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Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (Zoomlion) is presenting its latest construction machinery adapted for North American working conditions at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, demonstrating the company's expanding footprint and long-term strategy in the Americas.

The exhibition, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 3–7, features Zoomlion's diverse portfolio of high-end intelligent products including engineering cranes, concrete machinery, earthmoving equipment, mining machinery, and construction hoisting machinery, as well as digital construction solutions.

Tan Ruxu, deputy general manager of Zoomlion's overseas company and head of the Americas region, said the company is seeing recovering market confidence and growing acceptance of Chinese-branded equipment among North American customers, particularly in new energy and intelligent machinery segments.

Zoomlion is pursuing a differentiated approach in the mature North American market through its end-to-end direct sales model, with local subsidiaries established in key countries. The company operates assembly facilities in Wisconsin, as well as manufacturing plants in Brazil and Mexico, supported by its North American R&D center and Milwaukee operations base.

"Entering a mature market requires patience and long-term strategic commitment," Tan said. "Our goal is to build localized service networks and provide complete solutions that meet diverse regional needs, from Canada's harsh winters to varied mining applications across the Americas."

Zoomlion has participated in CONEXPO for seven consecutive editions, using the platform to reinforce its commitment to the Americas through localized operations and comprehensive service offerings. The company expects the region to become a significant revenue driver in the coming years as its investments mature.

Headquartered in Changsha, China, Zoomlion is one of the world's leading construction machinery manufacturers, with products sold in over 170 countries and regions.

NOWPayments, a crypto payment gateway supporting over 350 digital assets, today announced two major product enhancements designed to help merchants increase revenue and expand their customer reach: a performance-based affiliate program upgrade and the integration of global fiat-to-crypto provider Banxa.

Both updates are aimed at improving merchant acquisition and conversion efficiency within the crypto payments ecosystem.

Performance-Based Affiliate Model Drives Merchant Growth

NOWPayments has introduced a tiered affiliate structure that enables partners to earn higher commission rates based on the number of referred merchants and the transaction volume those merchants generate. The upgraded model aligns incentives with long-term performance, allowing high-performing affiliates to scale earnings proportionally to the value they bring to the ecosystem.

By strengthening its affiliate infrastructure, NOWPayments aims to accelerate merchant acquisition while rewarding sustained contribution to platform growth.

Banxa Integration Expands Checkout Conversion

In parallel, NOWPayments has integrated Banxa, a global fiat-to-crypto infrastructure provider, enabling end users to purchase cryptocurrency directly at checkout.

With this integration:

• Customers can pay using fiat even if they do not already hold crypto.
• Merchants continue receiving cryptocurrency directly into their wallets.

This removes friction for first-time crypto users while preserving the non-custodial settlement model preferred by many digital businesses. The addition of a seamless fiat on-ramp is expected to improve checkout conversion rates and broaden access to crypto payments across new user segments.

About NOWPayments

NOWPayments is a crypto payment gateway that enables businesses worldwide to accept digital assets through API-first infrastructure. The platform offers multi-chain support, recurring billing, mass payouts, and conversion tools tailored to online businesses operating in Web3 and digital commerce environments. For more information, visit nowpayments.io.

Today, UL Solutions executive John Genovesi joined GrayMatter's board of directors. GrayMatter, based near Pittsburgh, Pa., is a leader in industrial intelligence and digital transformation. Genovesi is executive vice president and president of Software and Advisory at UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science.

The appointment, supported by GrayMatter's investment partner Tailwind Capital, marks a significant milestone in the company's accelerated growth strategy. Genovesi brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across automation, industrial software and advanced digital technologies. At UL Solutions, he leads global strategy for a suite of Software-as-a-Service and advisory offerings that strengthen supply chain transparency, sustainability and operational performance for enterprise customers.

Before joining UL Solutions, Genovesi served as chief operating officer of Adapdix, an edge AI startup pioneering autonomous manufacturing. He also spent three decades at Rockwell Automation, where he held multiple executive roles, including executive vice president of enterprise accounts and software. His career has centered on building global teams, scaling cutting edge software businesses and driving high-stakes enterprise transformation.

A Natural Fit for GrayMatter's Innovation Chapter

Genovesi's background aligns seamlessly with GrayMatter's mission to modernize and digitize industrial operations. His experience spans enterprise software strategy, go-to-market excellence and large-scale, digital execution, which are core areas fueling GrayMatter's next stage of growth.

"John and I go back many years, and I've always admired the way he blends strategy and deep technical understanding," said Paul Galeski, CEO and executive chairman of GrayMatter. "He has this rare ability to help organizations see what's possible, and then actually make it happen. Bringing him onto the GrayMatter Board isn't just a strategic decision; it's a personal privilege. He's someone I trust, respect, and genuinely enjoy partnering with."

GrayMatter investment partner Tailwind Capital emphasized the value of Genovesi's industry perspective and leadership.

"John's track record of scaling complex technology businesses is unmatched," said Tailwind Partner Andrew Mayer. "His insights will play an important role as GrayMatter continues expanding its intelligent operations platform and delivering new value to customers."

