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Agero Lauded by Frost & Sullivan for Alleviating the Stress of Roadside Events with Its Advanced Dispatch and Management Technology

New digital platform optimizes customer experience, streamlines service provider selection and delivers greater reporting transparency

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the global digitalized roadside driver assistance market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Agero,…

New digital platform optimizes customer experience, streamlines service provider selection and delivers greater reporting transparency

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the global digitalized roadside driver assistance market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Agero, Inc. with the 2020 Global Customer Value Leadership Award. Agero is redefining roadside assistance and connected car services with its dispatch and management technology integrated with the Swoop platform. By combining data-driven technology and a human touch, Swoop improves the consumer’s relationship with their assistance program provider, whether it be their insurer, automaker, or fleet manager. The platform modernizes the complete breakdown experience for each stakeholder in the end-to-end service delivery chain – consumer, service provider, contact center agent, client and Agero – with built-in transparency and real-time updates.

With its Swoop Dispatch Management platform, delivered as a software-as-a-service, Agero enables insurers, automakers and fleet managers to present a fully digital experience to customers in need of roadside assistance. Aligning the dispatch technology for measuring the variables to select the best service provider with an omnichannel approach, including web apps and mobile APIs, Agero resolves each situation in a way that ensures superior customer satisfaction.

«Agero’s unified platform is flexible and variably configurable to support multiple business types and multi-tenant client management. Significantly, Swoop Dispatch Management can integrate with clients’ existing contact center functions or service provider network operations. In the tow management software component, available on desktop and mobile apps, the Swoop platform automates workflows to fit the needs of both large and small tow operators, assigns jobs to drivers, and streamlines invoicing,» said Vishwas Shankar, Research Director at Frost & Sullivan. «In the agent-facing software, Agero employs advanced algorithms to analyze massive amounts of data to best match tow service providers to end-customer needs and the business preferences of the client insurer, automaker or fleet operator.»

The platform is a single, transparent source of information for roadside customers, call center agents, insurers, fleet or automakers, a dealership receiving the vehicle, and the tow operator. It can easily deploy in each of these stakeholders’ environments as a full-stack, stand-alone, or integrated offering with existing software. With job progress dashboards and intuitive design to map the events and hotspots, Agero offers an exceptional user experience for clients. It also includes reporting and analytics functions to identify insights and performance indicators from each case event.

«The Agero solution facilitates the modernization and digital transformation of legacy technologies that do not meet the expectations of contemporary customers,» noted Nick Baugh, Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. «The company is preparing to position itself as the key enabler of all mobility assistance, across mobility modes and channels. As consumers transition away from traditional car ownership models, Agero can support and connect numerous multimodal ecosystem participants while constantly improving integration across channels and service areas.»

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that demonstrates excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for its customers with a focus on improving the return on the investment that customers make in its services or products. The award recognizes the company’s unique focus on augmenting the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and customer base expansion.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Bianca Torres
P: 210.477.8418
E: bianca.torres@frost.com

About Agero
Agero’s mission is to rethink the roadside experience through a powerful combination of passionate people and data-driven technology, strengthening its clients’ relationships with their customers. As a leading B2B provider of next-gen driver assistance services, Agero is pushing the industry in a new direction, taking manual processes and redefining them as digital, transparent and connected. This includes: a transformative roadside event management platform powered by Swoop, a San Francisco based software company acquired in 2018; comprehensive accident management services; knowledgeable consumer affairs and connected vehicle capabilities; and intuitive tow dispatch software.

The company protects 115 million vehicles in partnership with leading automobile manufacturers, insurance carriers and other diversified clients. Managing one of the largest national networks of service providers, Agero responds to approximately 12 million service events annually. Agero, a member company of The Cross Country Group, is headquartered in Medford, Mass., with operations throughout North America and Europe. To learn more, visit www.agero.com.

Contact:

Kate Patty
PR Manager, Agero
Phone: 781.306.3771
Email: KPatty@agero.com

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

North American Passive House Network Announces the High-Performance Building Ventilation Symposium

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) announced today that it is hosting a building ventilation symposium titled Let’s Clear The Air: Ventilation, High Performance, and Passive House, to be held online, Wednesday, March 10, at 2 – 5:30 PM EST. The symposium will gather experts in building ventilation and the application of Passive House high-performance targets.

