PITTSBURGH, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "I thought there should be a way to utilize a traditional trowel, trekking pole, and stake driver in one convenient tool," said an inventor, from Nampa, Idaho, "so I invented the Hike & Hide. My design not only ensures a trowel is available, but it also enables you to anchor, remove, and pick up dropped stakes when setting up or taking down a tent, dig a cat hole, put out a campfire, and garden without bending and straining."

The invention provides a trowel head for use with a trekking pole. It also would function as a stake driver. As a result, it offers an easier way to set up and break down tents, dig a cat hole, put out a campfire, etc. Additionally, it saves time and effort, it eliminates the need for a hammer when installing tent stakes within the ground, it can be used to retrieve dropped stakes or camping poles, and it eliminates the need to bend and strain to use a hand trowel when gardening. The invention features a multipurpose and lightweight design that is easy to use so it is ideal for campers, hikers, gardeners, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 25-SBT-2283, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

SOURCE InventHelp

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BOSTON, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubin Rudman is pleased to announce that Andrea Toulouse, Chair of the firm's Real Estate Group; partners Susan Doren, Andrew Kara, Andrew Kelley, Michael Novaria, Joseph Tarby; and of counsels Barry Barth and James Greene have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers list. The guide recognizes the legal leaders in real estate worldwide who operate "at the top of their game" in "development, finance, leasing, REITs, construction, disputes, and litigation."

Andrea Toulouse is a well-known commercial real estate attorney with over 20 years of experience in acquisition, development, financing, and leasing for a broad range of local, regional, and national developers and financiers of commercial properties. Her practice encompasses industrial properties, educational uses, suburban office parks, and downtown office buildings. She has been named in The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law, Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers in Real Estate (2022-2025), and as a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Top Woman in Law (2025) and Go To Commercial Real Estate Lawyer (2023). She received her B.A., magna cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany and her J.D. from Boston College Law School.

Susan Doren is the former co-chair of Rubin Rudman's Real Estate Group and has over 30 years of experience representing clients in commercial real estate matters. With broad expertise in office and retail leasing, she is one of the most sought-after real estate lawyers in the field. She has won numerous awards throughout her career including being named to Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers in Real Estate Law and Massachusetts Super Lawyers. She received her B.A. from Saint Anselm College and her J.D., cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School.

Andrew Kara has 25 years of experience in real estate, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, condominium creation, planning and zoning matters, and real estate tax abatements/appeals. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law (2019-2026) and Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers in Real Estate (2022-2025). He is a Board Member of the Commonwealth Cooperative Bank. He earned his B.A., cum laude, from College of the Holy Cross and his J.D., cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School.

Andrew Kelley has over 25 years of experience representing landlords and tenants in commercial lease transactions for office, retail, medical office, and industrial properties both nationally and regionally. He recently served as the BBA's Co-Chair of the Commercial Leasing Committee and as vice chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Belmont. He received his B.A. from Haverford College, his M.Sc. from the University of Edinburgh, and his J.D. from Boston College Law School.

Michael Novaria focuses his practice on commercial real estate and financing, with a specialty in negotiating office leases, retail leases and ground leases. He represents developers, retailers, and restaurants in the acquisition, permitting, development, financing and leasing of office buildings, shopping centers, and mixed-use developments. He was named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law (2020-2026), Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers in Real Estate (2021-2025), and Massachusetts Super Lawyers (2023-2025). He is a long-time member of the Andover Zoning Board of Appeals (2018-present) and currently serves on the Board of the Real Estate & Finance Association of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Commercial Brokers Association (2021-2025). He received his B.A. from the University of Massachusetts Boston and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

Joseph Tarby represents national and regional developers, retailers, and restaurants in a wide range of real estate, zoning, land use, and leasing matters. He also regularly advises lenders and borrowers in commercial real estate and asset-based financing. Tarby has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law (2022-2026) and Boston Magazine's Top Lawyers in Real Estate (2022-2025). He served on the Board of Trustees of Winchester Hospital and Chair of the hospital's Quality Patient Experience and Care Assessment Committee for 35 years, including one term as Vice Chair, and remains a member of the committee. He also currently serves as president of WINNING Home Inc. He is the Past President of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce and a current Board Member. He received his B.S.B.A. from Boston University and his J.D. from New England Law.

