Wattner bietet Investition in bereits produzierendes Solarkraftwerk Zahna

Neue Crowdfunding-Möglichkeit - kein Errichtungsrisiko

Köln (ots)

Wattner startet mit dem Crowdfunding Wattner Solarpark Zahna bereits die zweite Schwarmfinanzierung in diesem Jahr. Bei vielen Crowdfunding-Angeboten ermöglicht erst das eingesammelte Kapital den Bau. In Zahna ist die Anlage bereits in Betrieb und somit entfällt das Errichtungsrisiko.

Eine Erfolgsgeschichte, die überzeugt

Wattner bietet seit 2008 öffentliche Vermögensanlagen an. SunAsset 1 bis SunAsset 10 wurden erfolgreich platziert und laufen alle gemäß Prognose. Den Auftakt machte SunAsset 1: Als erstes Unternehmen überhaupt legte Wattner einen Solar-Kurzläuferfonds auf und brachte den Anlegern in nur fünf Jahren einen Überschuss von 86,1%. In den Jahren 2019 und 2020 stellte Wattner als Pionier die beiden ersten Crowdfunding-Angebote der DKB-Crowd. Nun folgt eine weitere Schwarmfinanzierung, zum zweiten Mal in diesem Jahr mit dem bewährten Vertriebspartner Grüne Sachwerte.

Die Eckdaten

- Investitionsobjekt: Wattner Solarkraftwerk Zahna in Zahna-Elster, Sachsen-Anhalt

- Anlage: 41 Megawatt Leistung bestehend aus 67.176 Solarmodulen, bereits in Betrieb

- Vertriebspartner: Grüne Sachwerte, Gesellschaft für ökologisches Investment mbH

Weitere Details sind auf unserer Webseite zu finden:

www.wattner.de/investment/crowdfunding-solarpark-zahna/

Pressekontakt:

Klaus Sachsenthal | Public Relations

Wattner AG | Maximinenstraße 6 | 50668 Köln

T +49 221 355 006-52 | F +49 221 355 006-79

E presse@wattner.de | W www.wattner.de

Original-Content von: Wattner AG, übermittelt durch news aktuell

Österreicher holt Sieg in der Cappuccino-Disziplin

Julius Meinl kürt Overall Champion und Disziplin-Sieger beim Barista Cup 2026

WIEN, 9. September 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 15 nationale Barista-Champions aus aller Welt kamen am 4. September zum International Barista Cup Grand Finale 2026 von Julius Meinl im Wiener MuseumsQuartier zusammen. In den Disziplinen Espresso, Cappuccino und Signature Drink zeigten sie vor einer internationalen Fachjury ihr Können. Für Österreich gab es besonderen Grund zur Freude: Mario Benetseder sicherte sich den Sieg in der Cappuccino-Disziplin. Den Gesamtsieg und damit den Titel als Overall Champion 2026 sicherte sich Elizaveta Rîmscaia aus Moldau. Zusätzlich wurden die besten Leistungen in den beiden weiteren Disziplinen ausgezeichnet.

„Für mich war es etwas ganz Besonderes, die 15 nationalen Champions aus unseren Märkten gemeinsam hier in Wien zu erleben. Sie arbeiten tagtäglich mit Julius Meinl Kaffee und prägen damit das Kaffeeerlebnis für Gäste in Cafés, Restaurants und Hotels weltweit. Beim Grand Finale zu sehen, mit wie viel Können, Kreativität und Persönlichkeit sie ihr Handwerk präsentieren, macht mich sehr stolz. Genau dieses Zusammenspiel aus Expertise, Begeisterung und echten Emotionen macht den Barista Cup für mich so besonders", betont Christina Meinl, VP Group Strategies, Brand & Corporate Communication sowie Familienmitglied der fünften Generation.

15 Länder, mehr als 350 Bewerbungen

Das Grand Finale in Wien bildete den Abschluss nationaler Wettbewerbe in 15 Ländern, darunter Österreich, Italien, Deutschland, China, Georgien und Kroatien. Mehr als 350 Baristas hatten sich für den Barista Cup 2026 beworben, 15 nationale Champions schafften es schließlich ins internationale Finale. Beim Grand Finale absolvierten alle Baristas die drei Disziplinen Espresso, Cappuccino und Signature Drink.