In designing and…

In designing and building high-performance buildings, ventilation is often an underappreciated component. The pandemic has made the health implications of good ventilation more obvious but the energy impact remains largely obscured.

Yet when we target radical whole-building energy efficiency, ventilation energy impacts become significant and obvious. The Passive House Institute has helped lead the effort to advance ventilation testing, protocols and certification of components to ensure that high-quality ventilation is a core solution of high-performance building outcomes.

Why does the Passive House methodology demand certain testing and how did we get here? What’s next? What are the implications for whole building systems design and long-term performance?

This symposium tackles these questions, providing a common frame of reference, greater clarity and shared understanding, in the pursuit of growing high-performance building and Passive House markets.

«We are excited to host this important symposium event,» said NAPHN Executive Director, Ken Levenson. «As we push toward more robust health, efficiency and climate outcomes in our built environment, more questions arise – from professional practitioners and industry players. This event is meant to answer many of those questions and provide a baseline to help move the American building industry forward toward our zero-carbon emissions future .»

As carbon emissions goals tighten, efficiency demands grow, and Passive House performance levels are normalized, this focus on ventilation performance is an opportunity for the ventilation industry around the world and in the US. If component testing outputs can provide Passive House modeling data inputs, and products can meet Passive House targets, there is an emerging high-performance global market that can be served to the benefit of everyone.

Find out more information and register for the event at https://naphnetwork.org/events/ventilation-symposium/

# # #

About NAPHN:
The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) is an independent national non-profit educational organization affiliated with the International Passive House Association (iPHA) and the Passive House Institute (PHI), located in Darmstadt, Germany.

NAPHN has chapters based in New Jersey (http://www.njpassivehouse.com), Washington DC (http://www.naphnetwork.org), the Rocky Mountain Region (http://www.phrockymountains.com), Minnesota (http://www.passivehouseminnesota.org) and Pennsylvania (http://www.passivehousewpa.com).

NAPHN supports the widespread adoption of the international Passive House design and construction standards, building science principles and protocols, as a critical response to our climate crisis – providing unparalleled effectiveness in mitigating climate disruptions and adapting to rapidly changing environmental conditions.

NAPHN is focused on the inflection point between policy and implementation. We partner with leading stakeholders across all building sectors, including governments, professional associations, manufacturers, owners, builders, labor organizations, and educational institutions – to make the transformation complete. http://www.naphnetwork.org

About Passive House:
Passive House is an international building standard and methodology, applicable to buildings of all kinds from office buildings to hospitals, new-build and renovations, that results in a dramatic
drop in operational energy use, and more comfortable and healthy occupants – meant to aggressively mitigate our climate crisis while providing resilient adaptation.

The Passive House Standard was developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI), an independent scientific research organization, located in Darmstadt, Germany, and includes specific requirements for energy use and comfort of occupants. The Passive House Standard is being successfully applied to thousands of buildings and millions of square feet around the world, from Boston to Beijing.

The Passive House methodology starts with reducing cooling, dehumidification and heating loads by focusing, not on gadgets and active technology, but instead on fully integrated durable passive building components, such as proper continuous thermal-bridge-free insulation, continuous airtightness, high-performance windows and doors, and ventilation that includes a high-efficiency heat/energy recovery core, carefully calculated, and all integrated with the entire architectural process of design and construction. http://www.passivehouse.com http://www.passipedia.org

View an Introduction to Passive house video: https://youtu.be/G1u5q8IbCak
Not sure what Passive House means? Watch this video: https://youtu.be/fy9nnso306o

Media Contact

Ken Levenson, North American Passive House Network, +1 (917) 837-8487, ken@naphnetwork.org

SOURCE North American Passive House Network

Pentair Brings Better Water to the Twin Cities

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pentair, a leading provider of water treatment and sustainable solutions, is bringing its in-home water services to the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro areas. Twin Cities residents can now schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with a Pentair Water Solutions expert who will create a tailored water solution through a seamless and personalized…

«We’re excited to now offer our in-home water services and solutions in the Twin Cities, where Pentair was first founded more than 50 years ago,» says Melissa Jones, Vice President of Pentair Water Solutions. «As the official smart, sustainable water provider of the Minnesota Twins, we are known for delivering great-tasting, refreshing water at our filtration stations at Target Field. Now, Pentair water experts are here to provide a customized water solution for Twin Cities residents to address their unique home water challenges.»

