Valdez Educational Services Expands its Services Statewide through Private Pay
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 14:55 EDT
"Until now, access to Valdez Educational Services' innovative tutoring and mentoring programs was available only through public school districts that partnered with us. Through Private Pay, families can access services regardless of where they live or which school district they are in," said Aaron Valdez, founder and CEO of Valdez Educational Services. SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Valdez Educational Services is expanding its tutoring and mentoring services statewide with a Private-Pay option. Until now, access to the organization's successful tutoring and mentoring services was available only through public school districts that partnered with Valdez Educational Services. The services provided through Valdez Educational Services are designed to meet the diverse needs of students, families, foster youth, and those with disabilities who need special education and/or related services. Valdez delivers tutoring and mentoring both in person and online, seven days a week. Students find Valdez's approach effective. For example, Ionatana Asu, now a sophomore at Cajon High School in San Bernardino, said, "Through persistence from my tutor, my grades went from a low Fs to high A's". Asu made his comments at a recent Valdez-sponsored student achievement banquet. Private Pay means a family pays directly for these services, rather than securing them through their local school district or another third-party payer. The benefits of Private Pay include, but are not limited to, the following: More personalized services: Providers can tailor the services to the client's preferences and circumstances. More flexibility: The client can choose the type, schedule, and frequency of services based on their needs. Continuity of care: The client can continue receiving services without depending on continued eligibility. Parents stay in control: Fewer restrictions; services don't have to meet insurance or government program requirements or authorization rules. Valdez Educational Services offers a comprehensive suite of tutoring and mentoring services for K-12 students, including increasing attendance and instructional recovery, tutoring for foster youth, and high school mentoring. "Our tutoring and mentoring program emphasizes the student's skill development and fostering the positive attitudes, behaviors, and strategies that are essential for academic success," said Aaron Valdez, founder and CEO of Valdez Educational Services. "Our goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence necessary for lifelong success, whether it's in the classroom, at the workplace, or in their personal lives. Our mission is to ensure that all students possess the foundational skills necessary for lifelong academic and professional success.," Valdez added. Valdez Educational Services was founded in 2017 in San Bernardino, CA. It is a private tutoring and academic support organization that tutors and mentors students in grades K-12. A hallmark of the Valdez Educational Services approach is the quality of its educators. "We train our tutors to be kind, gentle, supportive, and caring while delivering the specific educational support each student needs," said cofounder and President, Chad Brammer. Valdez Educational Services tutors are diverse, relatable, and relatively close in age to the students they nurture. The tutors are often current or recent university graduates. These mentors are passionate about education and are dedicated to helping students overcome obstacles. "Until now, access to Valdez Educational Services' innovative tutoring and mentoring programs was available only through public school districts that partnered with us. Through P rivate Pay, families can access services regardless of where they live or which school district they are in," said Aaron Valdez, founder and CEO of Valdez Educational Services. With Private Pay, Valdez Educational Services now offers the convenience of direct payments from parents when district partnerships are not available. Scholarships are available to students in need. For more information, call Eva Valdez at (909) 362-3620, email Eva@ValdezEducation.com or visit ValdezEducation.com . About Valdez Educational Services Valdez Educational Services offers customized educational solutions and support designed to meet the specific needs of students, families, foster families, and school districts. Their results-oriented approach focuses on improving academic skills and building healthy attitudes, behaviors, and strategies that lead to short-term academic success and long-term achievement in life. Valdez Educational Services provides both in-person and online support, seven days a week.
Help Shape Future Investment in Your Neighborhood
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 14:21 EDT
Join the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta for an October 8 Virtual Community Meeting on Redevelopment Plans The City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta are inviting people who live, work, own a business or property, or otherwise have a general interest in seven Tax Allocation District (TAD) communities to participate in an October 8 virtual meeting and help shape the updates to the districts' Redevelopment Plans. These plans will help guide future investment and development within each TAD. "The people who know these neighborhoods best should help shape what comes next," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Board Chair of Invest Atlanta. "These TAD plans will help guide future investment across seven communities, so we want residents, business owners and other stakeholders at the table early, asking questions and telling us what their neighborhoods need. Good planning starts with listening, and that is exactly what this process is designed to do." The seven TADs included in the planning process are: Eastside Westside Campbellton Road Metropolitan Parkway Hollowell/MLK Stadium Neighborhoods Perry Bolton The virtual community meeting will provide an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to learn about the redevelopment planning process, understand how TAD investments can support Atlanta communities, share their priorities for future investment and learn how to engage throughout the process. WHAT: TAD Redevelopment Virtual Community Meeting WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. WHERE: Online REGISTER Here: CLICK HERE "Updating these Redevelopment Plans is an important opportunity to ensure future investments are aligned with the needs and priorities of the communities we serve," said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. "We want Atlantans to understand the role these plans play in shaping future development and, most importantly, to have an opportunity to share their perspectives and help inform what comes next. Hearing directly from the people who live, work, and invest in these communities is an important part of planning for Atlanta's future." The October 8 meeting is the beginning of the community engagement process with several in-person meetings to take place in the upcoming weeks. Community members are encouraged to participate in the meeting and continue sharing feedback as the Redevelopment Plans are updated. About Tax Allocation Districts Tax Allocation Districts are an economic development tool used to help finance improvements and investments in designated areas where development or redevelopment is needed. TAD financing can help support projects that contribute to community revitalization, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, job creation, and other public benefits. The updated Redevelopment Plans will help establish a framework for future investments within the seven TADs and provide guidance for projects and initiatives that advance redevelopment goals. For more information about the TAD Redevelopment Plan updates and to participate in the virtual community meeting, visit ATLtadupdate.com . ###
Kino School Music Classroom Nears Completion Following Tucson Federal Credit Union's $90,000 Gift
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 13:00 EDT
Drywall, doors, and windows now in place; final HVAC balancing, fire system review, and exterior painting remain before opening The new music classroom at Kino School is nearing completion, with drywall, doors, windows, insulation, and wiring now in place following a $90,000 gift from Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) to fund the campus expansion. TFCU presented the gift to Kino School in December 2025 to support the conversion of a 336-square-foot covered porch into a fully enclosed, climate-controlled, sound-insulated music classroom. The project has since passed multiple inspections, and recent photos from the school show the space taking shape as a fully finished classroom. A short punch list remains before the space is ready for students: the HVAC system still requires air balancing, the fire suppression system is under review by the fire marshal after an engineered solution was proposed, and the exterior will be painted once the new stucco has fully cured. Kino School leadership expects the fire system review to take a couple of months to resolve. Founded in 1976, Kino School is a K-12 nonprofit that serves students who learn differently through individualized, project-based instruction. The school maintains an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and centers its curriculum on STEAM, the arts, and emotional intelligence rather than standardized testing. Nearly 90% of Kino families receive financial assistance, and more than a third of students have special needs, both figures well above state averages. Founded by teachers, education is a core mission value for Tucson Federal Credit Union. The gift reflects TFCU's ongoing commitment to Southern Arizona's educational landscape and its belief that students of all learning styles deserve the opportunity to succeed.