Die Sieger:innen des Barista Cup 2026

In der Disziplin Espresso bewertete eine internationale, unabhängige Fachjury Geschmack, Balance und Crema. Beim Cappuccino standen das Zusammenspiel von Espresso und Milch sowie die Latte Art im Fokus. Beim Signature Drink waren Kreativität und ein stimmiges Geschmackserlebnis gefragt. Die Espresso-Disziplin gewann Stefan Kot aus Polen, den Sieg in der Cappuccino-Disziplin holte Mario Benetseder aus Österreich und in der Kategorie Signature Drink überzeugte Luka Darispanashvili aus Georgien. Den Gesamtsieg über alle drei Disziplinen sicherte sich Elizaveta Rîmscaia aus Moldau und wurde damit zum Overall Champion 2026 gekürt.

„Ich freue mich unglaublich über den Sieg in der Cappuccino-Disziplin. Hinter diesem Moment stecken viel Vorbereitung, Training und vor allem meine Begeisterung für Kaffee. Gerade hier in Wien vor heimischem Publikum anzutreten und mich mit so vielen großartigen Baristas aus unterschiedlichen Ländern zu messen, war etwas ganz Besonderes. Umso mehr freut es mich, dass ich die Jury mit meinem Cappuccino überzeugen konnte und diesen Titel mit nach Hause nehmen darf", so Mario Benetseder nach seinem Sieg.

Reise zum Kaffeeursprung

Auf alle vier Gewinner:innen wartet nach dem Grand Finale eine besondere Reise: Sie gewinnen jeweils einen Platz auf einer exklusiven Kaffee-Ursprungsreise nach Indien. Vor Ort erhalten sie aus erster Hand Einblicke in Kaffeeanbau, Ernte und Verarbeitung. Im Rahmen der Reise lernen die Gewinner:innen auch das Julius Meinl Generations Programme kennen und treffen einige der beteiligten Communities. Die Initiative wird gemeinsam mit Fairtrade umgesetzt und unterstützt ausgewählte Kaffeefarmer:innen dabei, ihre Lebensgrundlagen langfristig zu stärken und neue Perspektiven für die nächste Generation zu schaffen. Dabei können sie ihr Wissen entlang der Wertschöpfungskette vertiefen und ein noch umfassenderes Verständnis für Kaffee und seine Herkunft entwickeln.

Publikumspremiere in Wien

Erstmals war das Grand Finale 2026 auch für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Tausende Menschen strömten ins MuseumsQuartier, um den Wettbewerb live zu verfolgen und mehr über Kaffee zu erfahren. Im Laufe des Tages wurden dabei über tausend Tassen Kaffee ausgeschenkt. So brachte der Barista Cup an einem Tag jene zusammen, die Kaffee täglich zubereiten und jene die ihn täglich genießen.

ÜBER JULIUS MEINL

Julius Meinl wurde 1862 gegründet und ist eine der ältesten Kaffeeröstereien sowie eine der traditionsreichsten Kaffeehausmarken der Welt. Das Engagement für Qualität ist seit fünf Generationen ein Markenzeichen der Familie. Mit mehr als 160 Jahren Erfahrung in der Beschaffung und Röstung ist Meinl ein bevorzugter Kaffeelieferant für Wiens führende Kaffeehäuser. Heute tragen Julius Meinl Kaffees und Tees dazu bei, bedeutungsvolle Momente für Kunden und Konsumenten auf der ganzen Welt zu schaffen, und werden in über 50.000 Hotels, Kaffeehäusern und Restaurants in 70 Ländern sowie in einer wachsenden Zahl von Einzelhandelsgeschäften verkauft.

Pressekontakt:

Jaqueline Sieberer  

Corporate Communications & Press Spokesperson  

Julius Meinl 1862 GmbH  

[email protected]  

www.juliusmeinl.com 

Share this article

CHICAGO, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to rapidly advancing research driven by clinical trials, more people have access to new treatments and are surviving lung cancer than ever before. However, while clinical trials may offer patients lifesaving therapies and contribute to the development of more effective treatments, awareness of their importance and availability as a treatment option remains low. That's why the American Lung Association is expanding its work through the Awareness, Trust and Action campaign to raise awareness of clinical trials, address misconceptions and mistrust, and empower individuals to take action by speaking with their doctors to learn more.

"Clinical trials provide the most promising way to improve treatment outcomes and continue advancements in lung cancer care and survivorship. Afterall, every available lung cancer treatment started in a clinical trial," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "We're encouraging people living with lung cancer and their caregivers to speak with their healthcare provider about all of their treatment options and whether a clinical trial might be right for them."