Water quality can be different from zip code to zip code and even from home to home based on water source, transfer pipes and plumbing in the home. Pentair’s water experts utilize established equipment to test water samples in the home or in their laboratory to detect and assess what is present in a home’s unique water supply, and also consider factors like lifestyle, water usage, and budget when recommending water filtration and softening systems for a home. Once matched with the right customized solutions, homeowners can look forward to great-tasting water from every faucet in the home. Pentair’s team of experienced professionals size, install, and service each system for added piece of mind.

Tap the Benefits of Better Water
Proactive at-home water treatment can help deliver great-tasting water for drinking, as well as cleaner dishes, laundry and shower walls, and softer skin and shinier hair. There are also potential environmental benefits. Filtered water straight from the tap can reduce the need for single-use bottled water, saving money and helping to keep plastic out of landfills and oceans. Reducing buildup and residue from minerals and dirt in water can also help extend the life of appliances such as the dishwasher or coffee maker, along with helping to reduce the amount of soap and detergent needed for cleaning.

Twin Cities residents seeking a comprehensive solution to their water quality concerns can call today to schedule a completely free in-home or virtual consultation. Pentair Water Solution installations are performed with white glove service. Visit pentair.com/msp to learn more, and to request an appointment.

ABOUT PENTAIR PLC
Pentair makes the most of life’s essential resources. From our residential and business solutions that help people move, improve and enjoy their water, to our sustainable innovations and applications, we deliver smart, sustainable solutions for life.

Pentair had revenue in 2020 of $3 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 9,750 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit Pentair.com.

Media Contact

Rebecca Osborn, Pentair, +1 763-203-5326, rebecca.osborn@pentair.com

SOURCE Pentair

SAE ITC Announces Nexteer Automotive Has Joined The Health-Ready Component & Systems (HRCS) Consortium

WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (SAE ITC®) is pleased to welcome Nexteer Automotive to the Health Ready Components and Systems (HRCS) consortium. Nexteer joins members Bell, Garrett Motion, General Motors, Global Strategic Solutions LLC, SafeRide Technologies, VHM Innovations LLC and Volvo Group Trucks Technology in the HRCS consortium to implement Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) technologies.

«We believe that IVHM technology will provide significant advantages in terms of performance, availability, and safety,» said Peter Grau, program manager, HRCS Consortium. «To date, the level of IVHM deployment has been limited due in part to a lack of uniform information sharing methods. The HRCS Consortium sees an opportunity to accelerate IVHM implementation through the application of open standards to promote interoperability and avoid the proliferation of costly and potentially counterproductive proprietary approaches.»

Nexteer Automotive joins the HRCS Consortium to deploy the best practices and guidance provided in the SAE JA6268™ Standard: Design & Run-Time Information Exchange for Health-Ready Components. SAE JA6268 is the foundational document which facilitates integration of IVHM functionality in health-ready components to meet the needs and objectives of operators, OEMs, and government regulators in a cost-effective manner. The standard provides a structured methodology for specifying, characterizing, and exposing the inherent IVHM functionality of a component or subsystem using a common functional reference model.

«With the growing technology push for increased electrification and even autonomy in the transportation sectors, VHM and the new SAE HRCS Consortium offers a proactive approach to mitigate the concurrent risks,» said Steve Holland, lead consultant for VHM Innovations, LLC and Chairman of the HRCS Consortium stated. «Game-changing opportunities are abound for Vehicle Health Management in the transportation-related sectors and the new SAE HRCS Consortium promises to speed up industrial application.»

Robin Milavec, Senior Vice President, Executive Board Director, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Nexteer Automotive, added: «Nexteer is excited to join SAE’s consortium on Health Ready Components and Systems. Implementing a necessary framework and industry standard enables the deployment of new algorithms – such as in advanced steering features and functions – and increases the dependability of automated and connected vehicles.»