Young Somerset and The Newt announce pioneering Farm to help young people grow skills, confidence and futures
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 11:14 EDT
Young Somerset is creating a pioneering new Farm near Wincanton where young people will be able to grow their skills, confidence and future prospects through nature, practical learning and sustainable food growing. The Young Somerset Farm is being made possible through an incredibly generous donation of land from The Newt in Somerset , supporting Young Somerset's ambitious plans to reach and help many more young people across the county. The Farm will create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop practical skills, support their wellbeing and explore future pathways through growing, food, nature and enterprise. Young people will be actively involved in shaping the Farm as it develops, supported by Young Somerset staff, the Farm team, volunteers and local partners. Nik Harwood, Chief Executive of Young Somerset, said: "This is an incredibly significant and generous donation from The Newt, which will help Young Somerset realise an exciting and ambitious vision and create a genuinely different opportunity for young people across Somerset. "We know that young people learn and thrive in different ways and, for some, practical activity, being outdoors and seeing the tangible results of what they have achieved can be incredibly powerful. The Farm will provide an inclusive environment where young people can connect with nature, develop practical skills and discover new strengths and possibilities. "We will quite literally be growing food, but our real ambition is to help young people grow too - in confidence, skills, wellbeing and their sense of what might be possible for their future. We are enormously grateful to The Newt for gifting the land and enabling us to reach and support many more young people for years to come." Andrew Foulkes, CEO of Hospitality at The Newt in Somerset, said: "We are delighted to gift this land to Young Somerset and support the creation of a place that will provide meaningful opportunities for young people. "Growing, nature and working with the land can have a powerful impact on confidence, wellbeing and practical skills. We look forward to seeing Young Somerset's vision for the Farm take shape and the difference it will make." Preparations for the Young Somerset Farm are now underway. Activity at the site is expected to begin in early 2027, with the first full growing and activity season planned from March 2027. Young Somerset will share further information about the Farm, the activities it will offer and future opportunities through its website and social media channels.
All Aboard for One of the Largest and Most Unique Beer Festivals in the Country
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 09:44 EDT
Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October 2026 - This autumn, travellers can swap the conventional festival field for a five-mile heritage railway as the Spa Valley Railway's award-winning Real Ale & Cider Festival returns to Tunbridge Wells. The festival opens at Tunbridge Wells West on Thursday evening; vintage trains then carry visitors between three characterful station venues from Friday to Sunday, combining a major drinks festival with live music, local food and a scenic Steam Train journey through the High Weald. The 16th festival will bring together around 200 real ales, 40 Kent Green Hop beers, 14 keg beers and 70 ciders at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge and Eridge. The railway journey is not simply transport between bars: it is the thread that joins the experience, with heritage trains, countryside views and drinks available on selected services. At Tunbridge Wells West, full bands will perform on the main stage inside the atmospheric engine shed; Groombridge will offer a more intimate acoustic soundtrack; and Eridge will add its own lively mix of smaller bands. Freshly prepared food will be served across the line, creating an easy, unhurried day out in which visitors can taste, travel and explore at their own pace. Entry to every festival site is free. The festival opens at Tunbridge Wells West at 6pm on Thursday 15 October, with no train services operating that day. Heritage trains and the full three-station festival programme run from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October only. Rover tickets provide unlimited train travel between the venues on those three days, making it possible to experience the entire line in one memorable day. Why It Belongs on the Autumn Travel Calendar - Around 200 real ales from breweries across the UK - 40 Kent Green Hop beers, showcasing the fresh flavours of the county's hop harvest - 70 ciders and 14 keg beers, offering something for every taste - Live music and food across three characterful stations - Steam and heritage diesel trains through the beautiful High Weald Jonnie Pay, General Manager of the Spa Valley Railway, said: "Few festivals let you arrive by heritage train, step into three very different venues and enjoy the landscape as part of the day. This is a celebration of flavour, music and railway travel rolled into one - equally rewarding for serious beer enthusiasts, cider lovers and visitors looking for an original autumn escape with friends or family." We would also like to thank Royal Tunbridge Wells Together for its continued support and generous contribution towards marketing this annual event." The combination of vintage rail travel, three contrasting station settings and one of the country's largest gatherings of Kent Green Hop beers gives the festival a strong sense of place. Visitors can compare classic bitters, bold stouts, refreshing pales, modern craft pours and an exceptional range of ciders while crossing the Kent and Sussex countryside. The Home of Kent Green Hop Beer A major highlight will be one of the country's largest gatherings of Kent Green Hop beers. Brewed with freshly harvested hops from Kent's hop gardens, these seasonal beers deliver exceptionally fresh aromas and flavours that can only be enjoyed for a limited period around harvest time. For seasoned beer explorers and curious newcomers alike, the festival is a rare chance to taste the hop harvest at its freshest, meet friends, enjoy the music and experience a heritage railway in full festival spirit. Three Stations, One Unforgettable Journey From Friday to Sunday, visitors can arrive at any festival site, purchase a festival glass and begin exploring. Rover tickets for unlimited heritage train travel are available in advance or at the stations, and the railway has published the 2026 train timetable online. Full event details, opening times and tickets are available at https://spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/real-ale-cider-festival/ Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey, allow plenty of time to explore all three stations and enjoy the festival responsibly. Card-carrying CAMRA members can receive a 25% discount on train travel when purchasing at a ticket office. Booking Information The 16th Real Ale & Cider Festival opens at Tunbridge Wells West at 6pm on Thursday 15 October 2026 and continues across all three festival sites from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October. Trains operate Friday to Sunday only; there are no train services on Thursday. Festival entry is free, while train travel requires a ticket. For the latest beer and cider lists, opening times, the train timetable and advance Rover tickets, visit https://spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/real-ale-cider-festival/ Contact Details Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY. For media enquiries and image requests, please contact Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on 01892 616647.
