DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, the organic fertilizer market is estimated at USD 9.80 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 17.08 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2026 to 2031.

Organic Fertilizers Market Size & Forecast

- Market Size Available for Years: 2021–2031

- 2026 Market Size: USD 9.80 billion

- 2031 Projected Market Size: USD 17.08 billion

- CAGR (2026–2031): 11.8%

Organic Fertilizers Market Trends & Insights:

- The organic fertilizer market is growing rapidly because of the increasing focus on soil health, environmental sustainability, and food safety. With increasing demand for organic and residue-free fruits and vegetables, many farmers are abandoning synthetic inputs. The shift toward organic solutions is driven by growing concern about soil degradation, declining fertility, and groundwater contamination from chemical fertilizers. Organic alternatives enhance microbial activity and nutrient efficiency.

- Europe is the fastest-growing market for organic fertilizer, registering a CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period.

- By source, the animal segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the overall market in 2026.

- By crop type, the fruits & vegetables segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period.

- By mode of application, the soil treatment segment is estimated to account for 44.7% of the overall market in 2026.

- By form, the liquid segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

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The organic fertilizer market is expanding rapidly, driven by the global shift toward organic, regenerative, and sustainable agricultural practices. Growing concerns regarding soil fertility depletion, declining soil organic matter, nutrient losses, water contamination, and the environmental impact of intensive synthetic fertilizer use are encouraging farmers to adopt plant-, animal-, and mineral-based organic nutrient solutions. The expansion of organic farmland and increasing demand for sustainably produced food are creating a broader application base for organic fertilizers across cereals, fruits and vegetables, oilseeds, pulses, and commercial crops. Increasing consumer preference for organic, residue-free, and sustainably produced food, particularly fruits and vegetables, is further strengthening demand. In addition, stringent quality requirements and the growing integration of soil health management into farm practices are encouraging producers to use organic inputs alongside conventional nutrient management programs.

Market development is further supported by government policies, organic farming programs, certification frameworks, and sustainability initiatives aimed at improving soil health and reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. Technological advancements are also expanding the performance and commercial applications of organic fertilizers. Innovations in microbial formulations, biofertilizers, composting processes, nutrient stabilization, and controlled-release technologies are improving nutrient availability, product consistency, storage stability, and application efficiency. These developments are increasing the suitability of organic fertilizer products for both smallholder and commercial farming operations. Furthermore, improved distribution networks, rising availability of processed organic nutrient products, and increasing investment in sustainable agricultural inputs are supporting market penetration across developing and developed agricultural economies.

The liquid segment holds the largest share of the organic fertilizer market.

The liquid segment holds a significant share of the organic fertilizer market, due to its better application efficiency and rapid availability of nutrients. Liquid organic fertilizers facilitate more spatially uniform nutrient distribution for faster absorption in host plants. Hence, they are very effective in fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops. Compatibility with fertigation and foliar application systems supports precise nutrition management and decreased waste and labor costs. Liquid formulations are also easier to customize or to blend with biostimulants or microbial inputs than dry formulations, complementing integrated nutrient management well. Continued adoption of precision farming along with the demand for effective and sustainable nutrients for crops further strengthens the market position of liquid organic fertilizers.

By mode of application, the fertigation segment is projected to grow at a significant rate in the organic fertilizer market.

Fertigation is expected to record significant growth among the different modes of application in the organic fertilizer market. It provides nutrients in a very effective and precise manner using an irrigation system. This method ensures equal distribution of nutrients directly at the root zone, thereby improving the absorption of nutrients in plants while reducing losses through leaching and runoff. Increasingly adopted in high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and greenhouse produce, fertigation ensures that constant nutrition is given for both yield and quality of produce. The shifts toward drip and micro-irrigation systems, along with advancements in water-soluble organic formulation technology, strongly supports the market growth in this segment.

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Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share of the organic fertilizer market.

Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share of the global organic fertilizer market, supported by its extensive agricultural base, large, cultivated area, and high demand for crop nutrients. Countries across the region produce substantial volumes of cereals, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and commercial crops, creating a broad application base for organic fertilizer products. The increasing focus on soil health and sustainable nutrient management is encouraging farmers to incorporate organic inputs into conventional and organic farming systems. In addition, growing awareness of soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and the long-term benefits of organic matter is supporting the adoption of organic fertilizers. The availability of agricultural residues, animal waste, composting resources, and other raw materials also supports domestic production and regional supply.