While lung cancer affects people from all communities, not everyone has benefited equally from advances in research and treatment. According to the American Lung Association's "State of Lung Cancer" report, Black individuals with lung cancer are less likely to be diagnosed early and less likely to survive five years compared with White individuals, while Hispanic and Latino individuals are less likely to be diagnosed early and more likely to go without treatment. Although Black and Hispanic and Latino individuals comprise a substantial share of the U.S. population, participation in clinical trials has historically not reflected the diversity of the populations most affected by high cancer burden, contributing to ongoing concerns about the generalizability of research findings.

Increasing representation in clinical trials helps ensure research reflects the diversity of people affected by lung cancer and supports the development of new treatment options that can benefit everyone who may be eligible. This year's campaign will feature trusted physician voices and health equity advocates, Italo M. Brown, MD, MPH, and Leslie Gonzalez, DO, MS, who are partnering with the Lung Association to address common misconceptions and raise awareness about the importance of representation in clinical trials.

"Every lung cancer treatment we have today exists because someone chose to participate in a clinical trial," said Dr. Gonzalez. "Clinical trials are not just a last resort; they may be part of your treatment options. Only about 1% of people in lung cancer clinical trials identify as Hispanic. 1%. That matters because if we aren't represented in research, we lose opportunities to know how treatments work for us. We need a seat at the table, too."

Clinical trials are highly monitored studies that can test how well new medical approaches work in people, such as new ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. Every participant in a clinical trial receives high-quality cancer care. Sometimes the most appropriate treatment option for someone with lung cancer is through a clinical trial. Additionally, by participating in a clinical trial, people are contributing to cancer research that may save someone's life in the future.

"Every person who participates in a clinical trial helps move research forward and brings us one step closer to better outcomes for all communities affected by lung cancer," said Wimmer.

Support for the campaign was provided by Genentech and Roche.

Learn more about lung cancer clinical trials here.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events or donate today at Lung.org/donate. 

CONTACT:

Jill Dale | American Lung Association

P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289 E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association

Share this article

EndoCare Dental Specialists, a new endodontic practice led by Dr. Sam Ramadan, DMD, opens in Branford, Connecticut, offering advanced root canal treatment, surgical endodontics, and comprehensive endodontic care to patients in the New Haven County area.

BRANFORD, Conn., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EndoCare Dental Specialists, a new endodontic practice led by Dr. Sam Ramadan, DMD, is pleased to announce the opening of its office at 5 South Main St., Suite 515, in Branford, Connecticut. The practice provides advanced endodontic care, including root canal treatment, retreatment, and surgical endodontics, to patients throughout New Haven County and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Ramadan is a Connecticut native who attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs, where he earned a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, an Ivy League institution, where he received recognition for clinical excellence in endodontics. After practicing as a general dentist in Connecticut and gaining additional experience in sedation dentistry in Burlington, Vermont, Dr. Ramadan pursued specialty training in endodontics at the University of California, San Francisco, one of the nation's leading programs in the field.

With more than 10,000 endodontic cases completed over a decade of clinical practice, Dr. Ramadan brings significant expertise to every patient he treats. He specializes in retreatment, correcting or improving root canal work that has not healed properly, and in surgical endodontics. His advanced surgical training at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco complements an interdisciplinary foundation built during his UCSF residency under the mentorship of a dual specialist in periodontics and endodontics. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Dr. Ramadan regularly attends advanced continuing education programs to refine both his non-surgical and surgical skills.

"Opening our practice in Branford is an exciting opportunity to serve patients and dental professionals throughout the Shoreline community," said Dr. Ramadan. "Our goal is to provide exceptional, patient-centered endodontic care using advanced technology and modern treatment techniques, while creating an environment where patients feel comfortable and confident in their care. We also look forward to building strong relationships with local dentists and becoming a trusted resource for their patients when specialized endodontic treatment is needed."

EndoCare Dental Specialists is built on a commitment to patient-centered care that prioritizes comfort, precision, and long-term outcomes. The practice utilizes advanced technology, including surgical microscopes, 3D cone beam imaging, and the EdgePro™ Endodontic Treatment system, to support accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. The office is equipped to manage complex cases, including surgical procedures, allowing patients to receive comprehensive endodontic care in one location. Sedation dentistry is also available, and all follow-up visits are included at no additional charge as part of each patient's treatment plan.