From £5,000 to Seven Figures a Month: Preston Entrepreneur Builds Live-commerce Powerhouse in Greater Manchester
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 05:32 EDT
A Preston-born entrepreneur who invested just £5,000 to launch five live-commerce studios in Stockport has grown the business into a seven-figure-a-month operation 16 months on, as live shopping gains traction as a sales channel in UK e-commerce. Founder Ash Patel's company, KOVA, now employs more than 140 people, including 120 presenters and supports more than 40 brands, with a further 35 brands on its waiting list. Patel, who has spent around a decade working across marketing, digital media, e-commerce and consumer brands, previously helped launch and grow consumer brand Desso, taking it into major retailers and appearing on Dragons' Den. It was during this period that he became closely involved with TikTok as it developed its e-commerce offering, working with agencies and other businesses across the platform's wider ecosystem. That experience led him to identify a gap in the UK's live-commerce market. While brands were increasingly being encouraged to treat live streaming as a genuine sales channel, Patel found that many of the services on offer, some charging around £250 an hour, did not match the production quality, consistency or brand standards that established businesses required. Rather than accept the market as it stood, Patel researched where live commerce was heading, travelling to China to study the far more developed live-shopping ecosystem built around Douyin. Seeing the scale, professionalism and infrastructure behind Chinese live commerce convinced him that the UK was still at an early stage, and that there was room to build something considerably more ambitious. He returned to the UK and invested approximately £5,000 to launch KOVA with five studios in Stockport, initially offering a white-label live-commerce service to agencies across the country. This allowed KOVA to operate behind the scenes for a wide range of brands and categories, rapidly building expertise in presenters, production, scripting and conversion. Within six months, the five-studio operation had grown to ten, before KOVA expanded again into a significantly larger site in Trafford Park. KOVA has since achieved S5 Platinum status as an official TikTok Shop Partner (TSP). Ash Patel said, "We started KOVA with around £5,000 and five studios in Stockport. We didn't begin with a huge investment or a massive team: we started by doing the work ourselves and learning everything we could about what makes live commerce actually perform. "For me, the journey is also proof that you don't necessarily have to be in London or start with millions of pounds to build something ambitious. I'm from Preston, and we've built KOVA in Greater Manchester because I believe the North West has the talent, creativity and energy to become a serious part of this industry." For more information, please visit www.mykova.co .
Autumn Is the Time to Check Your Manual Handling Equipment Reminds Midland Pallet Trucks
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 04:55 EDT
As autumn sets in, businesses that rely on pallet trucks and other manual handling equipment should be taking a closer look at the condition of their equipment before colder, wetter and darker conditions become the norm. The change in season can alter the environment in which handling equipment is being used. Outdoor loading and unloading areas can become wet, floors can become more slippery and reduced daylight can affect visibility, while colder conditions may create additional considerations for equipment that is used outside or moved between indoor and outdoor areas. For businesses, that makes Autumn a sensible time to inspect equipment rather than waiting for a problem to appear during the winter months. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Midland Pallet Trucks, said that relatively simple checks could identify problems before they become disruptive. "Handling equipment is one of those things that gets used all day without much thought, until something stops working properly. By then, the problem can be far more inconvenient to fix than it would have been a few weeks earlier. "Autumn's arrival, before winter sets in, is a good time to look at the basics. Wheels should be checked for damage and excessive wear, moving parts should operate as they should, and any signs of hydraulic problems should be investigated rather than ignored. Where electric equipment is used, batteries and charging arrangements also deserve attention. "It is also worth looking at the environment around the equipment. A pallet truck that works perfectly well on a clean, level warehouse floor may be much harder to operate if it is regularly being taken across wet yards, uneven surfaces or thresholds." The Health and Safety Executive highlights wet, slippery or uneven floors, poor lighting and cold conditions among factors that can increase physical ill-health risks during manual handling. Its guidance also advises employers to consider the equipment available to help with handling tasks. For operators, that means equipment checks should form part of a wider review of how loads are being moved as winter approaches. If conditions or workloads have changed, the equipment originally chosen for a task may no longer be the most appropriate option. "Businesses don't need to wait for a breakdown before asking whether their equipment - be it a pallet truck, a stacker truck or a lift table - is still suitable," added Chesworth. For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
SGS highlights updated Belgian requirements for food contact ceramics
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 04:40 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 126.26, highlighting Belgium's updated requirements, including stricter lead and cadmium migration limits for food contact ceramics. The Royal Decree of July 19, 2026 (C-2026/006323) amends the Royal Decree of May 1, 2006, on the declaration of compliance and performance criteria for the method of analysis for ceramic articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. Published on September 11, 2026, the amendment implements the Benelux Committee of Ministers Decision M (2024) 5 of November 29, 2024, on food contact ceramics. Alongside stricter migration limits for lead and cadmium, the July 19 Royal Decree includes provisions allowing economic operators to consider specific factors when placing food contact ceramics on the market. The decree entered into force on May 29, 2026, and affects stakeholders across the food contact ceramic materials and articles supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in Belgium. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 126.26 provides further information on the applicable categories of food contact ceramics, the revised migration limits for lead and cadmium and the factors economic operators may consider when placing these products on the market. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 126.26 for more details. SGS food contact material services SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Belgium Updates Rules for Food Contact Ceramics SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS highlights New Zealand's proposed asbestos requirements for specified sand products
Tue, Oct 06, 2026 04:25 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 127.26, detailing New Zealand's proposals to prohibit asbestos in specified consumer sand products and introduce associated testing requirements. The draft Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice 2026 was announced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on September 4, 2026. If approved, the notice would prohibit asbestos in specified consumer sand products, including toy sand, toys containing sand and certain decorative, craft or artistic products. Under the proposal, asbestos must not be detected using specified testing methods. Testing laboratories must be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with the method of analysis included in their scope of accreditation. Certificates, reports or results must also be dated no more than 12 months before the goods are imported into or manufactured in New Zealand. Businesses involved in supplying toy sand and other specified goods containing sand would be affected, including manufacturers, importers and retailers. Comments on the draft notice were accepted until September 25, 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 127.26 includes further information on the notice's applicable product categories, testing methods and other proposed requirements. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 127.26 for more details. SGS consumer product services SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's consumer product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Zealand Proposes Asbestos Testing for Specified Sand Products SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Maola Local Dairies® Donates Truckload of Fresh Milk to Capital Area Food Bank