Barry Barth has decades of experience in commercial real estate, franchise law, and hospitality operations. Before returning to private practice, he was Vice President and Legal Counsel for Panera Bread Company, where he oversaw all legal matters related to the company's real estate portfolio and new restaurant development. During his 21-year tenure at Panera, he played a key role in real estate site selection, lease and purchase negotiations, due diligence, design, and construction of over 500 new restaurants. Barth is an adjunct lecturer at Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration, where he teaches Hospitality Law. He received his J.D., with honors, from the George Washington University National Law Center, and his B.A., cum laude, from Brandeis University.

James Greene has decades of experience in real estate development and permitting with a focus on zoning, subdivision, environmental review, and permitting, with special emphasis on Chapter 121A Urban Redevelopment Projects. He counsels clients on property tax valuation, assessment practice, and eminent domain actions and litigation. He received his B.A. from Boston College and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

About Rubin Rudman

Founded over a century ago, Rubin Rudman is a full-service law firm based in Boston with more than 100 attorneys serving businesses, institutions, families, and individuals throughout the region and beyond. The firm's core practices include Corporate, Business & Tax, Real Estate, Finance, Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Environmental & Land Use, Construction, Trusts & Estates, Family Law, Elder Law, and Fiduciary Litigation. More information is available at rubinrudman.com.

Contact:

Kristen Weller

Chief Marketing & Growth Officer

617.330.7189

[email protected]

SOURCE Rubin Rudman

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SILVER AWAKENING Unveils Platform for Women Over 50 Asking, "Now What?"

New personal empowerment platform helps women 50+ navigate life-stage changes and reshape what comes next.

DOVER, Del., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SILVER AWAKENING®, an online personal empowerment platform launches today for women 50+, a population of more than 67 million in the U.S. and one billion worldwide. Rooted in SILVER SAGE®, a new life-stage archetype, the platform offers a dynamic path through complex life-stage transitions via mentorship, education, community and holistic resources.

Women 50+ Are A Force

According to AARP's 2026 Longevity Economy® Outlook, Americans 50+ generated $12.5 trillion in economic activity in 2024, representing 43% of U.S. GDP. NielsenIQ projects women will control 75% of discretionary spending by 2029. Yet despite their economic influence, women over 50 are frequently portrayed through narratives centered on aging, retirement and decline rather than growth, reinvention and possibility. AARP research found 64% of U.S. women 50+ rarely or never see themselves represented in today's media.

"Women aren't aging into irrelevance. They're entering a powerful stage of life—one defined by wisdom and the freedom to decide what they want," said Diane Manning, CEO and Co-founder of SILVER AWAKENING. "We see these women. We built SILVER AWAKENING for them. And we gave this stage of life an identity: SILVER SAGE."

The Archetype

At the heart of SILVER AWAKENING is SILVER SAGE, a life-stage archetype defining this season as transformational. Grounded in wisdom, resilience, discernment and authenticity, SILVER SAGE isn't about becoming someone new, it's about awakening to the sage within and deciding what comes next.

The Path

Women over 50 face a myriad of life challenges: gray divorce, menopause, empty nest, loss of loved ones, career displacement, caring for elders, and more. SILVER AWAKENING offers a clear path: HEAL—through supportive online circles and one-on-one mentorship. TRANSFORM—through online instructor-led courses and in-person retreats. THRIVE—through invigorating wellness and beauty courses. The path is supported by; SILVER SAGE® SISTERS, a private online community, and SILVER TALKS® video podcast.

"SILVER AWAKENING isn't about telling women how to live," said Manning. "It's about giving women a supportive place to connect, gain new perspectives and create their best chapter yet."

About SILVER AWAKENING

SILVER AWAKENING® is a personal empowerment platform for women 50+, offering a defining life-stage archetype called SILVER SAGE® and a pathway to HEAL through mentorship, TRANSFORM through learning and THRIVE through holistic living.

Visit Our Press Room: https://www.silverawakening.com/press-room

SOURCE Silver Awakening, LLC

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HelloNation Article Highlights Auto Insurance Basics to Help Drivers Choose Coverage Beyond State Minimums.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What does full coverage auto insurance actually include? A HelloNation article was recently published to answer this question, breaking down coverage basics for everyday drivers.

