Designed for Gemini Intelligence, new Acer Googlebook 14 ushers in new era of seamless workflows across devices

Editor's Summary

- The Acer Googlebook 14 – the industry's first convertible Googlebook – is designed for Gemini Intelligence, optimized productivity, content creation, and everyday computing, all while syncing with Android phones for seamless workflows.

- Premium features set the stage for a top-notch Googlebook experience in a slim 1.14 kg convertible design; expressive Glowbar, vibrant 14-inch 3K OLED touch display, durable and stylish aluminum-magnesium chassis, and Acer Comfort Touch Chassis[1] indicate unparallelled attention to design.

- Powerful technologies — including AI-ready Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, fast memory and storage, and next-gen wireless — make the most of the system's advanced capabilities, such as Magic Pointer, Cast my Apps, Quick Access, and more.

TAIPEI, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Acer today debuted the Acer Googlebook 14, designed for Gemini Intelligence and the first from the company in a brand-new category of flagship laptops bringing together premium materials, powerful performance, intelligence features, and seamless syncing with Android phones.

Designed for the new Googlebook OS, the device works seamlessly with Android-based workflows and supports touch, keyboard, stylus, voice, and traditional laptop interaction methods within a unified user experience and help from Gemini at every step. The Acer Googlebook 14 is the industry's first convertible Googlebook and provides users with groundbreaking new features designed to boost productivity and creativity by enabling context-aware actions for personalized, proactive help and a more intuitive, streamlined workflow.

"The new Acer Googlebook 14 puts intuitive and powerful tools with Gemini Intelligence at the fingertips of anyone wanting to boost their creativity and productivity," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "As a long-standing leader in Chromebooks since their inception 15 years ago, Acer is thrilled to continue our alliance with Google to launch this brand-new category of premium, AI-ready laptops."

"Acer and Google have built an enduring partnership over the last 15 years, driven by a shared commitment to customer-focused innovation. As we move from a traditional operating system to an intelligence system, Acer is a critical partner in bringing this new category of intelligent computing to life," said John Maletis, Vice President, Laptops and Tablets, Google. "The Acer Googlebook 14 pairs premium craftsmanship with Gemini Intelligence from the ground up, and we look forward to continuing our journey together to deliver next-generation computing to our shared customers."

"Delivering intelligent experiences requires deep optimization across hardware, software, and the platform," said Josh Newman, Intel General Manager and Vice President of Consumer PC, Client Computing Group. "Through close collaboration with Acer and Google, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors bring the performance, efficiency, and connectivity needed to unlock the full potential of Gemini Intelligence on the Acer Googlebook 14."

Crafted for performance with Gemini Intelligence at its Core

The Acer Googlebook 14 is crafted with premium materials to handle the most advanced workflows. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 355 with built-in AI engines, including an NPU with up to 50 TOPS, the laptop delivers smoother multitasking, faster creation, responsive performance, and incredible power efficiency while providing users with the best of Gemini. High speed LPDDR5X RAM (up to 32 GB) and PCI Gen4 NVMe solid state storage (up to 512 GB) reduce application launch times, support large multitasking workloads, and minimize bottlenecks. The fast-charging battery provides up to 16 hours of battery life for all-day productivity on the go.[2]

The Acer Googlebook 14 is designed to deliver Gemini Intelligence features, giving laptop users a whole new way to effortlessly manage their workflow and maintain momentum. For example, "Continue On" enables tasks started on an Android phone to continue seamlessly on the Acer Googlebook 14, while Cast My Apps makes Android phone apps easily accessible on the Acer Googlebook 14 without any installs needed.[3] Additional features help Googlebook users get more done with less friction; proactive suggestions provide intuitive and personal help to users with context-aware actions and suggestions based on what is on the screen.[4]

Gorgeous OLED Visuals in a Premium 1.14 kg Convertible Design

Every aspect of the new Acer Googlebook 14 was designed to take advantage of the unique features powered by Gemini Intelligence. For example, the new laptop's immersive 14-inch 3K OLED display is the ideal palette for visualizing designs after activating Magic Pointer with a simple cursor wiggle.[5] The 16:10 display, which is touch-enabled for intuitive navigation by fingertip or USI 2.0 stylus,[6] features a Corning Gorilla Glass finish that provides resistance to scratches and damage. Powerful DTS®-tuned audio and dual upward-facing Acer Ultra Boost Stereo speakers compliment the display's vibrant 500-nit brightness and impressive color accuracy.

Engineered from an ultra-durable aluminum-magnesium blend, this laptop prioritizes long-term durability, performance, and flexibility in a gorgeous Elemental Blue chassis. The expressive Glowbar on the top cover is a unique visual signature that gently varies colors and patterns to show the Googlebook's battery life and charging status. Working on the laptop is more enjoyable with the Acer Comfort Touch treatment on the chassis' palm rest and bottom cover, which provides a unique, silky finish that enhances grip and ergonomics. Even the typing experience is premium; the touchpad is both moisture resistant and covered with Corning Gorilla Glass for smooth navigation, while the keyboard is backlit for greater visibility in a range of lighting conditions.