Mon, Oct 05, 2026 17:10 EDT
Maola Local Dairies ® donated a tractor trailer load of fresh milk, or 3,825 gallons, to the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) to help provide nutritious milk to families facing hunger across the Greater Washington, D.C. region. The donation came as part of an event held by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Foundation which brought dairy industry leaders together for a morning of volunteer service to CAFB. Maola ® team members joined a volunteer service event at the food bank, packing senior food bags for distribution through its community network. The donation and volunteer effort reflect Maola's commitment to supporting the communities it serves and helping make wholesome dairy products more accessible. Maola's donation of 3,825 gallons of milk will provide more than 61,000 eight-ounce servings of nutritious dairy to families served by the food bank. Food insecurity continues to affect a significant portion of households across the region. According to the CAFB's 2026 Hunger Report , 38% of households in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region experienced food insecurity in the past year, while approximately one in three children in the region experienced food insecurity. "As a farmer-owned cooperative and local dairy brand, Maola believes nutritious milk should be within reach for every family," said Roddy Purser, Interim CEO of Maola Local Dairies. "We are proud to support the Capital Area Food Bank and grateful to our employees and partners who helped deliver fresh milk to neighbors who need it. Caring for our communities is central to who we are and how we put our values into action." Milk is a nutrient-rich powerhouse . Each 8-ounce glass of milk contains 13 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein to help build and maintain lean muscle, B vitamins (riboflavin, B-12, niacin and pantothenic acid) for energy, vitamin A, zinc, and selenium for a healthy immune system, bone-building nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus, iodine to help regulate metabolism, and potassium to help maintain normal muscle function and regulate the balance of fluids in the body.
AMA's Marketing / And Podcast Named A Finalist in the 5th Annual Signal Awards
Mon, Oct 05, 2026 12:07 EDT
AMA's Marketing / And Podcast Named A Finalist in the 5th Annual Signal Awards Marketing / And is Nominated in the Creativity & Marketing Category Chicago, IL -The American Marketing Association (AMA) is proud to announce that its podcast, Marketing / And , has been named an official Finalist in the Creativity & Marketing category in the fifth edition of the Annual Signal Awards. Selected by the Signal Awards Judging Academy out of an exceptional pool of entries, Marketing / And has been recognized as one of the finest podcasts in the industry. As a finalist, the show is in the running to take home a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award, with the winners to be revealed on October 20th. Hosted by AMA CEO Bennie F. Johnson , Marketing / And dives deep into the dynamic world of business, culture, and modern strategy. The podcast features compelling conversations with CEOs, CMOs, and industry leaders and innovators exploring critical topics like moving past fear and hesitation, and building meaningful brand connections. By spotlighting the intersection of marketing and broader cultural forces, the podcast provided listeners with actionable insights and forward-thinking leadership perspectives. In addition to competing for the juried awards, Marketing / And is now eligible for the 2026 Signal Listener's Choice Award. This global competition puts the power in the hands of the fans and listeners, who can vote for their favorite shortlisted podcasts from now till Thursday, October 15. AMA encourages all listeners, members, and marketing professionals to cast their votes at the official Signal Listener's Choice voting platform . Listeners can catch brand new episodes of Marketing / And Season 8 live every Wednesday. Whether you are an industry veteran, an aspiring marketer, or a dedicated fan of leadership stories, tune in weekly to join the conversation and discover how top leaders are shaping the future of business. Find more information visit ama.org . ###
Two portraits by Julien Hudson find a permanent home in the French Quarter
Mon, Oct 05, 2026 11:49 EDT
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC), home to the world's largest collection of materials related to the history and culture of New Orleans, recently acquired two exceedingly rare paintings by Louisiana's first native-born portraitist and the second-known portraitist of color in America - Julien Hudson . These two important works of American art history, gifted by the Robert and Martha Bolton Living Trust in memory of James D. (Don) Didier, are now available for a rare showing at HNOC's Williams Research Center. For more than a century, the name Julien Hudson has been shrouded in mystery. Born in 1811 in New Orleans, he was the son of a property-owning free woman of color and a white English merchant, ironmonger and ship chandler. He began as a tailor's apprentice before beginning his painting career in the mid-1820s, training first in New Orleans and later in Paris. Little is known about his personal life, outside of scattered details found in a handful of public documents and a pair of early 20th-century reminiscences by former student George Coulon and prominent Creole of color Rodolphe Desdunes. Hudson's untimely, mysterious death at age 33 brought his enigmatic career to an end. Only six of his works are known to exist. "Hudson's story is alluring, frustrating and poignant as he only left behind a fragmented body of work when he died," wrote William Keyse Rudolph, who served as guest curator of the 2011 exhibition "In Search of Julien Hudson" and who co-authored the accompanying catalog. The exhibition was the first retrospective of Hudson's work and for the first time brought together all his known works under one roof. "HNOC is incredibly honored to receive these exceedingly rare paintings - one depicting a Creole boy, the other an African or African-descended man - and to assume the responsibility of stewarding them for posterity. These two important works of American art will join our permanent collection and serve as evidence of our rich and storied past, about which we will always have more to learn," said HNOC's President and CEO Daniel Hammer. The wall text displayed with each portrait will explore what is known and what remains a mystery about the sitters and Hudson himself. The public is invited to visit and reflect on the lives of the individuals depicted in the paintings and the artist who left them behind too soon. HNOC's 2011 exhibition catalog " In Search of Julien Hudson: Free Artist of Color in Pre-Civil War New Orleans " provides essential background on the artist. Edited by HNOC deputy director, Erin M. Greenwald, PhD, the fully illustrated 116-page volume is the most thorough examination of Hudson's work and life to date. Greenwald also contributed the introduction, with additional essays by Patricia Brady and Rudolph. The book can be purchased at HNOC's award-winning museum store or online at shophnoc.org . The two portraits will be on display on the second floor of HNOC's Williams Research Center at 410 Chartres St. in the French Quarter. The public is invited to view the portraits, and museum admission is not required. The Williams Research Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Hudson and to plan your visit, go to hnoc.org .
