NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the peak year-end travel season, Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world's money, has launched a direct fix for "arrival anxiety" - the universal moment of panic of landing in an unfamiliar country without mobile data or the local way to pay. By combining customizable eSIM data plans with an unmatched cross-border QR code scanner that works across five continents, Wise becomes the first to combine the two in one app.

A new Wise-commissioned YouGov survey of more than 14,000 travelers across eleven countries, found that 62% of adults who have traveled internationally in the last year rely on hotel or accommodation Wi-Fi to stay connected abroad. Once outside their hotel, travelers resort to comical behaviors to stay connected:

- 24% of travelers have bought something at a café they did not want, purely to get free Wi-Fi.

- 15% have stood outside a museum or tourist attraction to use their free Wi-fi instead of going inside.

- 7% have asked a total stranger to share their phone's personal hotspot.

Cash management was the most common payment problem reported abroad (43%). Of those who experienced challenges almost 40% of travelers said they missed out on local experiences like street food markets. Wise is solving both these pain points: the eSIM keeps people connected, while the extensive QR code payments network helps travelers pay like a local.

Waste-free, Build-Your-Own eSIM plans

The Wise eSIM introduces a highly flexible model to a telco market historically defined by rigid, pre-packaged expensive roaming plans. Alongside standard regional plans in more than 150 destinations, Wise is among the first in the world to launch customizable data plans to customers in the UK, EEA, US, Canada, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, giving travelers the power to design the type of coverage:

- One-time eSIM installation: Customers only need to download the eSIM to their device once rather than for each individual trip.

- Custom Controls: Travelers can buy the data directly from the Wise app, set the exact data allowance and the exact number of days they need, mapped perfectly to their itinerary.

- Data Estimation Guidelines: Intuitive, in-app guidelines to help customers avoid over or under-buying data before they depart.

- Unused Data Plan Refund: Wise will refund travelers for any unused data plans they purchase but do not use. Handy for those times when travel plans change.

- Instant Activation: The data will only be used when the eSIM is connected to the supported network at the destination.

One app for the world's QR codes

While cards work at hotels or airport duty-free shops, daily life down on the street moves to its own rhythm. Many countries around the world run completely on individual domestic QR codes. Because these systems were built for locals, foreign travelers have historically been locked out - forced to either track down physical cash at ATMs or sign up for a messy folder of single-use local e-wallets. Wise has broken down this barrier by becoming the first to bring together QR codes from five continents into one app.

- Pay like a local from Singapore to Budapest to Rio de Janeiro: Wise's direct connections with local payment schemes such as PayNow (Singapore), QR Ph (Philippines), DuitNow (Malaysia), Pix (Brazil), PromptPay (Thailand), Swiss QR-bill (Switzerland) and Qvik (Hungary) means that for the first time, all of these local payment schemes are now available in one place - through the Wise app.

- Unlocking cashless payment in the Chinese mainland and beyond*: Through a strategic partnership with the Alipay+, Ant International's unified wallet gateway network, Wise has simplified payments for travelers visiting Asia. In the Chinese mainland, where cash and foreign card payments are not commonly accepted, eligible Wise travelers can scan the QR and pay at millions of local Alipay+ enabled merchants directly through the Wise app without needing a Chinese bank card, local mobile number, or separate app setup required. The partnership enables Wise users to make cross-border QR payments in 50+ destinations globally including Hong Kong, Nepal, Korea, Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

Smart traveling with the Wise account

Beyond eSIM and QR codes, the Wise Account has also added pay as you go airport lounge passes, country guides with destination tips, as well as features like multi-currency bill split and group spending to make managing navigating new countries and managing money with friends and family a breeze.

Wise eSIM plans and QR payments are available in the Wise Account from today.

About Wise

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world's money.

With Wise Account and Wise Business, people and businesses can hold 40+ currencies, move money between countries and spend money abroad. Large companies and banks use Wise technology too; an entirely new network for the world's money. In the financial year 2026, Wise supported around 19 million people and businesses, processing over $240 billion in cross-border transactions and saving customers over $3 billion.

Notes to Editors

eSIM connectivity services are provided directly by Gigs U.K. Ltd. Wise Payments Limited acts as a payment and administration facilitator.

*Alipay+ is not available to Wise customers in the USA and Canada.