The article notes that many drivers choose coverage based only on their state's minimum requirements. These minimums are designed to meet legal obligations, not to fully protect a driver's finances after a serious accident.

Liability coverage is typically split into two parts, the article explains. Bodily injury liability pays for injuries a driver causes to others, while property damage liability covers damage to another vehicle or property.

Full coverage is a common term, but the article points out that it has no single fixed definition. It generally refers to a mix of liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage working together.

Comprehensive coverage protects a vehicle from damage not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather events. Collision coverage, by contrast, pays to repair or replace a vehicle after an accident regardless of fault.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects a driver when the other party lacks adequate insurance, according to the article. This coverage can help pay medical bills and repair costs in these situations.

Medical payments coverage, sometimes called MedPay, can help cover medical bills for a driver and passengers after an accident. The article notes that some states require personal injury protection instead, which offers broader benefits.

A vehicle's value plays a major role in choosing coverage, the article explains. A newer or costlier vehicle usually calls for higher limits, while an older vehicle may not need extensive comprehensive or collision coverage.

Personal finances also matter when selecting auto insurance, the article notes. Higher liability limits protect more of a driver's assets and future income if they are found at fault in an accident.

Family circumstances can shape coverage decisions too, according to the article. Households with teen drivers or multiple vehicles often face higher risk exposure and may benefit from reviewing their limits more closely.

Drivers who lease or finance a vehicle may want to consider gap insurance, the article suggests. This coverage pays the difference between a loan balance and a vehicle's actual cash value if it is totaled.

Deductibles also affect overall costs, since a higher deductible typically lowers a monthly premium but raises out of pocket costs after a claim. The article recommends choosing a deductible that is comfortably affordable.

Combining an auto policy with other insurance products can sometimes reduce overall costs, the article adds, though savings vary by provider. Comparing quotes with and without this approach can clarify whether it makes sense for a given driver.

David Stroman, an Insurance Agent based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is featured in the article as a source of insight on these coverage choices. Insurance Agents often note that reviewing a policy annually helps drivers keep pace with changing needs.

The article also touches on usage based insurance programs, which track driving habits through an app or a small device installed in the vehicle. Safe driving habits can sometimes lead to lower premiums, though this option is not the right fit for everyone.

Auto Insurance Coverage Basics for Every Driver features insights from David Stroman, Insurance Agent of Charlotte, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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OLD REPUBLIC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: ORI) today announced a national charitable partnership with the American Red Cross through its Disaster Responder Program. The partnership reflects Old Republic's longstanding commitment to strengthening communities by helping the Red Cross remain prepared to respond before disasters strike.

The Red Cross responds to about 60,000 disasters across the United States each year, providing safe shelter, meals, emotional support, relief supplies, and recovery resources for people affected by emergencies. Through the Disaster Responder Program, advance support from members helps the Red Cross maintain the people, infrastructure, supplies, technology, and training needed to respond at a moment's notice.

"Old Republic is dedicated to supporting the Red Cross and its vital work to better the communities where our employees live and work," shared Craig R. Smiddy, Old Republic's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We're proud that our partnership helps the Red Cross strengthen its preparedness efforts and contribute to its quick, effective disaster response."

"As we see increasingly frequent extreme weather events, more families are turning to the Red Cross for help during their most difficult moments," said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "We greatly appreciate Disaster Responder members like Old Republic, whose proactive and compassionate support strengthens our readiness and response efforts — so we can deliver help, care and hope without delay when people need it most."

Old Republic looks forward to growing this partnership with the Red Cross through the Disaster Responder Program, helping individuals, families, and communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

About Old Republic

Old Republic is a leading specialty insurer that operates diverse property & casualty and title insurance companies. Founded in 1923 and a member of the Fortune 500®, we are a leader in underwriting and risk management services for business partners across the United States and Canada. Our specialized operating companies offer significant expertise in their fields, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that set us apart. For more information, please visit www.oldrepublic.com.

SOURCE Old Republic International Corporation

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L2 Aviation Welcomes Jason Marshall as Vice President of Sales and Business Development

Proven Business Development Leader Joins Team to Advance Strategic Growth, Customer Engagement, and Market Expansion.