Government initiatives are further contributing to market development across China, India, Japan, and other Asian countries through programs supporting organic and natural farming, farmer training, financial assistance, and certification. Rising populations and food requirements are increasing the need for productive and sustainable agricultural systems, while growing consumer awareness of organically produced and residue-free food is strengthening demand for organic cultivation. At the same time, improvements in microbial formulations, composting technologies, and nutrient-delivery methods are enhancing product performance and expanding application opportunities. The combination of a large agricultural sector, expanding sustainable farming practices, improving production capabilities, and increasing emphasis on soil fertility is expected to sustain Asia Pacific's significant position in the organic fertilizer market.

Top Companies in the Organic Fertilizers Market

The key companies operating in the organic fertilizer market include Yara (Norway), ICL (Israel), K+S Aktiengesellschaft (Germany), The Scotts Company LLC (US), Coromandel International Limited (India), Darling Ingredients (US), SPIC (India), T. Stanes and Company Limited (India), Fertoz (Canada), Multiplex Group of Companies (India), Terralink Horticulture Inc (Canada), Midwestern Bio Ag Holdings, LLC (US), Suståne Natural Fertilizer, Inc. (US), Queensland Organics (Australia), and California Organic Fertilizers, Inc. (US).

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Investment Funding Context

The Organic Fertilizer Market is attracting investment due to rising demand for sustainable agriculture, soil-health solutions, government support, and circular-economy practices. Funding is increasingly focused on microbial fertilizers, slow-release technologies, and waste-to-fertilizer solutions. In March 2026, Solugen Global Inc. secured a USD 50 million equity commitment, led by Idealist Capital with participation from Canada Growth Fund, to scale production of Azogen, a liquid nitrogen fertilizer derived from hog manure and certified for organic farming; the investment will support expansion of production capacity to serve the North American organic farming market. In addition, the Government of India released INR 111.72 crore under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme up to February 2026 to support the promotion of organic fertilizers, including Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), Liquid FOM, and Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM), produced from GOBARdhan and compressed biogas plants.

Revenue Shift Context

The organic fertilizer market is estimated at USD 9.80 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 17.08 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 11.8% during 2026–2031. By form, dry organic fertilizers currently account for the larger share of the Organic Fertilizer Market, supported by their relatively longer shelf life, ease of storage and transportation, and widespread use in field crops and soil-application practices. However, liquid organic fertilizers are expected to register a higher growth rate, driven by increasing adoption of fertigation and foliar application, ease of application, rapid nutrient availability, and growing demand for efficient nutrient-management solutions.

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- David Borde has been named president and CEO of Entergy Texas, succeeding Eliecer Viamontes, who has departed the company for other opportunities. The change is effective Oct. 5.

"Eli has been a tremendous leader and a great colleague, and his many years of experience will serve him well in this next chapter," said Drew Marsh, chair and CEO of Entergy.

Borde currently serves as vice president, utility strategy and regulatory initiatives, where he has supported Entergy's operating companies in executing the company's overall customer-centric strategy by supporting regulatory and tariff filings and providing ongoing strategic and regulatory counsel. His regulatory focus has allowed the organization to keep pace with evolving customer needs and expectations.

Borde joined Entergy in 2009 and served as director of corporate development based in Texas. He later served as Entergy's vice president of investor relations and in various leadership roles, including serving within the company's utility finance business partner organization.

"David has extensive experience in utility strategy, regulatory affairs and utility finance, along with his deep understanding of our business and customers," said Drew Marsh, chair and CEO of Entergy. "He is a thoughtful and proven leader, and he will build on the strong foundation in Texas while advancing our commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to the communities we serve."

Prior to joining Entergy, Borde worked in the investment banking division of Citigroup USA and as a lawyer at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Duke University's School of Law in 2001 and holds a degree in business from the University of Paris.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We're also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy generation. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

SOURCE Entergy Corporation

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, the global Relay Market size is projected to grow from USD 11.75 billion in 2026 to USD 15.65 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% during the forecast period.

Browse over 300 market data tables and 60 figures spread across 310 pages, and an in-depth TOC of the "Relay Market —Global Forecast to 2031."

