Drivers in Fresno, Rockford and other cities share why they're excited about the 2026–27 school year

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zūm, a leader in student mobility, is kicking off the 2026–27 school year by spotlighting its drivers across the country dedicated to delivering reliable, transparent and efficient service for students, families and schools.

"As students return to school, we are proud of our amazing teams of drivers who are helping provide access to education for children and peace of mind for families each day," said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. "Drivers are the heart of our operation and often the first smiling face a child sees. They understand the importance of their work and we believe ours have a positive influence on the students they serve."

Zum supports more than 6,500 schools across 19 states. This year, Zum welcomed several new school district partners, including Fresno Unified School District (CA), School District of Philadelphia (PA), Shawnee Mission School District (KS) and Rockford Public Schools (IL).

A few Zum drivers share why they enjoy working with students and families:

"I drive special needs students: elementary, middle and high school. The parents are great; they need a lot of help, and we provide it with door-to-door service. The training was excellent, and I work with a monitor who has been doing this for about 10 years, so I've learned a lot from him. Everything's been inspiring—and at the end of the day, you feel good about yourself, because you're helping all these kids."

— Zum driver Chester Herbert (Rockford, IL)

"I like the atmosphere of the job: the co-workers, the staff, the children, the overall experience of delivering the kids every day to school safely. I also like the responsibility of it. I've definitely gotten to know some of the kids and have been building little bonds with them. I like driving and being a good part of the community."

— Zum driver Antoine Robinson (Oakland, CA)

"I raised five kids and have 14 grandkids, so I'm always surrounded by children. I like greeting the kids in the morning and talking to them: 'What did you do last night?' 'What did you have for dinner?' They'll tell me about Grandma and Grandpa, or Mom and Dad … At Zum, there's a bunch of drivers, and we're all a team, helping each other. Everybody's dedicated to doing their job the best they can."

— Zum driver Grace Maher (Fresno, CA)

"My job is so fulfilling. My first 'Oh, wow!' was the technology; my tablet tells me exactly where to go. Also, the buses are very important: We have brand new buses, EV buses, buses that have AC. I am a people person, and to make (the students) feel good, I try to know every single kid by name. You make them feel valuable, like you care. Then we start having conversations, and they are at peace when they see me."

— Zum driver Pascale Dalle (Oakland and Redwood City, CA)

"This is my first year driving a school bus. I have six kids at home, so now I'm home early enough to spend more time with them. In this job, you're working with kids. You have to be patient. Even my wife was like, 'Oh, that would be perfect for you.' I love going to work and the people I work around, and I love being able to be home on the weekends with my family."

— Zum driver Juan Santillan (Fresno, CA)

At Zum, drivers benefit from modern facilities, digital tools, real-time communication, and technology that simplifies daily operations, allowing them to focus on what matters most: serving students safely and reliably.

"Zum has a driver-first approach to student mobility, and our drivers understand the essential role they play in families' lives," said Liz Sanchez, Executive Vice President of Student Mobility at Zum. "In the weeks and months leading up to the start of the school year, our drivers have been busy training and preparing so they'll be ready for the first day."

Zum is helping school districts improve reliability, strengthen communication with families and modernize one of the nation's largest public mobility systems through its AI-powered Connected Mobility Experience (CMX™) platform. To learn more about how Zum is redefining student mobility, visit www.ridezum.com.

Zum is redefining mass mobility with Zum CMX, which connects and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time. In the student mobility market, Zum is addressing a daily source of anxiety and disruption by providing a reliable, transparent, and efficient mobility experience for students and families. Learn more at www.ridezum.com. Today, more than 6,500 schools in 19 states have relied on the Zum CMX system.

Media Contact

Jenny Mayfield

VP, Communications, Zum

press@ridezum.com

SOURCE Zūm

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UNISORB Named Sole North American Distributor for BILZ

MICHIGAN CENTER, Mich., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- UNISORB Installation Solutions, a global provider of machine mounting, vibration isolation, and precision leveling solutions headquartered in Michigan Center, Mich., today announced it has acquired BILZ-USA, effective August 30, 2026, making UNISORB the exclusive distributor of BILZ products across North America. The transition expands UNISORB's engineering support and on-site project management capabilities for industrial customers seeking precision vibration isolation and leveling solutions. Full product and service details are available at www.UNISORB.com.

"BILZ's leveling and isolation technology closes a gap in our product line at the high-precision end of the market," said John Hornberger, Chief Executive Officer of UNISORB. "Combining our installation and project management teams with BILZ's engineering staff means customers get one point of contact for a project that used to require two vendors."