EndoCare Dental Specialists provides a comprehensive range of endodontic services, including:

- Root Canal Treatment

- Endodontic Retreatment

- Endodontic Apical Surgery (Apicoectomy)

- Regenerative Endodontics

- Cracked Teeth Evaluation and Treatment

- Internal Tooth Bleaching

- Pulpotomy

- Dental Trauma Care

- EdgePro Endodontic Treatment

- Sedation Dentistry

About EndoCare Dental Specialists

EndoCare Dental Specialists is a patient-focused endodontic practice in Branford, Connecticut, dedicated to preserving natural teeth through advanced treatment and compassionate care. Led by Dr. Sam Ramadan, DMD, a member of the American Association of Endodontists and the Connecticut State Dental Association, the practice serves patients and referring doctors throughout New Haven County and the surrounding area. Prospective patients and referring providers can learn more about EndoCare Dental Specialists by visiting https://www.endocarect.com/ or by calling 203-208-4406. The practice is located at 5 South Main St., Suite 515, Branford, CT 06405.

SOURCE EndoCare Dental Specialists

Share this article

Carrier pay per mile rose 22.8% in the first half of 2026 while the prices consumers paid rose 14.6%, according to 30 months of shipment data

BOHEMIA, N.Y., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SGT Auto Transport has published The State of Auto Transport 2026, a first-party data report on the U.S. car shipping market finding that carrier pay per mile rose 22.8% year over year in the first half of 2026 after two years of almost no movement and that the increase began in March, the month the Strait of Hormuz closed to shipping.

The prices consumers paid rose 14.6% over the same period, roughly two-thirds as fast. That gap is the report's central finding, and it points to brokers absorbing part of the increase rather than passing it through in full.

The report draws on 30 months of shipment records from January 2024 through June 2026, spanning all 49 U.S. states as both origin and destination and 1,581 distinct state-to-state lanes in the most recent 12 months. Rate figures are mix-adjusted to a fixed distance profile so that changes in haul length cannot distort them.

"A broker sits between the customer and the truck, so we see both sides of every price," said Jack Savov, CEO of SGT Auto Transport. "That is what makes this different from load board reporting we can show what carriers were actually paid and what consumers were actually charged, on the same shipments, over the same months. In the first half of 2026 those two numbers stopped moving together, and that gap is the story of the year in car shipping."

Key findings from The State of Auto Transport 2026 include:

- Carrier pay for car shipping rose faster every month from March 2026. It ran 9.2% above the prior year in January and 11.7% in February, then 14.9% in March, 32.8% in May and 34.7% in June.

- Fuel was the trigger for the 2026 cost jump, but not the whole cause. Retail diesel rose from $3.72 a gallon in February to $4.92 in March and peaked at $5.60 in May, the same month carrier pay peaked. Diesel in January and February had been flat to slightly below the prior year, which rules fuel out as the cause of the earlier increases.

- The carrier pay increase was broad, not concentrated in one segment. Every distance band above 500 miles rose between 21% and 24%, pointing to an input cost affecting the whole carrier base at once.

- Repricing and cancellations rose together. The share of completed shipments finishing above their booked price rose 46%, while cancellations rose 24.8%. Orders cancelled because the booked rate was too low to attract a carrier rose from 1.45% of all bookings to 4.64%.

- Short moves cost nearly four times more per mile. Consumer prices averaged $2.04 per mile on hauls under 500 miles against $0.55 per mile above 2,500 miles a 3.7x spread, even though the total price rises only about 2.5 times.

The report also finds that SUVs reached 43.9% of vehicles shipped while sedans fell to 27.9%, that electric vehicles reached 5.5%, and that pickups run at roughly half the share reported from dealer-focused load board data. Among shipments with a recorded origin type, 76.9% were picked up at a residential address, a mix SGT Auto Transport presents as evidence that the dataset reflects consumer vehicle shipping rather than the dealer and auction traffic that fills much industry reporting.

Also covered: enclosed transport premiums by haul length, booking urgency, state-by-state inbound and outbound flows, and Florida's seasonal reversal, which swings from 2.25 inbound-to-outbound in October to 0.44 in April.

Read The State of Auto Transport 2026 for the full month-by-month rate progression, consumer pricing across seven distance bands, supporting charts and the complete methodology.

Methodology: The report covers 30 months of vehicle shipments processed through SGT Auto Transport, January 2024 through June 2026. Rate figures use completed, delivered single-vehicle open transport shipments, and both rate indices are mix-adjusted to a fixed distance profile. Only organically acquired shipments are included; paid search and affiliate channels are excluded because their volumes follow marketing spend rather than market conditions. Half-year figures pool every shipment in the period rather than averaging monthly percentage changes. SGT Auto Transport does not publish order volumes, revenue or market share.

About SGT Auto Transport

SGT Auto Transport arranges door-to-door open and enclosed car shipping across all 49 U.S. states for consumers, online car buyers, relocating households and military families. The company is based in Bohemia, New York and operates under FMCSA MC-873392 and USDOT 2521690. Learn more at sgtautotransport.com.