The global Relay market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing investments in industrial automation, power transmission and distribution infrastructure, renewable energy integration, electric mobility, and smart electrical systems. The expansion of manufacturing automation, data centers, EV charging infrastructure, and digitalized power networks is increasing the deployment of relays for switching, protection, control, and isolation applications. In addition, growing electricity demand and grid modernization initiatives are creating opportunities for relays across utility, industrial, automotive, and commercial applications.

The market is also being shaped by increasing demand for higher switching capacity, compact designs, improved reliability, and advanced protection capabilities. Electromechanical relays continue to account for a significant share due to their established use across industrial and power applications, while high-voltage relays are gaining traction as electrification expands across EVs, battery energy storage, renewable energy systems, and high-voltage electrical equipment. Technological developments in solid-state, reed, and high-voltage relays are further supporting demand for application-specific switching solutions.

Relay Market Size & Forecast:

- Market Size Available for Years: 2022–2031

- 2025 Market Size: USD 11.02 billion

- 2031 Projected Market Size: USD 15.65 billion

- CAGR (2026–2031): 5.0%

Relay Market Trends & Insights:

- By region, Asia pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.5% in the relay market during the forecast period.

- By type, reed relay is expected to register the highest CAGR of 12.6% during the forecast period.

- By voltage, low voltage is expected to account for the largest share of the relay market in 2026.

- By mounting type, panel mount is expected to account for the largest share of the relay market during the forecast period.

- By application, monitoring is expected to register the highest CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.

- By end user, energy infrastructure is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

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Electromechanical relays are expected to account for the largest share of the relay market, by type, during the forecast period.

Electromechanical relays are expected to account for the largest share of the Relay market by type during the forecast period, supported by their widespread adoption across industrial automation, power systems, automotive, HVAC, building equipment, and electrical control applications. These relays provide established switching performance, electrical isolation, mechanical robustness, and compatibility with a broad range of AC and DC electrical systems. Their extensive installed base, availability across different contact configurations and power ratings, and relatively simple operating mechanism continue to support demand across both new installations and replacement applications. Increasing investments in industrial automation, control panels, power distribution equipment, and manufacturing infrastructure are expected to further sustain their adoption. Although solid-state, reed, and other advanced relay technologies are gaining traction in specialized applications requiring faster switching, compact designs, and higher switching frequency, electromechanical relays are expected to maintain their market position due to their broad application base, cost competitiveness, established supply chain, and proven reliability.

High-voltage relays are expected to register the highest CAGR in the relay market, by voltage, during the forecast period.

High-voltage relays are expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period, supported by increasing electrification across automotive, energy, industrial, and power applications. The rapid adoption of EVs, battery energy storage systems, renewable energy installations, and high-voltage charging infrastructure is driving demand for relays that can safely switch, control, and isolate high-voltage electrical circuits. High-voltage relays are increasingly used in battery management systems, EV powertrains, DC fast-charging equipment, inverters, photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems, and power distribution equipment. The increasing voltage levels used in EV platforms and charging systems are further creating opportunities for high-voltage DC relay solutions with improved insulation, arc suppression, and switching reliability. In addition, the expansion of renewable energy generation and grid-connected storage is increasing the requirement for reliable high-voltage switching and protection components. These trends are expected to accelerate adoption of high-voltage relays across transportation, energy, and industrial applications during the forecast period.

North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the relay market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the relay market during the forecast period, driven by investments in industrial automation, grid modernization, renewable energy, EV infrastructure, data centers, and advanced electrical systems. The US is witnessing increasing deployment of renewable power generation, battery energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and data center facilities, creating additional demand for relays across power, energy, automotive, and industrial applications. Investments in modernizing aging transmission and distribution infrastructure are also supporting demand for protection, control, and switching relays used in substations and electrical equipment. In parallel, expanding domestic manufacturing and automation are increasing the deployment of relays in industrial control systems, machinery, robotics, and process automation equipment. The region's established automotive, electronics, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing sectors, combined with increasing electrification and infrastructure investments, are expected to create additional revenue opportunities for relay manufacturers during the forecast period.