What This Means for Customers

- Decades of combined expertise. BILZ's engineering staff join UNISORB's engineering and project management teams, giving customers a single technical team backed by decades of hands-on experience in vibration isolation, leveling, and precision installation.

- A broader, unified product line. UNISORB's lineup now spans BILZ's full catalog, from basic leveling mounts to active isolation systems, alongside UNISORB's existing machine mounting and installation solutions, giving customers access to a significantly wider range of solutions from a single source.

- More capability for BILZ customers. Longtime BILZ customers now gain direct access to UNISORB's full engineering, manufacturing, and on-site project management resources; capabilities not previously available through BILZ alone.

- A unified approach to installation. Customers receive continuous support from initial site survey through final leveling and installation, managed by one team rather than coordinated separately across two vendors.

- Centralized North American distribution. Distribution from Michigan Center will consolidate logistics for customers ordering across North America as the transition is completed.

- One point of contact. BILZ orders will transition to being placed directly through UNISORB in the coming weeks, moving away from what was previously a two-vendor process for combined leveling and isolation projects.

About UNISORB

UNISORB Installation Solutions, headquartered in Michigan Center, Michigan, is a global provider of machine mounting, vibration isolation, and precision equipment leveling solutions for manufacturers across a range of industrial sectors. More information is available at www.UNISORB.com.

Media Contact

John Hornberger

Chief Executive Officer, UNISORB

Tim Spahr 

Vice President - Sales & Marketing

tspahr@unisorb.com

SOURCE UNISORB Installation Solutions

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NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Real Estate, LLC, a practice of Hilco Global – a diversified financial services company that delivers expert professional services and capital solutions to help clients maximize value and drive performance across the business lifecycle, is accepting bids until September 22 for a rare four-property portfolio along the Guadulupe River in the New Braunfels-Canyon Lake area.

Offered through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale directed by Gregory S. Milligan of Harney Partners as Chief Restructuring Officer for two jointly administered debtors, this portfolio is available individually or in any combination, providing investors with the opportunity to acquire a complementary collection of entertainment, hospitality, recreation and commercial assets, while also offering flexibility to allow buyers to pursue a strategy tailored to their investment objectives. The four assets include the iconic 5,600-capacity Whitewater Amphitheater, Hideout on the Horseshoe, a 19-cabin short-term vacation rental property, Whitewater Condos, a 1.26± AC riverfront rental property with three short-term rental units and direct Guadalupe River put-in access and a 1.52± AC commercial property featuring Andy's River Toobs, Jay & Diane's Horseshoe Grill and a leased billboard.

Strategically positioned within the Guadalupe River entertainment and recreation corridor, this area has become a well-established destination drawing visitors from throughout Texas and beyond for live music, tubing, boating, fishing, camping and waterfront lodging. The broader New Braunfels tourism market welcomed more than 6 million visitors in 2024, while the city's tourism industry generated approximately $1.3 billion in economic impact. New Braunfels' population has also grown significantly, reaching an estimated 122,492 residents in 2025, representing approximately 35.5% growth since 2020. Located along Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio, the city provides convenient access to two of the state's largest metropolitan areas and a rapidly expanding population base, further supporting demand for the region's hospitality, entertainment and recreational offerings.

At the center of the portfolio is Whitewater Amphitheater, a 5,600-capacity outdoor concert venue located along the Guadalupe River entering its 20th anniversary of bringing world-class entertainment to the Texas Hill Country. This venue has become recognized as a regional destination for live entertainment, attracting both local audiences and visitors from out of town and out of state. Its riverfront setting provides a distinctive experience that cannot be replicated by a conventional concert venue, while its operating history includes performances by acclaimed artists such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, ZZ Top, Miranda Lambert, Travis Scott, Chance the Rapper, Halsey, Zach Bryan and The Avett Brothers. The venue has also received multiple Academy of Country Music Venue of the Year nominations, including Outdoor Venue of the Year in 2022 and Medium Capacity Venue of the Year in 2018, reinforcing its position within the regional live entertainment market.

The next available property is located at 515 FM 2673, Hideout on the Horseshoe. This site encompasses approximately 4± AC directly on the river and features 19 recently renovated short-term vacation rental cabins. The property combines Hill Country character with direct river access, water and hillside views, private balconies, guest parking and a range of cabin configurations designed to accommodate groups large or small. A spacious riverfront patio and covered open-air pavilion provide additional opportunities for gatherings, private events and experiential programming.

