Four Seasons and Omnam Group Announce Plans for Resort in Southern Italy

TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, an international leader in luxury hospitality, and Omnam Group, a global real estate firm, announce plans for a brand-new resort in Puglia, the stunning coastal region of southern Italy.

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TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, an international leader in luxury hospitality, and Omnam Group, a global real estate firm, announce plans for a brand-new resort in Puglia, the stunning coastal region of southern Italy.

Located on a pristine beachfront property, the upcoming Four Seasons property in Puglia will be comprised of 150 rooms and suites. The exclusive seaside location will offer guests views of the Adriatic Sea and direct beach access, along with easy accessibility to the nearby historic town of Ostuni and countless other attractions in the region.

«As we grow as a brand, our focus is on opening hotels in the world’s best travel destinations, and in markets where we can introduce an elevated luxury experience. In Puglia, we are achieving both of these goals, and this is the perfect project to expand our presence in Italy with our partners at Omnam Investment Group, led by David Zisser,» says John Davison, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. «We look forward to setting the standard for luxury hospitality in this beautiful region, creating opportunities to discover more of this incredible country with Four Seasons.»

«We acquired this amazing plot of land in Puglia at the end of 2020 together with our trusted partners led by Adam Hudaly from IAC investments. We are always looking for opportunities to create something unique and unexpected with each new project, and we are very excited to do exactly that with the iconic Four Seasons brand,» says David Zisser, Founder and CEO, Omnam Group. «As more and more travellers discover Puglia, we look forward to delivering the best luxury lifestyle offering in the region, not only through exceptional design and amenities, but through renowned Four Seasons service.»

Puglia makes up the heel of Italy’s «boot» and is home to ancient towns with rich histories, national parks, soaring mountains, exceptional food and wine, pristine beaches and a Mediterranean climate. Ostuni, the local city a short drive from the Resort, is also known as the «White City» for its white-washed houses and buildings carved into the cliffside, medieval streets, and its 15th century Gothic cathedral.

An Exquisite Seaside Retreat

Located within a 40-minute drive from popular destinations such as Ostuni, Alberobello and Monopoli, the upcoming Four Seasons in Puglia Italy will be one of few hotels in the region with direct beach access. Accommodations will be housed in villa-style units, all facing the sea, and is being designed by HKS Architects, an award-winning international design firm that has previously worked with Four Seasons on projects in the Bahamas, Tunis, and Egypt, while interior design is being led by ODA Architecture.

Additional onsite facilities will include six restaurant and bar offerings, including an all-day restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a seasonal pool bar and grill, a lobby lounge bar, a signature bar and a beach club. The Resort will also include extensive meeting and event spaces including a ballroom and smaller meeting rooms in a designated building, as well as additional outdoor event offerings.

The state-of-the-art destination spa will include a fitness centre, 10 treatment rooms, hammam, sauna, pool and yoga studio.

The Resort will be located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Brindisi International Airport and 95 kilometres (60 miles) from Bari International Airport, and is also accessible via direct train from Rome.

Four Seasons new Resort in Puglia will join Four Seasons growing collection of properties in Italy, including Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Four Seasons Hotel Milano, and the upcoming San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.

For more images, please see here.

About Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 119 hotels and resorts, and 44 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.

About Omnam Group

Omnam is a diverse global real estate investor and developer with an incisive vision to source and develop iconic real estate assets. Omnam’s core expertise lies in medium to large-scale hotels, aparthotels, residential and mixed-use developments in Europe; its portfolio includes projects in The Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy.

Contact:
Matt Levison
fourseasons@kwtglobal.com  
646-274-3631

 

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SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Friendly Kia Gears Up for Arrival of 2022 Kia Carnival in Tampa Bay Showroom

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Kia has taken the veil off of the 2022 Kia Carnival and the team at Friendly Kia is ramping up for the new model’s arrival. The 2022 Carnival is taking place of the longstanding Kia Sedona minivan in the brand’s lineup and is set to offer families a new kind of vehicle option.

Kia is branding the Carnival as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) instead of a traditional minivan. The Carnival combines attractive…

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Kia has taken the veil off of the 2022 Kia Carnival and the team at Friendly Kia is ramping up for the new model’s arrival. The 2022 Carnival is taking place of the longstanding Kia Sedona minivan in the brand’s lineup and is set to offer families a new kind of vehicle option.

Kia is branding the Carnival as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) instead of a traditional minivan. The Carnival combines attractive SUV styling with the convenience and space of a family hauler. The 2022 Kia Carnival MPV offers seating for seven or eight passengers depending on the trim level and is set to offer up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.