SOURCE Wise

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Unisys earns five Leader designations across the U.S., U.S. Public Sector and U.K. for AI-ready infrastructure, managed cloud hosting and resilient infrastructure services

BLUE BELL, Pa., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys (NYSE: UIS) has been named a Leader in the 2026 ISG Provider Lens® Private/Hybrid Cloud – Data Center Services quadrant reports. These reports highlight service providers excelling in private cloud, hybrid cloud and data center infrastructure management. This marks the sixth consecutive year Unisys has been recognized as a Leader with an increase in 2026 to five Leader designations from four in 2025.

ISG defines Leaders as companies with comprehensive portfolios, strong market presence, established competitive strategies and a demonstrated commitment to innovation.

"Organizations are looking for infrastructure environments that can support growing AI demands while remaining secure, resilient and cost-efficient," said Chris Arrasmith, chief operating officer, Unisys. "Being recognized by ISG as a Leader for the sixth consecutive year reflects the strength of our AI-driven operations, depth of our hybrid cloud expertise and commitment to enabling clients by modernizing their infrastructure and improving their resilience, so they can operate with greater confidence and efficiency."

Unisys was recognized as a Leader in five market quadrants:

- U.S. AI-ready Infrastructure Managed Services for Midmarket: for connecting infrastructure transformation with ongoing operations, enabling organizations to modernize data centers and build AI-ready hybrid cloud environments. 

- U.S. Managed Cloud Hosting and Resilient Infrastructure Services: for delivering integrated cloud hosting, disaster recovery and infrastructure optimization services for complex enterprise environments.

- U.S. Public Sector AI-ready Infrastructure Managed Services: for taking a pragmatic approach to modernizing hybrid cloud environments across state, local and education organizations while balancing governance requirements and operational accountability.

- U.S. Public Sector Managed Cloud Hosting and Resilient Infrastructure Services: for delivering secure, resilient cloud and data center services that strengthen continuity and control across public sector environments.

- U.K. AI-ready Infrastructure Managed Services for Midmarket: for using AI-driven operations and rapid value assessments to identify modernization opportunities and optimize hybrid cloud environments for midmarket organizations.

In the report, Unisys was also recognized as a Product Challenger in several quadrants, including U.S. AI-ready Infrastructure Managed Services — Large Accounts, U.K. AI-ready Infrastructure Managed Services — Large Accounts, and U.K. Managed Cloud Hosting and Resilient Infrastructure Services. Product Challengers are providers that demonstrate strong technology capabilities, broad service offerings and continued investment in expanding their market presence.

"Unisys differentiates itself through its ability to translate hybrid infrastructure transformation into a governed operating model by addressing hosting, recovery and optimization as a single service, making it highly relevant for complex U.S. enterprise environments," said Shashank Rajmane, senior manager and principal analyst, ISG.

Learn more about the 2026 ISG Provider Lens® Private/Hybrid Cloud – Data Center Services report. For additional insights into how organizations are preparing their environments for AI and cloud adoption, explore the global "Unisys AI & Cloud Insights Report 2026: The Benchmarks, the Gaps, and What to Do Next."

About Unisys

Unisys is a global technology solutions company that powers breakthroughs for the world's leading organizations. Our solutions — cloud, AI, digital workplace, applications and enterprise computing — help our clients challenge the status quo and unlock their full potential. To learn how we have been helping clients push what's possible for more than 150 years, visit unisys.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

RELEASE NO.: 1006/10074

Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder.

UIS-C

SOURCE Unisys Corporation

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AEWIN Unveils Flagship DC-MHS AI Servers Featuring Arivor's Advanced 2P DLC Solutions at OCP 2026

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AEWIN Technologies of Qisda Group will showcase its latest modular systems based on the DC-MHS framework at OCP 2026, highlighting next-generation servers and two-phase direct liquid cooling (2P DLC) solutions for rack-scale architectures. Aligned with Qisda Group's strategic focus on AI Infrastructure, AEWIN leverages the Group's integrated expertise in computing, networking, storage, and thermal management to deliver flexible infrastructure optimized for energy efficiency, effectively empowering the evolving demands of AI factories.

AEWIN utilizes the cutting-edge AMD EPYC™ 9006 series Server CPUs to offer a comprehensive, high-performance server portfolio driven by superior computing power and PCIe Gen6 connectivity for the AI Era. As higher computing power leads to critical challenges of thermal management, AEWIN leverages the cutting-edge technology from its subsidiary to integrate its rack-scale 2P DLC solutions to handle high-density infrastructure exceeding 200kW per rack with reduced PUE and long-lifetime sustainability.