Further enhancing the opportunity is Whitewater Condos, a 1.26± AC property at 546 Riverside Path, which features three short-term rental units and direct access to the Guadalupe River. Positioned along the popular Horseshoe Loop, the property also serves as the primary put-in point for Andy's River Toobs, a tubing operation serving visitors who come to experience the Guadalupe River's popular Horseshoe Loop. This site provides an operational connection between the portfolio's riverfront lodging and recreational uses. The property is located near Canyon Lake, tubing operators, resorts, campgrounds, restaurants and vacation rentals, while FM 306 provides direct access to New Braunfels and the broader Austin–San Antonio corridor.

The portfolio is rounded out by the approximately 1.52± AC commercial property at 12020 FM 306, which provides prominent frontage within the area's entertainment and recreation district. The property is integral to Andy's River Toobs and is also home to Jay & Diane's Horseshoe Grill, a 1,048± SF, family-operated burger stand that has served local residents and river visitors for more than 17 years. Additional revenue is generated by a double-sided billboard leased to SignAd Outdoor Advertising until April 2036, while the site also provides overflow parking for the adjacent Whitewater Amphitheater. Its combination of high visibility, established commercial uses, multiple income streams and proximity to the region's major recreational attractions creates both a compelling operating platform and potential for future repositioning or redevelopment.

"This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a collection of assets that are individually compelling and even more compelling together," said Steve Madura, managing director at Hilco Global. "The combination of entertainment, riverfront lodging, recreation and commercial uses creates the potential for an investor to build a truly diversified destination experience along the Guadalupe River, while the flexibility to purchase the properties individually or in any combination opens the opportunity to a broad range of investment strategies."

The sale is subject to approval by U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas (San Antonio Division), Case No. 26-51866, In re: Kona Coast Venture, LTD & Hideout on the Horseshoe, LLC (Jointly Administered) and in cooperation with Hilco Real Estate, LLC Texas Broker #9017017-BB. Bids must be submitted using the documents available for review and download on the Hilco Global Real Estate Sales website.

Interested bidders should review the requirements outlined in the approved Bid Procedures in order to participate in the sale process available on Hilco's website. For further information, please contact Steve Madura at (847) 504-2478 or smadura@hilcoglobal.com, Benjamin Zaslav, J.D. at (516) 761-8439 or bzaslav@hilcoglobal.com, Michael Kneifel at (847) 201-2322 or mkneifel@hilcoglobal.com and Cooper Jones at (937) 760-3309 or cjones@hilcoglobal.com.

For additional details, due diligence access and terms of sale, visit Hilco Global Real Estate Sales website or call (855) 755-2300.

About Hilco Global

Hilco Global, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation USA, is a diversified financial services company that delivers integrated professional services and capital solutions that help clients maximize value and drive performance across the retail, commercial and industrial, real estate, manufacturing, brand and intellectual property sectors, and more. Hilco Global provides a range of customized solutions to healthy, stressed, and distressed companies to resolve complex situations and enhance long-term enterprise value. Hilco Global works to deliver the best possible result by aligning interests with clients and providing strategic advice and, in many instances, the capital required to complete the deal. Hilco Global is based in Northbrook, Illinois and has more than 810 professionals operating on four continents. Visit www.hilcoglobal.com. 

About Harney Partners

Harney Partners is a national, corporate-advisory firm that provides independent, multi-disciplinary solutions for middle-market companies and their stakeholders to overcome financial and operational challenges. For almost 30 years, we have helped clients realign their business for immediate stability and implement innovative, results-oriented strategies for future sustainability and growth. With eight (8) offices, and a primary footprint in the central United States, we're able to leverage our combined professional experience to provide custom solutions across the country. We specialize in restructuring and turnaround advisory (both bankruptcy and out-of-court), fiduciary services (CRO, Trustee, Receiver, Independent Director), as well as transaction advisory, interim management, and forensic/litigation services. Learn more at harneypartners.com

SOURCE Hilco Trading, LLC

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SAN DIEGO, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sempra (NYSE: SRE) today announced that its board of directors has declared a $0.6575 per share quarterly dividend on the company's common stock, which is payable Oct. 15, 2026, to common stock shareholders of record at the close of business on Sept. 24, 2026.

About Sempra

Sempra's mission is to build America's leading utility growth business. As owner of one of the largest energy networks on the continent, Sempra is electrifying and improving energy resilience in California and Texas, the two largest economies in the U.S. The company is recognized as a leader in responsible business practices and for its high-performance culture focused on safety and operational excellence, as demonstrated by Sempra's inclusion in The Wall Street Journal's Management Top 250 and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies. More information about Sempra is available at sempra.com, including investor.sempra.com/corporate-updates which contains important information for investors, and on social media @sempra.