Top Companies in Relay Industry:

The Relay Industry include HONGFA, TE Connectivity, OMRON Corporation, GE Vernova, Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., ABB, Schneider Electric, Standex Electronics, Inc., Sensata Technologies, Inc., Siemens, Eaton, Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, FCL Components Limited, and Littelfuse, Inc. These companies are strengthening their market positions through product portfolio expansion, technological development, capacity expansion, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion. The competitive landscape is increasingly influenced by demand for high-voltage, compact, reliable, and application-specific relay solutions across automotive electrification, industrial automation, renewable energy, smart grids, and power electronics applications.

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Relay Market - Investment & funding + Merger & Acquisition

Investment Funding Context

The relay market is attracting investment from relay manufacturers and electrical/electronics companies as demand increases from grid modernization, industrial automation, EVs, renewable energy, battery energy storage, and electrification. Investments are increasingly directed toward high-voltage, solid-state, reed, automotive, and application-specific relay technologies, as well as regional manufacturing capacity. HONGFA continues to expand its integrated relay manufacturing footprint, including facilities supporting automotive, high-voltage DC, signal, and industrial relays. OMRON is also expanding its advanced relay portfolio, including SiC MOSFET and signal relays, while increasing production capacity in Malaysia to support regional demand.

Revenue Shift Context

The relay market is experiencing a gradual shift from conventional electromechanical relays toward high-voltage, solid-state, reed, intelligent, and application-specific relay solutions. While electromechanical relays continue to serve a broad installed base across industrial and power applications, demand for advanced switching solutions is increasing in EVs, charging infrastructure, renewable energy, energy storage, automation, and electronics. OMRON's launch of SiC MOSFET relays and Panasonic Industry's introduction of high-capacity relays for EV onboard chargers reflect this shift toward higher-performance switching technologies.

Mergers and Acquisitions

M&A activity in the relay ecosystem is increasingly focused on strengthening electrification, power electronics, connectivity, and specialized switching capabilities. In February 2026, GE Vernova completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Prolec GE for approximately USD 5.3 billion, expanding its integrated electrification and transformer portfolio. In July 2026, TE Connectivity announced the acquisition of Astrodyne TDI for approximately USD 1.4 billion, strengthening its advanced power management and filtering capabilities for industrial applications. These transactions highlight the broader consolidation of technologies supporting electrification and advanced electrical infrastructure.

Superior Hydrovac Announces Acquisition of Delta Daylighting

Acquisition Expands Peak's Hydrovac Capacity and Strengthens Its Presence in the Houston Market

HOUSTON, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Superior Hydrovac, a leading provider of hydrovac services supporting utilities and other critical infrastructure customers, today announced the acquisition of Delta Daylighting ("Delta"), a Houston-based provider of hydrovac and daylighting services.

The acquisition expands Peak's hydrovac operating capacity in the Houston market and complements the capabilities of Superior Hydrovac, Peak's existing hydrovac platform. Delta brings an excellent management team, talented employees, and longstanding customer relationships in one of the nation's most active utility infrastructure markets.

"Delta represents a highly strategic addition to our growing hydrovac business," said Chris Reinmiller, Chief Operating Officer of Peak Utility Services Group. "The combination expands our operating footprint in Houston and enhances our ability to serve both existing and new customers across the region. We are excited to welcome the Delta team to Superior Hydrovac and look forward to building on the strong relationships they have established in the market."

Delta's operations will be integrated into Superior Hydrovac, allowing the combined organization to leverage Superior's operating infrastructure, safety programs, and customer relationships.

The transaction further strengthens Peak's ability to provide safe, reliable excavation services supporting electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure projects.

"This acquisition is not simply about becoming a larger company. It is about becoming a stronger one," said Joe Russom, Director of Operations for Superior Hydrovac. "By combining the experience, talent, and capabilities of both organizations, we are creating new opportunities for our employees, expanding resources for our customers, and strengthening our ability to deliver safe, professional, and dependable hydrovac services every day."

Peak remains committed to investing in high-quality utility and infrastructure service businesses and supporting their long-term growth through operational expertise, strategic resources, and capital investment.

About Peak Utility Services Group

Peak Utility Services Group is a leading provider of infrastructure services supporting electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and other critical utility customers. Through its operating companies, Peak delivers essential services across a growing geographic footprint while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer service.