CINCINNATI and INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- L2 Aviation, a global provider of avionics integration, engineering, certification, manufacturing, aircraft modification, repair, and field-support solutions, announced today that Jason Marshall, former Director of Business Development of AMETEK and Harvard University graduate, has joined the company as Vice President of Sales and Business Development.

In his new role, Marshall will lead business development efforts, strengthen key customer and partner relationships, expand market engagement, and help convert qualified opportunities into bookings. He will work across commercial markets and new verticals, including Advance Air Mobility, aligning sales efforts with L2's engineering, manufacturing, certification, aircraft modification, repair, and field-support capabilities.

"Jason and I have worked together before, so I know firsthand how exceptionally talented he is," said Tony Bailey, President and Chief Operating Officer of L2 Aviation. "He understands how to earn customer confidence, translate complex capabilities into clear value, and turn opportunities into durable business. Jason brings the judgment, energy, and accountability we need as we expand L2's market presence. I am pleased to welcome him to L2 as a trusted colleague and member of our incredible team."

Marshall's professional background includes aviation business development, strategic account leadership, customer engagement, and growth execution. His experience equips him to understand complex customer needs, coordinate technical and commercial teams, and build partnerships that support long-term value.

"Jason adds proven commercial leadership and a disciplined approach to business development with a strong background in go-to-market leadership and corporate expansion," said Jeff Rex, Chief Revenue Officer of L2 Aviation. "His ability to connect customer requirements with engineering, certification, manufacturing, modification, repair, and field-support capabilities will help serve both existing and new customers with greater focus. I look forward to working with him as we strengthen our team and expand our presence across global markets."

Marshall's appointment supports L2 Aviation's continued investment in disciplined growth. With expanded capabilities in avionics, engineering, manufacturing, metal fabrication, and aircraft repairs, the company is focused on increasing customer access to integrated solutions while maintaining the quality, responsiveness, and execution standards that define the L2 brand.

"I am honored to join L2 Aviation and excited by the opportunity ahead," said Jason Marshall. "L2 has a strong reputation for solving complex challenges and delivering for customers across commercial, business, military, and special-mission markets. My focus will be on listening to customers, building long-term relationships, and working across the company to convert L2's technical depth into sustained, profitable growth."

About L2 Aviation

L2 Aviation modernizes aircraft and ground warfare vehicles through engineering, certification, integration, and manufacturing. Supporting commercial, business, military, and special-mission platforms worldwide, capabilities include avionics, connectivity, STC development, wire harnesses, precision machining, metal fabrication, composite repair, and RAMS field support. L2 partners with operators, OEMs, and technology providers to deliver mission-ready aerospace and defense solutions. L2 Aviation. Advancing technology in the air and on the ground. Learn more at www.l2aviation.com.

Media Contact:

L2 Aviation

[email protected]

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/13171028

SOURCE L2 Aviation

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A carefully curated assortment of easy-to-use, low-commitment solutions designed to introduce a new generation of Target Beauty Studio guests to premium at-home hair color.

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- dpHUE, the premium at home hair color brand founded by Donna Pohlad, today announced its launch in Target Beauty Studio, Target's new prestige beauty destination available in more than 600 stores nationwide and on Target.com.

The launch represents an important milestone in dpHUE's growth strategy, expanding the brand's reach to a new generation of beauty consumers seeking premium, salon-quality hair color solutions.

Rather than launching its full portfolio, dpHUE intentionally selected three of its hero franchises—Camo+, Gloss+, and Glossy Glaze—to introduce Target Beauty Studio guests to the brand through products that are easy to use, require little commitment, and deliver immediate visible results. Together, they represent an accessible entry point into premium hair color maintenance while addressing some of consumers' most common needs: covering grays, refreshing colorand restoring salon-quality shine.

dpHUE at Target Beauty Studio

At launch, Target guests will be able to shop dpHUE's assortment, including:

- Gloss+ - $22 | 3oz

- Glossy Glaze - $29 | 4oz

- Camo+ - $29 | 0.49oz

"Target Beauty Studio gives us an incredible opportunity to introduce dpHUE to a new generation of consumers who are looking for premium beauty solutions in a place they already love to shop," said Donna Pohlad, Founder of dpHUE.