SOURCE SGT Auto Transport

Share this article

YIKEDA™ Accelerates Global Expansion at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026: Deepening Partnerships, Debuting Exclusive Traceability-Labeled Cherry Tomatoes

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 2 to 4, 2026, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026, the premier and most influential international trade exhibition for the fresh fruit and vegetable business in Asia, was held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, China. YIKEDA™, a premier premium tomato brand, made a triumphant return with its full portfolio, debuting its exclusive traceability-labeled cherry tomatoes.

At this year's exhibition, YIKEDA™'s international expansion emerged as a primary focus of attention. Buyers from various countries flocked to the YIKEDA™ booth for collaboration. Notably, YIKEDA™ showcased its exclusive traceability-labeled cherry tomatoes at an international exhibition for the first time, alleviating consumers' food safety concerns through visible quality management.

Currently, YIKEDA™'s products have successively gone on sale in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, and have been exported to countries including the United States, Canada, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

The growing international recognition of YIKEDA™'s flagship cherry tomatoes is rooted in its seed-to-table full-industry-chain quality control. Established in 2022, YIKEDA™ operates under Qingdao Triumph Haofeng Smart Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Triumph Haofeng"), the largest smart glass greenhouse operator and service provider in China. Focusing on the fruit tomato category over 267 hectares of smart glass greenhouse constructed and operated by Triumph Haofeng in China, the brand has achieved digitally-enabled and standardized control across the entire industry chain from "seed" to "table", ensuring a stable, year-round supply.

YIKEDA™ cherry tomatoes are free of artificial hormones and heavy metals, delivering an intense flavor and a crisp texture, and have earned the tomato industry's first low-GI food certification in China. YIKEDA™ cherry tomatoes and 100% tomato juice-NFC have been recognized by the authoritative firm Frost & Sullivan as the No.1 best-seller in China for two years running.

YIKEDA™ showcased its full product range at AFL 2026, including 100% NFC tomato juice and tomato-flavored beverages. The clean label formulation of the 100% tomato juice-NFC—featuring "only pure tomatoes, no added water"—likewise earned high praise from a number of international clients.

Looking ahead, YIKEDA™ will continue to deeply cultivate the fruit tomato track, driving product development and channel expansion with a global vision to build YIKEDA™ into a world-class fruit tomato brand serving the globe.

Contact: 

Ria 

WhatsApp: +86 15353599276

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE YIKEDA™

Share this article

AidKit is recognized for turning an employee-driven idea into permanent product infrastructure that gives aid recipients a greater voice in system design

DENVER, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AidKit, a Certified B Corp that helps government agencies and nonprofits deliver fast, fair and effective aid and relief programs, has been named to Fast Company's 2026 list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators. The recognition honors organizations that build cultures where employees can develop, test and scale ideas with meaningful impact. AidKit was recognized in part for its Community Advisory Council, which brings people with lived experience receiving aid into the design of the systems and programs intended to serve them.

AidKit's Community Advisory Council (CAC) grew from cross-functional problem-solving across the company. As AidKit expanded technology supporting government and nonprofit aid programs, employees in product, operations and impact identified a shared concern: public benefit systems are often designed for recipients rather than with them, and feedback may arrive too late to meaningfully improve the recipient experience.

AidKit team members asked how aid delivery systems could improve if people receiving aid helped shape them from the outset. With leadership support, the company formally established the CAC, turning an employee-generated idea into permanent product and program infrastructure.

"At AidKit, innovation means continually questioning how aid can be delivered better, and creating a culture where the people closest to a problem can help shape the solution," said Brittany Christenson, CEO of AidKit. "Our Community Advisory Council is one example of that approach, and that kind of thinking is central to how we work. We are constantly challenging assumptions, listening broadly and turning good ideas into better, more dignified ways to deliver aid."

The CAC reflects AidKit's broader approach to innovation: consequential ideas can begin with employees at every level and across every function. As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corporation, AidKit gives team members the autonomy to identify problems, challenge assumptions and develop solutions that can become lasting organizational practices.

AidKit's culture of innovation also informs its technology strategy. The company is investing in artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced identity verification, fraud detection, geospatial analysis and conversational enrollment tools to help government and nonprofit teams deliver aid more effectively and with less administrative burden. Recent programs include wildfire recovery assistance for workers, small businesses and families in Los Angeles; rapid cash assistance for households affected by flooding in Central Texas; and maternal and infant cash assistance in Michigan.