A President, a Poet, and an Etruscan Shipwreck: How European Quality Traveled to American Tables
Mon, Oct 05, 2026 02:26 EDT
New York, October 5, 2026 - Across Europe, culinary traditions have been shaped by centuries of cultivation, craftsmanship, trade, and cultural exchange. Tuscany offers a particularly vivid testimonial to that enduring European heritage: its wines crossed oceans long before the modern European Union existed, while its olive oil was traded across the Mediterranean in antiquity. Today, the Savor Quality from Europe campaign, co-financed by the European Union, brings that living tradition to American audiences through two of Tuscany's historic denominations: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and the PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils represented by APOT - Tuscan Olive Oil Producers Association. In 2026, two anniversaries provide an opportunity to explore how European food and wine have traveled across generations and borders. Two Anniversaries, One Wine As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, one of the document's principal authors is being remembered for a lesser-known aspect of his life: his appreciation of European wine. Thomas Jefferson, later the third President of the United States, was among the admirers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, with historical records documenting his orders of several hundred bottles - an early example of how European wine and food culture found a place at the table of the young American republic. That connection has now been revisited in a new book, The Taste of Freedom: Thomas Jefferson, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the Birth of the United States, by Francesco Clementi and Antonio Gaudioso. Presented in Montepulciano on June 19, 2026, the book traces how European material culture, and Vino Nobile in particular, helped shape a republican society founded on moderation, dialogue, and civic coexistence - one in which Jefferson used the table as a tool of diplomacy. The presentation coincided with another 2026 milestone: the 400th anniversary of the birth of Francesco Redi, the Tuscan scientist and poet who, in his 17th-century poem Bacco in Toscana, gave Montepulciano wine a place in Italian literary tradition that has endured ever since. The Consorzio's celebrations launched in June in Montepulciano's Piazza Grande and will culminate in an international exhibition in March 2027. Long Roots, Living Tradition Olive cultivation has been part of Europe's Mediterranean heritage for thousands of years. In Tuscany, that history can be traced to Etruscan times - a 6th-century BC shipwreck discovered off the Island of Giglio contained amphorae of preserved olives, archaeological confirmation of how central this crop was to Mediterranean trade more than twenty-six centuries ago. That long history is still visible in what grows there today. Romans expanded the practice, medieval monasteries preserved it, and the terraced groves familiar to today's visitors took shape between the 18th and 19th centuries. Tuscany's cultivar heritage - Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino, and dozens of local varieties preserved by growers in specific corners of the region - is a direct reflection of Europe's remarkable agricultural diversity and continuity. Sustaining it today is the work of APOT - Tuscan Olive Oil Producers Association, the Pisa-based cooperative representing the producers behind Tuscany's PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils. APOT's current agenda reflects a sector under significant pressure: climate change, biodiversity, and rising production costs are reshaping a landscape of small, hilly farms, where sustainability is as much economic as environmental. A Successful 2026, and What's Next That through-line - from Etruscan amphorae to Redi's verse to Jefferson's table - is what the Savor Quality from Europe campaign brought to American audiences this spring, reaching more than 400 trade and media professionals across New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with coverage from Forbes, Fortune, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and CBS. The campaign's programming continues into 2027, with further U.S. activity in planning. Trade and media professionals interested in attending or arranging interviews with the Consorzio or APOT are invited to contact the campaign's U.S. press office at eter@beviour.com About the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Founded in 1965, the Consorzio safeguards and promotes Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, and Vin Santo. Today, it represents nearly 270 producers and leads initiatives to protect these denominations worldwide while advancing sustainability. About APOT - Tuscan Olive Oil Producers Association APOT brings together producers of Tuscany's PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils, preserving centuries-old traditions while promoting quality and sustainability. Representing oils such as IGP Toscano, DOP Terre di Siena, DOP Lucca, DOP Seggiano, and Chianti Classico DOP, APOT ensures that Tuscan olive oil remains a symbol of authenticity and excellence. Discover the campaign: www.savorqualityfromeurope.eu Facebook: @savorqualityfromeurope Instagram: @savorqualityfromeurope #savorqualityfromeurope For more information on the campaign and upcoming events, please contact: Ms. Silvia Loriga s.loriga@consorziovinonobile.it
When Students Disclose Sexual Violence: UWindsor Researcher Informs Critical Shift in School Response
Fri, Oct 02, 2026 18:09 EDT
Before the age of 15, 45 per cent of Canadian teens will experience dating violence. While the vast majority do not formally report, 74 percent do speak with someone informally about their experience. For teachers who find themselves on the receiving end of these disclosures, knowing what to do can be daunting. Dr. Catherine Vanner, an associate professor at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Education, is helping teachers learn how to respond to student disclosures in supportive and trauma-informed ways. Vanner, whose research focuses on gender-based violence and education, says that while teachers receive mandatory training around their duty to report, they often do not know how to best support students who make a disclosure or how to manage their own well-being in the process. Responding to disclosures is, Vanner says, "always difficult but so important that it be done with care." To help teachers build this capacity, Vanner is participating in a panel to launch the new CARE Model Guide, created by Canadian social change consultancy Possibility Seeds, which provides teachers practical strategies to respond appropriately to student disclosures. The guide encourages teachers to focus on listening to the student, being transparent about reporting requirements, referring to resources, and making time to look after themselves afterwards. It was created through the High School Too project, on which Vanner serves as an advisory board member. High School Too emerged out of a series of student-led protests in 2022 against sexual violence and inadequate response by school boards and administrators in Canadian high schools. Led by consent educator and Possibility Seeds CEO Farrah Khan, Possibility Seeds received provincial funding to formalize High School Too to support educators and students in Ontario in responding to gender-based violence. At the centre of the work remains a commitment to prioritizing student involvement and voice. To that end, Vanner is also co-leading a research project with Possibility Seeds in which high school students navigate school board policies around sexual violence to determine how accessible this information is. "This movement entirely originated with the initiatives of high school students and continues to be driven by student agency and incorporating student voices," Vanner says. The CARE Model Guide will be available online following its online launch, Monday Oct. 5 at 12 p.m.