Genovesi on Joining the GrayMatter Board

"I'm excited to join the GrayMatter board and reconnect with Paul and the team during such a high momentum phase," Genovesi said. "GrayMatter has always been a true Thinkers and Doers organization, one that listens carefully to operators, applies experience with humility, and focuses relentlessly on outcomes. I look forward to supporting the mission and helping drive what comes next."

About GrayMatter

At GrayMatter, smart thinking meets decisive doing. We’re the Thinkers and Doers who transform industrial operations into clarity, uncovering intelligence hidden in clipboards, legacy systems, and human memory. We partner with driven clients to deliver outcomes that matter — fueled by curiosity, grounded in community, and committed to shared success. From the plant floor to the boardroom, we help organizations think smarter and do better — by listening to the machines they already trust. For more information, visit graymattersystems.com.

Media Contact

Jeremy Boren
jboren@graymattersystems.com
+1 877-741-2410

Immigrant Invest has issued a statement clarifying Malta's investor migration framework after the country revised its citizenship legislation and discontinued its citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment route in 2025. The company outlined what the reform means in practice, which legal pathways remain available, and how high-net-worth individuals should reassess their long-term planning under the updated rules.

Legal Context and Implications for Applicants

In April 2025, Malta discontinued its citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment, which had allowed applicants to obtain citizenship after making an economic contribution and completing a residence period of 1 or 3 years.

The move followed increased scrutiny at the European Union level and broader discussions about whether investor citizenship schemes align with EU law and principles. European institutions questioned the link between financial investment and access to EU citizenship rights.

"Citizenship and residency frameworks operate within national law, and governments may amend or discontinue them," said Vladlena Baranova, head of legal and AML compliance at Immigrant Invest. "Such changes affect eligibility criteria and timelines, influencing long-term planning for high-net-worth individuals."

Lawful Residence Alternatives

Although the citizenship route was discontinued, Malta continues to operate residence-based frameworks and allows citizenship by merit under national law. These pathways remain available to qualified applicants, subject to specific legal requirements.

• Permanent Residence Option: The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, allows non-EU nationals to live in Malta indefinitely but does not impose residency requirements to maintain the status. The required investment starts at €169,000. The MPRP does not grant citizenship later, but it offers long-term stability in Malta and access to the Schengen Area for travel.
• Tax Residence Framework: The Malta Global Residence Programme, or MGRP, is structured differently. It focuses on obtaining tax residence status and requires the payment of an annual tax of €15,000 or more. In addition, applicants make investments which, combined with the tax payment, amount to approximately €30,000. The MGRP suits individuals who divide their time between jurisdictions and prioritise tax residence rather than permanent settlement.
• Merit-Based Citizenship: In addition to residence routes, Malta maintains a citizenship framework based on merit. This pathway is discretionary and reserved for individuals who demonstrate an outstanding contribution or service to the country in areas such as innovation, culture, or the public interest. Malta citizenship by merit is not a programme and should not be viewed as a replacement for the former framework.

"Permanent residence, tax residence, and merit-based citizenship serve different purposes and lead to different legal outcomes," added Baranova. "Understanding these differences helps investors align their objectives with the appropriate legal status."

About Immigrant Invest

Immigrant Invest is an investment migration consultancy advising high-net-worth individuals in accordance with applicable national laws. The company provides guidance on residence and citizenship options across Europe and follows a compliance-first approach. The legal team monitors legislative and regulatory updates to ensure clients receive accurate and up-to-date information. For more information, visit imin-malta.com.

Media Contact

Vladlena Baranova
digital@immigrantinvest.com
+356 2033 0178

A striking waterfront residence inside the exclusive Wild Dunes community is bringing together two of Charleston’s most coveted coastal lifestyles — deepwater Intracoastal boating and walkable ocean access. Located at 27 Waterway Island Drive, the home sits along one of the most desirable stretches of Isle of Palms, where panoramic waterway views, dock access, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean create a rare combination seldom available in Charleston real estate.

Positioned along the Intracoastal Waterway, the residence was designed with an inverted floor plan, placing the main living areas and primary suite on the upper level to capture sweeping water views and coastal light throughout the day. Expansive windows and multiple levels of porches frame the surrounding marsh and waterway landscape, while the home’s elevated design enhances privacy and maximizes views across the water.

Listing agent Bryan Crabtree describes Isle of Palms — and particularly Wild Dunes — as one of the most distinctive coastal environments in the region.

“Isle of Palms has always been one of the most special coastal communities in Charleston, but Wild Dunes offers something even more unique — a balance of privacy, resort amenities, and natural beauty that is increasingly difficult to find anywhere on the East Coast,” Crabtree said.

The property’s outdoor living spaces are designed to fully embrace the Lowcountry waterfront lifestyle. Just beyond the home, a sparkling in-ground pool and spa overlook the Intracoastal Waterway, creating a private retreat for entertaining or relaxing while watching boats pass along the waterway. Mature coastal landscaping and elevated terraces provide both privacy and expansive sightlines across the water.