Most recently, AidKit launched AidKit Ready, pre-positioned disaster cash-assistance infrastructure that helps governments and nonprofits put technology, payment systems, compliance workflows and operational support in place before a crisis. The infrastructure can be activated rapidly when funding becomes available. Founded in 2021 and active in 27 states, AidKit has partnered with more than 240 government and nonprofit organizations and distributed more than $450 million in aid.

"The most innovative workplaces don't simply ask their employees to come up with great ideas; they create the conditions that make great ideas possible," says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. "This year's honorees understand that innovation is ultimately a cultural commitment that requires empowering people to think differently, take risks, and turn ideas into actions."

Fast Company's 2026 Best Workplaces for Innovators list recognizes 100 companies across industries. Fast Company editors assessed more than 1,200 applications, evaluating examples of homegrown innovation, programs that encourage new ideas, investment in research and development, and workplace culture. The full list of honorees is available at fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list. The Fall 2026 issue is available online and will reach newsstands September 22, 2026.

About AidKit

AidKit is the infrastructure behind many of the nation's most effective aid and relief programs, helping even the leanest governments and nonprofit teams deliver aid and benefits in days, not months. Designed to meet the complex demands of large-scale aid and public benefits distribution, AidKit's all-in-one technology platform streamlines workflows, accelerates disbursements and reduces administrative burden, adapting to each community's needs rather than requiring communities to adapt to the platform. With integrated fraud mitigation, compliance tracking and real-time caseload management tools, AidKit ensures programs operate with precision, accountability and data security. Drawing on a proven record of successful implementations, AidKit expands operational capacity and elevates service delivery for its partners, delivering results that maximize impact and build public trust across programs ranging from disaster relief to public benefits modernization. Active in 27 states, AidKit has served 240+ government and nonprofit partners and distributed over $450 million in aid. Founded in 2021, AidKit is a Certified B Corporation and a Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit https://www.aidkit.com/.

Media contact:

Michael Tebo

Gabriel Marketing Group (for AidKit)

Phone: 571-835-8775

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE AidKit

Share this article

Eaton, Ohio facility honored among four North American manufacturers for excellence in quality, advanced automation and employee-driven continuous improvement

EATON, Ohio, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bullen Ultrasonics, a leader in precision machining of advanced ceramics, glass and specialty materials using proprietary ultrasonic and laser-based technologies, today announced that its Miller Williams Facility in Eaton, Ohio, has been named a 2026 IndustryWeek Best Plants Award winner.

The honor recognizes Bullen's Miller Williams Facility's performance across quality, advanced manufacturing technology, operational improvement and employee engagement. Established in 1990, the IndustryWeek Best Plants Awards evaluate manufacturing facilities on areas including leadership, quality, employee involvement, technology, production systems and competitiveness through a multistage review process that includes detailed applications and site visits.

"Being named an IndustryWeek Best Plant is an extraordinary honor for our entire team," said Tim Beatty, president of Bullen Ultrasonics. "This recognition reflects much more than any single technology, process improvement or performance metric. It reflects what happens when talented people are empowered to challenge assumptions, solve difficult problems and continually find better ways to serve our customers. Most importantly, it recognizes the culture and teamwork behind those results."

Bullen's Miller Williams Facility provides precision machining services for advanced ceramics and other hard, brittle materials used in semiconductor, MEMS, aerospace, defense and other demanding applications. The facility combines ultrasonic machining, proprietary MicroLucent™ laser processing, high-precision CNC grinding, automation and advanced data systems to produce complex features in materials that conventional machining methods often struggle to process, including silicon, glass, quartz, ceramics and sapphire.

Performance and operational achievements highlighted in Bullen's Best Plants submission include:

- The facility maintains final customer yield levels exceeding 98%, with first-pass yield performance regularly exceeding 97%.

- The team reduced production cycle times by approximately 14% in key areas through targeted continuous improvement and operational refinements.

- Bullen developed and deployed custom automated and robotic ultrasonic machining cells in-house to improve precision, repeatability, throughput and scalability.

- The facility also expanded real-time production-data infrastructure and RFID-based systems to improve process visibility, machine calibration, quality control, traceability and manufacturing decision-making.

- Bullen fosters an employee-driven continuous improvement culture, with approximately 120 continuous improvement suggestions submitted plantwide during the past year and frontline employees participating directly in developing, testing and implementing solutions.

- Employee engagement increased, with Bullen's engagement score rising from 83% in January 2025 to 90.5% in the first quarter of 2026.