PIF Energy Plans $2 Billion Crude Tanker Fleet as G7 Moves to Release 100 Million Barrels of Emergency Stocks
Fri, Oct 02, 2026 15:55 EDT
Dallas energy company targets up to 15 crude carriers to expand Hormuz-linked transport capacity as President Trump presses Europe to release reserves and the G7 front-loads diesel supply PIF Energy today announced a planned $2 billion investment to acquire up to 15 crude oil tankers, adding seaborne transport capacity at a time when disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and tight refined-product markets are intensifying the global fuel crisis. The company said vessel acquisitions are already under way and are intended to create a fleet capable of moving crude from producing markets through the Strait of Hormuz to refineries and downstream customers. PIF Energy expects to complete the initial acquisition program within three to four weeks, subject to vessel availability, commercial due diligence and customary closing conditions. The announcement follows sustained pressure from US President Donald J. Trump for European countries to make additional emergency fuel stocks available as diesel prices and supply concerns rise. On 2 October, the G7 said it would coordinate through the International Energy Agency the release of 100 million barrels of diesel, crude oil and other reserves over four months, beginning immediately. The plan includes a substantial front-loaded diesel release within the first 20 days and a commitment to avoid energy export restrictions between G7 countries. Ben Morrow, founder and CEO of Dallas-based PIF Energy, said: "President Trump's call for Europe to release more reserves reflects the urgency now facing the fuel market. The G7's 100-million-barrel commitment can provide near-term relief, particularly through the front-loaded diesel release, but emergency stocks are a bridge rather than a permanent solution. The market also needs dependable physical capacity to move crude from producing regions to the refineries that can turn it into diesel, gasoline and other essential products." "Our planned investment is focused on that transport constraint. A fleet of up to 15 crude carriers would give PIF Energy the ability to schedule repeatable voyages, respond to refinery demand and help keep barrels moving through one of the world's most strategically important energy corridors. Vessel selection, operating readiness and commercial discipline will be central to the programme because adding ships only matters if they deliver reliable tonnes and barrels to the right markets at the right time." "The human impact is immediate. Farmers, truckers, manufacturers and households are absorbing higher fuel costs throughout the supply chain. Strategic reserve releases can help calm the short-term shock; sustained shipping and logistics capacity can support resilience beyond it. PIF Energy intends to invest where it can make a practical contribution: moving crude, supporting refinery supply and helping reduce the risk that transport bottlenecks deepen the global fuel crisis. That is how we put our Pay It Forward mission to work." PIF Energy said the acquisition program will prioritize crude carriers suited to its intended trading routes and customer requirements. Each vessel added to the fleet would increase the company's capacity to connect producing markets with refineries, complementing emergency stock releases with longer-term logistics capability. Diesel supply is critical to agriculture, road freight and industrial activity, while crude availability and refinery throughput influence costs across the wider economy. PIF Energy said its strategy is designed to address the transport link in that chain by increasing access to flexible tanker capacity during a period of heightened geopolitical and supply risk. Morrow added: "The test is not whether the industry can generate a headline response; it is whether it can sustain deliveries after emergency measures have run their course. Our objective is steady, repeatable movement of crude to the refineries and markets that need it, supported by assets that can operate through changing market conditions."
Laura Harding, Esq. Appointed Commissioner, New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies
Fri, Oct 02, 2026 15:27 EDT
Harding is an Appointee of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (District 83) The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies (NYSCCRR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Harding, Esq. as a member of the 9-member Commission. Commissioner Harding is an appointee of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (District 83). She joins the Commissioners as they examine the legacy of slavery in New York State and its impact on people of African descent. The Commission is also charged with submitting a report and recommendations to the Governor and the State Legislature regarding reparatory justice. Harding is a seasoned attorney, advocate, and strategist with extensive experience advancing equity, education, housing justice, and community impact. Her appointment brings to the Commission a broad background in civil rights, public education, organizational leadership, and legal advocacy. Harding is the Founder and CEO of Harding Strategies & Consulting, LLC, where she works with mission-driven organizations to build capacity, strengthen leadership, and advance measurable community impact. Her expertise includes strategic planning, fundraising, program development, and equity-centered organizational growth. She has supported nonprofits and other organizations advancing fair, affordable, and inclusive housing, as well as educational equity. An accomplished leader in civil rights and education, Harding previously served as President of ERASE Racism, a Long Island-based nonprofit dedicated to combating structural racism in housing and public education. Her public service career also includes leadership positions with District of Columbia Public Schools, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education in Washington, D.C., and the New York City Department of Education, where she worked on initiatives focused on access, inclusion, equity, youth development, and student safety. Harding began her career as a forensic social worker with The Bronx Defenders and the Juvenile Rights Division of the Brooklyn Legal Aid Society. As an attorney, she has served as a clerk in the Queens County Supreme Court, Civil Term, and as a staff attorney with Legal Services New York, where she concentrated on tenants' rights. Harding holds degrees from Adelphi University, the University of Chicago, and Howard University School of Law. As the Commission continues its work to examine the legacy of slavery and its enduring impacts in New York State, Harding's experience in law, education, housing, civil rights, and organizational strategy will contribute to the Commission's ongoing efforts to develop recommendations addressing historical and contemporary inequities. The NYSCCRR welcomes Commissioner Harding and looks forward to her contributions to the Commission's work.