Beyond the pool deck, a deepwater dock with boat lift extends into the Intracoastal, offering immediate access to boating, fishing, and exploring the surrounding waterways. From here, owners can easily navigate north toward Bulls Bay and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge or south toward Charleston Harbor.

According to Crabtree, the ability to combine boating access with proximity to the ocean is exceptionally rare in Charleston.

“Homes that are just steps from the Atlantic Ocean are rare enough, but when you combine that with a private deepwater dock on the Intracoastal Waterway, you’re talking about a location that almost never becomes available. Buyers are essentially getting two waterfront lifestyles in one property,” he said.

The home itself offers spacious interiors designed for both everyday living and entertaining. A welcoming entry opens into warm coastal interiors with hardwood floors, custom millwork, and large windows that bring the surrounding landscape inside. The main living level features generous gathering spaces oriented toward the water, creating a natural connection between indoor living and the surrounding coastal environment.

Flanking the main living areas are two identical oversized office suites overlooking the water, versatile spaces that could easily function as reading rooms, sunrooms, creative studios, or plant-filled retreats — each capturing expansive water views.

Additional features throughout the home include a three-stop elevator serving all levels, a 5.5-car garage with tandem bays, a fully conditioned workshop, and a spacious conditioned cedar closet designed for off-season wardrobe storage. These rarely found amenities add both practicality and luxury to the home’s coastal design.

Yet what ultimately defines the property is its setting within Wild Dunes and its relationship to the surrounding natural environment. From the home, residents can easily walk to the Atlantic shoreline, enjoying miles of beach just moments away.

“For many Charleston buyers, the ultimate coastal location is the ability to walk to the beach while keeping a boat behind the house. Properties that offer both are extraordinarily limited, which is why homes like this tend to be held for generations,” Crabtree explained.

Wild Dunes itself remains one of the Lowcountry’s premier resort communities, offering championship golf courses, tennis facilities, private beach access, and miles of scenic walking and biking trails. At the same time, the community maintains a sense of quiet seclusion — an increasingly rare quality along the rapidly growing South Carolina coast.

For Crabtree, the home captures the essence of Charleston coastal living.

“This home captures everything people dream about when they think of Charleston coastal living — boating at sunset, quiet mornings overlooking the waterway, and the ocean just a short walk away. It’s a lifestyle that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate anywhere along the Southeast coast,” he said.

With its combination of deepwater access, ocean proximity, expansive outdoor living, and thoughtfully designed interiors, 27 Waterway Island Drive represents one of the most compelling waterfront opportunities currently available on Isle of Palms.

About Bryan Crabtree Real Estate

Bryan Crabtree is a Charleston, South Carolina real estate broker and Realtor® with Indigo Oak | Christie’s International Real Estate, serving Charleston and Mount Pleasant. He specializes in luxury homes, historic properties, golf communities, and waterfront real estate across the Lowcountry. Crabtree works with both local and relocating buyers and sellers. For more information, visit www.therealestateexperts.com.

Disclaimer

Real estate services provided by Bryan Crabtree, realtor and real estate broker with Indigo Oak | Christie’s International Real Estate, Charleston, South Carolina. This release is for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation where prohibited by law.

Media Contact

Bryan Crabtree
Real Estate Broker, IndigoOak | Christie's International Real Estate
bcrabtreeiphone@gmail.com
+1 843-343-4141

Bank of the Lowcountry welcomes Tracy L. Searson as the newest member of their Charleston team. Tracy has joined the Ravenel branch as the company’s newest vice president and commercial relationship manager.

Chase Talbert, executive vice president and market president for Charleston, is “excited to welcome Tracy to the team as we expand our presence in the Ravenel Market.” He noted that “with her deep roots in the community and 30-plus years of banking experience, Tracy brings valuable insight and leadership. Her arrival comes after the Ravenel branch’s renovation, strengthening the bank’s commitment to serving the growing community."

“I am grateful for the opportunity to assist the St. Paul’s community and support their financial needs,” added Tracy. “I look forward to making a positive impact on Bank of the Lowcountry’s team, its clients, and our community.”  

As the company’s second location, the Ravenel branch of Bank of the Lowcountry has been serving its community and neighbors for over 25 years. With the building’s new renovation and Tracy’s addition to the team, Bank of the Lowcountry is reinforcing its commitment to provide excellent, responsive service to the Ravenel community and the surrounding area. From deposit accounts to loan products, Tracy and the rest of the Ravenel team are determined to meet the needs of the community as growth and development continue to bloom in the lowcountry.

About Bank of the Lowcountry

Based in Walterboro, Bank of the Lowcountry provides a variety of traditional and online banking solutions to meet the needs of customers throughout the Lowcountry. Find out more at BankLowcountry.com and follow Bank of the Lowcountry on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Samantha Murdaugh
communication@banklowcountry.com

Andreozzi + Foote, together with Florida-based co-counsel Horowitz Law, has filed a civil lawsuit in the Circuit Court of the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Highlands County on behalf of five women who allege they were sexually assaulted at a Sebring healthcare practice operated by physician Dr. Jorge Zeledon.