The 2022 Kia Carnival is following in the footsteps of its Kia siblings with its advanced lineup of attractive interior technology features. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and optional 12.3-inch infotainment system make for a futuristic feel behind the wheel.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine motivates this family hauler MPV and delivers up to 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque on the road. The Carnival rides on a new midsize platform that makes use of lighter and stronger materials that allow for a more engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival is expected to arrive at the Friendly Kia dealership in New Port Richey in just a few weeks. The dealership has been gearing up for the vehicle’s arrival by producing online research pages, blog posts and model comparisons to get local shoppers excited about the new vehicle.

Anyone can view the dealership’s 2022 Kia Carnival research pages and blog posts by visiting Friendly Kia online at friendlykia.com. Prospective shoppers looking for additional information on the arrival of the 2022 Kia Carnival in the Tampa Bay area can contact a member of the Friendly Kia staff by phone, 877-544-6706.

Media Contact

Tyler Holt, Friendly Kia, (877) 544-6706, tylerjholt@gmail.com

 

SOURCE Friendly Kia

Atlantic Canada Tempts Travelers To The Region In 2021 With These Popular Trips

Charlottetown, PE, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Conveniently located just northeast of the U.S. border, Atlantic Canada is a crowd-free, seaside escape offering an abundance of culinary delicacies and outdoor adventures.

Packaged travel offerings include small group trips, self-driving itineraries, and other options, featuring exclusive access and hassle-free visits to the region when the borders open again. In 2021, American travelers can explore the…

Charlottetown, PE, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Conveniently located just northeast of the U.S. border, Atlantic Canada is a crowd-free, seaside escape offering an abundance of culinary delicacies and outdoor adventures.

Packaged travel offerings include small group trips, self-driving itineraries, and other options, featuring exclusive access and hassle-free visits to the region when the borders open again. In 2021, American travelers can explore the stunning landscapes, exciting cultural centers, and vibrant waterways of the region’s four provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

New Brunswick

Travelers planning a road trip can book the six-day, self-driving itinerary New Brunswick Explorer with Maxxim Vacations. The package includes: six nights of accommodations at bed & breakfasts and country inns; a mid-size car rental with unlimited mileage; a whale watching boat tour; a Shediac Bay Lobster Tale Cruise; a visit to Kingsbrae Gardens in the seaside town of St. Andrews as well as a half day tour of the town; admission to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery; and a day at the iconic rock formations at Hopewell Rocks along the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. Prices begin at $1,569 CA per person and departure dates can be found by requesting information at http://www.maxximvacations.com.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Road Scholar offers an immersive, 14-day exploration of Newfoundland & Labrador’s most impressive landscapes and marine life during The Best of Spectacular Newfoundland Coast to Coast. Adventurers will view the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales and North America’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffins, meet a local expert to learn about the Viking settlement at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of L’Anse-aux-Meadows National Historic Site, and cruise the glacially carved fjord of Western Brook Pond. Accommodations for 13 nights, 37 meals, 25 expert-led field trips, and more, are included. Departures are available on select dates between August and September 2021 starting at $3,979 USD, and June through September 2022 starting at $4,399 USD. Additional information and departure dates can be found at http://www.roadscholar.org.

Nova Scotia

Anderson Vacations offers a six-day Taste of Nova Scotia itinerary that begins and ends in the capital city of Halifax. During a two-hour dinner cruise through Halifax Harbour, guests will crack open lobster while cruising past notable landmarks like Georges Island and Point Pleasant Park. As travelers make their way up and down the coast, they will stop for wine tasting tours in the Annapolis Valley, observe cider-making at craft cideries, and taste beer at a historic brewery. Picturesque destinations like Peggy’s Cove and the town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are known for their stunning photo opportunities as well as an abundance of fresh seafood arriving on the docks daily. Departures are available June through September starting at $860 USD per person and more information can be found by requesting a brochure at http://www.andersonvacation.com.

Prince Edward Island

The three-day, Best of Prince Edward Island itinerary with Atlantic Tours & Travel beckons travelers to the land of Anne of Green Gables, with its red cliffs and green farmlands. Two nights in the capital, Charlottetown, as well as a lobster dinner and a tour director or driver guide are included. A visit to the Green Gables Heritage Place offers an insider look into the inspiration behind Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic books. Prince Edward Island National Park is home to stunning views of white beaches and sand dunes, and a walking tour of Charlottetown is an ideal way to meet the locals. Group departures are available June through October 2021 starting at $1,034 CAD per person for a triple room. http://www.atlantictours.com

Explore the Region

A nine-day tour through the three provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island is available through Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Globus. The small group trip begins and ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Highlights include a visit to New Brunswick’s famous formations at Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy, a folk music party in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and a scenic drive through the iconic Cabot Trail of the Cape Breton Highlights National Park. Departure is available on select dates in 2021 and 2022 between June and September starting at $2,150 USD. http://www.globusjourneys.com

The great outdoors of all four Atlantic Canada provinces can be explored with Vision Atlantic Vacations‘ The Magnificent Seven National Parks. The 19-day, self-driving itinerary includes a car rental, itinerary, 19 nights of accommodations, and more. Highlights include seaside hikes through Fundy National Park in New Brunswick; a walk along the sand dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park; a spectacular drive through Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail in Cape Breton National Park; a visit to the magnificent Tablelands of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland & Labrador, and more. Prices start at $3,547 CA per person, based on two people. Departure dates can be found by requesting more information at http://www.visionatlanticvacations.com.

About Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT):
This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT). ACAT is a nine-member pan-Atlantic initiative comprising the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism.

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:

New Brunswick
Web: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Instagram: @DestinationNB
Twitter: @SeeNewBrunswick
Facebook: @DestinationNB

Nova Scotia
Web: http://www.novascotia.com
Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia
Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia
Facebook: @NovaScotia

Newfoundland and Labrador
Web: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com
Instagram: @newfoundlandlabrador
Twitter: @NLtweets
Facebook: @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism

Prince Edward Island
Web: http://www.tourismpei.com
Instagram: @tourismpei
Twitter: @tourismpei
Facebook: @tourismpei

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gina Dolecki/Ashley Mindnich
Redpoint
212.229.0119
dolecki@redpointspeaks.com
mindnich@redpointspeaks.com

###

Media Contact

Ashley Mindnich, Redpoint, +1 (212) 229-0119, mindnich@redpointspeaks.com

 

SOURCE Atlantic Canada

CitizensNYC Honors Five Remarkable Women: Launches «The New Yorkers for New York» Campaign

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Citizens Committee for New York…

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC) announced today the launch of its 2021 virtual fundraising campaign The New Yorkers for New York. The organization kicks off Women’s History Month by honoring five extraordinary women who are working to rethink, rebuild, and reimagine  New York City.

The five-month-long fundraising campaign will lift up the contributions women have made throughout New York’s history as well as their commitment to the city’s future. Each gift will be matched one-to-one, up to $150,000. CitizensNYC aims to raise $1.5 million dollars this year. This year’s honorees represent the breadth of culture, neighborhoods, and industries that New York City has to offer. Each month the campaign will highlight one of the five honorees who have committed to rolling up their sleeves to help the city recover from the pandemic. The showcase event is set to take place on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

One of the nation’s oldest micro-funding organizations, CitizensNYC has a longstanding history of celebrating and supporting civic leaders. They have provided residents in the city’s most underserved neighborhoods with community, education, and small business improvement grants for the past 45 years. In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs.

This year’s honorees include:

Susan R. Cullman, The Activist, became the volunteer director of the Republican Coalition for Choice in 1991 and spent her days on the Hill and across the country, working with lawyers and consultants, raising money and supporting pro-choice Republican candidates. Susan, whose family established roots in NYC centuries ago, serves as a board member with several NYC nonprofits including Citizens Committee for New York City, The New York Women’s Foundation, The Avon and Mount Sinai Health System.

Nicole Lee, The Future, is a community advocate, entrepreneur, and candidate for The New York City Council, representing the 31st district. She is a CitizensNYC grantee partner with more than a decade of experience managing small businesses, serving as the founder of MotherGoose Daycare, Wink Beauty Parlour, and Journey Through Seth’s Eyes, which provides a safe environment and resources for children with special needs, all in her neighborhood of Jamaica Beach, Queens. 

Frida Polli PhD, The Entrepreneur, is an award-winning Harvard and MIT neuroscientist turned CEO. She was named one of Inc.’s Top 100 Female Founders in 2019, one of Entrepreneur’s Top 100 Powerful Women in 2020 and has received the MIT 100K, and HBS Life Science Award, a NARSAD Young Investigator Award. Frida is the CEO and co-founder of Pymetrics, a company leveraging soft skill science and AI to make workforce decisions more accurate and fair. Frida, along with her husband Conor Bastable, Partner at Davidson Kempner Capital Management, further demonstrate their love for NYC as active supporters of Robin Hood, The Urban League, Prep for Prep, and The Bowery Mission.

Sue Suh, The Optimist, is the Chief People Officer at TIME. She has spent most of the past decade at one of the world’s largest private philanthropies, the Rockefeller Foundation. Prior to Rockefeller, Sue spent five years in a variety of roles at the U.S. Departments of State and Defense in Washington, New York, and Tripoli, Libya, including a two-year stint at the U.S. Mission to the UN. A native New Yorker, Sue serves on the board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Classical Theatre of Harlem and Special Olympics Asia-Pacific. She was a Fulbright Scholar in South Korea and a Presidential Management Fellow.