To achieve ultra-high compute density, BG18-A10710 integrates 2P DLC solutions to support 600W TDP CPU and two single-width 600W GPUs in 1U form factor while 2U AI server, BG28-A10710, delivers four dual-width FHFL PCIe 6.0 x16 slots to support 600W GPUs. As the latest addition to the portfolio, the flagship BG48-A20813 is a 4U AI server delivering up to eight dual-width FHFL GPUs custom-engineered to power complex Agentic AI and next-generation model training.

For data-intensive workloads, BS28-A10710 delivers 16x E3.S drive bays, while BX28-A10710 supports up to 12 U.2 NVMe SSDs or 24 SATA drives for various kinds of storage configurations supporting AI data pipelines and intelligent data management. With OCP DC-SCM2-based system management powered by the ASPEED AST2700 BMC and redundant 80 PLUS Titanium power supplies, these platforms provide a reliable foundation for AI inference, HPC, cloud-native, and neocloud deployments.

Through the modular DC-MHS-based architecture and rack-scale approach, AEWIN demonstrates its capability to build performant, scalable, and reliable servers for AI infrastructure. By uniting AEWIN's server expertise with Arivor's advanced 2P DLC technology and the broader Qisda Group technology ecosystem, the solution addresses the growing demand for AI compute density, high-speed connectivity, storage scalability, and thermal efficiency to help enterprises accelerate the deployment of sustainable, high-performance AI infrastructure.

For more information, please visit www.aewin.com.

Visit AEWIN at OCP Global Summit 2026, October 12–15, at Booth #D9.

SOURCE AEWIN; Arivor

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The acquisition will bolster Lippincott's ability to move clients from strategy to activation faster, combining its strategic depth and global scale with Athletics digital and creative technology capabilities.

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lippincott, a global brand, experience, and marketing consultancy, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Athletics, a New York-based brand and innovation studio known for its multidisciplinary approach to design, digital experiences and creative technology, including proprietary AI software, Sesame, used to build custom brand activation tools.

For more than 80 years, Lippincott has evolved its capabilities to stay ahead of clients' changing needs, bringing together strategic rigor and world-class creativity to solve complex business challenges. The addition of Athletics marks the next step in that evolution, combining Lippincott's global scale, strategic depth, and design and engineering practices with the collaboration and experimentation of an independent studio.

Athletics' approach is grounded in thinking through making: using prototyping and iteration to make abstract ideas tangible early and improve them along the way. The studio is particularly strong at translating ambitious brand ideas and systems into physical and digital experiences.

Together, these capabilities will enable the combined organization to move seamlessly from strategy to practical application for clients, bringing together strategic thinking and design with more integrated digital, motion, and creative technology expertise. Athletics' proprietary technology will further expand this offering, helping clients bring their brands to life through custom AI-powered tools and experiences.

"Brands today must do much more than stand for something. They have to show up coherently across an increasingly complex set of experiences and technologies, while leaders simultaneously navigate the opportunities created by AI," said Michael D'Esopo, CEO, Lippincott. "Athletics' focus on practicality strengthens our ability to translate ambitious ideas into tangible applications. Together, we can help our clients not only define what's next for their brands, but build, activate and scale it."

"Lippincott is a natural home for the next chapter of Athletics," said Jameson Proctor, CEO, Athletics. "We share a belief that the strongest creative work happens when strategy, design and technology come together from the beginning, with clients as part of the team and making as part of the thinking. Lippincott brings extraordinary depth in brand and business strategy and global scale. Combined with our studio approach, experimentation capabilities and proprietary technology, our entire leadership team believes we have an opportunity to take on bigger challenges and create greater impact for our clients."

The transaction is expected to close November 2, 2026, at which time Athletics' team of approximately 25 people will join Lippincott. Athletics will retain its current offices in Brooklyn, New York.

About Lippincott

Lippincott is a global brand, experience, and marketing consultancy. Since 1943, we've helped ambitious leaders unlock the beautiful possibilities hiding inside their toughest challenges, turning them into brands and ideas that live in the real world and create lasting business value. As part of Oliver Wyman, we bring high-caliber industry, risk, and operational insight into our work, pairing a management consultancy's strategic rigor with a proven legacy of creativity.