The Googlebook's convertible design features 360-degree hinges to enable four usage modes: clamshell for productivity, tent for streaming, stand for presenting, and tablet for scrolling and notetaking. Plus, its ultra-compact form factor makes it the ultimate companion for uncompromised mobility. A slender 13.9 mm (0.55 in) thin with a mere 1.14 kg (2.51 lbs) weight, the Acer Googlebook 14 easily fits in a backpack, bookbag, or handbags.

The Acer Googlebook 14 can act as one of the cornerstones of a connected life both with Gemini Intelligence capabilities as well as its hardware connectivity; it utilizes Intel Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 for fast and reliable wireless connections. The latest peripherals can easily connect via its Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port or the dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, which are placed on each side for flexibility.[7] The 5 MP camera with noise reduction keeps appearances crisp and polished, and pairs with the triple microphone array to result in an excellent conferencing experience. Plus, the webcam's physical privacy shutter promotes privacy. Additionally, the biometric fingerprint reader on the power button boosts security and provides quicker logins, while the Google Titan-C Security Chip provides an extra security layer to protect system integrity.

EPEAT® Climate+ Designation and Energy Star® 9.0 Certified

Crafted with 49% circular materials and 99% plastic-free packaging, the new Acer Googlebook 14 combines durability with a design to support Acer's broader sustainability commitments and circular economy initiatives. Organizations and users that demand environmental responsibility along with first-rate performance will appreciate the Acer Googlebook 14's EPEAT® Climate+ designation. In addition, the device is Energy Star® 9.0 certified and EPEAT® registered. It also features laser-etched labels that provide permanent and durable information, can withstand a broad range of environments, reduce visual labeling clutter and adhesive waste, and support easier recycling.[8]

Twelve Months of Google AI Pro Included with Acer Googlebook 14

The Acer Googlebook 14 comes with 12 months of Google AI Pro. This gives Googlebook users expanded access to powerful features in Gemini, Flow, and Gemini Notebook, as well as Gemini directly in Google apps. Plus, it comes with 5 TB of cloud storage to keep photos and files backed up.[9]

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Googlebook 14 (GP714-91N) will be available in North America in October 2026, starting at USD 899; in EMEA in October 2026, starting at EUR 1,199; and in Australia in November 2026, starting at AUD 2,599; (all limited time offers).

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications, and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Specifications

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world's top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs nearly 12,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2026 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location.

Matthew Stafford, DeVonta Smith, Charlie McAvoy, Dearica Hamby, Karlyn Pickens, AJ Green and Reed Blankenship join existing partners Bryce Harper and Amanda Anisimova as Just Ingredients expands its athlete roster across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL and AUSL

OREM, Utah, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Just Ingredients, the health and wellness brand on a mission to make nourishing, real ingredients more accessible, announced seven new additions to its growing professional athlete roster today, significantly expanding the brand's presence across professional football, basketball, hockey and softball.

Headlining the new class is Los Angeles Rams quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Matthew Stafford, alongside Super Bowl champion and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, Boston Bruins defenseman and Team USA alternate captain Charlie McAvoy, Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, Carolina Blaze pitcher Karlyn Pickens, Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green and Houston Texans safety Reed Blankenship.

The seven athletes join existing Just Ingredients partners including MLB All-Star Bryce Harper and professional tennis standout Amanda Anisimova, as the brand continues to deepen its presence in professional and elite sports.

When performance matters, ingredients matter.

It's an idea that connects the world's highest-performing athletes with the families Just Ingredients has served since the brand's beginning: what you put into your body matters.

Just Ingredients' growing athlete roster brings together competitors across different sports, backgrounds and stages of their careers who understand the role nutrition plays in how they train, perform and recover. Through these partnerships, Just Ingredients aims to take a principle that matters at the highest levels of sport and make it relevant to everyday life—better ingredients aren't only for professional athletes. They matter for every athlete, every family and every body.

"When I started Just Ingredients, my goal was never to create products only for professional athletes—it was to help everyday people understand that the ingredients they put into their bodies matter," said Karalynne Call, founder of Just Ingredients. "What I love about this group is that they compete at the very highest levels of their sports, but the principle is exactly the same. Whether you're preparing for an NFL game, training for the Olympics or trying to have enough energy to show up for your family, how you fuel your body matters. We're incredibly excited to have these athletes help us tell that story." -Karalynne Call, Just Ingredients Founder/CEO said.

"As I've gotten further into my career, I've become more intentional about what I'm putting into my body and how I'm fueling it. At this level, the details matter—how you train, how you recover, and how you prepare every week. I like that Just Ingredients keeps that simple and focuses on what's actually in their products. It's something I believe in, and I'm excited to be part of what they're building," Stafford said.