"We deliberately selected products that are incredibly easy to use, require little commitment, and deliver visible results from the very first application. Whether you're covering a few grays, refreshing your color or adding incredible shine, these products are designed to make premium hair color maintenance accessible and confidence-boosting for everyone."

The launch also reflects dpHUE's broader strategy to expand awareness of the premium hair color maintenance category under the leadership of Chief Brand Officer and strategic investor Bethenny Frankel, whose focus is helping more consumers discover salon-quality results at home through trusted education and authentic storytelling.

About Target Beauty Studio

Target Beauty Studio is a prestige beauty destination that combines Target's merchandising authority and elevated shopping experience, making it easier for guests to discover and shop what's new, now and next in beauty. The reimagined experience brings together an expertly curated assortment of 90 prestige, emerging and global beauty brands and more than 1,600 products across skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, bath and body, and nails.

Designed to blend inspiration, expertise and convenience, Target Beauty Studio features specialty-level presentation, dedicated Beauty Advisors, Target Circle offers and rotating product spotlights for a discovery-led experience both in-store and online.

Together with Target's core beauty assortment, Target Beauty Studio creates a one-stop beauty destination for every routine, from everyday skincare and beauty essentials to prestige favorites and the latest beauty finds.

About dpHUE

dpHUE is a leading premium hair color and care brand dedicated to helping consumers achieve, maintain, and extend salon-quality hair color at home. Founded by entrepreneur Donna Pohlad, the brand has pioneered the hair color maintenance category through award-winning innovations including GLOSS+, Glossy Glaze, Root Touch-Up Kit, Color Dream, Camo+, and its iconic Apple Cider Vinegar collection. Available through leading prestige retailers and digital platforms, dpHUE continues to redefine how consumers care for their hair color between salon visits while helping them look and feel their most confident.

For more information, visit dphue.com.

Media Contact:

[email protected] 

SOURCE dpHUE

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Resources, Inc. (Continental) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) to operate and develop the Ayacucho 2 Block in Venezuela's Orinoco Oil Belt, one of the world's most prolific oil-producing regions. The parties intend to advance a long-term Contrato de Participación Productiva (CPP) agreement in the coming weeks.

Following the Trump Administration's call for American energy companies to help rebuild Venezuela's oil industry, Continental undertook an independent evaluation of opportunities in the country. That evaluation, together with Venezuela's revised hydrocarbon legal framework, provided a path for Continental to pursue this opportunity.

Located north of the Orinoco River in Venezuela's Anzoátegui state, the Ayacucho 2 Block encompasses approximately 126,000 acres with an estimated 30 billion barrels of resource in place. Upon execution of the CPP, Continental will operate the block with a 100% working interest.

Ayacucho 2 represents one of the most significant resource opportunities in Continental's nearly 60-year history, substantially expanding the Company's long-term development inventory and adding another world-class asset to its portfolio. Continental's expansion into Venezuela builds on a portfolio anchored by its leading U.S. asset base and growing international presence, including Argentina's Vaca Muerta.

"We are excited to participate in the revitalization of Venezuela's energy industry, bringing further economic strength to Venezuela and its people as well as global energy markets. Ayacucho 2 is an extraordinary addition to our portfolio and will contribute significantly to Continental's growth trajectory," said Doug Lawler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Resources.

"Continental was built to recognize great resource opportunities and have the conviction to pursue them," said Harold Hamm, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Continental Resources. "What this company is doing today builds on that foundation while taking Continental to an entirely new level. I could not be more proud of the company, our people and the future we are building."

Through this MOU, Continental has the opportunity to bring significant private capital, technology, technical expertise and large-scale operating capability to the redevelopment of Venezuela's oil industry. The Company will continue to evaluate additional opportunities in Venezuela, the United States, and around the world.

About Continental Resources

Continental Resources, Inc. is the world's largest privately held oil and natural gas producer. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Continental has built a legacy of innovation in unconventional resource development and is driving the next chapter of global energy growth.

The Company maintains a leading resource position anchored by four core U.S. assets: it is a leading producer in the Bakken formation of North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana, as well as the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma, and holds significant, high-quality resource positions in Wyoming's Powder River Basin and the Permian Basin of Texas.