IVHM solutions improve fleet efficiencies while improving product reliability and reducing unplanned maintenance and warranty costs. The HRCS Consortium is establishing a multi-sector, global IVHM community to create best practices and procedures for operators, OEMs, and suppliers. This will facilitate and promote industry-wide application of IVHM technology to improve asset operational availability, sustainment, and efficiencies. The HRCS Consortium will define registration and qualification processes and approvals. Registered component capabilities and contact information will be made available via the SAE HRCS database.

About SAE Industry Technologies Consortia
SAE ITC® is an affiliate of SAE International. The SAE ITC team specializes in establishing and managing consortia by providing proven processes, tools and resources. ITC enables public, private, academic and government organizations to connect and collaborate in neutral, pre-competitive forums thus empowering the setting and implementation of strategic business improvements in highly engineered industries globally. More at http://www.sae-itc.com.

About Nexteer
Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316), a global leader in intuitive motion control, is a multi-billion dollar global steering and driveline business delivering electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steering columns, driveline systems, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving enabling technologies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company has 27 manufacturing plants, four technical and software centers and 13 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The company serves more than 60 customers in every major region of the world including BMW, Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China. http://www.nexteer.com

Media Contact

Justin Falce, SAE ITC, 7247727562, justin.falce@sae.org

SOURCE SAE ITC

Berks County District Attorney John Adams Endorses James Gavin for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas

WYOMISSING, Pa., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — After more than thirty-two years of legal and trial experience, James Gavin is running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County because Integrity & Experience Matter. In a testament to Gavin’s integrity and experience, Berks County District Attorney John Adams is endorsing his candidacy.

…

«Your experience in many areas of the law is exemplary and as a result, you will have the knowledge and the experience to handle varied judicial assignments,» stated District Attorney John Adams in a letter to Gavin.

James Gavin said, «I am honored to receive the endorsement from District Attorney Adams. Our District Attorney displays the perfect example of rectitude that our justice system was founded upon.»

Gavin concluded, «A Supreme Court Justice once observed that the personal security and interests of our citizens rest on the wisdom, stability, and integrity of the judges who serve in our courts. With my years of experience, I intend to bring wisdom, stability, and integrity to the bench, applying the rule of law to everyone evenhandedly.»

Gavin intends to bring his lengthy experience as an attorney and counsellor at law to the Court of Common Pleas and will serve the community with honor and distinction. He possesses all of the qualities necessary to serve the people of Berks County.

Gavin began his career as an assistant district attorney where he prosecuted literally hundreds of cases. At the time of his departure, he held the position of Chief of Trials.

While in private practice as a partner in the Wyomissing law firm of Masano Bradley, Gavin’s experience expanded exponentially. He remains grounded in a litigation practice, handling all types of cases throughout Pennsylvania. He also a broad appellate practice with cases in the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Additionally, he has litigated cases before various state and federal agencies including the labor relations boards, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

In May of 2020, Gavin celebrated his thirtieth wedding anniversary with his wife, Ruth. Gavin and his wife have three daughters. In the fall of 2019, they welcomed their first grandchild to their family.

Contact: Michael Barley
717-576-6733

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SOURCE Committee to Elect James Gavin

Top 3 Overseas Havens with Best Retiree Benefits in 2021–InternationalLiving.com

BALTIMORE, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Imagine a place where sunshine is ubiquitous, a high-quality lifestyle won’t cost the earth, and retirees are treated like VIPs, with red-carpet welcomes and rewards for age and experience. In the right spots abroad, that’s exactly what’s on offer today.

«Some countries actively court foreign retirees—dangling benefits beyond the built-in perks like low-cost living, warm weather, friendly locals, and beautiful surrounds,» says <span…

«Some countries actively court foreign retirees—dangling benefits beyond the built-in perks like low-cost living, warm weather, friendly locals, and beautiful surrounds,» says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor, International Living.

«Countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, for instance, offer low-barrier-to-entry residence visas for retirees, tax incentives, and senior discounts on everything from airfares to utilities to medical treatments,» says Stevens. «It makes sense. They can attract expats who have US dollars to spend but who won’t take a job from a local. It’s like turning on a spigot allowing outside money to flow into the economy. And, in turn, the retirees improve their quality of life while they lower their cost of living.»

These special places actively attract expat retirees by offering benefits and discounts like tax breaks, lower prices for services, and easy residence requirements.