We use the investor.sempra.com/corporate-updates webpage as a means of disclosing important information to investors, some of which may be material, and complying with our disclosure obligations under SEC Regulation FD. The information on this webpage is supplemental to the information we disseminate to investors through other channels, including filings with the SEC, press releases, and public conference calls and webcasts, and investors should monitor all these sources for material information about us.

SOURCE Sempra

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Costa Rica recibe a más de 400 compradores e inversionistas en el mayor encuentro regional de negocios internacionales

- La macrorueda de negocios reúne durante tres días a delegaciones de más de 40 países con más de 1.000 empresas que operan en el país.

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, 2 de septiembre de 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- El Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit (CRTIS) inauguró este miércoles su segunda edición. El encuentro conecta a empresas que operan en Costa Rica con compradores internacionales interesados en sus productos y servicios, al tiempo que permite a los inversionistas evaluar proyectos y posibilidades de establecer o ampliar operaciones en el país.

Durante tres días, delegaciones de más de 40 países participarán en más de 3.600 reuniones personalizadas con 1.000 empresas exportadoras, multinacionales y proveedoras que operan en el país. La Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER) diseñó cada agenda a partir de prioridades concretas de compra e inversión, para que los participantes puedan comparar opciones, validar capacidades y avanzar en sus decisiones de negocio.

"Costa Rica ofrece talento especializado, capacidad productiva, acceso a mercados y una red de proveedores que responden a los requerimientos de compradores e inversionistas internacionales. El país ha demostrado, además, que puede desarrollar operaciones complejas y de alto valor. El Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit (CRTIS) permite conocer estas capacidades de primera mano y evaluar a Costa Rica para futuras decisiones de compra, inversión o expansión. Buscamos que esas decisiones generen más exportaciones, nuevas inversiones y mayores oportunidades para que las empresas nacionales se integren a cadenas globales de valor", afirmó Laura López, Gerente General de PROCOMER.

La agenda también incluye conferencias sobre decisiones de localización, transformación digital e inteligencia artificial, con la participación de Chris Knight, Managing Director de FT Locations, del Financial Times Group; Elena Gallego, Directora de Invest in Andalucía; y Jairo Londoño, Gerente País de Microsoft Costa Rica.

Una oferta productiva que evoluciona hacia mayor diversidad y sofisticación

La oferta exportable de Costa Rica refleja la transformación y diversidad de su economía. Los servicios representan el 34% de esta oferta; los dispositivos médicos, el 31%; y el sector agrícola, el 11%. En conjunto, estas actividades muestran la capacidad del país para atender mercados tradicionales y participar en sectores intensivos en conocimiento y tecnología.

Esa diversidad está presente en el Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit (CRTIS), donde los compradores internacionales pueden establecer relaciones comerciales con empresas de agroindustria, alimentos, manufactura especializada, tecnologías digitales, servicios corporativos, industrias creativas e innovación aplicada. Las reuniones les permiten conversar directamente sobre requerimientos técnicos, capacidad de producción, condiciones comerciales y posibilidades de abastecimiento.

Los inversionistas evalúan proyectos nuevos y ampliaciones en agroindustria, manufactura avanzada, servicios, infraestructura turística y semiconductores. Para ello, cuentan con agendas personalizadas que les permiten conocer el talento, la infraestructura, la capacidad instalada y la red de proveedores disponible para desarrollar sus operaciones.

Este espacio también permitirá conocer las capacidades de Costa Rica directamente en sus zonas productivas. Las delegaciones visitarán operaciones agrícolas en el norte y el Caribe del país, empresas de plantas ornamentales en el occidente del Valle Central y compañías de manufactura avanzada ubicadas en sus principales centros de investigación, zonas francas y parques empresariales.

Compradores e inversionistas podrán observar, a través de visitas o giras, procesos en funcionamiento, conversar con equipos empresariales y conocer las capacidades existentes en diferentes regiones. De esta manera, las decisiones comerciales y de inversión se apoyan en información de primera mano sobre el entorno productivo costarricense.

Una economía exportadora que continúa ampliando su escala

El Summit se desarrolla sobre una economía que mantiene su crecimiento en los mercados internacionales. Entre enero y julio de 2026, las exportaciones costarricenses sumaron $13.821 millones, un aumento del 5% frente al mismo período de 2025. El crecimiento alcanzó todas las regiones del país y fue impulsado tanto por el régimen de zona franca, que avanzó un 4%, como por el régimen definitivo, que creció un 8%.

Más de 1.000 compañías vinculadas con inversión extranjera directa operan en Costa Rica y generan 312.000 empleos. Su presencia, junto con el crecimiento de las empresas exportadoras y proveedoras nacionales, ofrece una base para desarrollar nuevas operaciones, ampliar compras locales e incorporar más capacidades costarricenses a cadenas internacionales.