MEET THE NEWEST JUST INGREDIENTS ATHLETES

Matthew Stafford | Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams

The reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes during the 2025 season while earning the first First-Team All-Pro selection of his career. The Super Bowl LVI champion enters his 18th NFL season ranked sixth all-time in career passing yards and seventh in career passing touchdowns.

DeVonta Smith | Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

A Super Bowl LIX champion and Heisman Trophy winner, Smith is one of only five players in football history to win a college national championship, the Heisman Trophy and a Super Bowl. Entering his sixth NFL season, Smith has recorded three 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Charlie McAvoy | Defenseman, Boston Bruins

An alternate captain for both the Boston Bruins and Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, McAvoy has established himself as one of the NHL's leading American defensemen. He has also represented the United States throughout his career in international competition.

Dearica Hamby | Forward, Los Angeles Sparks

Hamby is a three-time WNBA All-Star, WNBA champion and two-time Sixth Woman of the Year. She also represented Team USA in 3x3 basketball at the 2024 Olympic Games, earning a bronze medal.

Karlyn Pickens | Pitcher, Carolina Blaze, AUSL

One of softball's most exciting young stars, Pickens was selected No. 1 overall by the Carolina Blaze in the 2026 AUSL Draft after a decorated collegiate career at Tennessee. The 2025 Softball America National Pitcher of the Year and two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year also holds the record for the fastest pitch ever recorded in women's softball at 79.4 mph.

AJ Green | Guard, Milwaukee Bucks

Green has emerged as one of the NBA's top three-point shooters after entering the league undrafted in 2022. A member of Milwaukee's 2024 NBA Cup championship team, he signed a four-year extension with the Bucks last fall and in 2025-26 set franchise records with 11 three-pointers in a game and 232 in a season. 

Reed Blankenship | Safety, Houston Texans

Blankenship joins the Texans after four seasons with Philadelphia, where he helped the Eagles capture Super Bowl LIX. Originally entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent, Blankenship recorded nine interceptions and more than 300 tackles during his first four seasons.

Together, the seven additions represent the latest expansion of Just Ingredients' investment in professional sports and its effort to bring conversations around ingredients, nutrition and fueling to athletes and families nationwide.

About Just Ingredients

Just Ingredients is a leading wellness and lifestyle company committed to creating clean, transparent, and effective products made with real-food ingredients. Founded on the belief that better health begins with better ingredients, Just Ingredients offers a wide range of products including supplements, snacks, protein powders, personal care items, and home essentials — all formulated with real food ingredients with no fillers or harmful chemicals.

With a mission to educate and empower families to make informed choices, Just Ingredients combines scientifically backed formulations with accessible, everyday solutions that support whole-body wellness. Millions of customers trust Just Ingredients for its integrity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to raising industry standards.

To learn more, visit justingredients.com or follow @just.ingredients on social media.

Media Contact

Maddy Baker

Just Ingredients PR Coordinator

[email protected]

Media assets, athlete imagery and interview opportunities available upon request.

SOURCE Just Ingredients, Inc.

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CARBONDALE, PA and RANDOLPH, MA, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gentex Corporation and Randolph Engineering today announced the launch of the Thunderbirds x Gentex x Randolph Sunglasses Collection, a limited-edition collection that combines Randolph's iconic American-made Aviator with Gentex's advanced optical technology, featuring the same silver mirror lens technology flown by the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known worldwide as the Thunderbirds.

Limited to 600 individually produced pairs, the collection celebrates American craftsmanship, military aviation heritage, and decades of innovation supporting the men and women who serve.

Together, Gentex and Randolph represent more than 180 years of combined service to the U.S. military. For more than a century, Gentex has developed advanced technologies for the military, including helmet systems, high-performance optical solutions, and other mission-critical equipment. For more than 50 years, Randolph has handcrafted eyewear for military aviators around the world. The collection brings together two complementary areas of expertise, precision eyewear craftsmanship and advanced optical innovation, to create a limited-edition collection that honors American aviation heritage.

At the heart of the collection is Gentex's advanced optical technology. Made in the USA using globally sourced materials, the lenses incorporate the same silver mirror lens technology used in the iconic mirrored visors flown by the Thunderbirds and are engineered using military-derived performance requirements developed through decades of supporting military aviation. The result is exceptional optical clarity, accurate color perception, impact protection, enhanced durability, and all-day visual comfort.

"For generations, Gentex has invested in advancing technologies that improve protection, vision, and performance for military aviators," said L.P. Frieder III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gentex Corporation. "As a fourth-generation family-owned company, we're proud to partner with another American family business that shares our commitment to American manufacturing, innovation, and those who serve. By combining our high-performance optical technology with Randolph's renowned eyewear craftsmanship, we've created a collection that reflects the heritage of the Thunderbirds and supports the military community."

Every pair of the Thunderbirds x Gentex x Randolph sunglasses includes exclusive co-branded accessories, including a custom Thunderbirds challenge coin, premium case, cleaning cloth, and collector's box, all thoughtfully designed to commemorate the collection.