About Athletics

Athletics is a brand innovation studio specializing in identity, experience, and creative technology. Working at the intersection of culture, technology and business, the studio helps clients design their place in the world, pairing strategic clarity with design that is built to scale. From Salesforce's evolution into the agentic era to identity and digital systems for IBM, Google, Amazon, MoMA, and Major League Soccer, its work turns ambition into brands that get to work.

SOURCE Lippincott

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Jeep® Brand Named the Official 4x4 of Moab, Reinforcing the Brand's Commitment to the Communities That Helped Shape Its Off-Road Legacy

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

- Two-year partnership formalizes and strengthens the Jeep® brand's presence in Moab through community investment, stewardship, and local engagement

- Demonstrates the brand's ongoing commitment to responsible off-roading and protecting the places that inspire adventure

The Jeep® brand today announced that it has been named the Official 4x4 of Moab by the City, marking a new chapter in the decades-long relationship between an iconic and legendary 4x4 sport utility brand and one of the world's most celebrated off-road destinations.

The partnership, approved by the Moab City Council, establishes a two-year collaboration between Jeep and the City of Moab focused on community investment, trail stewardship, local events, and responsible recreation.

"Moab is more than a destination. It's an integral part of the Jeep brand story," said Branden Coté, Jeep CEO. "The trails, landscapes and community have helped define off-road adventure for generations of Jeep owners. Designating the Jeep brand as the Official 4x4 of Moab recognizes that shared history while creating opportunities to invest in the people, places and experiences that continue to inspire Jeep enthusiasts around the world."

For decades, Jeep 4x4 vehicles have been tested and celebrated on Moab's iconic trails. Annually, the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club hosts Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. This event is one of the largest and most anticipated gatherings in the off-road community, drawing thousands of Jeep enthusiasts to southeastern Utah each year and further cements the connection between the Jeep brand and Moab. As part of the 2027 Easter Jeep Safari, the Jeep brand, in collaboration with the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, the Bureau of Land Management Moab Field Office and Tread Lightly!, will focus its official stewardship project on the Chicken Corners trail corridor.

"This sponsorship agreement is about turning a longstanding relationship between Moab and Jeep into tangible benefits for our community," said Michael Black, Moab City Manager. "The partnership brings new resources through advertising, sponsorship of trail maintenance and Moab City events, as well as support for responsible use and stewardship of the environment. The City is excited to formalize this relationship and partner with Jeep, The Official 4x4 of Moab, to provide meaningful benefits for our community."

As part of the partnership, which officially kicks off this month, Jeep will support local priorities through annual funding, event sponsorships, and trail care efforts designed to preserve trail access and help protect the outdoor spaces that make Moab unique. The agreement also includes support for community events such as the Red Rock Arts Festival and the city's upcoming 125-year celebration.

Advancing Stewardship, Access and Adventure

The Moab partnership reflects the Jeep brand's long-standing commitment to land conservation, responsible off-roading, and preserving access to the trails and public lands that are central to Jeep culture. Throughout 2026, the brand has strengthened that commitment by supporting key off-road events, trail-access initiatives, and like-minded organizations that help protect and sustain the off-road experience for future generations, including:

- Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah

- Jeep Beach in Daytona Beach, Florida

- Toledo Jeep Fest in Toledo, Ohio

- Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

- Rebelle Rally, the nation's premier all-women off-road navigation competition

- Trail restoration and access initiatives supporting the Rubicon Trail in California

Collectively, these events, initiatives, and partnerships engage hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts who share a passion for adventure, responsible recreation, and ensuring continued access to public lands and trails for future generations.

The Jeep brand and the City of Moab will begin implementing partnership initiatives throughout the coming months, creating new opportunities to celebrate Moab's unique character while preserving the landscapes, experiences and community spirit that have made it a global destination for adventure.

Jeep Brand

For 85 years, Jeep has been a global leader in SUVs, delivering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology and exceptional versatility for those who seek fun and adventure. With a commitment to innovation, the Jeep brand offers a diverse lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrid technology and all-electric drivetrains. Built on a heritage of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion, Jeep continues to set the standard for rugged and refined vehicles designed to conquer it all.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:

Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Jeep brand: jeep.com

Facebook: facebook.com/jeep

Instagram: @jeep

X: @jeep

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jeep

YouTube: youtube.com/thejeepchannel or youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis

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From Adriatic Shores to 8,000-Foot Peaks: Why 2027 Is the Year to Visit Montenegro

PODGORICA, Montenegro, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Picture a fjord-like bay that's ringed by medieval towns, the largest lake in the Balkans, one of Europe's deepest river canyons and mountains topping 8,000 feet, all in a country smaller than Connecticut—that's Montenegro. Add native wines, hearty mountain cuisine and a growing high-end hospitality scene, and this is the moment for travelers to discover a fresh destination before it becomes a household name.