The three countries that rank the highest in the Benefits and Discounts category in International Living’s 2021 Annual Global Retirement Index are Panama, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

# 3. Costa Rica

In third place, with 88 points, is Costa Rica.

When potential expats research Costa Rica, the benefits often heavily outweigh any perceived drawbacks.

Costa Rica is a country where the older generation is treated with respect by custom. And things like head-of-line privileges at banks and government offices are inscribed in the law. But there is also a government program available to those age 65 or older that gives discounts on a variety of products and services

«Being ‘Viejo’ or old is a rite of passage, a badge of honor in Costa Rica,» says Kathleen Evans, IL Costa Rica Correspondent. «And you will see simple things like seniors going to the front of the line—any line, enjoying special early shopping hours, free bus rides, and the Ciudando de Oro or Golden Citizen card.»

The Ciudando de Oro offers discounts from two to 20% from over-the-counter medications to groceries, and eyeglasses to clothing. You have to be 65+ and have to be resident to qualify.

«Even without residence, some expat community’s restaurants will offer a local night cash discount where food and drinks can be as much as 25% off regular prices,» says Evans.

Costa Rica is also home to the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (or simply known as the Caja), the country’s national healthcare system, which has been cited as a successful model for Latin America.

«Once you have been approved for residence in Costa Rica, you pay a percentage (typically seven to 11%) of your reported monthly income into the system and then you have access to public healthcare without a co-pay, age restrictions, or denial for pre-existing conditions,» says Kathleen.

«If you choose to self-insure out-of-pocket—to simply pay for any needed treatment—this typically saves anywhere from 15% to 80% when compared to the same medical procedure in the U.S. at private hospitals.»

# 2. Ecuador

Ecuador, the Land of Eternal Spring, takes second place in this Benefits and Discounts category of IL’s Index with 95 points.

Although Ecuador does not have an incentive program designed specifically for foreign residents, like Panama’s pensionado program, it does offer significant benefits to all residents age 65 and older.

Ecuador’s constitution guarantees foreign residents the same rights as their citizens, so expats can enjoy the same benefits as locals.

«When I first got to Ecuador I was left frustrated by a lot of older women cutting in line in front of me at banks, grocery stores, and public services office,» says Donna Stiteler, IL Ecuador Correspondent. «Then I realized I was entitled to the same treatment. If you’re a senior citizen, you can use the much shorter Preferencia line…so you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your retirement in Ecuador.

«As a resident in Ecuador, the government offers a variety of benefits including 50% off public and private transportation within the country, 50% off tickets for all cultural and sporting events, including movies, a discount on electric and water bills and a reduction in a variety of taxes, including a refund of your 12% IVA (value-added) tax up to $92.64 per month.»

The best of the benefits for most expats in this category are discounted rates on international and domestic airline tickets.

«You can also get a discount of 50% off airfare (not including airport fees, fuel surcharges, tax, etc.) for international travel on some airlines,» says Stiteler. «I never thought turning 65 would be so profitable.»

For foreign residents traveling to the U.K., Canada, or the West Coast of the U.S., savings can amount to thousands of dollars a year. To take advantage of the discount, international flights must originate in, and return to, Ecuador.

# 1. Panama (Winner)

Panama claims top ranking in the Benefits and Discounts category, scoring 96 points out of 100, in International Living’s 2021 Annual Global Retirement Index.

Panama’s Pensionado Program is designed specifically to attract foreign retirees. The requirements are intended to ensure that members are able to live well here, rather than just eke out an existence. That’s why being a resident pensionado in Panama also grants you access to a long list of government-mandated discounts. These have been in place for decades, helping locals and foreign residents on fixed incomes live their lives with dignity, as active members of society.

Retirees in Panama get 50% off entertainment, such as movies, theaters, concerts, and sporting events. Hotel stays, restaurant meals, and transportation—bus, boat, train, and some airline fares—are also 25% to 50% cheaper when you’re a retiree resident. It’s an important reason why, in Panama, you see people of all ages dining out, going dancing, attending shows, exploring the country, and partying together.

Pensionados often have their own lines at banks and government offices. Even if there isn’t a dedicated line, staff and customers alike tend to wave retirees forward. There’s a certain level of respect and inclusion—two markers of a happy, healthy society.