$33 millones en negocios respaldan el modelo

El valor comercial del Summit continúa después de las reuniones. En su primera edición en 2025 se desarrollaron más de 3.600 citas de negocio y 104 agendas de inversión. El seguimiento posterior realizado por PROCOMER registró $33 millones en negocios cerrados, como resultado de las negociaciones iniciadas mediante el encuentro.

Este antecedente demuestra la capacidad del Summit para llevar una conexión inicial hacia etapas posteriores de negociación y cierre. La segunda edición parte de ese resultado para ampliar las oportunidades entre empresas costarricenses y tomadores de decisión de los mercados internacionales.

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Codoxo Named a Winner in 2026 Fierce AI Innovation Awards

AI-powered Point Zero Payment Integrity recognized for helping health plans prevent payment errors before claims are created.

DULUTH, Ga., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Codoxo, the leading provider of AI and generative AI-powered healthcare payment integrity solutions, today announced that its Point Zero Payment Integrity solution has been named the winner in the "AI Innovation in Regulatory & Compliance" category of the 2026 Fierce AI Innovation Awards.

Selected following a rigorous review by a panel of expert judges, Codoxo was recognized for moving healthcare payment integrity upstream by helping payers address coding inaccuracies, reimbursement policy gaps, and payment risks before claims are created.

"This recognition reflects a larger shift we believe needs to happen in payment integrity," said Musheer Ahmed, PhD, founder and CEO of Codoxo. "For decades, the industry has focused on finding and correcting problems after a claim is created. Point Zero moves intervention upstream, giving health plans the ability to address the behaviors and conditions that lead to payment errors before they enter the claims process. The result is fewer downstream errors, lower administrative burden, and less reliance on retrospective corrections that can create friction between payers and providers, helping build greater trust while advancing a more preventive model for payment integrity."

Point Zero uses generative AI, advanced analytics, and provider behavioral intelligence to help healthcare payers:

- Deliver targeted provider education to improve coding accuracy.

- Help providers submit accurate claims the first time, improving reimbursement policy adherence while reducing denials, appeals, payment disputes, and administrative rework.

With Point Zero, one leading health plan achieved more than $20 million in first-year savings (exceeding projections by 25%), while increasing provider engagement and improving coding accuracy. Across Point Zero solutions, health plans have achieved $12–$16 in per-member-per-year savings and reduced overpayments by up to 40%. Rather than measuring success by dollars recovered after improper payments occur, Point Zero helps health plans prevent payment errors before claims are created, establishing a new prevention-first model for payment integrity.

The Fierce AI Innovation Awards recognize healthcare and life sciences organizations moving beyond AI pilots to deliver measurable results. Learn more about the winners in the Fierce AI Innovation Awards Special Report.

To learn more about Codoxo and Point Zero Payment Integrity, visit www.codoxo.com.

About Codoxo

Codoxo empowers healthcare payers with its Generative AI-driven Unified Cost Containment Platform, delivering intelligent, end-to-end payment integrity and fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) solutions—from pre-claim to prepay and postpay. At the earliest intervention point, Codoxo's Point Zero Payment Integrity solutions identify and prevent payment errors before claims are even submitted, stopping issues at their source. The platform's comprehensive AI capabilities span across provider education, data mining, clinical chart and medical record reviews, no-code concept ideation, fraud detection, audit workflow and case management, and provider contract and medical policy compliance. These help payers achieve unmatched accuracy across the entire claim lifecycle. Codoxo's platform transforms payment integrity by shifting payers from reactive detection to proactive prevention—reducing costs and improving provider relationships. Codoxo has been recognized with a Fierce Healthcare Innovation Award and named to the Inc. 5000 list for its rapid growth. All Codoxo solutions operate in a HITRUST-certified environment. For more information, visit www.codoxo.com.

SOURCE Codoxo

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Sports organizations depend on ticketing, mobile apps, access control, point-of-sale systems, sponsorship platforms, and fan data to work together in real time, even when those capabilities are controlled by different teams, venues, leagues, vendors, and partners. Info-Tech Research Group's Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint helps sports CIOs establish clear control boundaries, decision rights, integration standards, and governance for a more cohesive venue platform.

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans experience a venue as one connected environment, regardless of how many organizations and systems operate behind it. Sports CIOs, however, are often expected to deliver seamless game-day operations while authority over critical systems is distributed across multiple entities. According to Info-Tech Research Group, this mismatch between accountability and authority turns integration into cross-entity negotiation, slows decisions, and creates fragile operations where a system failure can affect revenue, fan experience, and brand reputation.