Since August 2025, authorities have filed multiple criminal charges against Dr. Zeledon in separate cases involving allegations from more than a dozen individuals. Those criminal proceedings are separate from this civil lawsuit, which involves allegations brought by five women and examines whether responsible parties failed to protect patients.

The lawsuit names Kidney and Internal Medicine Specialist of Central Florida, Jorge I. Zeledon, MD, PA, and Marta E. Arango-Zeledon, his wife, as defendants. Jorge I. Zeledon, MD, PA is a professional association through which Dr. Zeledon operated his medical practice. The lawsuit alleges that these entities breached their duty of care to the plaintiffs by ultimately failing to protect them from sexual battery by Dr. Zeledon.

According to the complaint, four of the plaintiffs, identified by pseudonyms to protect their privacy, allege they were subjected to medically unnecessary and non-consensual sexual touching by the physician during routine examinations at the practice located at 6801 Highway 27 North, Suite C3, in Sebring, Florida.

One plaintiff alleges that once, while she accompanied her father to his appointments with Dr. Zeledon, the doctor put her hand on her back and then buttocks. According to the suit, she did not allow her father to see him again, fearing she would be groped at future appointments.

Several plaintiffs allege repeated incidents occurring across multiple appointments; one alleges inappropriate touching spanning from August 2019 to November 2023. According to the lawsuit, this sexual misconduct did not arise from any diagnosis or treatment.

The complaint further alleges that Dr. Zeledon engaged in similar unwanted sexual conduct with other female patients. It also alleges that his wife, who worked for the practice, knew or should have known that he was unfit to continue treating patients and failed to intervene, report the conduct, or protect patients, despite being directly informed of sexual assault and harassment allegations before the plaintiffs’ abuse ended.

Civil Lawsuit Alleges Liability

The lawsuit asserts claims of vicarious liability and direct liability against Kidney and Internal Medicine Specialist of Central Florida and Jorge I. Zeledon, MD, PA, alleging the entities are legally responsible for misconduct that occurred within the scope of the physician’s role at the practice and that, because of his role as a managing partner, Dr. Zeledon’s actions are indistinguishable from those of the practice.

In addition, the lawsuit brings a claim for negligent retention and supervision against the practice entities and Marta E. Arango-Zeledon, the wife of Dr. Zeledon. The defendants owed the patients a duty of reasonable care, and they knew, or should have known, that Zeledon was unfit, dangerous, and a threat to the safety and welfare of women entrusted to him for medical services, according to the suit.

The complaint further alleges that there were multiple prior complaints of sexual misconduct involving Dr. Zeledon, including reports made to law enforcement and/or the Florida Department of Health.

Due to their psychological, emotional, and physical injuries resulting from the alleged misconduct, plaintiffs seek compensatory damages. They are also requesting a jury trial.

“Patients place immense trust in the physicians who treat them,” Benjamin Andreozzi, partner, Andreozzi + Foote, said. “This lawsuit alleges that Dr. Zeledon abused that trust and used his position within his own medical practice to harm patients. Civil litigation provides a way to examine his conduct and pursue accountability.”

Attorneys representing the women believe additional individuals have experienced similar conduct and encourage anyone with information or concerns to come forward. Individuals seeking a free and confidential consultation may contact Andreozzi + Foote at info@vca.law.

About Andreozzi + Foote

Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading sexual abuse law firms with a history of representing survivors in cases against large and powerful organizations including Penn State University, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Catholic Church. The trauma-informed Pennsylvania-based sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote are committed to obtaining life-changing results for victims and their families. Managing Partner Ben Andreozzi hosts "Justice Interrupted," a podcast that gives survivors of child abuse and their advocates a national platform. For more information, visit www.victimscivilattorneys.com.

Media Contact

Maria Smith
Andreozzi + Foote
marias@vca.law
+1 717-807-5808

Great Lakes Engineering Group celebrated over two decades of bridge infrastructure services, reflecting on its growth while advocating for safer bridges nationwide. Founder and President Amy Trahey, P.E., reflected on the milestone to highlight the growing urgency of strengthening bridge safety and infrastructure planning across the United States.

America’s infrastructure is aging faster than it is being renewed, a reality that civil engineers have been documenting for years. According to an article published in The New York Times, the average bridge is over 40 years old, and about 42,000 of them are structurally deficient. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association has similarly reported that roughly one in three U.S. bridges requires repair and replacement. Trahey insists that these figures are a reflection of the mounting exposure to risk across transportation networks that millions rely on daily.

Great Lakes Engineering Group works within that pressure point. The Michigan-based firm specializes in bridge design, structural inspections, underwater engineering, and complex infrastructure evaluations. Trahey believes the industry’s core challenge lies in sustained prioritization.

“We have been putting duct tape on structural problems for decades,” she says. “If the deck is failing, if corrosion is reducing load capacity, if joints are compromised, you address the root cause. You don’t patch it and defer the real solution to the next funding cycle.”