Rhina Valentin, The Creative, is a leading figure in New York City’s entertainment industry as the founder of La Reina del Barrio, Inc., a media and television production company. Born and bred in New York City,  Rhina is the talk show host of Colors of Rhina and has been the host of BronxNet’s OPEN Friday since 2006, and is a recipient of the 25 Bronx Influential Women of 2015 Award. She’s also a practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, is an advocate for domestic violence awareness and is currently Raising Money for S.T.E.A.M. programs in support of Puerto Rico, Colombia, and West Africa.

«We felt it was important this year to not only launch this campaign alongside Women’s History Month, and to ensure that our New Yorkers for New York honorees were reflective of the vast diversity of New York City — in a way that is reminiscent of the culture that we all know, love, and hold dear. Our distinguished honorees will play a key role in helping to shine a light on the New Yorkers that are most in need at this time,» said Dr. Rahsaan Harris, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York City.

CitizensNYC is seeking donations throughout The New Yorkers for New York campaign. To support the work of the organization and its grantee partners as they work to rebuild New York City, donate HERE.

About Citizen Committee for New York City:
Citizens Committee for New York City’s mission is to help New Yorkers – especially those in low-income areas – come together and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Residents are uniquely situated to define and act on the issues affecting their communities. When provided with modest support, neighborhood and school groups can effectively mobilize with the assistance of grants, skills-building workshops, project planning assistance and an equipment share library. In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Since 1975, we have promoted the spirit of volunteerism, local engagement, and social justice that drives our work. Go to citizensnyc.org to learn more.

Additional Information:
Webpage: https://www.citizensnyc.org
Social Media: Twitter @citizensnyc | Instagram @citizenscommittee | Facebook.com/citizensnyc

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1444461/CitizensNYC_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE Citizens Committee For New York City

Senmiao Technology Announces Third Order of 200 Electric Vehicles Under Framework Agreement with BYD

CHENGDU, China, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Senmiao Technology Limited («Senmiao») (NASDAQ: AIHS), a provider of automobile transaction and related services targeting the online ride-hailing industry in China as well as an operator of its own online ride-hailing platform, today announced that it has ordered another 200 electric vehicles («EVs») manufactured by BYD Company Limited («BYD», HK: 1211 and SZSE: 002594) from an authorized dealer of BYD Auto Sales Co.,…

CHENGDU, China, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Senmiao Technology Limited («Senmiao») (NASDAQ: AIHS), a provider of automobile transaction and related services targeting the online ride-hailing industry in China as well as an operator of its own online ride-hailing platform, today announced that it has ordered another 200 electric vehicles («EVs») manufactured by BYD Company Limited («BYD», HK: 1211 and SZSE: 002594) from an authorized dealer of BYD Auto Sales Co., Ltd., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BYD. The first batch of 100 automobiles from this order is expected to be delivered to the Chengdu office of Senmiao during the first week of March 2021.

Senmiao expects to provide finance and leasing options for these EVs to ride-hailing drivers in one of its two principal markets, Chengdu, while exploring the opportunities to expand to new markets in other cities. Since launching its proprietary ride-hailing platform in the fourth quarter of 2020, Senmiao has seen large demand for EVs in financial leasing and operating leasing segments of the online ride-hailing industry in China. Senmiao also expects to implement services and technology in these vehicles in preparation for independent drivers to use them for ride-hailing activities, including advanced telematics and mapping software.

The order was made pursuant to the previously announced framework agreement with BYD Auto Sales Co., Ltd. for the purchase of BYD manufactured EVs and joint promotion of the use of EVs in China’s ride-hailing market. With this third order, Senmiao has ordered an aggregate of 1,200 of the 5,000 vehicles expected to be ordered in 2020-2021. Senmiao intends to finance the purchase of these 200 vehicles with cash on hand.

Xi Wen, Senmiao’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, «We are pleased to place this third order of 200 EVs from our partner BYD for our growing online ride-hailing business in Chengdu. We anticipate receiving 100 vehicles from BYD in Chengdu next week and look forward to meeting demand in the market from drivers utilizing our financing options. Our mission is to make these vehicles accessible to independent drivers, allowing them to easily transition into ride-hailing drivers as a profession. We have witnessed very positive growth and development of our own online ride-hailing platform in the past three months and reported strong January 2021 operating metrics with more than 910,000 rides completed. We expect this trend to continue within our existing markets as we explore the possibility of entering new cities.»

About Senmiao Technology Limited

Headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Senmiao provides automobile transaction and related services including sales of automobiles, facilitation and services for automobile purchase and financing, management, operating lease, guarantee and other automobile transaction services as well as operates its own ride-hailing platform aimed principally at the growing online ride-hailing market in Senmiao’s areas of operation in China. For more information about Senmiao, please visit: http://www.senmiaotech.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements (including those relating to Senmiao’s purchase of EVs under the framework agreement with BYD and the potential expansion of operations to other cities in China) also are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those detailed from time to time in the Senmiao’s filings with the SEC, and represent Senmiao’s views only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Senmiao’s views as of any subsequent date. Senmiao undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in events or circumstances. 