About Superior Hydrovac

Superior Hydrovac provides hydrovac excavation, line jetting, CCTV, and related services to utility and infrastructure customers across its operating markets. The company specializes in safe, non-destructive excavation solutions that support critical infrastructure projects.

Media Contact

Christina Maldonado

LLYC

[email protected]

SOURCE Peak Utility Services Group

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SignSplit Secures $400 Million Strategic Seed Round at $1 Billion Valuation

The technology startup enables people and institutions to protect, license and receive compensation for their data, work and likeness — connecting them with the growing demand for real-world human data across AI, research and media.

WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SignSplit PBC, a fast-growing technology company that enables people and institutions to protect, license and contribute their data, work and likeness, today emerged from stealth with a $400 million strategic seed round secured with W Group, the global fintech and technology ecosystem serving more than 40 million users. The financing commitment, which values SignSplit at $1 billion, combines capital with a multi-year package of strategic resources to support SignSplit's global rollout.

The next generation of AI will increasingly depend on real-world human data, knowledge, creativity and experience across fields ranging from advanced models and robotics to science, healthcare, media and entertainment. SignSplit enables people and institutions to proactively participate in that future by protecting, licensing and contributing their data, work and likeness with consent, clear provenance and defined terms. SignSplit calls this "signed data."

Through SignSplit, AI and robotics companies, researchers and other organizations can access data and research pools built around specific needs, while contributors provide real-world data, knowledge and skills and receive compensation for their participation. SignSplit also includes a verification layer for data, work and likeness, designed to enable AI systems, social media platforms and other digital services to identify signed content and access its associated provenance, consent and terms.

"SignSplit provides solutions for a world where the boundary between human experience and technology is becoming increasingly fluid," said Alessandro Monterosso, Co-Founder and CEO of SignSplit. "As AI reaches further into the real world, human knowledge, creativity, skills and identity will become increasingly connected to how technology evolves and interacts with the world around us. We believe SignSplit and the use of signed data can become the bridge between the two, connecting human contribution with protection, participation and compensation as technology advances."

"SignSplit brings a new standard for the use of individuals' and institutions' data, work and likenesses," said Volodymyr Nosov, Founder and President of W Group. "We believe that every serious participant in AI and the data economy will come to rely on SignSplit's infrastructure. The scale of our commitment reflects both how early we believe we are, and how important we believe these solutions are for every industry that relies on human data."

SignSplit was founded in 2024 by Glib Denisov, Co-Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Product Officer. "When we started SignSplit in 2024, we were building for where we believed AI was going, not where it was at the time," said Glib Denisov. "We saw that the next generation of AI would need more than additional data — it would need higher-quality, real-world data with clear provenance, permission and rights attached to it."

About SignSplit

SignSplit PBC is a technology company building the infrastructure for the signed-data economy. Founded in 2024 and incorporated as a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation, SignSplit connects people and institutions with AI and robotics companies, researchers and media platforms through its signed-data platform. The company provides infrastructure for protecting, licensing and contributing real-world human data and other forms of human contribution with consent, clear provenance and defined terms.

Learn more and sign up for SignSplit at signsplit.com.

About W Group

W Group is a global ecosystem of companies shaping the future through technology, innovation and ambitious products. Today, W Group brings together 11 businesses, 1,500+ team members across 15 locations worldwide, and more than 40 million clients across 150 countries. For more information, please visit https://www.w.group/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding SignSplit's plans, its strategic relationship with W Group and expected market developments. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties; actual results may differ materially, and neither company undertakes any obligation to update them. Nothing in this press release constitutes an offer or solicitation with respect to any security or digital asset.

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Gift supports Blood Services and Disaster Relief, with a separate contribution to help those affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross today announced a $7.047 million contribution from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that will strengthen blood collection, expand work supporting people living with sickle cell disease and increase Red Cross disaster response capacity across the country.

In addition to the more than $ 7 million contribution, the Church is providing $850,000 to support the ongoing Red Cross disaster relief operation following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April.

"For more than a century, The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints has led the way in helping the Red Cross deliver our mission," said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "We are deeply grateful for The Church's unwavering partnership and extraordinary generosity year after year, helping us provide critical disaster relief and lifesaving blood to those in need."

The largest portion of the donation will support Red Cross Blood Services through investments in medical equipment, including 50 new Power Red collection machines. Power Red equipment allows eligible donors to give two units of red blood cells during a single donation while their plasma and platelets are returned to them.