«When my wife, Abbe, and I looked to retire overseas a few years ago, I found that Panama’s excellent Pensionado Visa or Retirement Program was a great way to stretch my Social Security pension,» says IL contributor Jim Gault. «We have used the hotel discount several times, recently staying two nights for the price of one at an exotic beach resort.»

While the pensionado discounts don’t cover every aspect of life, they cover the most important ones. Medical savings include 15% off hospital bills, 20% off prescription medicines, 20% off medical consultations, and 15% off dental and eye exams. Jim and Abbe have saved money on everything from ophthalmologist and orthopedic specialists to lab tests, digital X-rays, a yearly mammogram and an open MRI.

«When I had a cardiac event and had to have a small stent placed into the right side of my heart, the doctor, hospital, and insurance experience were all exceptional. I believe I had a much different and better experience than I would have had in the U.S.—and at a fraction of the cost,» Jim adds. «The doctors in Panama give you their cellphone and WhatsApp number. You can contact them and they will usually respond very quickly. Does that happen where you are from?»

All the things that really matter are discounted so retirees can maintain their pre-retirement lifestyles. And the rest is incredibly affordable—from property taxes and car insurance to tooth fillings and hired help. That’s pretty amazing, when you consider everything Panama has to offer. Where else in the world is this warm, safe, modern, and accessible…while also offering a truly cosmopolitan capital, cool mountain town, pristine beaches and islands…all outside the hurricane belt? Very few places can even come close to providing this kind of value.

More details on the top five countries in the Benefits and Discounts category of International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index 2021 can be found here: Best Places in the World for Retiree Benefits in 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

About International Living

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

Media Contact

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

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SOURCE InternationalLiving.com

youbody Launches First Waterless Body Wash

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — youbody, the unisex body wash line, founded by product development expert Heather Fritzsche, 2020 recipient of the Tory Burch fellowship, launches first-to-market waterless body wash system. With the knowledge that traditional body wash is made up of about 85% water and creates over a billion plastic bottles of body wash that end up in garbage and recycling streams each year, Fritzsche set out to create an eco-friendly alternative that is premium, sustainable, customizable and charitable. In addition to using less water, youbody packets are eco-friendly and break down into clean energy in 120 days and are also sulfate-free, sulfite-free, paraben-free, and hypo allergenic.

youbody’s Starter Kit, comes with a youbody pod™, and your choice of five powdered, scented Essences to customize your experience. The youbodypod is a patented design which allows the customer to mix their custom blend of body wash right in a dispensing tool that provides superior lather and exfoliation. In the beginning of each week, mix 3 packs of youbody Essence together with water in your youbody pod™ and delight in your customizable wash that’s original and unique to you. With currently eight scents to choose from including Awake, Balance, Calm, Clean, Escape, Play, Simple and Wander, featuring superfood ingredients such as Caribbean Ginger, Icelandic Kelp, Pomegranate Seed Oil and more, there are literally thousands of premium combinations to enjoy. After your Starter Kit runs out, youbody offers a subscription service with free shipping for monthly or bimonthly delivery.

«I’m a real believer that businesses have the responsibility to make the world a better place. I really think youbody can do that by helping people embrace who they are, without stereotypes, and protecting our rivers and oceans,» says Fritzsche.

Water stewardship and sustainability are core values of youbody and with that in mind, they donate 5% of their proceeds to Water.org which provides safe water to families worldwide. youbody’s waterless body wash system is available now at https://youbodycare.com/.

Imagery available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/unasouodfo8bg8q/AADH5_GPynFg5ykgDK_feNxYa?dl=0
For more information: julia@michelemariepr.com.

ABOUT youbody
youbody was founded on the idea that body wash could be more than what’s inside the bottle. That it could leave the smallest footprint on our waters by using powder-filled packets that break down, instead of plastic that pollutes. And it could be fun to wash with, feel like nothing else out there, and always smell amazing.

Over time, we’ve kept adding on to our missions and features to give the people what they want: a product that’s good all the way through. Starter Kits are currently available at https://youbodycare.com/.