"For more than five decades, Randolph has proudly handcrafted eyewear for U.S. military aviators, and that heritage remains at the heart of everything we do," said Sarah Dacko, Chief Operating Officer of Randolph Engineering. "As a third-generation family-owned company, we're proud to partner with Gentex because we share a commitment to American craftsmanship, uncompromising quality, and supporting those who serve. This collection celebrates that shared legacy while helping make a meaningful difference for Air Force families."

Available exclusively through Randolph Engineering, the Thunderbirds x Gentex x Randolph Sunglasses Collection is limited to 600 individually produced pairs. Every purchase celebrates the shared legacy of two iconic American manufacturers, honors the precision and excellence of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and helps support the Air Force community through a donation to the Air & Space Forces Aid Society. To learn more or purchase the limited-edition collection, click here.

About Gentex Corporation

Gentex Corporation is a global leader in advanced personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense, emergency response, and industrial professionals. For more than a century, Gentex has developed innovative technologies that protect and enhance the performance of those operating in the world's most demanding environments.

About Randolph Engineering

Founded in 1973, Randolph Engineering is a third-generation, family-owned American eyewear manufacturer dedicated to producing handcrafted eyewear of exceptional quality. Proudly made in Randolph, Massachusetts, Randolph has supplied aviator sunglasses to the U.S. military for more than five decades and continues to manufacture every pair in the United States.

SOURCE Gentex Corporation

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The iconic cracker brand is bringing its new Cheez-It® Couch Committee campaign to life with a one-of-a-kind game day experience for fans, featuring legendary collegiate QB Chase Daniel

THE LINEUP:

- This season, Cheez-It® is bringing to life its all-new Cheez-It Couch Committee ad campaign by introducing the custom rentable Cheez-It couch for tailgating.

- Cheez-It is partnering with collegiate football legend and current sports analyst Chase Daniel to join one lucky fan and their own committee on the Cheez-It shaped couch this fall.

- From Sept. 21 through Oct. 5, fans can visit www.cheezit.com/couchcommittee and submit an entry for a chance to secure their spot on the couch.

CHICAGO, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For almost a decade, Cheez-It® has shown up big in college football – from being an official sponsor of the College Football Playoff, to spearheading attention-commanding moments at the Cheez-It Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl – always bringing the energy with its beloved mascots, locker room chants and tailgate celebrations. This season, Cheez-It is leaning further into the intersection of college football and snacking with its all-new campaign: Cheez-It Couch Committee.

The new ad spots feature a committee of fans and armchair analysts gathered on a one-of-a-kind Cheez-It-shaped couch, perfect for tackling the season's hottest game day topics while snacking on Cheez-It crackers. This campaign features nationwide commercials and an IRL Couch Committee experience and was born from a universal fan truth: the best seat for the game is often your own couch, surrounded by friends (AKA your own "Couch Committee"), hot takes and snacks.

Fans have spent many college football Saturdays snacking with Cheez-It crackers, but what about spending game day sitting IN a Cheez-It cracker? To celebrate college football fans and those that form their couch committees, Cheez-It is introducing a chance to rent the custom Cheez-It couch – the same one from the commercials – where fans can gather and snack as part of an amped-up game day experience.

As part of the ultimate Couch Committee experience, Cheez-It is partnering with Chase Daniel, one of football's most recognizable backup QBs and a seasoned football analyst. Daniel will introduce the Cheez-It Couch Committee game day opportunity and join the lucky renter and their crew as part of a cheezified college football tailgate later this season.

"I've spent a lot of Saturdays playing and talking about football, so getting to do it from a giant Cheez-It couch with fans sounds like a pretty great way to spend game day," said Chase Daniel. "I'm excited to host the lucky winner and their friends at a tailgate this season and put their football knowledge to the test. We'll have plenty to talk about and plenty of Cheez-It crackers to snack on."

"As a brand steeped in college football culture for almost a decade, we saw an opportunity to bring fans even closer to the game day conversation," said Nicole Sorensen, VP of Marketing for Cheez-It. "We're giving fans a chance to join the fun and do what they already love on Saturdays – sit around talking football, debating hot takes and snacking on Cheez-It crackers – now on a much bigger, cheezier couch."

Now's the time to get off the sideline and get onto the Cheez-It Couch Committee. One lucky fan and their friends will have the chance to rent the prestigious Cheez-It inspired orange leather sectional from the commercials, for the price of a box of Cheez-It crackers.*

- How to Enter: Fans can visit www.cheezit.com/couchcommittee and submit an entry for a chance to secure a spot for their committee on the Cheez-It couch.

- The Prize: A winner and up to five guests will get to enjoy the Cheez-It couch rental** as part of the ultimate cheezified college football tailgate this fall. During the tailgate, they'll get a dedicated 30-minute meet-and-greet with Chase Daniel, premium photo-ops, autographs, and all the Cheez-It crackers they desire for game day snacking.