The contribution also includes $2 million for the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, which helps increase the availability of closely matched blood for people living with sickle cell disease. Since the initiative began in 2021, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to increase the number of annual donors who are Black or African American by more than 89%, while the number of blood donations made by those donors that are used to support people with sickle cell disease have increased 91%.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen the American Red Cross's ability to care for people facing serious illness and communities recovering from disasters," said Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "As followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to care for our neighbors, lift burdens and bring hope to individuals and families in times of need."

Additionally, the donation will fund four new Red Cross emergency response vehicles. These vehicles are deployed into communities following disasters, allowing Red Cross volunteers to deliver meals, water, relief supplies and information directly to neighborhoods where help is needed.

The relationship between the Red Cross and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dates to the late 1800s, when Red Cross founder Clara Barton and Relief Society President Emmeline B. Wells corresponded about humanitarian aid during the Spanish-American War.

The Church held its first Red Cross blood drive in 1996 and has since become the largest single contributor to Red Cross blood drives. Last year, Church members donated more than 94,100 units of blood through nearly 3,000 drives.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

SOURCE American Red Cross

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Women in HVACR celebrates industry leaders, professional growth at 2026 annual conference

Built for Speed event in Indianapolis delivers three days of education, mentorship, networking and recognition

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, wrapped up its 2026 annual conference Sept. 27-29 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, bringing industry professionals together for three days of education, networking and recognition.

The racing-inspired conference featured keynote speakers Christine Cashen and Rebecca Heiss, interactive workshops, Momentum Moments and networking events focused on leadership, career development, communication, technology and business growth.

"Every year, this conference shows what can happen when women across HVACR come together to share their knowledge and invest in one another," Women in HVACR President Jane Sidebottom said. "Attendees came ready to learn, exchange ideas and build relationships that will continue long after the conference ends."

Women in HVACR recognizes 2026 Pillar Award winners

Women in HVACR recognized three industry professionals with its Pillar Awards, which honor women who exemplify the organization's core pillars of mentorship, education and networking.

- Lori Tschohl, owner of Eagle Pipe Heating & Air, received the Mentor Pillar Award. With more than 35 years of business leadership experience, Tschohl has built multiple successful businesses and grown Eagle Pipe from a small gas piping operation into a full-service HVAC and plumbing company. A past president of Women in HVACR, she also serves in industry coaching, mentoring and advisory roles.

- Crystal Naegle, HVAC assistant coordinator for United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) Local 525, received the Education Pillar Award. Naegle spent more than a decade teaching high school and college students at the College of Southern Nevada and has served as an HVAC lead, program director and department chair overseeing 13 programs.

- Becky Hoelscher, senior account manager at Arkema, received the Network Pillar Award. Hoelscher has nearly 20 years of industry experience in procurement, sales and marketing. She has been active with ACCA, NATE, HARDI, PHCC and PAHRA and has served vocational schools in an advisory role.

Leadership Awards recognize excellence across the industry

Women in HVACR also presented its 2026 Leadership Awards, recognizing leaders making an impact across the HVACR and home services industries.

The 2026 Leadership Award recipients are:

- Sonya Fryer, client success manager for CertainPath, Advocate Leadership Award

- Rosa Leal, senior manager of global product strategy and customer experience at Rheem Manufacturing, Manufacturer Leadership Award

- Treasure Boston, owner of Cline's Heating & Air, Office and Operations Leadership Award

- Teri Rogers, chief marketing technology officer at Alps Controls, Vendor and Distribution Leadership Award

"These award recipients reflect the many ways leadership can make an impact in HVACR," Sidebottom said. "Through mentorship, education, networking and innovation, they are opening doors and helping more women build successful careers in our industry."

Other conference highlights included the Starting Line Reception at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, a mentorship mixer, Vendor Expo Tailgate Party, Green Means Go Gala and a "Grease" themed party. Workshops and Momentum Moments covered AI, personal branding, workforce retention, communication and leading through change.

For more information, visit womeninhvacr.org.