To help sports organizations replace reactive coordination with a deliberate operating model, the global research and advisory firm has published its Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint. The resource gives CIOs a structured way to map the systems involved and trace how data moves across the fan journey, assess current ownership and control boundaries, and select a model suited to their organization's operating reality.

"CIOs are accountable for the experience fans have, even when they do not control every system behind it," says Michael Adams, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. "That gap between accountability and authority is where delays, inconsistent decisions, and operational fragility take hold. Technology integration can connect the systems. A venue operating model determines who owns the fan relationship, who governs the data, and who has authority to act when a game-day issue demands an immediate decision."

Key Obstacles Preventing Cohesive Venue Operations

Info-Tech's blueprint identifies three common obstacles that prevent sports organizations from managing the venue as a unified platform:

- Fragmented ownership and unclear decision rights: Teams, venues, leagues, and partners often optimize their own systems and priorities. Without clearly assigned authority, changes require cross-entity negotiation, causing delays, inconsistent execution, and accountability gaps.

- Disconnected systems and data: Point-to-point integrations and inconsistent data ownership make it difficult and costly to coordinate ticketing, mobile, payments, sponsorship, and other capabilities in real time. Complexity and fragility increase with every new system added.

- Near-zero tolerance for downtime: Game-day operations leave little room for disruption, which can discourage organizations from modernizing critical systems or introducing new capabilities. Continued reliance on legacy technology increases technical debt and long-term operational risk.

Info-Tech's Three-Phase Approach to Building a Venue Platform Operating Model

The Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint outlines the following methodology for establishing how systems, data, and stakeholders should work together across the venue ecosystem:

Phase 1: Map and assess: Map systems and data across the fan journey, identify who currently controls and operates each capability, and document gaps involving fragmented experiences, disconnected data, unclear ownership, and difficult integrations.

Phase 2: Frame and select: Develop design principles grounded in the organization's ownership structure, game-day requirements, integration needs, and strategic objectives. Use those principles to evaluate and select the most appropriate operating model.

Phase 3: Govern and operationalize: Define the roles needed to govern the venue platform, assign decision rights and accountability, clarify capability ownership, and prepare executive communications that explain the changes and expected outcomes.

"A strong venue platform can preserve local flexibility while making shared responsibilities explicit," explains Adams. "Certain capabilities need consistent standards across the enterprise, while others can remain closer to the team or venue. Clear boundaries allow innovation to move forward without relying on informal coordination or compromising game-day reliability."

The Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint's supporting resources include a selection tool that enables leaders to evaluate seven operating model archetypes against their design principles, a mapping template for documenting current and future ownership, and an executive communication template for building stakeholder alignment. By applying Info-Tech's approach, sports organizations can establish clearer accountability, improve coordination across systems and partners, and create a more resilient foundation for connected fan experiences and coordinated venue operations.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech's experts, including Michael Adams, and access to the complete Build a Venue Platform Operating Model blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the "get things done" partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech's HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm's SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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Die CityUHK (Dongguan) feiert die Eröffnungsfeier 2026 und würdigt damit das rasante grenzüberschreitende Wachstum in der Greater Bay Area

DONGGUAN, China,/PRNewswire/ -- Die City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) hielt am 2. September 2026 ihre Eröffnungsfeier für das Studienjahr 2026 ab und begrüßte den dritten Jahrgang der Universität mit mehr als 1.300 Studierenden. Die Feier findet nur wenige Monate nach der Verleihung der Master-Abschlüsse an den ersten Absolventen der CityUHK (Dongguan) im Juni 2026 statt und unterstreicht damit die beeindruckende Entwicklung der Hochschule seit ihrer offiziellen Gründung im Jahr 2024.

Bei der Zulassung der Bachelor-Studierenden des Jahrgangs 2026 sind weitere Verbesserungen bei den Zulassungsstandards und der akademischen Gesamtqualität zu verzeichnen. Die CityUHK (Dongguan) zieht leistungsstarke Studierende aus den unterschiedlichsten Regionen des chinesischen Festlands an, wobei viele der zugelassenen Bewerber herausragende akademische Leistungen und kreatives Potenzial aufweisen, darunter auch Gewinner nationaler Wissenschaftsolympiaden.

Die Universität hat die Rekrutierung von Bachelor-Studierenden aus Hongkong, Macau und Taiwan ausgeweitet und gleichzeitig eine vielfältigere Gruppe internationaler Studierender aus aller Welt aufgenommen, wodurch die globale Lernatmosphäre auf dem Campus weiter gestärkt wurde.