Internationally, Continental is building a portfolio of world-class resources that now includes Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation, a joint platform to develop unconventional resources in Turkey's Diyarbakır Basin, and the Ayacucho 2 Block in Venezuela's Orinoco Oil Belt.

Media Contact: 

Lincoln Ferguson

Senior Director, Communications & Public Relations

[email protected] 

SOURCE Continental Resources

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This year's program grows from four categories to six with the addition of the APEX Architect and APEX Synergy Awards.

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LeanDNA, a leading intelligent supply chain execution platform, today announced the 26 finalists for its second annual APEX Awards, which recognize manufacturers and individuals driving measurable supply chain transformation through people, process, and technology. LeanDNA will announce winners live on stage at the third annual LeanDNA Manufacturing Excellence Summit, taking place from Oct. 28-30, 2026, in downtown Austin.

Named after LeanDNA's AI-powered expert execution platform, the APEX Awards honor customers and teams who have moved beyond fragmented, reactive supply chain management toward proactive, AI-supported decision-making.

This year's program expanded on two fronts. LeanDNA introduced two new categories: The APEX Architect Award, honoring an individual power user who has mastered APEX's newest capabilities, and The APEX Synergy Award, recognizing a team that broke down departmental silos to adopt APEX as a single source of truth. For the first time, LeanDNA also opened nominations beyond its own staff to its customer community, inviting customers to nominate themselves, their peers, and their teams.

"This year's APEX Awards reflect just how far our customer community has taken supply chain transformation, and how eager they are to celebrate it alongside each other," said Jordan Slabaugh, Chief Marketing Officer at LeanDNA. "It's important to recognize the people and teams doing the unglamorous work of changing culture, not just implementing software. These finalists represent what's possible when people, process, and AI-driven execution come together."

The 2026 APEX Award finalists are:

Peak Performance Award – Account

Awarded to the top-performing companies over the past year based entirely on measurable data.

- Daikin

- Johnson Controls

- Spirit AeroSystems

- Current Lighting

Peak Performance Award – Site

- MSA Safety (USM1)

- Safran Cabin Marysville

- Mercury Systems (Hudson)

- Modine (Lawrenceburg 2)

- Cirtec Medical Corp (NC1)

APEX Impact Award

- Husky

- Astec

- Ingersoll Rand Haskel Europe Ltd. (Sunderland)

- MSA- The Safety Company

Trailblazer Award

- Vatsal Gandhi, Ford

- Praveen Kanagaraj, Daikin

- Patrick Quade, Enjet

- Meagan Long, Stanadyne

- Tej Savant, Carrier

APEX Synergy Award (new for 2026)

- Carrier Montilla SA

- Johnson Controls

- Safran Electronics & Defense

- Siemens

APEX Architect Award (new for 2026)

- Eduardo Cardoso, Carrier

- Gladys Maziarz, Ford

- Max Denton, Husky

- Homero Garza, Daikin

Congratulations to all of this year's finalists. LeanDNA thanks everyone across its team and customer base who submitted a nomination this year.

About LeanDNA

LeanDNA powers the world's discrete manufacturing with a single source of truth for factory-first supply planning, materials management, and inventory optimization. APEX, the AI-powered expert execution platform from LeanDNA, transforms data into optimized decisions and action. LeanDNA empowers manufacturers in aerospace, HVAC, industrials, automotive, and medical to improve on-time delivery and working capital levels. Leading manufacturers including Caterpillar, Daikin Applied, Safran, and Siemens use APEX for supply chain orchestration to gain visibility into current and incoming materials, take action based on inventory criticality, collaborate in real time with suppliers, and track progress toward inventory optimization goals. Learn more at LeanDNA.com.

SOURCE LeanDNA Inc

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With $5 million in seed funding from True Ventures, Wicklow Capital, and angels, the voice-first tutoring platform serves students ages 13–18.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aristotle, a voice-first AI tutoring platform, today announced $5 million in seed funding. The round was led by True Ventures with participation from Wicklow Capital and angel investors from Anthropic, OpenAI, Sierra, Ramp, Cognition, and others to build the tutoring product that actually helps students learn.

The company is launching nationwide after a closed beta in which over 1,000 students completed over 1,500 hours of one-on-one tutoring.