About Women in HVACR

Since 2002, Women in HVACR has worked to increase the number of women in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigerant (HVACR) industry and empower women to succeed by providing members with a variety of opportunities to network and develop a professional environment through education and mentorship. The 1,200-member nonprofit organization holds a variety of regional and national events each year and provides scholarship opportunities for women who pursue careers within the HVACR industry, including those who seek engineering and business degrees or a trade school education. For more information about Women in HVACR, visit womeninhvacr.org.

SOURCE Women in HVACR

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METLEN: New gallium agreement with major Japanese chemical company

METLEN attracts global commercial interest in European gallium

New agreement with major Japanese chemical company highlights strong global market demand

ATHENS, Greece and LONDON, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- METLEN announces the signing of a long-term commercial agreement with a major Japanese chemical company for the future supply of gallium, representing up to 16% of METLEN's total annual gallium production from its production facility in Greece, which is currently under construction. The commercial terms of the agreement remain confidential.

The new agreement marks the second strategic commercial arrangement announced by METLEN for the future supply of gallium, further confirming strong international demand for a reliable European source of supply. As global industries seek to diversify critical raw material supply chains, METLEN continues to establish itself as a trusted long-term partner for leading industrial and technology companies across multiple regions.

The growing commercial interest reflects both the strategic importance of gallium and confidence in METLEN's integrated production model, which combines proprietary technology, secured feedstock from the refinery of its wholly owned Aluminium of Greece and industrial facilities and large-scale production capabilities that are unique in Europe.

With each new commercial partnership, Greece is strengthening its position as an emerging hub for critical raw materials, while Europe is building a meaningful presence in one of the most strategically important value chains.

Evangelos Mytilineos, Executive Chairman of METLEN commented on the agreement:

"The international response to our gallium project continues to exceed expectations. The successive commercial agreements we are announcing demonstrate that global industry is actively seeking reliable, high-quality and diversified supply sources. Through this investment, Greece is becoming part of a new global technology ecosystem, while Europe is steadily establishing its role in a strategic market that will underpin the next generation of industrial and technological innovation."

With this new commercial agreement, it is almost certain that the entirety of the production of 50MT p.a. will be sold out months before commencement of commercial production, planned for 3Q 2027.

Beyond gallium itself, these agreements validate the strategic direction of METLEN's Critical & Rare Metals (CRM), a sub-sector of M Metals Business Unit. They demonstrate that foresight, innovation, and industrial expertise can create globally competitive supply chains for materials that are essential to the technologies of the future.

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DORAVILLE, Ga., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SEI Group LLC ("SEI"), a leading installer of insulation and complementary specialty building products, today announced the acquisition of Greenhome Specialties, Inc. ("Greenhome").

Greenhome, established in 2011, is a leading installer of fiberglass, spray foam and other insulation products based in West Haven, UT. The company services single family and multi-family residential and light commercial new construction markets in greater Salt Lake City, throughout Utah and in several surrounding states. Kyle Tolman, the owner of Greenhome, will continue to serve as its president.

Mark Moore, Chief Executive Officer of SEI, stated "We are excited to add Greenhome to our growing family of companies. This acquisition marks SEI's first entry into the fast growing Utah market. The completion of this transaction reflects our continued success in the execution of our strategic growth plans. On behalf of all of us at SEI, I am pleased to welcome everyone at Greenhome to our team."

Since its recapitalization with Quad-C Management in February 2021, SEI has acquired a total of 17 businesses, expanding its footprint to include 45 branches across 14 states, including many of the fastest growing markets in the United States.

Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

About SEI Group

SEI Group, a portfolio company of Quad-C Management, Inc., installs insulation and specialty building products (including shelving, mirrors, shower doors, gutters and garage doors) in the single family and multi-family residential and light commercial markets. The Company provides best-in-class service levels to customers including national, regional and custom homebuilders, as well as multi-family and commercial general contractors. For additional information, visit www.seigroupusa.com or email [email protected].

SOURCE SEI Group

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HanchorBio Announces U.S. FDA Clearance of IND Application for HCB303, a Next-Generation Trispecific Immunotherapy

HCB303 features a differentiated TIGIT-Fc strategy designed to intercept TIGIT ligands, preserving the CD226 activating axis while simultaneously targeting PD-L1 and CD47

Plans to initiate a Phase 1 first-in-human, dose-escalation, multi-regional trial in patients with advanced solid tumors

TAIPEI and SHANGHAI and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HanchorBio, Inc. (TWSE: 7827), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation immunotherapies for oncology and immune-mediated diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the investigational new drug (IND) application for HCB303. The clearance enables HanchorBio to initiate its Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial.