- The Entry Window: The entry form officially opens on Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. ET and will run through Oct. 5 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Satisfy game day cravings and visit CheezIt.com/couchcommittee to learn more about this collaboration. Be sure to follow @CheezIt on your favorite social media platforms to keep up with the latest news.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to eligible U.S. residents, 18+. Promotion begins 9/21/26 at 9:00 a.m. ET and ends 10/5/26 at 11:59 p.m. ET. See Official Rules at www.cheezit.com/couchcommitteerules for eligibility restrictions, entry instructions, prize details and complete terms and conditions.

**Rental fee to be compensated; no cost to winner.

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. Based on combined Mars and Kellanova 2025 net sales, we are now a $65bn+ family-owned business, with a diverse portfolio of quality snacking and food products that delight millions of people every day, and leading pet care products and veterinary services that support pets all around the world. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our approximately 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Media Hotline

(269) 961-3799

[email protected]

Weber Shandwick

Bridget Johnson

(469) 917-6143

[email protected]

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated

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RESTON, Va., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ASRC Federal announced today that its subsidiary, ASRC Research and Technology Solutions, LLC (ARTS), has been awarded the Case Processing Operation Center (CPOC) 2.0 Support Services contract by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The agency uses the CPOC program to conduct roughly 2 million background checks annually for 100 government agencies and approximately 10,000 cleared companies.

Under this $494 million, five-year contract, the company will further DCSA's evolving mission under Trusted Workforce 2.0, helping the agency modernize and transform its personnel vetting and security clearance process. The company will provide DCSA with application ingestion, case maintenance, item level processing and post-closing support. This includes aiding the transition and modernization of future systems implementation, supported by cost-efficient business models with the capacity to adapt to iterative policy and process changes – such as those outlined in Trusted Workforce 2.0 and anticipated in the future IT system.

This contract builds upon the company's previous CPOC work, where it was responsible for providing DCSA with program management, case processing and facility monitoring.

"We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with DCSA," said Mike Manzo, president and CEO of ASRC Federal. "Our ability to deliver high-quality, timely and compliant investigative services helps DCSA safeguard the integrity and trustworthiness of the federal workforce – one of the most essential responsibilities in national security."

For more information, please contact [email protected].

About ASRC Federal

ASRC Federal delivers solutions and services to more than 30 U.S. government agencies in support of some of our Nation's most critical missions – from space exploration to cyber defense to military base operations and public health. Our capabilities include IT modernization, mission systems engineering and other engineering solutions, software applications and analytics, critical infrastructure and base operations, supply chain management and logistics and professional services. As a family of Alaska Native-owned companies, our work helps secure an enduring future for more than 14,000 Iñupiaq shareholders from Alaska's North Slope. For more information, please visit www.asrcfederal.com. 

SOURCE ASRC Federal

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New business unit builds on Fortis' expertise delivering complex, high-tech projects and positions the company for continued growth across emerging energy, technology and manufacturing sectors.

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortis Construction today announced the launch of its new Industrial Business Unit, building on the company's proven success delivering highly technical, first-of-their-kind projects. Through this expansion, Fortis will deepen its ability to support clients driving the future of energy, technology, and domestic manufacturing.

The new business unit is led by Matt Laccinole, who has 30 years of experience in developing teams and leading heavy industrial and manufacturing projects. Laccinole has also supported business growth through strategic client execution solutions, and participation in acquisition and integration efforts.

"Fortis has built a reputation for creating meaningful relationships and successfully delivering some of the most complex and technically challenging projects in the industry," said Laccinole. "The launch of our Industrial Business Unit is a natural evolution of that expertise. As investment accelerates in technology, advanced manufacturing and supporting infrastructure, we're well-positioned to help clients bring these transformative projects to life."

The Industrial Business Unit will focus on two key sectors, emerging energy and manufacturing, where increasingly complex projects demand the precision, technical expertise, and innovative problem-solving capabilities that define Fortis.

"The Industrial Business Unit creates opportunities for our people, our clients and our business to continue growing together," said Rob Fallow, CEO. "This expansion leverages what our teams do best while supporting industries that are transforming the future."

About Fortis:

Fortis Construction, Inc. is an employee-owned general contractor committed to making an impact - through our relationships, the projects we build and the communities we serve. With offices in Oregon and Utah, we specialize in data centers, industrial commercial, healthcare, and education markets. We have performed projects in multiple US states and across the globe. For more information visit Fortisconstruction.com

SOURCE Fortis Construction

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ClearMatch Launches ClearMatch Plan Finder, a Simplified Digital Experience for Comparing Plans and Navigating Life's Big Decisions

New Platform Brings Personalized Profiles, Side-by-Side Plan Comparison and Simple Online Enrollment Together in One Place

SHELTON, Conn., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearMatch, the trusted senior services brand of HealthPlanOne, LLC ("HealthPlanOne"), today announced the launch of ClearMatch Plan Finder, a streamlined digital experience that makes plan comparison, personalized profiles and online enrollment easier than ever. Building on nearly two decades of guiding the 65+ community through major life decisions, ClearMatch Plan Finder brings the entire Medicare shopping journey together in one simple, guided place—helping people find coverage that fits their life today and their needs over time.

