

NETA Awards $25,000 Security Equipment Grant to Social Equity Applicant Cannabis Delivery Service in Massachusetts

FRANKLIN, Mass., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — New England Treatment Access (NETA), a division of the privately-held, multi-state cannabis company Parallel and a leading cannabis operator in Massachusetts, today announced that «Florencia,» a social equity cannabis license applicant, is the recipient of $25,000 through its Security Equipment Grant Program. NETA’s initiative is designed to help reduce barriers to entry for social equity…

FRANKLIN, Mass., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — New England Treatment Access (NETA), a division of the privately-held, multi-state cannabis company Parallel and a leading cannabis operator in Massachusetts, today announced that «Florencia,» a social equity cannabis license applicant, is the recipient of $25,000 through its Security Equipment Grant Program. NETA’s initiative is designed to help reduce barriers to entry for social equity applicants into the state’s cannabis industry. 

Florencia will be one of the first to receive a home-delivery license from the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) for social equity applicants. The company plans to locate in Uxbridge, Massachusetts pending final town approvals. Florencia is owned by Jensen and Jackson Mejia, twin brothers who came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1991 and have called Worcester, Massachusetts home. The Mejia’s brother Ardwin, who is a decorated U.S. Marine, serving the country around the world, will join the business when he returns from his current military duties. The $25,000 grant will be used to outfit their delivery vehicles with compliant security equipment, as mandated by the CCC.

«The Mejia brothers are impressive entrepreneurs who share NETA’s commitment to promote social responsibility and inclusion in their workplace and in the cannabis industry,» said Kim Napoli, Sr. Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Affairs for Parallel. «We decided the brothers should receive the entire $25,000 grant because they represent the ideal of the state’s social equity program, and our intention to promote communities of color who do not have the financial backing to get started in the industry. This Massachusetts focused grant program is part of our NETA Cares Initiatives, which is one piece of Parallel’s efforts to foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of diversity and equity across our entire company.»

The Mejia brothers expressed their gratitude to NETA and Parallel for supporting their opportunity, saying «This is not only meaningful to us, but also to the goal of achieving social equity in cannabis. To us, the social equity program is not only a public acknowledgement of the systemic inequality in our society, but a powerful tool to begin to redress that inequality.»

Jensen and Jackson noted, «We recognize the responsibility we have to our community to be good stewards of this opportunity. For that reason, we plan to operate Florencia in a way that fosters and maximizes opportunities for people from disadvantaged communities and to give back as much as we possibly can.»

NETA will be presenting the funds to Florencia next week.

About Parallel
Parallel is one of the largest privately-held, vertically-integrated, multi-state cannabis companies in the world with a mission to pioneer well-being and improve the quality of life through cannabinoids.  Parallel owns and operates retail dispensaries in four medical and adult-use markets:  Surterra Wellness in Florida and Texas; New England Treatment Access (NETA) in Massachusetts, and The Apothecary Shoppe in Nevada.  Parallel also has a license under its Goodblend brand in Pennsylvania for vertically-integrated operations and up to six retail locations, in addition to a medical cannabis research partnership with the University of Pittsburgh. The Company has a diverse portfolio of high quality, proprietary and licensed consumer brands and products including Surterra Wellness, Coral Reefer, Float and Heights. Parallel operates approximately 50 retail stores nationwide, including cultivation and manufacturing sites across the four states. The Company, through its biosciences division, conducts advanced cannabis science and R&D for new product development in its facilities in Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, and Budapest, Hungary. Parallel follows rigorous operations and business practices to ensure the quality, safety, consistency and efficacy of its products and is building its business by following strong values and putting the well-being of its customers and employees first. Find more information at www.liveParallel.com, or on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact for NETA

Peter Brown
peter@peterbrowncommunications.com

Media Contacts for Parallel

MATTIO Communications
parallel@mattio.com

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SOURCE Parallel

La Asociación Hispana de Relaciones Públicas anuncia su Junta Directiva Nacional para el periodo 2021-2022

La organización nacional líder en el país para profesionales hispanos de relaciones públicas busca ampliar los programas y las becas para profesionales y estudiantes de la industria, respectivamente.

MIAMI, 26 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — La <a target="_blank"…

La organización nacional líder en el país para profesionales hispanos de relaciones públicas busca ampliar los programas y las becas para profesionales y estudiantes de la industria, respectivamente.

MIAMI, 26 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — La Asociación Hispana de Relaciones Públicas (HPRA) anunció hoy que Sonia V. Díaz de Balsera Communications se desempeñará como presidenta de la Junta Ejecutiva de la HPRA durante el periodo 2021-2022. Díaz, quien ha sido parte de la organización durante siete años, anteriormente se desempeñó como presidente de la delegación de la HPRA en Miami de 2014 a 2016. Jaime Rojas de Rojas Communications Group, con sede en Los Ángeles, se desempeñará como presidente electo para 2022.

«Como una organización de profesionales que se ha visto muy afectada por una serie de crisis tanto económicas como sociales durante el año pasado, creemos que es más importante que nunca involucrar a nuestra industria de una manera que garantice su crecimiento y desarrollo continuo en 2021», afirmó Díaz.