Bullen's continuous improvement model places problem-solving responsibility throughout the organization. Frontline operators and technicians work directly with engineering and operations leaders to identify opportunities, test potential solutions, analyze process data and implement improvements. Recent employee-led improvements have included an operations team member collaborating with an engineer to solve abrasive buildup on a critical machine surface and a technician identifying a more efficient production method that, after evaluation, was adopted as a new standard work process. Bullen has complemented its people-driven approach to continuous improvement with investments in advanced manufacturing technology. These include custom automated and robotic ultrasonic machining cells designed and built internally for Bullen's specialized processes. The company has also expanded its machine-level data infrastructure, giving production teams greater visibility into yield, equipment performance and process conditions.

Since 2023, Bullen has grown revenue by approximately 45% while continuing to invest in proprietary technology, automation, operational systems and workforce development. This revenue growth has increased the importance of scalable manufacturing systems that can maintain precision, quality and process control as production expands.

"Our goal has never been to improve one metric or automate one process," Beatty added. "We are building an organization where technology, disciplined execution and the expertise of our people reinforce one another. The goal is to scale without compromising the precision, quality and responsiveness our customers depend on. This award validates the approach we have taken, but more importantly, it raises the standard for what we need to accomplish next."

The Miller Williams Facility opened in 2006 and today serves as the center of Bullen's advanced manufacturing operations in Eaton. Its capabilities have expanded as demand has grown for advanced materials machining and for increasingly complex components requiring high levels of precision, repeatability and reliability.

Bullen will receive its 2026 IndustryWeek Best Plants trophy on October 21 during the Operations Leadership Summit in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

To learn more about the 2026 IndustryWeek Best Plants Awards winners, visit IndustryWeek's 2026 winners announcement.

About the IndustryWeek Best Plants Awards Competition:

Established in 1990, the IndustryWeek Best Plants Awards program annually recognizes plants, located in North America, that are on the leading edge of efforts to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction and create stimulating and rewarding work environments. Its further goal is to encourage other manufacturing managers and work teams to emulate the honorees by adopting world-class practices, technologies and improvement strategies. For additional information, visit www.industryweek.com.

About industryWeek:

IndustryWeek lives and breathes transformational manufacturing. Decision-makers and disruptors turn to IW for the news, trends, strategies and best practices that help companies leverage talent and technology to achieve revolutionary leadership practices, business models, production systems and products. Visit www.industryweek.com for more information.

About Bullen Ultrasonics

Bullen Ultrasonics is a global leader in the precision machining of advanced ceramics, glass and specialty materials using proprietary ultrasonic and laser-based technologies. Its non-thermal processes enable micron-level accuracy and reduce the risk of microcracks, contamination or structural damage, supporting the production of intricate features in components used across high-performance applications. Bullen's vertically-integrated operations include in-house tool design and custom automation, which help streamline production from prototype through high-volume manufacturing. The company holds numerous certifications, including ISO 9001, AS9100 and ITAR, reflecting its alignment with quality and traceability standards in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical and semiconductor and MEMs industries. Founded in 1971 and with more than 50 years of experience, Bullen is recognized for its engineering responsiveness and ability to deliver consistent results in regulated, high-stakes manufacturing environments. Learn more at https://www.bullentech.com.

Media contact:

Michael Tebo

Gabriel Marketing Group (for Bullen Ultrasonics)

Phone: 571-835-8775

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Bullen Ultrasonics

Share this article

NourNet Advances Sovereign AI and Digital Infrastructure in the Kingdom at LEAP 2026

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NourNet, a Saudi digital services provider, concluded its participation at LEAP 2026 with a strengthened offering across AI, digital infrastructure and managed services. During the event, the company introduced its new AI Agent Platform, announced the expansion of its main data center and signed strategic agreements with leading global and regional technology companies.

The launch of the platform marks an important step in NourNet's efforts to provide Saudi organizations with a locally operated foundation for adopting AI at scale. Introduced in beta version at LEAP, the AI Agent Platform is designed to help organizations build, deploy and operate intelligent agents across a range of business functions. Combining Agentic AI with Inference-as-a-Service, the platform can automate operational tasks, execute multi-step workflows and interact with enterprise data. Hosted within NourNet's Saudi data centers, it provides access to Arabic-tuned and multilingual models while keeping customer data and AI workloads within the Kingdom.

NourNet also announced the expansion of its main data center, bringing the total capacity to 10 MW and up to 750 racks, giving government entities, regulated industries, enterprises and hyperscalers greater local capacity to host critical data and workloads, including more demanding AI infrastructure.