Die CityUHK, die von THE regelmäßig als die internationalste Universität der Welt eingestuft wird, verfügt über eine globale Präsenz, die sich über führende akademische Einrichtungen erstreckt. Der Campus in Dongguan hat eine rasante Entwicklung durchlaufen und strategische Partnerschaften mit mehr als 40 weltweit führenden Einrichtungen geschlossen, darunter die University of Cambridge, das University College London, die UC Berkeley und die Universität Utrecht.

Auch die Masterstudiengänge der CityUHK (DG) haben sich im Jahr 2026 als äußerst wettbewerbsfähig und attraktiv erwiesen. Die Universität hat Bewerbungen von herausragenden Absolventen erhalten, darunter von der Peking-Universität, der Tsinghua-Universität und der Fudan-Universität. Zudem zieht sie Talente von weltbekannten Einrichtungen wie der Universität Hongkong, dem Imperial College London, der Nanyang Technological University, der University of California, Berkeley und der University of Melbourne an, was ihre wachsende internationale Anerkennung unter Nachwuchswissenschaftlern unterstreicht.

Die neuen Studierenden, die vielfältige kulturelle Hintergründe und neue Perspektiven mitbrachten, berichteten von ihren ersten Eindrücken und Erwartungen, als sie ihr Bachelor- bzw. Masterstudium an der CityUHK (Dongguan) begannen.

Meerim, die aus Kirgisistan stammt, hat sich aufgrund des hervorragenden akademischen Rufs und der integrativen Atmosphäre auf dem Campus für die CityUHK (Dongguan) entschieden. „Die CityUHK gehört zu den führenden Universitäten Asiens. Sie hat die internationalste Gemeinschaft, und der Campus der CityUHK (Dongguan) ist sehr lebendig und einladend." Sie versteht sich hervorragend mit ihrer Mitbewohnerin, wodurch sie sich auf ihrem neuen Campus wohl und zu Hause fühlt.

Osman, ein Studienanfänger aus Kasachstan, ist tief beeindruckt von der modernen Gestaltung und der ökologischen Ausrichtung des Campus. „Der Campus sieht brandneu aus. Außerdem ist es dort sehr grün, und ich kann sehen, wie die CityUHK (Dongguan) die natürliche Landschaft mit modernem architektonischem Design verbindet und so ein angenehmes Studien- und Lebensumfeld schafft." Er wies außerdem darauf hin, dass die einheimischen Studierenden freundlich sind und großes Interesse an den internationalen Studierenden zeigen, die aktiv auf die Neuankömmlinge auf dem Campus zugehen und mit ihnen in Kontakt treten.

An der Feier nahm eine hochkarätige Riege von Gästen und Hochschulleitern teil, darunter ZHOU Yu, Mitglied der Chinesischen Akademie der Ingenieurwissenschaften und Vizepräsident der Chinesischen Vereinigung für Hochschulbildung; YU Yang, stellvertretender Generalsekretär der Chinesischen Bildungsvereinigung für internationalen Austausch; CHUNG Shui-ming, Pro-Kanzler der CityUHK und Ehrenvorsitzender der Bildungsstiftung der CityUHK (Dongguan); Michael NGAI, Ratsvorsitzender der CityUHK; Chun-Sing LEE, amtierender Präsident der CityUHK und Vorsitzender des Verwaltungsrats der CityUHK (Dongguan); DUAN Baoyan, Mitglied der Chinesischen Akademie der Ingenieurwissenschaften und Präsident der CityUHK (Dongguan); sowie Tayyeb Shah, Vizepräsident und designierter Präsident der European Association for International Education (EAIE). An der Veranstaltung nahmen geladene Gäste, Lehrkräfte und neue Studierende teil; den Vorsitz führte Lu Chun, geschäftsführender Präsident der CityUHK (Dongguan) und Vizepräsident der CityUHK.

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ePlus Achieves Exclusive Ambassador Partner Status with Everpure

Company is first in North America to attain new partnership tier

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ePlus inc. (NASDAQ NGS: PLUS – news) today announced that it has achieved the highest level of Everpure partner tier, the new Ambassador certification. ePlus is the first reseller, specialized services partner, or company holding any other Everpure partner designation in North America to have earned this credential.

New to the Everpure program, attaining this tier of partnership requires successfully demonstrating the highest level of service delivery capabilities in cyber resilience and cloud to enhance customer experience and exceptional reliability in meeting customer requirements.