Trahey believes fragmented funding models contribute significantly to the problem. She points out that transportation funds are often drawn from gas taxes, general funds, and periodic allocations. In her view, this could create uncertainty that makes long-term capital planning difficult. Furthermore, Trahey has observed that when it comes to funding allocation, infrastructure often gets treated as a line item rather than a foundational system.

“Everyone wants strong schools, reliable healthcare, and emergency services, and those are essential,” she says. “But infrastructure connects all of it. Close one bridge, and a 10-minute commute becomes a 40-minute detour. School buses would reroute, emergency response times might stretch, and communities would feel it immediately.”

With that complexity in mind, Trahey highlights that the consequences of postponed maintenance can compound over time. She points to a condition-rating framework often prevalent within agencies, which categorizes structures as good, fair, or poor. Without sustained intervention, she insists, fair structures can slide into poor condition while previously sound assets deteriorate. “By the time you fix the worst structures, the next tier has already declined. It becomes a cycle that is financially and operationally exhausting,” she explains.

The Federal Highway Administration has reported that preventive maintenance can be a cost-effective means of extending the service life of bridges, reinforcing Trahey’s argument that early investment can yield measurable long-term savings. She believes lifecycle cost analysis should guide decision-making more consistently than short-term budget relief. “If you were building your own home, you would design the foundation correctly, inspect it, and use quality materials,” she says. “Infrastructure deserves that same dedication because families are traveling over it every day.”

Safety concerns extend beyond the traveling public to the workers who maintain these systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports thousands of work zone injuries annually, a figure that underscores the risk faced by inspectors and construction workers. Trahey believes stronger protective measures and clearer accountability are imperative. As Trahey shares, “Construction professionals deserve more than minimal barriers and hope. If enhanced protective systems reduce exposure to traffic hazards, they should be prioritized. Accountability cannot wait for tragedy.”

Trahey also highlights workforce capacity as another structural challenge, even in the availability of funding. She argues that experienced engineers and certified inspectors aren’t domestically available in large numbers, and reliance on outsourcing complex structural analysis abroad may introduce inconsistencies in standards and oversight. “You should trust technical advisors who understand the regulatory environment and who live with the consequences of their work,” she says.

To address systemic gaps, Trahey supports dedicated transportation funding, expanded public-private partnerships, and user-fee models such as tolls that align infrastructure usage with revenue generation. She believes stable funding enables agencies to plan proactively. “There has to be an injection of sustained investment. You cannot design, inspect, and rehabilitate critical infrastructure on uncertainty,” she says.

Civil engineering, she notes, has always evolved in response to lessons learned. Within that context, she believes the next phase must strengthen regulatory and financial frameworks with equal emphasis. While temporary solutions may ease immediate budget pressures, Trahey argues that they shift greater costs to the future and, in doing so, jeopardize long-term safety. That precariousness, in her view, needs to be addressed with sustained investment and effective leadership willing to treat infrastructure as essential, not optional.

“No one should question whether a bridge is safe when they cross it,” she says. “If we are doing our job correctly, the public never has to think about their safety being at risk every time they drive over a bridge.”

About Great Lakes Engineering Group

Great Lakes Engineering Group (GL Engineering) is a civil and structural engineering firm specializing in bridge-related infrastructure services. Founded by Amy Trahey, P.E. in 2000, the company provides bridge design, inspection and scoping, underwater inspections, and construction engineering services for public agencies and private clients. The firm has worked on projects at the state, county, and municipal levels, supporting the planning, evaluation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure. GL Engineering emphasizes technical quality, professional development, and innovative problem solving to deliver efficient, cost-effective engineering solutions. For more information, visit glengineering.com.

Media Contact

Amy Trahey
info@glengineering.com

Gene Saunders, founder and chief executive officer of Project Lifesaver International, has been named one of CIO Today’s "Top 5 Most Influential Business Visionaries to Follow in 2026." The recognition highlights his leadership in public safety innovation and his role in transforming search-and-rescue operations through technology-driven solutions.

Recognition for Public Safety Innovation

The honor underscores Mr. Saunders’ decades-long commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism and Down syndrome. Through Project Lifesaver International, he has helped build a structured, technology-supported model that equips first responders with tools, training and protocols designed to locate missing individuals quickly and safely.

A Career in Public Service

Mr. Saunders’ career in public service began in 1963, when he entered the U.S. Army after graduating from Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia. He later served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne and continued his military leadership through the National Guard, the Civil Air Patrol and the Virginia State Guard.

In 1968, Mr. Saunders joined the Chesapeake Police Department, where he rose to the rank of captain. He founded and commanded the department’s SWAT team for 23 years, leading more than 800 missions and overseeing specialized operations across multiple units.

The Development of Project Lifesaver

The turning point in Mr. Saunders’ career came from frustration during search-and-rescue missions involving missing individuals with cognitive impairments. He witnessed the emotional toll on families when searches ended in tragedy.