HCB303 is HanchorBio's second trispecific immunotherapy to enter clinical development and represents an innovative and differentiated approach to enhance immune response against cancer. A humanized trispecific fusion protein engineered via HanchorBio's proprietary FBDB™ platform, HCB303 incorporates a TIGIT-Fc ligand-trap strategy within a single architecture that simultaneously targets the TIGIT/PVR, PD-L1/PD-1, and SIRPα/CD47 pathways.

Unlike conventional anti-TIGIT antibodies that primarily bind to TIGIT and block TIGIT receptor signaling, HCB303 is designed to intercept TIGIT ligands—including PVR/CD155 and CD112. By trapping these ligands, HCB303 is designed to reduce TIGIT-mediated inhibitory signaling while potentially preserving CD226 expression and associated activating signaling in T cells and NK cells. Combined with PD-L1 blockade and SIRPα-mediated enhancement of macrophage phagocytosis, HCB303 aims to coordinate complementary innate and adaptive antitumor immunity within the tumor microenvironment.

"We believe TIGIT-Fc offers a biologically superior strategy to conventional anti-TIGIT receptor blockade," said Scott Liu, PhD, Founder and Chairman of HanchorBio. "Simply blocking PVR signaling through an anti-TIGIT antibody may release the inhibitory signal, but it does not address the down-regulation of CD226, which is needed for enhanced activation of T and NK cells. HCB303 was designed to go further—intercepting immune-inhibiting TIGIT ligands and preserving the CD226 activating axis, while simultaneously blocking the PD-L1 and CD47 pathways. This is precisely the type of biology-driven therapeutic architecture our FBDB™ platform was built to create."

The FDA clearance follows pre-IND feedback from the agency in August 2026. HanchorBio will now proceed with its planned Phase 1 first-in-human, dose-escalation, multi-regional study (HCB303-ONC-101) in patients with advanced, relapsed, or refractory solid tumors who have no remaining standard treatment options. The study will evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, biomarkers, and preliminary antitumor activity.

"HCB303 is HanchorBio's second trispecific immunotherapy to enter clinical development, and the FDA clearance moves HCB303 from a differentiated biological hypothesis into clinical testing," added Alvin Luk, PhD, MBA, President and CMO (Group) & CEO (USA) of HanchorBio. "Our priority now is to rigorously evaluate whether its differentiated TIGIT biology and coordinated engagement of innate and adaptive immunity translate into meaningful clinical benefit for patients. With HCB301 already in clinical development and HCB303 now cleared to enter the clinic, we are advancing the potential of our FBDB™ platform to generate mechanistically distinct multispecific therapeutics."

About HCB303

HCB303 is an investigational, humanized trispecific fusion protein developed using HanchorBio's proprietary FBDB™ platform. It is designed to simultaneously modulate the SIRPα/CD47, PD-L1/PD-1, and TIGIT/PVR immune pathways, integrating macrophage, T-cell, and NK-cell antitumor immunity within a single engineered molecule.

About HanchorBio

HanchorBio (TWSE: 7827) is a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on inventing and developing next-generation biologics for cancer and immune-mediated diseases using its proprietary FBDB™ platform.

HanchorBio's pipeline includes HCB101, its lead SIRPα-based innate immune checkpoint program; HCB301, a clinical-stage trispecific immunotherapy targeting SIRPα, PD-L1, and TGF-β biology; HCB303, a clinical-stage trispecific immunotherapy integrating SIRPα/CD47, PD-L1/PD-1, and TIGIT/PVR biology; and additional programs across oncology and immune-mediated diseases. For more information, please visit: https://www.HanchorBio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the development and clinical advancement of HCB303; the timing, initiation, design, conduct, and potential outcomes of future clinical studies; the potential therapeutic characteristics, mechanisms, safety, and antitumor activity of HCB303; the development of HanchorBio's pipeline; and the capabilities and potential of the FBDB™ platform. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. FDA clearance of an IND permits clinical investigation to proceed but does not constitute approval of HCB303 or provide assurance regarding the safety, efficacy, timing, or success of its clinical development. HanchorBio undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE HanchorBio Inc.

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