For more information, please contact:

At the Company:
Yiye Zhou
Email: edom333@ihongsen.com 
Phone: +86 28 6155 4399

Investor Relations:
The Equity Group Inc.                                                                       In China
Adam Prior, Senior Vice President                                                   Lucy Ma, Associate
(212) 836-9606                                                                                 +86 10 5661 7012
aprior@equityny.com                                                                        lma@equityny.com 

© 2021 Senmiao Technology Ltd.  All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Senmiao Technology Limited

Hi-tech batteries support boost in demand for household solar energy

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Engineers at Gridtential Energy, Inc. and Electric…

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Engineers at Gridtential Energy, Inc. and Electric Applications Incorporated (EAI), supported by the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI), are working to further develop quick and safe ‘plug and play’ solar powered energy storage systems to meet the boom in demand for renewable, and secure, energy in U.S. homes.

Gridtential and EAI are developing advanced batteries that could accelerate the move to greener power in U.S. homes.

Gridtential Energy is the pioneer of Silicon Joule™, an innovative bipolar battery technology, which uses silicon wafers (similar to those in solar cells) in traditional lead batteries to reduce weight and achieve performance competitive with lithium-ion at a lower cost. The new research project will combine Silicon Joule technology with the testing expertise of EAI to develop high voltage reference batteries specifically for so-called behind-the-meter energy storage applications.

The advanced batteries developed by Gridtential and EAI could accelerate the move to greener power in homes across the nation as the new U.S. president drives forward climate change policies and the low carbon transformation of the economy.

Behind-the-meter (BTM) energy storage is a critical piece for the decarbonization landscape with systems booming in demand. In the U.S. alone, Wood Mackenzie predicted 430 MW installed in 2020, reflecting an increase of more than 100% over 2019.

This is driving the need for affordable, safe, high-performing batteries in easy-to-connect packages that incorporate renewable energy for the residential market.

John Barton, CEO of Gridtential, said: «Integrated PV-battery backup system is a fantastic application for Silicon Joule technology due to its superior cycle life, low cost, safety, and recyclability; all of which are of utmost importance to residential consumers and small business owners and set this technology apart from other batteries.»

The research collaboration will involve constructing mini-systems using Silicon Joule bipolar batteries for testing, with EAI developing an optimized charge scheme to replicate real-life energy storage systems.

Building on CBI’s technical roadmap goals to maximize cycle life and energy throughput – two key technical parameters for renewable energy storage – this project is critical for delivering insights to enhance lead battery performance.

Dr. Matt Raiford, Technical Manager of CBI, said: «This exciting partnership will delve into the performance of bipolar lead battery packs using sizing commonly seen in residential energy storage systems.»

«Demand reduction and renewable energy storage applications are a booming market for advanced lead batteries and the most popular in the residential sector» he added. «This project will contribute to a new battery technology being available to meet growing demand in the United States and further afield».

As part of CBI’s 2021 research program dedicated to enhancing lead battery performance under the banner of energy storage, the project with Gridtential and EAI is pushing the boundaries to deliver next-generation batteries. 

Notes to editors:

  1. The Consortium for Battery Innovation is the world’s only global pre-competitive research organization funding research into lead batteries for energy storage, motive and automotive applications. For more than 25 years, with its global membership of battery manufacturers, industry suppliers, research institutes and universities, CBI has delivered cutting-edge research pushing the boundaries of innovation in lead battery technology, setting the standard for advanced lead batteries and the next generation of energy storage. For more information, visit our website: www.batteryinnovation.org
  2. Dr. Matt Raiford, Technical Manager of CBI, is available for interview. For more information, please contact CBI’s media contact: Niamh Owen-McLaughlin, +44 7593 445 096; Niamh.mclaughlin@batteryinnovation.org
  3. John Barton, CEO of Gridtential, is available for interview. For more information, please contact Josh Green, gridtential@firebrand.marketing, +1 415 235 4006.

Contact Niamh Owen-McLaughlin 
niamh.mclaughlin@batteryinnovation.org
+44 7593 445 096

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SOURCE Gridtential Energy, Inc.

Astana Club: TOP-10 Risks for Eurasia Are Already Coming True in 2021

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Astana Club, one of the most esteemed geopolitical forums for Europe and Asia, announces the latest edition of the international rating «TOP-10 Risks for Eurasia in 2021».

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NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Astana Club, one of the most esteemed geopolitical forums for Europe and Asia, announces the latest edition of the international rating «TOP-10 Risks for Eurasia in 2021».

The rating is developed by the Institute of World Economics and Politics (IWEP), comprising over 40 international experts and 1,200 professional respondents from 75 countries in Eurasia.