VERDURA RESORT HOSTS INAUGURAL SIR ROCCO FORTE CAPTAIN'S TROPHY
Fri, Oct 02, 2026 05:40 EDT
Colin Montgomerie headlines successful debut of new golf, culture and conversation event in Sicily European legend Colin Montgomerie took time out from his busy schedule to join amateur golfers and guests at Sicily's Verdura Resort for the inaugural Sir Rocco Forte Captain's Trophy, a new four-day event combining championship golf, exceptional hospitality and Sicilian culture this September . Headlined by Ryder Cup star and eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Montgomerie, the inaugural event, organised in partnership with Raro Discovery - the travel agency and tour operator based in Milan - brought together competition and conversation across Verdura's two 18-hole championship courses, with guests also enjoying the resort's renowned dining, wellness and leisure experiences. Montgomerie featured throughout the event, including delivering a special driving range exhibition and offering guests an insight into the technique and approach behind his illustrious career. He later joined an exclusive evening interview, reflecting on his time at the top of the game and sharing stories from a career that includes 31 European Tour titles and eight Ryder Cup appearances. The tournament began with a sunset aperitivo and welcome dinner at Amare Restaurant before the first 18-hole Stableford round on Verdura Resort's East Links course. The second day's golf action saw participants take on the West Shore course for a second 18-hole round, before the competition concluded with a prize ceremony and gala dinner at Zagara. Open to amateur golfers registered with their respective federations, the 36-hole Stableford competition featured three handicap categories, with prizes awarded for both net and gross performances across individual and club leaderboards. Team Verdura Golf Club claimed the team title, while Massimo Calcara took first place in the First Net Category. Andres Jimenez Villa won the Second Net Category, with Rudy Botta taking the Scratch Net title. Montgomerie said: "It was a real pleasure to be part of the first Sir Rocco Forte Captain's Trophy. I have visited mainland Italy many times over the years, including to play in Italian Opens, but this was my first time in Sicily - and it has been an absolute dream. "It is even better than I could have imagined: so peaceful, beautiful and idyllic. I love the Mediterranean, the people, the food and the incredible setting here at Verdura. Both the East Links and the West Shore courses are fantastic, and the facilities around them are first class, giving you everything you need to enjoy your golf. It is a very special place." The event extended beyond the golf course, with companions invited to take part in cooking classes led by Fulvio Pierangelini, Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels. Drawing on Sicily's rich culinary heritage and seasonal produce, the sessions offered an insight into Pierangelini's distinctive approach to Italian cuisine, while dining throughout the event showcased the flavours of the island. Donato Di Ponziano, Golf Development Supervisor for Rocco Forte Hotels , directed the tournament, creating an atmosphere that balanced competitive golf with the relaxed spirit of a resort experience. Reflecting on the inaugural event, he said: "The first Sir Rocco Forte Captain's Trophy delivered everything we hoped for - a new chapter for golf at Verdura, bringing together competition, culture and conversation in a way that reflects both the spirit of the game and the wider experience at Verdura Resort. Welcoming Colin Montgomerie added a special dimension to the event, and it was a privilege to host our guests for such a memorable few days in Sicily." Sir Rocco Forte said: "Golf has always been about camaraderie, competition and the joy of great surroundings. At Verdura Resort, the Captain's Trophy celebrates all three." Situated along Sicily's southern coastline, Verdura Resort provided a fitting backdrop for the inaugural event, with championship golf complemented by its wider offering of dining, sport and wellbeing. The resort is recognised among the World's Top 100 Golf Resorts 2026 and was named Europe's Best Golf Resort at the 2025 World Golf Awards. Away from the competition, guests were able to enjoy Verdura's extensive facilities, from its practice areas and private coastline to the 4,000m² Irene Forte Spa, while the resort's restaurants and Sicilian-inspired experiences formed an integral part of the programme. To mark the occasion, Raro Discovery also unveiled a collection of 50 blockchain-certified NFTs reserved for event participants. The digital artwork breaks Colin Montgomerie's swing into 50 individual frames, with each NFT a unique fragment of the movement and the full set reconstructing the complete sequence. Participants can claim theirs through the Raro Travel Atelier, offering a verifiable keepsake of the inaugural event. The collection is the first in a new Raro Discovery project exploring how digital collectibles can extend the relationship between hospitality brands and their guests. Following its successful debut, the Sir Rocco Forte Captain's Trophy establishes a new fixture in Verdura Resort's golfing calendar, bringing together the game, the island and the distinctive hospitality for which the resort is renowned. ENDS Information for journalists High-resolution images of Verdura Resort and the Sir Rocco Forte Captain's Trophy may be downloaded for editorial purposes from Verdura Resort For more information on Verdura Resort, contact: Tommy Stewart - 01730 711920 | tommy@theazaleagroup.com ; Isabella Giglia - PR and Communications Manager, Sicily - igiglia@roccofortehotels.com . For enquiries about the Sir Rocco Forte Captain's Trophy - events.verdura@roccofortehotels.com .