ClearMatch Plan Finder is the latest step in ClearMatch's evolution from a Medicare enrollment company into a lifelong resource for seniors – one designed to support members beyond a single enrollment decision through education, personalized recommendations and access to licensed agents. The new tool lets consumers browse plans from leading carriers nationwide, save favorites and see, side by side, how their current coverage stacks up against new options. Once they've found the right fit, enrollment can be completed entirely online or with the help of a licensed ClearMatch agent.

"Choosing a plan is one of the most important decisions a person can make, and after nearly 20 years of walking alongside consumers through that process, we saw an opportunity to build something centered entirely around them," said Evan Harris, Chief Marketing Officer at HealthPlanOne. "The new ClearMatch Plan Finder puts people in control – they can explore their options at their own pace, compare what matters most to them, and enroll with confidence, knowing a licensed agent is just a phone call away."

A Simpler Experience Built Around the Member

ClearMatch Plan Finder makes navigating an important decision simpler at every step:

- A clean, guided interface for comparing plans available in a member's area

- Personalization features that support member guidance

- An easy way to compare current coverage with new options and see whether another plan may be a better fit

- Full online enrollment, with licensed ClearMatch agents available by phone for personalized support

ClearMatch Plan Finder is available now, free of charge, at MyClearMatch.PlanFinder.com.

The launch reflects a broader shift underway at ClearMatch: from a single enrollment moment to an ongoing relationship. As the platform expands beyond Medicare into a wider range of resources for the 65+ community, ClearMatch Plan Finder is designed to be the first stop in a much longer journey – one where ClearMatch creates a personalized experience for each member for all of life's decisions.

About ClearMatch

ClearMatch is a senior services platform designed to be a trusted resource for members throughout the 65+ journey. Through personalized guidance, licensed agents and an expanding marketplace of resources, ClearMatch helps the 65+ community and their families navigate retirement's biggest decisions with confidence – not just once, but at every stage that follows. For more information, visit myclearmatch.com.

About HealthPlanOne

HealthPlanOne is a leading data-driven engagement platform focused on meeting the health, wealth, and life goals of 65+ adults in the U.S. Founded in 2006, HealthPlanOne has supported more than 4.2 million Medicare-eligible individuals in finding and keeping the right products for their unique needs. Powered by purpose-built technology, advanced marketing solutions, and deep analytical insights, HealthPlanOne manages and optimizes the entire insurance member lifecycle for the 65+ adults and carriers it serves. For more information, visit www.HealthPlanOne.com.

Media Contact

Kate Thompson / Kate Kelley

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

[email protected] 

SOURCE HealthPlanOne

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Together, SK-II and Eileen Gu champion Free to Bare—the belief that Bare Skin is Your Best Foundation, powered by its iconic Facial Treatment Essence

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global prestige skincare brand SK-II announces Eileen Gu, world champion freeskier, as its new Global Brand Ambassador, marking her first global skincare partnership and a new chapter for SK-II's Free to Bare purpose, the belief that every woman should be free to bare her true self, in skin and in life, and live on her own terms.

For Eileen, being Free to Bare is not about fitting into a single definition of beauty. It is about having the freedom to choose. "It's about how you want to show up on any given day. We're all multifaceted, and different versions of ourselves can all be equally authentic," said Eileen Gu, SK-II Global Brand Ambassador.

From elite athlete to global cultural icon, Eileen Gu has built her own path by embracing every facet of who she is. Whether competing on the slopes, walking fashion runways, pursuing academic ambitions or inspiring a new generation, she has stayed unapologetically herself.

THE FOUNDATION OF BARE SKIN STARTS WITH SK-II

At the heart of this partnership is a simple belief: The Foundation of Bare Skin Starts with SK-II. Bare skin is not about perfection. It is bare skin so good it becomes her best foundation — the foundation that lets her show up as herself, with makeup, or without.

"Partnering with SK-II is a fantastic fit for me because it's all about the base, and the base is showing up exactly how you are, as who you are," said Eileen Gu. "Healthy bare skin is the foundation upon which you can build. It doesn't mean no makeup — having skin that makes you feel strong is the foundation for that too."

"Eileen lives what SK-II believes. She has never asked permission to be all the things she is," said Helene Bellamy, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, SK-II. "Free to Bare is our purpose: we want every woman to feel free to live life on her own terms, with youthful looking bare skin. Bare skin so good it becomes her best foundation. Eileen brings that belief to life with unapologetic authenticity, and that is precisely why she is the right partner for us."