Según un informe de 2018 de Harvard Business Review, los latinos representan solo el 5,7 % de la industria, aunque constituyen el 17 % de la fuerza laboral en todo el país. La brecha de género a nivel ejecutivo es mucho más amplia, ya que el 70 % de la fuerza laboral de la industria es femenina, pero solo ocupa el 30 % de los puestos ejecutivos.

«Nuestra nueva junta ejecutiva está compuesta por un conjunto diverso de líderes en comunicaciones que están ansiosos por compartir sus mejores prácticas para abordar problemas críticos que afectan a nuestra industria en todos los sectores, como el rápido aumento de la desinformación en línea, la diversidad, equidad e inclusión en las organizaciones, y la recaudación de fondos en un mundo virtual, entre otros», agregó. 

Además de Díaz y Rojas, la Junta Ejecutiva de la HPRA para el 2021-2022 incluye a:

  • Tesorero: Elia Verduzco, OCTA.
  • Secretaria: Maggie Santos, Ciudad de Doral
  • Directores en general: Darcy Brito, AFLAC; Mario Flores, Sportivo; Maggie Hernandez, Cision; Mayra Ramos Miró, Red Heels PR; Jennifer Morales, Amazon; Carla Santiago, Edelman; y Oscar Suris, Zeno Group.
  • Copresidentes del Comité BRAVO: Andy Checo, Havas FORMULATIN; y Brenda Mendoza, Guardian Life.
  • Presidentes anteriores: Stephen Chavez, Chavez PR; Andy Checo, Havas FORMULATIN; e Yvonne Lorie, ReFresh PR.

Las oportunidades de liderazgo y desarrollo profesional que ofrece la HPRA, incluida la presencia en conferencias clave de la industria, también cuentan con el respaldo de las delegaciones locales y regionales de la organización, que ofrecen iniciativas de desarrollo profesional en el mercado y actividades de redes de contactos exclusivas con los mejores periodistas y líderes de opinión de la industria.

Los presidentes de las delegaciones de la HPRA incluyen a: 

  • Los Ángeles: Jaime Rojas, Rojas Communications Group.
  • Miami: Erika Cruz, Edelman.
  • Nueva York: Erika Sanchez, Braid Communications.
  • Texas: Audrey Ponzio, APC Collective.
  • Carolina del Norte y Carolina del Sur: Natalia Flores, APR, Inspire PR.
  • Representante colegiado de la HPRA: Catalina Santana, Universidad de Florida.

Cada año, el ¡BRAVO! de la HPRA Los premios reconocen las campañas más innovadoras, creativas y culturales en varias categorías, a saber: tecnología, alimentos y bebidas, salud y nutrición, deportes, automotriz, digital, sin fines de lucro y marketing integrado, con el fin de honrar a quienes son pioneros en sus respectivas industrias. El ¡BRAVO! 2021 La entrega de premios está programada para el mes de septiembre en la ciudad de Nueva York.

Para obtener más información sobre la HPRA, las delegaciones locales y los premios ¡BRAVO!  y/o el programa de becas de la organización, visite www.hpra-usa.org.

Acerca de la Asociación Hispana de Relaciones Públicas (HPRA)
La Asociación Hispana de Relaciones Públicas (HPRA), fundada en 1984, es la organización más importante de profesionales hispanos en relaciones públicas de los EE. UU. La HPRA es un recurso para profesionales de la comunicación y para personas que buscan obtener experiencia en el mercado hispano. Está dedicada al reconocimiento y promoción de los hispanos en las relaciones públicas a través de programas anuales, iniciativas de desarrollo profesional y redes. La HPRA alberga uno de los eventos anuales más esperados donde se premia a la industria: los premios Bravo de la HPRA, que reconocen las campañas más destacadas del mercado. La organización nacional tiene como objetivo satisfacer las necesidades profesionales del creciente número de agencias, profesionales y trabajadores independientes de relaciones públicas hispanos en todos los EE. UU. La HPRA, sus delegaciones y las delegaciones en formación están allanando el camino para la próxima fase de crecimiento y evolución en la industria de las relaciones públicas, especialmente en el mercado hispano. Para obtener más información, visite www.hpra-usa.org.

Fotografía: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1426629/HPRA_board_officers.jpg

 

FUENTE Hispanic Public Relations Association

Florida Realtors® 2021 Real Estate Trends: What’s Ahead for Fla. Real Estate?

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Real estate drives Florida’s economy, and figuring out what lies ahead in 2021 is key for policymakers, residents and Realtors, especially with a continuing global pandemic. This year’s Florida Realtors® 2021 Florida Real Estate Trends virtual summit also features a panel discussion on how residential and commercial real estate intersect, along with trends in development and new home-construction.

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ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Real estate drives Florida’s economy, and figuring out what lies ahead in 2021 is key for policymakers, residents and Realtors, especially with a continuing global pandemic. This year’s Florida Realtors® 2021 Florida Real Estate Trends virtual summit also features a panel discussion on how residential and commercial real estate intersect, along with trends in development and new home-construction.

Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor and Dr. Robert Dietz, chief economist and senior vice president for economics and housing policy for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), will share their insights at the 2021 Florida Real Estate Trends on Feb. 4. The Zoom webinar begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m.

Dr. Dietz will discuss trends in new-home construction, while Dr. O’Connor will focus on the Sunshine State’s residential real estate market. He will recap 2020 and share his expectations for the year ahead.

«From a real estate perspective, the big story in 2020 was the housing market’s ability to weather the COVID-19 pandemic and lead the nation into a period of economic recovery,» O’Connor says. «Yet at the same time, the rapid pace of sales we’ve seen in recent months has reduced Florida’s inventory of homes for sale to its lowest level in years. At this year’s Florida Real Estate Trends, we will take a detailed look at trends in new home construction, which is the only means we have of getting out of this housing shortage situation in the long run.»

He explains, «Another hot topic in real estate this past year has been which long-run trends have been disrupted vs. accelerated by the pandemic. We’ll present the latest data and have some in-depth discussions about Florida’s migration patterns, shifts in urban and suburban housing demand, and the future of Florida’s cities and real estate industry in a post-pandemic world.»

Following the economic presentations, a panel of homebuilders and commercial real estate experts will discuss, «What Happens When the Office and Store Move Home?» Moderated by Jennifer Quinn, economist and director of economic development for Florida Realtors, the panel includes Kristine Smale, senior vice president, Zonda Advisory; Chris Owen, director, Florida research, Cushman & Wakefield; and Nancy Muscatello, managing consultant, CoStar Advisory Services, CoStar Group.

«This is a ‘must-see’ opportunity for Realtors and anyone interested in Florida’s future,» says 2021 Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert, broker-owner with Only Way Realty Citrus in Inverness. «The information you’ll gain from our Real Estate Trends event offers valuable insight for your business in the months to come.»

For more information and to register, go to 2021 Real Estate Trends on Florida Realtors’ member website.

Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to about 200,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

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SOURCE Florida Realtors

World Dog Alliance: US Lawmakers Support International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Soon after his inauguration, U.S. President Biden signed a number of executive orders and bills to bring the United States back to a position of world leadership. The two U.S. congressmen who championed the «Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption» legislation in 2018 shared their expectations with the World Dog Alliance for the Biden administration to initiate the International Agreement to Prohibit…

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Soon after his inauguration, U.S. President Biden signed a number of executive orders and bills to bring the United States back to a position of world leadership. The two U.S. congressmen who championed the «Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption» legislation in 2018 shared their expectations with the World Dog Alliance for the Biden administration to initiate the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.

U.S Congressman Alcee Hastings, a leading figure in the «Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption» legislation, has proposed many bills and resolutions condemning the consumption of dog and cat meat. In September 2019, Genlin, the founder of the World Dog Alliance, presented the Golden Dog Award to Congressman Hastings in recognition of his contribution to animal welfare.

Congressman Hastings spoke highly of the World Dog Alliance’s efforts in China and Japan. He was particularly encouraged by the Chinese city of Shenzhen passing legislation to ban the consumption of dogs and cats: «Shenzhen becoming the first Chinese city to outlaw the dog and cat meat trade is an important step in the right direction, especially since Shenzhen has historically been a city to pilot reforms that are later implemented by all of China. As I have done throughout my career, I urge China and all countries with similar practices to initiate a ban on the dog and cat meat trade.«

U.S Congressman Rodney Davis, another recipient of the Golden Dog Award, is a known dog lover and an advocate for banning the consumption of dog and cat meat. He believes it was a crucial first step when 34 Japanese congressmen jointly signed a letter urging Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide to initiate the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cat, and said: «I am glad to see other global leaders engaging more on this issue and working toward ending the human consumption of dog and cat meat.«

«I hope that this International Agreement is prioritized by the Biden Administration and am optimistic that this can be a topic of negotiations in future trade agreements as we seek to enhance trade relations with other countries,» said Congressman Davis.

In February 2020, Congressman Hastings and Davis along with 30 other congressmen from both the Democratic and Republican Parties jointly signed a letter to former President Trump calling on him to support the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats advocated by the World Dog Alliance. The letter received a handwritten reply by Sonny Perdue, the former United States Secretary of Agriculture, which expressed the government’s full support to promote the signing of the International Agreement by the United States, China, and Japan.

«It is critical that other countries work together to raise awareness of this issue and garner public support around ending the consumption of dog and cat meat.»

 U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis

«The World Dog Alliance has my full support in their efforts to urge governments in the U.S., China, and Japan to sign onto the International Agreement and I join them in these efforts.»

 U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings

Genlin has faith in the Biden Administration, «President Biden has promised to bring the United States back to the Paris Agreement; he has also stated that he would restore the tradition of the White House’s ‘first pet’, which demonstrates his care for animals, the environment, and international cooperation. I hope he will introduce the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats when discussing the Paris Agreement with leaders of other countries, so the world can work together to improve animal and environmental protection.»

Related Images

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International Agreement

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SOURCE World Dog Alliance