Shapiro Family Foundation awards more than $85,000 to New Orleans nonprofits at 2nd Annual Nourish & Flourish Reception
Thu, Oct 01, 2026 16:05 EDT
The Shapiro Family Foundation announced its 2026 Nourish & Flourish Grant recipients and celebrated nonprofit partners at a grant reception held Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Clover New Orleans' Patrick F. Taylor Campus. More than $85,000 in grants and community investments were recognized during the evening, part of more than $100,000 the Foundation has contributed in 2026 to organizations serving New Orleans and the surrounding community. "These organizations represent the very best of what makes our community strong," said Allison Shapiro Dandry, founder and executive director of the Shapiro Family Foundation. "They are meeting urgent needs while also creating pathways to healthier, more stable futures. We want our philanthropy to be more than writing a check - we want to know our partners, understand what they need and help strengthen the work they are already doing." The Foundation celebrated five 2026 Nourish & Flourish Grant recipients, each receiving a $10,000 grant: Edible Schoolyard New Orleans: A signature program of FirstLine Schools that integrates hands-on organic gardening and seasonal cooking into the school curriculum, helping children build healthy connections with food and the natural world. Grace at the Green Light: A New Orleans nonprofit that provides daily meals, water and basic care to people experiencing homelessness while connecting guests with additional support and resources. Health and Education Alliance of Louisiana (HEAL): A New Orleans-based nonprofit working to eliminate health and educational disparities for at-risk children by integrating school-based healthcare services and helping schools access federal Medicaid funding. Louisiana Center for Children's Rights (LCCR): A New Orleans-based nonprofit providing holistic legal defense and advocacy to keep children out of the justice system and help them thrive in their communities. VIA LINK: A 24/7 crisis-support and community-services organization connecting people to essential help online and through 311 and 988. The Foundation also renewed its commitment to two organizations that have been important partners in its work, presenting each with a $10,000 Community Impact Award: Clover New Orleans: Supports children and families through education, family services and community programs. Early Partners: Provides high-quality early childhood education and helps prepare children for kindergarten and lifelong learning. New this year, the Foundation introduced its Lagniappe Grants, designed to respond when an unexpected or urgent expense could affect a nonprofit's ability to continue serving the community. The grants reflect the Foundation's commitment to working alongside organizations, understanding immediate needs and helping strengthen work already underway. This year's Lagniappe Grant recipients are: New Orleans Mission: Provides shelter, meals and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness and crisis. Arete Scholars: Expands educational access by providing need-based scholarships for K-12 students. The evening also highlighted additional organizations the Foundation has supported during 2025-26, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana , KID smART , the American Heart Association , the New Orleans Ballet Association and the Greater New Orleans Foundation's GiveNOLA Day , among others. A special part of the evening recognized Toups Family Meal and Amanda and Isaac Toups for their extraordinary work fighting childhood hunger and supporting New Orleans families. The Foundation also shared an update on the Toups Family Meal Kitchen, donated by the Shapiro Family Foundation and the expanded food preparation and community-serving capacity the new kitchen is expected to make possible. Together, the Nourish & Flourish Grants, Community Impact Awards, Lagniappe Grants and additional nonprofit investments reflect the Foundation's broader approach to philanthropy: responding to urgent needs while building lasting relationships with organizations working every day to strengthen New Orleans. The next Nourish & Flourish grant cycle is expected to open in spring 2027. Nonprofits interested in future opportunities can find eligibility information and updates at shapirofamilyfoundation.com.
Tucson Federal Credit Union CEO Matthew Gaspari Named a Credit Union Leader of the Year by AZ Business Magazine
Thu, Oct 01, 2026 14:44 EDT
Gaspari to be recognized in the Excellence in Banking special section of the magazine's November/December issue TUCSON, Ariz. - (October 1, 2026) - Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) President and CEO Matthew Gaspari has been named a Credit Union Leader of the Year by AZ Business Magazine, a publication of AZ Big Media, as part of the magazine's annual Excellence in Banking special section. The Excellence in Banking section recognizes Arizona's leading banks, credit unions and financial services organizations, along with the executives driving the industry forward through leadership, innovation, community involvement and excellence. Gaspari's recognition will appear in the November/December issue of Az Business Magazine. "I'm honored to be included among this year's Credit Union Leaders of the Year. This recognition belongs just as much to our board, our staff and our members, who make everything we do possible,' said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union." The Excellence in Banking section will also be distributed at the CFO of the Year Awards, hosted by the Arizona chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) on November 10, 2026, reaching business and financial leaders throughout the state, and will receive additional exposure through AZ Big Media's digital channels. About Tucson Federal Credit Union Tucson Federal Credit Union exists to empower people and improve lives within the community. Their vision is to raise the level of prosperity for all generations and create thriving communities, and they fulfill this vision by creating opportunities through service, education, and access. For more information, please visit www.tucsonfcu.com
Shell Shock Technologies and CBC Global Ammunition Sign Definitive Manufacturing Agreement
Thu, Oct 01, 2026 14:31 EDT
Shell Shock Technologies , LLC (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with CBC Global Ammunition , one of the world's largest ammunition manufacturers, formalizing the strategic collaboration the companies unveiled in June 2026 to industrialize and globally commercialize SST's proprietary NAS 3 ™ hybrid case technology. The definitive agreement converts the principal commercial terms the companies commemorated at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris into a binding, long-term partnership. Under the agreement, CBC will serve as a licensed manufacturing and commercialization partner across multiple military and commercial calibers, including 5.56x45, 7.62x51, 6.8 x 51, .338 Lapua, .50 BMG, and 9mm. The agreement significantly expands the resources behind NAS3 production, adding advanced tooling and equipment dedicated to NAS3 case manufacturing, new SST operational space in Michigan, and CBC capacity in Oklahoma to support industrial-scale output. The Oklahoma operations align with CBC's expanding U.S. manufacturing footprint, anchored by the major ammunition facility CBC has announced for northeast Oklahoma. The new Michigan space gives SST added production and engineering capacity to scale manufacturing, refine tooling, and accelerate output across the calibers covered under the agreement. Together, the added capacity, tooling, and expanded footprint position SST and CBC to move NAS 3 technology from validated innovation toward large-scale production for military and commercial markets worldwide. "Signing the definitive agreement is a defining moment for Shell Shock Technologies," said Peter Foss , Managing Partner and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. "We spent years proving what NAS 3 technology can do. Now we're building the capacity, the tooling, and the footprint to deliver it at scale. Our new operations in Michigan, paired with CBC's world-class manufacturing, position us to bring NAS 3 performance to military and commercial customers at the volume this technology has always deserved." "This agreement represents an important step in CBC Global Ammunition's strategy to bring innovative ammunition technologies to market at industrial scale. By combining Shell Shock Technologies' NAS 3 platform with CBC's global manufacturing capabilities and expanding U.S. industrial footprint, we see significant opportunities to deliver advanced, lightweight ammunition solutions for both military and commercial customers," said Fernando Salm, SVP International Sales & Supply Chain of CBC Global Ammunition. Keep up with Shell Tech's advanced ammunition on the website and social media platforms: Facebook , Instagram , X (formerly Twitter) , and YouTube .