Here are six reasons you should put Montenegro on your 2027 travel list.

Immerse yourself in one of the Adriatic's most breathtaking, historic landscapes. Medieval ramparts adorn the Bay of Kotor, with stunning palaces and stone churches decorating the mountains that steeply rise around the water. You can see why UNESCO describes the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor as a gorgeous blend of how human architecture is harmoniously integrated with the cliff-faced landscape. More coastal icons like the Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum in Perast and the world-class marina in Tivat line the bay, offering an unmatched blend of history, drama and scenery.

Visit the coast and wild mountain country in one trip. Of course there are the photogenic beaches, but just a short drive away is a completely different landscape for fresh adventures. There's Lake Skadar, popular for boat tours surrounded by rich wildlife and panoramic views. Or there's Durmitor National Park, with roughly 50 peaks over a mile high, glacial lakes and the Tara River gorge—Europe's deepest canyon. Depending on the season, you can try hiking, climbing, canyoning, skiing and rafting around the emerald waters.

Indulge in truly unique wines and cuisines. Local wineries and native grape varieties can be found around Lake Skadar and Crmnica (the heartland of Montenegro's signature dark-red Vranac wine), while the coast offers rich harvests from the Adriatic Sea like grilled sea bream, mussels in wine sauce and savory crni rižot (black risotto). In Njeguši, traditional foods include pršut and cheese, and northern Montenegro brings dishes such as kačamak and Kolašin's distinctive layered lisnati cheese. Numerous wine routes and regional food journeys connect these foods with their local, rural communities.

Be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving luxury scene. Montenegro already has a range of five-star developments like Porto Montenegro, the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Teuta Kotor Bay and the One&Only Portonovi in Herceg Novi. Luštica Bay, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay and Aman Sveti Stefan bring even more high-end hospitality offerings along the Montenegrin waterfront. Coming soon, though, are more luxury properties like the Radisson Collection Hotel President in Budva, which will sit just steps away from the Adriatic Sea and is set to open in 2027 with 88 hotel units, residences, restaurants and multiple wellness facilities. Also projected to open in summer 2027 is the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences in Tivat, with 61 hotel rooms and 44 serviced apartments, as well as an all-day dining restaurant, an expansive terrace restaurant and an exclusive rooftop bar.

Discover Montenegro's rich winter side. Kolašin in the north is a major ski destination, with ski areas offering about 28 miles of runs that climb to nearly 6,800 feet, plus snowshoeing and scenic views as you walk around the frozen lake among the surrounding mountains. Above the treeline, the views stretch across several mountain ranges to the jagged peaks of Durmitor. With a new wave of internationally branded mountain hotels expected around 2027, now is the time to see the sparkling beauty of Montenegro before the rest of the world catches on.

Connect with traditions that are still lived, not staged. Montenegro's heritage is so much more than a performance put on for visitors. In Kotor, the Boka Navy (which is on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) still performs a ceremonial dance in honor of the town's patron saint—a tradition that goes back 12 centuries. In the northern highlands, shepherd families still move their flocks to summer pastures called katuns. A 310-mile trail network now links these settlements, allowing travelers to hike between katuns, sleep in traditional huts and support locals offering up handmade cheese, creams and honey.

For further information on travel in Montenegro, visit www.montenegro.travel.

SOCIAL:

www.instagram.com/gomontenegro

www.youtube.com/user/Montenegro

www.linkedin.com/company/national-tourism-organisation-of-montenegro

IMAGES:

Access to Media Library

PRESS:

For further press information on Montenegro, contact:

Miles Partnership

- Kristin Carlson: [email protected]

- Erin Marvin: [email protected]

SOURCE National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro

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WILMINGTON, Mass., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, will step into the post season spotlight with 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott and the Hendrick Motorsports crew this weekend as the No. 9 UniFirst Chevy hits the track for a crucial Chase race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The action is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, October 11, at 3 p.m. ET and will be televised live on USA Network. The No. 9 UniFirst Chevy will tackle Charlotte's highly anticipated return to the traditional 1.5-mile oval layout, sporting its signature bold green design and iconic U-Mark.