Media Contact

Julia Nicholson, Michele Marie PR, +1 (443) 745-5369, julia@michelemariepr.com

SOURCE youbody

POWERHOME SOLAR Announces Indiana Expansion

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — POWERHOME SOLAR, one of the fastest-growing American companies specializing in solar energy and energy efficiency services, is further expanding its presence in Indiana by opening sales and installation offices in the Fort Wayne area that will provide homeowners and businesses in northeast Indiana with a supplement to grid energy.

POWERHOME…

POWERHOME SOLAR plans to hire up to 100 employees in the coming months to fill warehouse, installation and sales positions. Walk-in interviews for installers, warehouse personnel, electricians and CDL drivers will be held on Feb. 17-18 at the new installation office in Decatur (2232 W. Patterson St.) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. No prior experience for installers is necessary, as the company offers on-the-job training.

«Electricity prices continue to increase in Indiana,» said POWERHOME SOLAR CEO Jayson Waller. «Residents across the state are seeing how affordable solar is, and their hunger for renewable energy has led us to opening a second office to accommodate for our growing customer base. This also opens the door for more available jobs in the renewable energy market.»

The average monthly electric bill in Indiana is more than $120, per 2019 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, putting the state in the top half of the country among those with highest electric bills. Solar panels can be financed (in some cases, for roughly the same cost as your electric bill), and once the financing ends, so does your payment for solar, allowing customers to «own their power.»

The cost to install solar has decreased significantly in the past decade, with the catalysts being lower equipment costs and various government tax incentives. Congress recently renewed a federal solar tax credit of 26 percent on newly-installed solar systems through 2021 and 2022. Indiana also supports net metering, which allows consumers to sell their excess energy back to participating utility companies at retail rates.

Those interested in joining the Fort Wayne sales and install teams also can visit http://powerhome.com/solar-jobs or send an email to careers@powerhome.com.

About POWERHOME SOLAR
POWERHOME SOLAR is an energy efficiency company that provides high-quality American-made solar panels as part of a complete energy-savings package for residential customers. The company launched in 2014 in Mooresville, N.C., and today has more than 1,600 employees, including a commercial division. Operating in 11 states, it is ranked No. 255 on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America – the third time in four years that the company has made the top 300 of this prestigious list. For more information, visit http://www.powerhome.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Roger Kuznia
Marketing Manager, POWERHOME SOLAR
rkuznia@powerhome.com
704-622-6038

Media Contact

Roger Kuznia, POWERHOME SOLAR, +1 704-622-6038, cindy@cindymetzler.com

Cindy Metzler, Omm Media, 561-271-1389, cindy@cindymetzler.com

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SOURCE POWERHOME SOLAR

Novolex Adding Labeling to Plastic Products to Boost ‘Store Drop-off’ Recycling

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Novolex^®announced today that it is adding easy-to-understand recycling instructions to more of its plastic bags and packaging. The announcement comes just weeks after Novolex revealed plans to increase its capacity to recycle plastic bags.

Novolex, an industry leader in packaging and foodservice products, will add the How2Recycle^®Store Drop-off label to products across its business units. These include products from…

Novolex, an industry leader in packaging and foodservice products, will add the How2Recycle^®Store Drop-off label to products across its business units. These include products from Shields^® such as poly mailers for shipping applications and security bags frequently used in the banking industry; and products from Hilex^®, including the iconic «Thank You» plastic T-shirt bags, produce bags for conventional and organic items, and the Load & Seal™ Tamper Evident Deliver Bags, which are growing in demand as to-go orders increase at restaurants.

Novolex is a member of How2Recycle, a program created by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition to clearly communicate recycling instructions to the public. The program offers standardized labels that provide clear, concise and consistent instructions for how to recycle each product.

«Increased consumer knowledge is key for the success of recycling, and we are proud to partner with the How2Recycle program to help accomplish that,» said Erik Gonring, Director of Sustainability of Novolex. «People want to do their part for the environment, and labeling our products is one more way to help everyone recycle successfully. Better consumer messaging is one more step towards achieving a circular model for film products.»

In October, Novolex announced that it is investing in a new water treatment system that will increase its capacity to recycle plastic retail bags and other films collected through store drop-off programs. Novolex expects this investment to increase recycling capacity by more than 500,000 pounds per year.