Transformation to youthful looking bare skin is what SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence is built to deliver. Known to millions of women across Asia as "Miracle Water", the brand's signature and most iconic essence is formulated with over 90% PITERA™ — SK-II's exclusive, naturally derived ingredient, crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process that only SK-II owns. In a consumer assessment, women using SK-II Facial Treatment Essence reported a visibly transformed skin to softer, smoother, and firmer in 2 weeks.

Packed with over 50 micro-nutrients — vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids — PITERA™ harnesses the vital force of nature and cannot be achieved artificially or synthetically. Because PITERA™ resembles skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors, skin recognizes and welcomes Facial Treatment Essence, absorbing it quickly within skin surface and delivering all goodness2. Applied with SK-II's signature "pat pat" ritual, it transforms skin towards Youthful looking Bare Skin.

INTENTIONAL RITUALS TO LIVE AS THE FULLEST VERSION OF YOURSELF

Living as the fullest version of yourself. Her generation has a name for it: "Maxxing" — getting the most out of every day, and out of yourself. Eileen lives it across continents, time zones and some of the world's most demanding environments, and she Maxxes her skin the way she Maxxes her life: intentionally.

One ritual, chosen with care and repeated with consistency, built on SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. It is how she invests in her best bare skin — skin that looks visibly smoother, firmer and more radiant with every passing day, and becomes the strongest foundation she can build on. "I use my SK-II Essence, then my SK-II serum and moisturizer. It's just those three steps. That's it. And I feel like me," said Eileen Gu.

The same intent runs through the rest of her life. Running, sleeping and journaling are the rituals she returns to wherever she wakes up — small anchors in a life of constant motion so she can live as the fullest version of herself.

INSPIRING MORE PEOPLE TO BE FREE TO BARE

Through this partnership, SK-II and Eileen Gu invite more people to start where she starts: with building the best foundation. Because when your bare skin is your best bare skin — more youthful looking, even as you age — every version of yourself is yours to choose. The Foundation of Bare Skin Starts with SK-II.

Free to Bare launches globally today across digital, social and earned channels. To hear Eileen Gu's Free to Bare stories and discover SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, visit www.sk-ii.com or follow @SKII, and join the conversation with #FreeToBare.

About SK-II

For more than 45 years, SK-II has touched the lives of millions of women around the world through skin and life transformation. The fascinating story behind SK-II began with a fervent quest to uncover a revolutionary ingredient that would make beautiful skin a reality. In breweries, there was something extraordinary. Elderly brewers with soft, youthful looking hands, in striking contrast to their aged faces. Hands seemingly untouched by time. What could be the secret? Could it lie in fermentation? Years of research, craft and innovation followed, until scientists isolated the one single yeast strain out of 350 that held the answer. The Miracle of PITERA™ was born — a naturally derived skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process exclusive to SK-II. Since then, it has remained at the heart of every SK-II product, transforming skin towards youthful looking Bare Skin. Bare skin so good it becomes her best foundation. Today, SK-II with PITERA™ is a special secret shared by celebrities all over the world. For the latest news and in-depth information, please visit http://www.sk-ii.com.

About PITERA™

Iconic and exclusive to SK-II, PITERA™ is a naturally derived "miracle" skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process that only SK-II owns. Packed with over 50 micro-nutrients – vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids – the unique composition of PITERA™ harnesses the vital force of nature and is one that can't be achieved artificially or synthetically. PITERA™ resembles skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors. Skin recognizes and welcomes it, allowing it to be absorbed quickly and deeply1 into your skin delivering all goodness2.

1 Within stratum corneum. 2 Over 50 micro-nutrients. 3 Source: SK-II consumer self-assessment, 2022. Based on self-reported results from 60 Japanese women aged 20–60 using SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.

Media Contact

SK-II Global & U.S. Communications

Diana Torres-Bixby, [email protected], 917-686-0517

SOURCE SK-II

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NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amigo, the platform for deploying clinical AI, today announced its rebrand as Concurrence. The name change reflects the company's expanded mission of building advanced data and AI systems that health systems, biopharma companies, and public health organizations use to converge on the optimal care pathways for every patient.

"Concurrence means agreement in judgment or opinion," said Ali Khokhar, CEO of Concurrence. "What constitutes the best care for a patient is an empirical question that can be answered when everyone has access to the right context."

Concurrence partners with leading institutions to unify their data into a single foundation called the Health World Model, which supplies full patient context to both AI and clinicians. On top of this foundation, AI-powered workflows are deployed across the care journey, scaling the judgment of expert clinicians and enabling patient interactions to be captured at an atomic level of detail across use cases like patient intake, medication management, and clinical decision support.

From that evidence base, the Concurrence platform identifies the optimal paths from intervention to outcome, called Patient Trajectories, to surface what is most likely to work for which patients. These learnings allow health systems to optimize their operational and clinical investments, biopharma companies to improve medication adherence and accelerate R&D, and public health agencies to improve population health outcomes.