"I'm glad we're back on the oval. I think it's produced better racing with this car," said Elliott. "The last time we had UniFirst on our No. 9 Chevy, we put together a solid night at Richmond Raceway. So, hopefully we can pick up where we left off and have another strong run."

"There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of a NASCAR Cup Series Chase race at Charlotte," said David Katz, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at UniFirst. "Chase and the entire No. 9 crew have shown incredible resilience and determination all year long. We're proud to back them this weekend and excited to see them secure a spot in the next round."

Sunday's race at Charlotte marks the fourth of five primary sponsorship appearances for UniFirst in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The No. 9 UniFirst Chevrolet debuted earlier this spring at Darlington Raceway and Martinsville Speedway, with its most recent appearance under the lights at Richmond Raceway.

Following Charlotte, the No. 9 UniFirst Chevy will hit the track for its final primary race of the season at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m. ET, televised on NBC.

The 2026 season marks UniFirst's seventh year as a proud sponsor of Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team. As the Official Workwear Provider for Hendrick Motorsports, UniFirst also supplies high-quality uniforms, workwear, and facility services to the team and its sister company, Hendrick Automotive Group.

For more information on UniFirst, visit UniFirst.com.

About UniFirst

UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) helps businesses of all sizes keep their workers safe, comfortable, and professional with work uniform and facility service solutions, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company manages specialized garment programs through its subsidiaries for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. Alongside partnerships with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, floorcare products, and restroom supplies at three company-owned facilities. Guided by a commitment to Always Deliver™ for its customers, Team Partners, and communities, UniFirst operates 270-plus service locations across North America, serves more than 300,000 customer locations, and outfits over 2 million workers daily with the support of 16,000-plus Team Partners. For more information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit UniFirst.com. Follow UniFirst on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram .

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:

Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport's premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (15), points-paying race victories (324) and laps led (more than 86,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 42 different seasons, including an active streak of 41 in a row (1986-2026). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, and one in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series with newcomer Corey Day. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 500 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

SOURCE UniFirst Corporation

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The off-price retailer expands its presence in the Windy City by partnering with the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Ultimate Women's Expo

- As Preseason Presenting Partner of the Chicago Bulls and Luvabulls Dance Team, Burlington is showing up for Bulls fans at pre-season games throughout October.

- On Friday, Oct. 23, Burlington is hosting a season kick-off pep rally at its 2627 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 store location, featuring guest appearances by Bulls Alumni and Bulls mascot Benny The Bull, as well as elite prizes like Bulls forward Caleb Wilson jerseys and tickets to the home opener at the United Center.

- Burlington is giving away reusable Burlington x Chicago canvas tote bags on Saturday, Oct. 24, at all Chicago-area stores and the Chicago Ultimate Women's Expo.

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on the momentum of its nationwide expansion, Burlington Stores, one of the fastest-growing national off-price retailers, is shifting its focus to Chicago, announcing today local partnerships and events across the city throughout October. Known for offering top brands up to 60% off other retailers, Burlington is taking bold steps to recognize the city's legacy and support its community.

Official Partner of the Chicago Bulls

Burlington is tipping off its celebration as the Preseason Presenting Partner of the Chicago Bulls. To help celebrate the start of basketball season, Burlington will be at the United Center during the first two preseason home games on Oct. 7 and 9 with an exciting pre-game experience where fans can take and share a custom photo with friends and family at the game. Additionally, the first 2,000 fans at the United Center for all three home preseason games on Oct. 7, 9 and 16 will receive a complementary Burlington x Chicago Bulls belt bag.

In addition to the Bulls preseason, Burlington is also the Presenting Partner of the Chicago Luvabulls dance team. As official partner, Burlington's branding will be incorporated throughout the arena to connect with fans at the United Center during games. Fans are encouraged to follow the team on Instagram for co-branded content throughout the season at @chicagoluvabulls.

"The Chicago Bulls are one of the most iconic franchises in sports, and I'm excited to partner with Burlington to connect with fans and the Chicago community in a meaningful way," said Caleb Wilson, a Bulls forward. "Being welcomed into this community feels like becoming part of a family, and the opportunity to work with Burlington while becoming part of the city's history is something I don't take for granted."