The Novolex recycling center in North Vernon, Ind. processes plastics collected through a North American network of store drop-off collection points, commonly found at grocery stores and other retailers. Consumers can bring back plastic retail bags as well as other select bags and film, including produce bags, bread bags and newspaper bags. Novolex manufactures plastic bags from recycled films collected through store drop-off recycling programs.

To learn more about Novolex and its many products, visit www.Novolex.com.

About Novolex
Novolex develops and manufactures diverse packaging and food service products that touch nearly every aspect of daily life for multiple industries ranging from grocery, food packaging, restaurant and retail to medical applications and building supplies. The Novolex family of brands provides customers innovative paper and plastic solutions for their business needs today while investing in research and development to engineer more sustainable choices for the future. With more than 10,000 employee families, Novolex operates 56 manufacturing centers and administrative offices in North America and Europe, including two world-class plastic film recycling facilities. To learn more about Novolex, visit www.Novolex.com.

Media Contact
Novolex
Phil Rozenski
291480@email4pr.com
1-800-845-6051

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SOURCE Novolex

Power Generator Noise-Control ZombieBox Receives ‘Series A’ Investment from DWP to Accelerate Growth and Meet Rising Demand

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As demand for portable and standby generators reaches an all-time high, ZombieBox International announces today a Series A investment of $400,000 from DWP Capital.

ZombieBox, the world’s first at-scale producer of sound-reduction enclosures for portable and standby generators, is experiencing rapidly growing demand for their signature noise-reduction products. Sales of home generators are at an all-time high due to dynamic weather conditions related to climate change, as well as the effects of aging power infrastructures and the transition from traditional power to sustainable energy sources.

The abundance of home generators, particularly in coastal municipalities, has led to increased noise pollution. Purchasers of alternate power solutions are now considering noise-mitigation strategies, such as the solutions offered by ZombieBox. The company’s products, which include a variety of enclosures and panels, reduce noise pollution and protect generators from adverse weather.

The lead investor was DWP Capital, a Scottsdale-based Family Office of David Paul. Paul, no stranger to venture investing in Arizona, is a partner at Canal Partners and a former Associate at Tallwave Capital.

«I am super excited about ZombieBox,» said Paul. «It’s the right product at the right time. Dave Leedy, Founder and CEO of ZombieBox, is a born entrepreneur, and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to scale production of this product with the right team around him.»

Leedy, who launched ZombieBox in 2014, says that the partnership will help his company reach its full potential.

«Our partnership with DWP is an exciting next step for our company,» said Leedy. «We are looking forward to the growth and efficiency improvements that DWP brings to the company and excited to see ZombieBox grow to become the global household brand that it was meant to be.»

Tim Hargis, who was recently added to the Zombie Box Advisory Board, is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce expert. As a member of the core team of Tuft & Needle, he helped the company grow from $10 million to $200 million. Now, he’s bringing his skills to bear with Zombie Box.

«I’m excited to work with the entire Zombie Box team on the next phase of growth for the company as they continue to innovate and manufacture industry-leading products in the noise control enclosure space,» said Tim.

Over the last year, ZombieBox has experienced triple-digit growth. To keep up with market demand, the company is investing in major staffing and infrastructure improvements. ZombieBox recently tripled their plant space, and the company plans to double its staffing by the end of 2021. Funding from DWP will be used for marketing activities and continued product development.

About DWP Capital
A Scottsdale-based Family Office of David Paul, DWP Capital partners with technology leaders, going beyond capital investing to shape strategy, build management organizations, attract customers, initiate acquisition programs, and develop critical industry relationships. DWP is a team of strategic investors dedicated to building exceptional businesses. Learn more at www.dwpinvestments.com.

About ZombieBox International
ZombieBox International is the world’s first at-scale producer of sound-reduction enclosures for portable and standby generators. Their products are used by individuals and organizations across North America. In addition to generators for private residences, their enclosures are used by federal and state agencies, military, research labs, nuclear facilities, data centers, intel agencies, and police and fire to protect more sensitive types of equipment from malicious modern-day threats and attacks. Learn more at www.zombie-box.com.

DWP Capital
Contact: David Paul
Direct: (561) 310-3267
Email: 291314@email4pr.com

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SOURCE DWP Capital