Alongside these developments, NourNet signed agreements with HPE, Rebellions, Red Bull MOBILE, TLS, Systems Arabia, Scality, Protectt AI and EnableNow, expanding the range of solutions available to customers in Saudi Arabia. The company held strategic executive meetings with Microsoft, Fortinet, Cloudflare, Splunk and Veeam, deepening relationships with global technology leaders.

Eng. Amjad A. Hafez, Chief Executive Officer of NourNet, said: "For more than two decades, NourNet has focused on bringing world-class technology capability within reach of organizations in the Kingdom - locally, securely, and on their terms. The launch of our new AI Agent Platform is a natural next step in that journey: it gives Saudi organizations a sovereign foundation to adopt AI at scale, keeping their data and workloads inside the Kingdom while unlocking the full potential of intelligent agents. The investments and solutions we announced reflect our vision to build a stronger, more integrated technology business that can support the Kingdom's evolving digital needs."

Beyond the announcements, NourNet showcased capabilities across cloud, cybersecurity, data centers, connectivity and enterprise operations, demonstrating how its portfolio can support critical business operations through locally managed digital services.

For more information, visit https://nour.net.sa/about-us/

SOURCE NourNet

Share this article

Health In Tech recognized among the 100 highest-scoring U.S. public mid-market companies following an initial review of approximately 4,300 companies, based on financial strength, workforce performance, innovation and sustainability

STUART, Fla., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIT), an AI-enabled InsurTech platform company, announced today that it has been named one of Newsweek's America's Greatest Mid-Market Companies 2026.

The ranking, developed by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, recognizes the 100 highest-scoring publicly listed U.S. mid-market companies based on a comprehensive assessment of financial strength and market performance, workforce performance, innovation and environmental sustainability. Approximately 4,300 U.S. public companies were initially reviewed for the 2026 ranking, underscoring the selectivity of the recognition.

To determine the 2026 honorees, companies meeting the ranking's eligibility criteria were evaluated using financial and workforce data, employee feedback, innovation and patent metrics, independent sustainability assessments, as well as a review of public records and media coverage. The results were combined through a proprietary scoring model, with the 100 highest-scoring companies named America's Greatest Mid-Market Companies 2026.

"We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Mid-Market Companies," said Tim Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Health In Tech. "This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects a broad assessment of the qualities we believe are essential to building a strong company — financial performance, innovation, our people and long-term sustainability. At Health In Tech, we have remained focused on building efficient, AI-driven products that simplify a traditionally complex healthcare insurance ecosystem while expanding the value we deliver to our distribution partners and the employers they serve. This recognition reflects the commitment of our team, our continued investment in innovation, and the strength of the products we have built and are continuing to build. We are proud of what our team has accomplished and remain focused on executing our strategy and building an even stronger company for the future."

The complete Newsweek America's Greatest Mid-Market Companies 2026 ranking is available on Newsweek's website.

About Health In Tech

Health In Tech, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIT) is an AI-enabled InsurTech platform company, which offers a marketplace that aims to improve processes in the health insurance industry through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By removing friction and complexities, we streamline the underwriting, sales and service process for insurance companies, licensed brokers, managing general underwriters ("MGUs") and third-party administrators ("TPAs"). Health In Tech's platform serves as a marketplace for brokers, TPAs, MGUs and carriers to access self-funded health insurance for employers, providing functions including customized self-funded health plans, bindable stop-loss quotes, AI-enabled underwriting, claims administration and reporting integration.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to Health In Tech, Inc.'s ("Health In Tech," "HIT," "we," "us" or "our") business strategy, product development and innovation, growth prospects, and future operating and financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "believe," "may," "will," "potentially," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "could," "would," "project," "plan," "target" or similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our recognition among Newsweek's America's Greatest Mid-Market Companies 2026, our future business strategy, and statements attributed to management regarding our continued investment in innovation, our products, our team, and our future growth and performance.

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Health In Tech and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside of Health In Tech's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: our ability to obtain funding for our operations and to enhance our current systems and expand our service offerings; the success, cost and timing of our product development activities; our ability to attract and retain key personnel and qualified employees; our ability to attract new customers and to develop new, and enhance existing, products and services; the impact of competition in our industry and innovation by our competitors; risks related to cybersecurity incidents or other network disruptions; risks related to the use of third-party artificial intelligence; our ability to comply with new or modified laws and regulations applicable to our business, including with respect to the insurance services industry and data privacy requirements; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and maintain and build our brand; the future trading price of our common stock; and other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date of this press release. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Health In Tech to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by applicable law, Health In Tech does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Investor Contact:

Health In Tech Investor Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Health In Tech, Inc.

Share this article