The COVID-19 pandemic remains the key element to accelerate the risks in 2021 and affects recovery, social stability, digital and climate threats and the escalation of confrontations between key geopolitical players.

A brief rundown of the TOP-10 risks is presented below:

  1. THE PANDEMIC 2.0
    Given the absence of effective international cooperation mechanisms to combat the infection and the constant mutation of the virus, the pandemic threatens to continue throughout 2021, possibly longer.
  2. RECOVERY UNDER THREAT
    The pandemic, collapse of economic activity, geopolitical and social instability and the debt crisis of emerging markets are key factors that threaten the shaky recovery of the world economy.
  3. US-CHINA COLD WAR
    The US and China have crossed practically all «red lines» during the pandemic; this confrontation will transform into full scale systemic conflict in 2021.  
  4. CRISIS AROUND IRAN
    Growing tensions around Iran may trigger a large-scale military confrontation, thus dealing a crushing blow to the international energy market.
  5. DECOUPLING
    Decoupling of the West and China will not only continue under the new US administration but will gain a dangerous new dynamic in 2021.
  6. DISSOLUTION OF THE NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION REGIME
    The erosion of key nuclear treaties and institutions along with outstripping developments in military technologies threaten to initiate a new nuclear arms race.
  7. EXPLODING SOCIAL PROTESTS
    Political systems in many countries will come under unprecedented pressure as the economic and social impact of COVID-19 mounts.
  8. GLOBAL CYBER CRISIS
    The absence of uniform rules in the digital domain opens the road to massive cyber-attacks, which may become the catalyst for a global-level crisis.
  9. DIGITAL TOTALITARIANISM
    Total digitalization, accelerated by the pandemic, offers unprecedented opportunities to control personal data and political censure, creating the risk of a new type of totalitarianism.
  10. FAILURE OF DECARBONISATION
    In 2021, the world will be concerned with recovering economic growth, meaning plans to decarbonize and reduce CO2 emissions will be pushed to one side, especially in developing countries.

The full report is available at: Link

 

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SOURCE Astana Club

Global insurers unite to tackle climate risk with launch of Geneva Association Task Force

–  The Geneva Association has mobilised experts from 17 of the world’s largest P&C and life insurers, representing the companies of its CEO members, to develop and hone climate risk assessment methodologies and tools for the insurance industry.

–  The first report of the task force presents an integrated decision-making framework for climate risk assessment that considers four dimensions: 1) business line (P&C versus life); 2) side of balance sheet (assets versus liabilities); 3) time horizon (short-medium- versus long-term); and 4) type of risk…

–  The Geneva Association has mobilised experts from 17 of the world’s largest P&C and life insurers, representing the companies of its CEO members, to develop and hone climate risk assessment methodologies and tools for the insurance industry.

–  The first report of the task force presents an integrated decision-making framework for climate risk assessment that considers four dimensions: 1) business line (P&C versus life); 2) side of balance sheet (assets versus liabilities); 3) time horizon (short-medium- versus long-term); and 4) type of risk (physical and transition). The report sets the stage for the task force to drive innovations in this space.

–  The task force will be engaging with regulators, supervisors, rating agencies and the scientific community to identify the most appropriate approaches.

ZURICH, Switzerland, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Geneva Association’s new report, Climate Risk Assessment for the Insurance Industry, finds that, for both P&C and life re/insurers, climate change poses different levels of physical and transition risks to both sides of the balance sheet, liabilities and assets. Climate risk assessment requires qualitative and quantitative approaches over short- and long-term time horizons and must account for uncertainties associated with transitioning. Knowledge sharing across companies and with other stakeholders is critical to raising risk awareness and leveraging all available expertise.

Geneva_Association_Logo

Jad Ariss, Geneva Association Managing Director, said: «In 2020 alone, the world witnessed massive wildfires in California and Australia, historic floods in China and a record hurricane season in the Atlantic. The societal impacts of climate change have become ubiquitous, and individuals and institutions must fully commit now to confronting the climate crisis. Insurers are obvious, strong leaders on global climate action, given their core functions – managing risk and investing – and our industry-led initiative demonstrates that they are proactively rising to the occasion.»

Maryam Golnaraghi, Director Climate Change and Emerging Environmental Topics and project leader, said: «This initiative is taking the insurance industry’s climate action and collaboration to the next level. Building on lessons learned from previous pilots and initiatives, our task force is focused on advancing climate risk assessment and scenario analysis anchored in companies’ decision-making, in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Our first report lays the foundation for us to design and test methodologies and tools  – in collaboration with regulators and the scientific community –  to converge on robust solutions for P&C and life insurers.»