Determined to find a better solution, Mr. Saunders studied wildlife radio-tracking technology and adapted it for human use. In 1997, he developed the concept that became Project Lifesaver. By 1999, the program was established within the sheriff’s office, and in 2001, he retired from law enforcement to dedicate himself fully to expanding the initiative.

A Structured, Technology-Based Model

Project Lifesaver introduced a proactive system that combines radio frequency transmitters with specialized training for public safety agencies. Instead of relying solely on large-scale search operations, trained teams can deploy targeted tracking methods to significantly reduce search time and crew requirements.

Mr. Saunders has long emphasized practical efficiency and has noted that traditional searches for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can last many hours and require extensive personnel. At the same time, a properly implemented tracking program can reduce both time and cost.

Leadership and Ongoing Impact

Under Mr. Saunders’ leadership, Project Lifesaver has expanded internationally, supporting member agencies across the United States and abroad. The organization focuses on accountability, continuous training and measurable results. He often shares a simple leadership principle: “You’re only as good as your last operation.” He encourages agencies and leaders to remain disciplined, stay calm in crises and continue refining their methods.

CIO Today’s recognition highlights not only technological innovation but also sustained humanitarian impact. Mr. Saunders leads a nonprofit organization and has consistently stated that his mission is service-driven rather than profit-focused. His work reflects a career defined by operational excellence, community collaboration and persistence.

Mr. Saunders remains active in national search-and-rescue organizations and serves on the board of trustees of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. He continues to speak at universities and public safety forums, advocating for improved preparedness and the integration of technology.

About Project Lifesaver

Founded in 1999, Project Lifesaver is a public safety nonprofit focused on helping protect and locate individuals with cognitive conditions who are at risk of wandering. The program provides law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams with specialized tracking technology, training and response protocols to improve recovery results. Today, Project Lifesaver supports agencies across the country and worldwide, helping to bring vulnerable individuals home. For more information, visit projectlifesaver.org.

About Marquis Who’s Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com. 

Media Contact

Project Lifesaver International
saunders@projectlifesaver.org
+1 877-580-5433

Coupang, a U.S.-based technology leader in digital services, has been named to LexisNexis’s 2026 Top 100 list of global innovators for the second year in a row. The LexisNexis list was included in the firm’s report, published today, “Innovation Momentum 2026: The Global Top 100.”

According to LexisNexis, inclusion on the Top 100 list reflects the measurable improvement in Coupang’s patent portfolio over the past two years, and appearing on the list for two years in a row highlights the company's growing innovation momentum.

The Top 100 Global Innovators are identified by LexisNexis through an extensive analysis of the quantifiable improvement of each company’s patent portfolio over the prior two years, using the Innovation Momentum methodology adapted from the Patent Asset Index.

“We’re honored by this recognition, which reflects our efforts in advancing innovative technologies to redefine the future of commerce and expand the global reach of U.S. exports to new customers in new markets,” said Coupang Chief Global Affairs Officer Robert Porter. “We’re proud of our many employee inventors who are driving innovations that allow Coupang to serve our international customers with excellence and collaborate more closely with our selling partners.”

Coupang’s innovation program has been steadily growing in recent years, resulting in notable growth across the company’s patent program:

• The cumulative number of patents issued to Coupang worldwide has risen from 91 in 2015 to 3,919 in 2025, an average annual growth rate of 45%.
• Coupang has been issued 354 patents in the U.S. alone.
• From 2024 to 2025, Coupang was issued 933 patents in South Korea.
• Since 2021, Taiwan has issued 1,132 patents to Coupang.
• The number of employee inventors named in Coupang patent filings reached an all-time high of 736 in 2025.

"Coupang's second consecutive appearance on the Top 100 Global Innovators list reflects a patent portfolio that encompasses breadth across technologies and depth in quality,” said Marco Richter, Senior Director of IP Analytics and Strategy for LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions. “Coupang's patent assets show that the company prioritizes intellectual property as a core strategic driver in the business, an approach which pays dividends in strengthening the business for continued success."

Coupang employee inventors — and their inventions — are well-distributed across the company’s businesses and functions, including Global Operations, eCommerce Engineering, Ads & Marketplace, Customer Experience and Retail. For example:

• In Coupang’s retail business, machine learning enables systems to continuously analyze real-time purchase trends and intelligently manage the distribution and inventory of millions of products across the company’s network of fulfillment centers.
• For Coupang’s video streaming service, Coupang Play, the company developed a smart gateway system that monitors server loads and speeds in real-time, dynamically directing each video segment to stream from the most optimal server to enable more users to enjoy crisp, smooth video delivery even during peak traffic periods.
• For Coupang Eats, the company’s food delivery service, the company developed a system that intelligently adjusts the "recommended prep time" for restaurant orders by applying machine learning to each restaurant's real-time workload and operating mode. By sharing accurate timing for each order, the system minimizes driver wait times and ensures customers receive their food while it's still at its freshest and best.

Coupang has invested billions of dollars into building its end-to-end logistics infrastructure, which integrates cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence and custom robotics. With technology underpinning every aspect of its global business, Coupang provides unmatched delivery speed and service quality to customers in the U.S. and 190 countries and regions around the world and exported more than $5 billion in U.S. goods and services in 2025.