"We've long treated healthcare as what happens in a 15-minute visit, but the data that determines how patients actually do largely lives outside that window and never gets captured," said Dr. Jay Shah, Chief Medical Officer of Concurrence and former Chief of Medical Staff at Stanford Health Care. "Concurrence captures that missing context, and the expert judgment behind each decision, so every act of care improves the next one."

About Concurrence

Concurrence (formerly known as Amigo) is the data and AI company creating empirical convergence on what works in healthcare. The company partners with health systems, biopharma companies, and public health agencies to unify their data and deploy AI that learns from every act of care. Enterprise deployment is supported by native integrations with all major EHRs (Epic, Oracle Health, Athenahealth, and more) and full HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, and GDPR compliance. To date, the Concurrence platform has driven over 10 million patient interactions. For more information, visit www.concurrence.com.

Media Contact:

Kyum Kim

[email protected]

SOURCE Concurrence Inc

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The facility brings Made Scientific's U.S. East Coast footprint to approximately 145,000 sq. ft. and 15 qualified GMP manufacturing suites

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Made Scientific, Inc., a leading U.S.-based clinical- and commercial-stage cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced it has acquired an 85,000 sq. ft. clinical to commercial-scale cell therapy manufacturing facility in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, from National Resilience. The transaction closed on September 18, 2026.

The facility is operational on close, eliminating the ramp-up and qualification timelines that follow a greenfield build — a critical advantage as therapies advance through late-stage development toward commercial launch. The site and its manufacturing team have executed 145 GMP batches to date across multiple autologous and allogeneic programs, including CAR-T and B-cell therapies. Sponsors can begin onboarding programs immediately, positioning therapies for 2027 clinical and commercial supply.

As programs advance toward commercial approval, sponsors require manufacturing partners with proven execution and GMP infrastructure that scales with them. Made Scientific's expanded East Coast network deepens its clinical to commercial GMP manufacturing capacity — geographically redundant, reducing transition risk, and allowing for multiple regional facility options as programs scale.

The East Norriton facility is purpose-built for high-throughput, end-to-end cell therapy manufacturing, and includes multiple segregated GMP production areas comprising eight Grade B/C cleanrooms, one Grade C ballroom, and one Grade B fill-finish suite, alongside on-site quality control and analytical testing laboratories and high-bay warehousing. The site also holds 30,000 sq. ft. of expansion space with a design and engineering plan supporting the build of eight additional ballrooms for future growth and bespoke client builds. The facility supports starting material, drug substance, and drug product manufacturing under both custom and platform technology transfer. Made Scientific will equip the site with scalable 3D bioreactor platforms (up to 200L), advanced cell harvest equipment, automated fill-finish, and lyophilization capacity.

This expansion further enhances Made Scientific's manufacturing capabilities, including a focus on client programs developing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), secretome, exosome and senolytic therapies alongside immune-cell, iPSC-derived and engineered-tissue programs supported in Princeton, advancing products from early clinical development into commercial supply. Clients may transfer existing processes into the site or adopt Made Scientific's ReadyMADE™ platforms across multiple modalities.

"The acquisition of an operational facility with an experienced manufacturing team represents a significant advance in our ability to support clients from clinical to commercial," said Syed T. Husain, Chairman and CEO of Made Scientific. "Sponsors advancing therapies toward approval require manufacturing capacity that is available when their programs reach it. East Norriton provides that capacity today, supported by a demonstrated GMP operating history, and enables us to onboard client programs immediately rather than at the conclusion of a multi-year build. It is also the next step in a manufacturing network we are building deliberately and for the long term, with a strategic shareholder that has backed Made Scientific since 2022."

Made Scientific's total operating footprint is now approximately 145,000 sq. ft. across its U.S. East Coast network, with 15 qualified GMP manufacturing suites, process and analytical development laboratories, and quality control testing at both locations.

The company is preparing its Princeton facility for commercial-stage U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pre-licensure inspection (PLI) in early 2027, with the East Norriton facility to follow.

The addition of the East Norriton site comes as the broader cell therapy CDMO sector consolidates, with capacity leaving the market even as more therapies advance into late-phase trials and regulatory review. Sponsors increasingly need partners with demonstrated execution, the capacity to scale without compromising quality, and the stability to be there through commercial launch. Made Scientific is adding qualified capacity at the exact moment the market needs it.

About Made Scientific

Made Scientific is a leading U.S.-based clinical- and commercial-stage cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in the development, manufacturing, and release of autologous and allogeneic cell therapy products. With GMP facilities located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Made Scientific combines the agility of a specialist CDMO with the technical depth to deliver reliable, scalable manufacturing.

Made Scientific is supported by GC Corporation, a long-term strategic owner providing stability, global access, and sustained investment in the business. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building deliberately, prioritizing scale and quality over short-term outcomes, and positions Made Scientific to advance cell therapy manufacturing with a long-term vision. For more information, visit madescientific.com.

Media Contact

Lucy Taylor

Head of Marketing

[email protected] 

www.madescientific.com | LinkedIn: @MadeScientific

SOURCE Made Scientific, Inc.

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