Global re/insurance companies represented on the task force: Achmea, Aegon, AIG, Allianz, Aviva, AXA, Chubb, Daichi Life, Hannover Re, Intact Financial, Manulife, MetLife, Munich Re, Prudential Financial, SCOR, Swiss Re, Tokio Marine.

The task force will continue its work analysing the insurance regulatory landscape related to climate risk and conduct a technical ‘deep dive’ to develop  scenario analysis and qualitative and quantitative tools.

About The Geneva Association

The Geneva Association is the only global association of insurance companies; its members are insurance and reinsurance CEOs. Based on rigorous research conducted in collaboration with its members, academic institutions and multilateral organisations, The Geneva Association:

–  Identifies and investigates key trends and risk areas that are likely to shape or impact the insurance industry and develops corresponding recommendations for the industry and for policymakers;

–  Provides a platform to its members, policymakers, academics, multilateral and non-governmental organisations to discuss these trends and recommendations;

–  Highlights the positive contributions of insurance to a better understanding of risks and to building more resilient and prosperous economies and societies – in both developed and emerging countries – and thus a more sustainable world.

In total, the companies of Geneva Association members are headquartered in 25 countries around the world; manage USD 17.1 trillion in assets; employ 2.4 million people; and protect 1.8 billion people.

Contact:
Pamela Corn
Director Communications
+41 44 200 49 96  
pamela_corn@genevaassociation.org

 

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SOURCE The Geneva Association

CitizensNYC Honors Five Remarkable Women: Launches «The New Yorkers for New York» Campaign

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Citizens Committee for New York…

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC) announced today the launch of its 2021 virtual fundraising campaign The New Yorkers for New York. The organization kicks off Women’s History Month by honoring five extraordinary women who are working to rethink, rebuild, and reimagine  New York City.

Citizens Committee for NYC launches its 2021 virtual fundraising campaign The New Yorkers for New York.

The five-month-long fundraising campaign will lift up the contributions women have made throughout New York’s history as well as their commitment to the city’s future. Each gift will be matched one-to-one, up to $150,000. CitizensNYC aims to raise $1.5 million dollars this year. This year’s honorees represent the breadth of culture, neighborhoods, and industries that New York City has to offer. Each month the campaign will highlight one of the five honorees who have committed to rolling up their sleeves to help the city recover from the pandemic. The showcase event is set to take place on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

One of the nation’s oldest micro-funding organizations, CitizensNYC has a longstanding history of celebrating and supporting civic leaders. They have provided residents in the city’s most underserved neighborhoods with community, education, and small business improvement grants for the past 45 years. In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs.

This year’s honorees include:

Susan R. Cullman, The Activist, became the volunteer director of the Republican Coalition for Choice in 1991 and spent her days on the Hill and across the country, working with lawyers and consultants, raising money and supporting pro-choice Republican candidates. Susan, whose family established roots in NYC centuries ago, serves as a board member with several NYC nonprofits including Citizens Committee for New York City, The New York Women’s Foundation, The Avon and Mount Sinai Health System.

Nicole Lee, The Future, is a community advocate, entrepreneur, and candidate for The New York City Council, representing the 31st district. She is a CitizensNYC grantee partner with more than a decade of experience managing small businesses, serving as the founder of MotherGoose Daycare, Wink Beauty Parlour, and Journey Through Seth’s Eyes, which provides a safe environment and resources for children with special needs, all in her neighborhood of Jamaica Beach, Queens. 

Frida Polli PhD, The Entrepreneur, is an award-winning Harvard and MIT neuroscientist turned CEO. She was named one of Inc.’s Top 100 Female Founders in 2019, one of Entrepreneur’s Top 100 Powerful Women in 2020 and has received the MIT 100K, and HBS Life Science Award, a NARSAD Young Investigator Award. Frida is the CEO and co-founder of Pymetrics, a company leveraging soft skill science and AI to make workforce decisions more accurate and fair. Frida, along with her husband Conor Bastable, Partner at Davidson Kempner Capital Management, further demonstrate their love for NYC as active supporters of Robin Hood, The Urban League, Prep for Prep, and The Bowery Mission.

Sue Suh, The Optimist, is the Chief People Officer at TIME. She has spent most of the past decade at one of the world’s largest private philanthropies, the Rockefeller Foundation. Prior to Rockefeller, Sue spent five years in a variety of roles at the U.S. Departments of State and Defense in Washington, New York, and Tripoli, Libya, including a two-year stint at the U.S. Mission to the UN. A native New Yorker, Sue serves on the board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Classical Theatre of Harlem and Special Olympics Asia-Pacific. She was a Fulbright Scholar in South Korea and a Presidential Management Fellow.