To celebrate the start of the regular season, Burlington is also hosting an in-store community pep rally on Friday, Oct. 23, from 3-5 p.m. at 2627 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. Featuring guest appearances by Bulls alumni and team mascot, Benny The Bull, the public event offers fans exciting opportunities to save big and win Caleb Wilson jerseys, tickets to the home opener, and Burlington gift cards.

What's more, on Saturday, Oct. 24, Burlington will give away reusable Burlington x Chicago canvas tote bags to the first 200 customers in all Chicago area stores.

Chicago Ultimate Women's Expo

To further connect with the Chicago community, Burlington is also a sponsor of the Chicago Ultimate Women's Expo, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 - 25. Burlington will host two fashion shows during the event, one on each day of the expo, offering a sneak peek at the latest holiday trends. The first 10,000 attendees at the event will also receive the Burlington x Chicago canvas tote bag.

A Better, Bolder Burlington

With 50 locations across the Chicago area and nearly 1,300 stores nationwide, Burlington is making it easier than ever for shoppers to find the brands they love and the latest must-have trends they're searching for. All new Burlington locations feature a modernized store format, wider aisles and bold, bilingual signage for easier navigation around the store.

"We're thrilled to introduce a more exciting, modern Burlington to Chicago, and there's no better way than by teaming up with major organizations embedded in the Windy City," said Chris Miller, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Burlington. "We are excited to partner with both organizations and look forward to celebrating with the Chicago community this fall."

About Burlington Stores, Inc.

Burlington Stores, Inc., headquartered in New Jersey, is a nationally recognized off-price retailer with Fiscal 2025 net sales of $11.5 billion. The Company is a Fortune 500 company and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BURL." The Company operated 1,287 stores as of the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2026 in 47 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, principally under the name Burlington Stores. The Company's stores offer an extensive selection of in-season, high-quality branded merchandise at up to 60% off other retailers' prices, including fashion-focused women's apparel, menswear, youth apparel, baby, beauty, footwear, accessories, home, toys, gifts and coats.

For all media inquiries and to receive additional information, please contact: 

[email protected]

SOURCE Burlington Stores, Inc.

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Major commercial investment expands Classic's presence across the U.S., delivering greater hypercare, specialized expertise, and strategic partnership to travel advisors

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Classic Vacations®, the #1 rated luxury travel advisor resource, has nearly tripled the size of its Sales organization since the beginning of 2026, marking one of the company's most significant investments in its travel advisor community.

The expansion is part of a broader investment in Classic's Commercial organization designed to bring the company closer to its customers across the United States. With 18 hires completed in 2026 and recruitment underway for five additional positions, Classic is building greater regional coverage, deeper specialization, and more dedicated resources to help advisors grow their businesses.

At the center of the strategy is what Classic calls "hypercare" — combining highly personalized support with a deeper understanding of each customer's business, growth opportunities, and market needs.

"Travel advisors have always been at the heart of Classic, and we believe the best way to demonstrate that commitment is to invest in the people who support them every day," said Vijayeta James, Chief Commercial Officer of Classic Vacations. "We have nearly tripled our Sales organization because we want to be much more than a supplier to our customers. Our ambition is to be a strategic growth partner — closer to their businesses, more proactive in identifying opportunities, and better equipped to help them succeed."

Classic's expanded Sales organization now comprises 34 team members across seven teams, creating a combination of strong regional market coverage and dedicated specialist expertise.

Three regional Sales teams provide on-the-ground coverage across the United States, led by Sue Ferguson in the Western Region, Julia Jakkaraju in the Central Region, and Dimitri Andre in the Eastern Region. Their Strategic Account Managers work closely with advisors to understand individual business priorities, identify opportunities for growth, develop account strategies, and connect advisors with Classic's portfolio, tools, and resources.

Jeanne Flood oversees Groups Sales and Operations, bringing together commercial and operational expertise to support advisors from initial opportunity through execution. A 36-year Classic veteran, Flood and her team support contracted and non-contracted groups, including destination weddings, meetings and incentives, multigenerational travel, social groups, and other complex bookings.

Carmen Gashnikov leads Host Agency Accounts, strengthening Classic's partnerships with host agency leadership and their affiliated independent contractors through strategic account planning, advisor engagement, and sales execution. Gashnikov brings more than 15 years of experience across sales, partnerships, and account development.

Classic recently promoted Flood and appointed Gashnikov to these Sales leadership roles.