"The most rewarding thing about being the first and only North American provider to have obtained this status is that we were certified based on the many things we do well for our customers – from SOWs and service delivery documents to test plans, remediation of issues, follow through of deliverables and so much more," said Ken Farber, president ePlus strategy, software and alliances. "Our customer-first focus is what drives our entire organization, from the solutions and services we launch to the areas of technology in which we invest. We are excited and proud to have earned Ambassador status and are very grateful to Everpure for this fantastic acknowledgement of our ability to service our customers.

"Ambassador Reseller Partner status represents the highest tier within our Reseller Program and recognizes strategic partners with deep expertise across key solution areas such as Cloud, Cyber Resilience, and Application Modernization," said Hope Galley, vice president, Americas partner organization at Everpure. "Customers can be assured they are working with a partner that not only understands Everpure and data storage but also has proven ability in adjacent technologies like cloud and cyber resilience, from a consultative and services perspective. We congratulate ePlus on earning this highly valued credential and appreciate our continued partnership as we look forward to driving mutual growth while delivering industry-leading data storage solutions to our shared customers."

Together, ePlus and Everpure deliver innovative, sustainable, and simplified storage solutions that help accelerate business outcomes and reduce operational complexity. ePlus recently earned the Services Partner of the Year award in recognition of ePlus Storage-as-a-Service (STaaS) leveraging Everpure Evergreen//One™, a flexible, managed, consumption-based offering. ePlus StaaS provides an adaptable storage model that allows organizations to pay for only the storage capacity they use and need, helping to manage costs.

For more information on how ePlus and Everpure partner please visit: https://www.eplus.com/how-we-partner/everpure

About ePlus inc.

ePlus is a customer-first, services-led, and results-driven industry leader offering transformative technology solutions and services to provide the best customer outcomes. Offering a full portfolio of solutions, including artificial intelligence, security, cloud and data center, networking and collaboration, as well as managed, consultative and professional services, ePlus works closely with organizations across many industries to successfully navigate business challenges. With a long list of industry-leading partners and more than 2,130 employees, our expertise has been honed over more than three decades, giving us specialized yet broad levels of experience and knowledge. ePlus is headquartered in Virginia, with locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia‐Pacific. For more information, visit www.eplus.com, call 888-482-1122, or email info@eplus.com. Connect with ePlus on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

ePlus®, Where Technology Means More®, and ePlus products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ePlus inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Everpure, Evergreen//One, and the marks in the Everpure Trademark List are trademarks or registered trademarks of Everpure, Inc. or its licensed subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. The names of other companies, products, and services mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE EPLUS INC.

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Board Is Undertaking an Active Search in its Ongoing Commitment to Board Refreshment

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced today that Board of Directors member Sue Decker has informed the Company she will not stand for reelection at the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Ms. Decker joined the boards of Anderson Group, Inc. and Nscale, Ltd. within the last year, and made the decision to step down from the Vail Resorts Board in order to manage her total number of board commitments. Her current term will conclude on the date of the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

"On behalf of the entire Board and management team, I want to thank Sue for her service to Vail Resorts," said Rob Katz, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts. "Her strategic insight, sound judgment, financial acumen, and deep expertise across technology, consumer insights, and corporate governance have benefitted the Company and its shareholders throughout her tenure. As we embark on the next chapter of growth through our Epic Experience strategy, we will use this opportunity to continue enhancing our Board with experience and perspective to help guide the Company into the future."

"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve on the Vail Resorts Board for the past eleven years," said Ms. Decker. "I am very proud of what the Company has accomplished during that time and of the role Vail Resorts has played in transforming the guest experience and shaping the future of the snowsports industry. I have tremendous respect for Rob, the management team and my fellow directors, and I look forward to watching the Company continue to build on that foundation."

In connection with Ms. Decker's decision, the Board approved a reduction in the size of the Board to nine members, effective as of the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The Nominating & Governance Committee of the Board is currently conducting a search for an additional independent director with the assistance of a leading independent executive search firm. The Board currently expects to complete that process and a corresponding increase in the size of the Board to ten members in early 2027. In July, the Company announced the appointment of Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM Resorts International, to the Board, and in 2024 the Company added Reggie Chambers and Iris Knobloch as Board Members.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and Pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements discussed in this press release, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the statements regarding our expected growth through our Epic Experience strategy; and the anticipated search for, and timing and impacts of, an additional independent director. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to a prolonged weakness in general economic conditions, including adverse effects on the overall travel and leisure related industries and our business and results of operations; unfavorable weather conditions or the impact of natural disasters or other unexpected events; the willingness or ability of our guests to travel due to terrorism, the uncertainty of military conflicts or public health emergencies, and the cost and availability of travel options and changing consumer preferences or discretionary spending habits; the seasonality of our business combined with adverse events that may occur during our peak operating periods; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE The Vail Corporation

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