Rhina Valentin, The Creative, is a leading figure in New York City’s entertainment industry as the founder of La Reina del Barrio, Inc., a media and television production company. Born and bred in New York City,  Rhina is the talk show host of Colors of Rhina and has been the host of BronxNet’s OPEN Friday since 2006, and is a recipient of the 25 Bronx Influential Women of 2015 Award. She’s also a practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, is an advocate for domestic violence awareness and is currently Raising Money for S.T.E.A.M. programs in support of Puerto Rico, Colombia, and West Africa.

«We felt it was important this year to not only launch this campaign alongside Women’s History Month, and to ensure that our New Yorkers for New York honorees were reflective of the vast diversity of New York City — in a way that is reminiscent of the culture that we all know, love, and hold dear. Our distinguished honorees will play a key role in helping to shine a light on the New Yorkers that are most in need at this time,» said Dr. Rahsaan Harris, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York City.

CitizensNYC is seeking donations throughout The New Yorkers for New York campaign. To support the work of the organization and its grantee partners as they work to rebuild New York City, donate HERE.

About Citizen Committee for New York City:
Citizens Committee for New York City’s mission is to help New Yorkers – especially those in low-income areas – come together and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Residents are uniquely situated to define and act on the issues affecting their communities. When provided with modest support, neighborhood and school groups can effectively mobilize with the assistance of grants, skills-building workshops, project planning assistance and an equipment share library. In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Since 1975, we have promoted the spirit of volunteerism, local engagement, and social justice that drives our work. Go to citizensnyc.org to learn more.

Additional Information:
Webpage: https://www.citizensnyc.org
Social Media: Twitter @citizensnyc | Instagram @citizenscommittee | Facebook.com/citizensnyc

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SOURCE Citizens Committee For New York City

Sistine Solar’s Award-Winning SolarSkin™ Technology Used in Flagship Universal Orlando Installation

SOMERVILLE, Mass., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sistine Solar today announced the use of its award-winning, patented SolarSkin™ technology in the world’s first custom-branded floating solar array at Universal Orlando. SolarSkin was utilized to display the brand name and iconic peacock logo of the park’s parent company, Comcast. The 250KW array provides a beautiful showcase of the popular theme park’s commitment to green energy and sustainability.

SolarSkin is a fully customizable…

SOMERVILLE, Mass., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sistine Solar today announced the use of its award-winning, patented SolarSkin™ technology in the world’s first custom-branded floating solar array at Universal Orlando. SolarSkin was utilized to display the brand name and iconic peacock logo of the park’s parent company, Comcast. The 250KW array provides a beautiful showcase of the popular theme park’s commitment to green energy and sustainability.

SolarSkin is a fully customizable graphic overlay that can be imprinted with any artwork and applied to any solar array. It enables businesses to go solar while celebrating their commitment to sustainability in eye-catching fashion by infusing custom artwork, brand colors, and logos. Located at the entrance to the theme park, the array features 645 high-efficiency solar panels and was installed by leading floating solar developer, D3Energy. This one-of-a-kind installation will supply the theme park with power while being instantly recognizable from the nearby roller-coasters. 

«We are proud to have been chosen for this exciting project. As the most efficient aesthetic solar technology in the market, SolarSkin was the perfect fit to achieve the branding and full-color logo that Comcast and Universal Orlando sought,» said Senthil Balasubramanian, CEO of Sistine Solar. «This breakthrough installation will be visible to the estimated 11 million visitors to the theme parks every year, and we expect it to inspire other brands to embrace solar and create beautiful works of art using the power of SolarSkin.»

Solar as a branding medium is a new offering pioneered by Sistine Solar that is expanding the market for solar. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, US businesses had installed approximately 8.3GW of solar by 2019. Yet, that amounts to less than 1% of the total electricity generation in the country. «SolarSkin is dramatically changing how customers perceive solar,» said Balasubramanian. «We are seeing growing demand from very wide-ranging sectors – airports, car dealerships, theme parks, carports, to name just a few. The customizability of SolarSkin has opened up interest across the board, from Fortune 500 companies to the world’s leading solar developers and installers.»

To see high-res photos of the project, please visit here. To place an order for customized SolarSkin for your business, please visit here.

About Sistine Solar:
Sistine Solar is a venture-backed Boston-based startup founded by MIT alums. Its flagship technology, SolarSkin™, is a patented aesthetic overlay that transforms the look of any solar array. It can make the array blend in with a homeowner’s roof—no matter what color, pattern, or style. Or it can convert it into a branding asset for businesses, an advertising medium for marketers, signage for street furniture, a canvas for an artist—the possibilities are endless. SolarSkin was developed with the support of a $1million DOE SunShot award, has been deeply tested for long-term durability at the National Renewable Energy Lab, and has been deployed in installations in 20 states around the country. For more, please visit https://www.sistinesolar.com.

Media Contact

Anthony Occidentale, Sistine Solar, +1 857-293-1439, press@sistinesolar.com

 

SOURCE Sistine Solar