In addition to this recognition from LexisNexis, Coupang recently earned second place on Fast Company’s list of the world’s most innovative companies in the Retail category in 2025.

About Coupang

Coupang is a technology and Fortune 150 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CPNG) that provides retail, restaurant delivery, video streaming and fintech services to customers around the world under the brands that include Coupang, Eats, Play, Rocket Now and FarFetch. For more information, visit www.aboutcoupang.com.

About LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions

LexisNexis® Intellectual Property Solutions brings clarity to innovation for businesses worldwide. We enable innovators to accomplish more by helping them make informed decisions, be more productive, comply with regulations, and ultimately achieve a competitive advantage for their business. Our suite of search, workflow, and analytics solutions enables companies to be more efficient and effective at bringing meaningful innovations to our world. We are proud to directly support and serve these innovators in their endeavors to better humankind. For more information, visit www.lexisnexisip.com.

Media Contact

Marisa Lee
press@coupang.com

Riyadh concluded the activities of Riyadh International Disputes Week 2026 (RIDW26), held from February 1 to 5, with high-level participation from government and judicial leaders, judges, legal and arbitration experts, and business leaders from around the world.

The conference discussed the theme “Predictable Dispute Resolution in Uncertain Times” through several tracks addressing the role of strong governance, legal clarity, and effective dispute resolution in building trust and stability. The week featured an intensive scientific program that included opening and keynote speeches, as well as five specialized panel discussions focusing on developing the dispute resolution industry and exploring its global growth prospects.

One of the week’s most prominent events was the Arab Judicial Forum on the New York Convention, which brought together 50 judges from 22 Arab countries and 20 international experts in commercial arbitration. The forum examined challenges related to the application of the 1958 New York Convention, the scope of judicial oversight of arbitral awards, and the interpretation of public policy as a ground for refusing enforcement, in addition to reviewing comparative judicial precedents.

The forum was organized by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the League of Arab States, and the Arab Center for Legal and Judicial Research and Studies. Its sessions contributed to deepening shared understanding of arbitration award enforcement mechanisms and enhancing the predictability of judicial rulings, positively impacting the stability of commercial transactions, attracting investment, and strengthening institutional integration between the national judiciary and the arbitration system.

As part of investing in young legal talent and building future arbitrators, the seventh edition of the International Commercial Arbitration Moot concluded, with wide participation from student teams representing colleges of Sharia, law, and legal studies from 25 countries. Over a nine-month journey, participants gained practical experience in international commercial arbitration, including drafting legal memoranda and conducting oral pleadings in a simulated case under the supervision of a select group of international arbitrators and experts.

The week witnessed the organization of an international forum marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), highlighting the depth of the Kingdom’s partnership with international organizations and showcasing UNCITRAL’s role in unifying international trade law and supporting global investment stability, while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s position as a trusted host for major international legal events.

RIDW26 recorded strong organizational momentum and broad participation, with 95 live events organized by 74 host entities, involving 59 member organizations and institutions, and supported by 18 sponsors. A total of 380 speakers participated in the week’s activities.

More than 8,300 active accounts were created on the week's platform, while on-site attendance exceeded 6,100 participants representing 104 nationalities, reflecting the growing international character of the event and its standing as a global forum for dialogue on dispute resolution.

Participants affirmed the importance of sustaining this professional momentum and strengthening partnership between the national judiciary and the arbitration system, commending the Kingdom’s success in bringing together a diverse international gathering and in consolidating Riyadh’s position as a leading regional and global hub for legal dialogue and the future of commercial justice.

About Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)

Established by Saudi Cabinet Decree in 2014, the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration is an independent, non-profit organization providing arbitration and mediation services in line with international standards. Headquartered in Riyadh, SCCA manages domestic and cross-border commercial disputes, offering modern procedural rules and institutional support. Its mission is to ensure efficient, neutral, and enforceable dispute resolution that fosters business confidence and legal certainty in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. For more information, visit sadr.org.

Markets.xyz, the 24/7/365 multi-asset trading platform, today announced that its perpetual oil market served as a live price discovery venue during Saturday's escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, a period during which traditional commodity exchanges were closed and retail and institutional traders globally had no access to legacy markets.

As news of the conflict broke over the weekend of February 28, 2026, traders on Markets.xyz actively priced the macro event in real time through the platform's $USOIL perpetual listing, with notable activity also recorded across its Gold and Silver perpetual markets. The episode drew coverage from Bloomberg, which highlighted how 24/7 perpetual commodity markets on platforms including Markets.xyz responded to the Iran risk while Wall Street remained offline. Oil, Gold, and Silver collectively drove approximately 47% of platform volume on March 1 as traders sought real-time exposure to geopolitical risk.

Markets.xyz is currently the only platform where traders can access oil markets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, entirely onchain, removing the intermediaries, geographic restrictions, and business-hour limitations that have historically defined commodity trading. The platform's commodity pricing is powered by a partnership with Kaiko, a regulated market data provider, delivering institutional-grade reference prices in a continuous, non-custodial environment.