Tiffani Gilardi leads New Business Development, focused on onboarding, education, training, and accelerating new advisors toward active selling and long-term growth with Classic.

Kathy Ellis manages a Sales Support team, overseeing everything from Classic events, agency and advisor registration, and advisor rewards and recognition.

The expanded organization represents a shift beyond traditional sales coverage toward a more consultative model — one in which Classic's Sales teams work alongside advisors and agency partners to understand their businesses, identify whitespace opportunities, develop growth plans, and help convert those opportunities into sales.

"For 50 years, Classic has built its business around travel advisors," James said. "As the advisor landscape becomes more sophisticated, we have to evolve with it. Hypercare means knowing our customers, understanding where they want to grow, and bringing the right people, products, insights, and opportunities to help them get there. Their growth is our growth."

Classic's continued investment in its Commercial organization reinforces its commitment to remaining advisor-first while building the scale, specialization, and market presence required to support travel advisors across the U.S. for their next phase of growth.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Quinn PR

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About Classic Vacations

Classic Vacations began as Classic Hawaii in 1978 and has grown to serve hundreds of destinations globally. Today, Classic remains true to its advisor-first legacy beside its like-minded owner, TBO, and operates as a full-service B2B2C luxury travel company with a strong network of high-value travel advisors and deep ties with major consortia, including Signature, Travel Leaders Network, and Virtuoso. The company leverages an expert reservations team to deliver premium white-glove service across hotels, air, experiences, car rentals, and travel protection, specializing in complex luxury itineraries and invests in its online booking technology to offer travel advisors the option and convenience of booking 24/7/365 as well. Visit classicvacations.com or call 1 (800) 221-3949 for more information.

About TBO

TBO.COM is one of the world's leading B2B travel distribution platforms, connecting 200,000+ Travel Advisors with over 1 million Suppliers across 100+ countries. A publicly listed company on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), TBO offers a diversified, multi-product travel portfolio spanning hotels, air, rail, transfers, sightseeing, car rentals and cruises apart from Ai enabled luxury journeys, trip planning and assistance tools. Through strategic acquisitions of leading travel platforms including Classic Vacations (USA), Jumbonline (Spain), and Bookabed (Ireland), coupled with advanced technology and AI-driven solutions, TBO continues to empower its global partners, drive innovation and accelerate sustainable growth.

SOURCE Classic Vacations

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AHRQ Announces National Challenge to Expand Healthcare Choice and Competition

Largest-ever challenge of its kind makes up to $11.8 million available to research healthcare market reforms that can make care more affordable and accessible

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) today announced the AHRQ Healthcare Choice and Competition Challenge to Improve Quality, Lower Prices, and Expand Access, which will award up to $11.8 million for market-based solutions that will lower healthcare costs, improve quality, increase patient choice and expand access. Winning projects will provide the most promising ways to enhance competition through regulatory, financial, organizational or delivery reform.

In 2024, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses cost Americans a combined $556.6 billion, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. A March 2026 KFF analysis found that one or two health systems controlled the entire market for inpatient hospital care in nearly half of metropolitan areas in 2024. In 83% of metropolitan areas, one or two systems controlled more than 75% of the market.

"The Trump Administration is committed to finding the best ways to lower healthcare costs and improve quality and access for American families," said AHRQ Director Roger D. Klein, M.D., J.D. "This challenge asks America's best minds to provide practical evidence-based ways to improve healthcare for consumers by removing or circumventing current barriers to competition and patient choice. Our goal is to provide policymakers and healthcare leaders with workable solutions to issues that are of greatest concern to the American people."

The challenge includes two phases, with up to $3 million available in Phase 1 and up to $8.8 million in Phase 2. Phase 1 winners are invited to participate in Phase 2. Judges will review proposed research projects for feasibility, likely impact, novelty and team qualifications. Phase 1 applications are due October 26, 2026.

Through this challenge, the largest ever dedicated to research on healthcare market reform, AHRQ will identify reforms that can lower healthcare costs and improve quality, outcomes and patient choice for the American people. AHRQ encourages participation of individuals, teams, academic institutions and other U.S.-based entities. Participants should consult the official announcement for eligibility requirements, registration, submission instructions and prize terms. More information is available here.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, produces the evidence, tools and data needed to make healthcare safer, higher-quality and more effective. Follow the agency on Facebook, X and LinkedIn. Learn more at www.ahrq.gov.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

SOURCE Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

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