Aristotle grew out of its founders' own tutoring practice. Shan Reddy, Jaiden Reddy, and Vivek Vajipey — all Stanford alumni — spent nearly a decade tutoring students on platforms like Wyzant and Varsity Tutors. Shan and Jaiden grew up in Clark County, Nevada, a district that ranked among the lowest in the nation for per-student funding; they taught themselves through Khan Academy and continued that pattern through college and into their careers.

Shan, previously was an early product hire at Cometeer and early-stage investor at True Ventures, then went on to watch edtech underwhelm for years — a category with outsized importance but historically meager outcomes. Tutoring in particular remained a services business that technology had barely touched. He saw AI as the first real opportunity to change that: not another chatbot, but a product that could actually replicate and ultimately surpass what a great human tutor does.

"A tutor for every child in the world is one of the holy grails of AI," said Mike Montano, partner at True Ventures. "When Shan first walked me through the idea, the framing was simple: we're not reinventing learning, we're putting great teachers into software and giving one to every kid."

When LLMs went mainstream, the founders encouraged their students to try them. The results were consistent: students got answers, but they didn't learn. Vivek, who had been researching LLM reasoning at Noah Goodman's Computation and Cognition Lab at Stanford, recognized the pattern from a different angle: the models were optimized to resolve questions, not to hold students in the productive struggle where learning actually happens.

"Learning happens when you're held right at the edge of your understanding – struggling, but not stuck," said Shan Reddy, co-founder and CEO. "Great tutors allow you to sit in that discomfort and guide where most helpful. Even best-in-class LLMs today are incapable of doing this."

Aristotle's voice-first experience is designed to feel like a Zoom call with a tutor who remembers past sessions, adapts to each student's learning style, and knows when to push and when to wait.

"My son told me yesterday that we should cancel his human tutor, because Aristotle is doing a better job," said Kim L., a parent in Milwaukee whose son Andy, 13, has used Aristotle since May. "The human tutor was $250/hour."

The funding will be used to expand the product, grow the team, and bring Aristotle to general availability.

About Aristotle

Aristotle (heyaristotle.com) is a voice-first AI tutoring platform that delivers the high-quality caliber of a premium human tutor to students ages 13–18. Founded in 2025 by Stanford alumni Shan Reddy, Jaiden Reddy, and Vivek Vajipey, Aristotle serves families across STEM, standardized testing, language learning, and more. The company is based in San Francisco, CA.

About True Ventures

Founded in 2005, True Ventures manages $4 billion in committed capital across over 450 teams spanning AI, software, hardware, and more. Notable investments include Veza, Enveda, Iceye, Handshake, Peloton, Duo Security, and HashiCorp. Learn more at trueventures.com.

Full Angel Investor List

Puneet Agarwal — GP, True Ventures

Mike Montano — Partner, True Ventures

Rohit Sharma — Partner, True Ventures

Dan Tierney — Founder, Wicklow Capital

Tom Duterme — GP, Wicklow Capital

Kian Katanforoosh — CEO/Founder, Workera; Adjunct Lecturer, Stanford

Ben Broca — CEO/Founder, Polsia.ai

Andy Wang — Head of Network, World

Armaan Goel — Agents, Anthropic

Angela Winegar — SVP of Marketing, Invisible

Mayank Mehta — CEO/Co-founder, BeHeard Labs

Marco Lorenzon — VP, Stripes Growth

Justin Quan — CEO/Co-founder, Tomo.ai

Theo Strauss — Incubations, BCV

Advait Marathe — Agent Engineer, Sierra

Brandon Gell — COO, Every

Santiago Hernandez — Research, OpenAI

Veeral Patel — Founding Engineer, Ramp

Bryce Hunt — Founding GTM, Cognition

Anant Gupta — CTO, Mixpanel

Michelle Qin — Product, OpenAI

Miles McCain — Impacts, Anthropic

Austin Petersmith — CEO/Co-founder, Howie

Kush Pandey — Head of Ops, Crosby.ai

Drew Wadsworth — Research, Together AI

Chetan Patil — Data Engineering, Roku

John O'Connell — Investor, Proof Group

Advay Pal – Engineering, Modal Labs

Max Digiacomo-Castillo – Engineering, Latent Health

Takao Yatagai – Engineering, Crusoe

Mani Vajipeyajula – Founder, Banyan Nation

SOURCE Aristotle

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