"Traditional market infrastructure was built for a world where geopolitical risk politely waited until Monday morning," said Justin Greenberg, co-founder and CTO of Markets.xyz. "That world no longer exists. This weekend is yet another example of the real and growing demand for continuous price discovery in macro assets, and that the infrastructure to meet those demands now exists."

The event highlights a structural gap in legacy financial markets: when global events break on a Friday evening or Saturday morning, retail traders and even sophisticated participants have no mechanism to hedge or express a view until exchanges reopen. Markets.xyz was designed specifically to eliminate that gap, providing a borderless and brokerless environment where geopolitical, macroeconomic, and commodity risk can be traded around the clock.

Founded in Singapore in 2025, Markets.xyz provides access to equities, indices, commodities, rates, and additional financial instruments from a single interface, with infrastructure built to serve both retail and professional traders.

About Markets.xyz

Created by Kinetiq, Markets.xyz is a cutting-edge trading platform providing traders with 24/7/365 access to a wide range of financial instruments including equities, indexes, commodities, rates, and more. Built on Hyperliquid, the platform is designed to give both retail and professional traders seamless, around-the-clock access to global markets from a single non-custodial interface — meaning you retain 100% control over your assets at all times. Markets.xyz is committed to breaking down the barriers of traditional market hours, empowering traders to capitalize on opportunities whenever they arise. Learn more at markets.xyz and follow on X.

Media Contact

Justin Greenberg
justin@kinetiq.xyz

BrYet US, Inc. (“BrYet”) — a biotechnology innovator focused on developing curative therapies for advanced cancers — announced today that it has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead drug, ML-016. Upon approval, the IND will support the expansion of BrYet's ML-016 clinical program with additional trials in the United States.

“Submitting our first IND application is a major step forward for BrYet, bringing us closer to delivering new therapeutic options for advanced cancer patients worldwide,” said Dr. Mauro Ferrari, president and CEO of BrYet. “This milestone reflects decades of scientific research behind our unique approach to treating cancer, based on our proprietary platform for targeting phenotypes.”

Last year, BrYet received Australian approval to begin its first-in-human clinical study of ML-016. The broadly scoped Phase I/II trial will enroll patients with any primary or metastatic cancer involving the lungs or liver, with the first patient dose expected to be administered in the second quarter of 2026. The U.S. IND will expand the clinical program with a focus on specific indications.

ML-016 has shown strong therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models, achieving long-term survival in about 50% of test animalsin multiple metastatic tumor models. GLP preclinical data reconfirmed the strong safety profile of ML-016 and BrYet's platform for targeting phenotypes.

About ML-016

ML-016 is comprised of an amino acid polymer conjugated to doxorubicin with a formulation that includes BrYet's proprietary Si-PlateloidTM technology, designed to target the vascular endothelium of blood vessels in the tumor microenvironment. The amino acid-drug conjugate is released into the tumor, where it forms exosome-like vesicles. 

These “exosomoids” are designed to be preferentially taken up by cancer cells including those that have previously been resistant to therapy. Through the mechanisms of cellular trafficking, the exosomoid vesicles are intended to be transported to late-stage endosomes and lysosomes, where the increased acidity releases the cytotoxic agent into the cell nucleus.

About BrYet

BrYet is a privately held biotechnology company developing potentially first-in-class therapies for patients suffering from cancers for which there is no current curative treatment. BrYet’s lead asset, ML-016, is being developed for cancers of the lungs and liver, including advanced primary malignancies and metastatic spread from primary cancer that originates in other organs or tissue of the body. The company’s fundamental belief is that upon localization in the lungs and liver, these cancers acquire molecular transport phenotypes that are conserved regardless of site of origin and are largely independent of molecular mutations and their continued evolution. BrYet designs multi-component new chemical entities and formulations, which are directed against the fundamental aspects of these cancer-associated, organ-specific transport phenotypes. The company’s proprietary platforms include the Si-PlateloidTM  and the mathematical formalism for designing the multi-component drugs, termed Transport Oncophysics. BrYet believes that similar approaches may provide advances against other forms of presently incurable cancers, as well as other pathologies of the lungs and liver. For more information visit bryetpharma.com.

Safe-Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning BrYet and its business. These statements are based on the beliefs of, assumptions made by, and information currently available to the company’s management. When used in this document, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “believes,” “plans,” “predicts,” “should,” “could,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from expectations. Factors that could contribute to these differences include the results of studies and clinical trials, regulatory approvals, challenges in clinical trials, the ability to retain employees, research and development expenses, reliance on third parties, intellectual property issues, competition, future funding needs, economic conditions, and other industry-specific risks. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, which are current as of the date of this press release. BrYet does not plan to update these statements unless legally required.

Media and Investor Contact

BrYet US, Inc.
2450 Holcombe Blvd., Suite 1520, Houston, TX 77021, USA
info@bryetpharma.com

Botanic Tonics has been named to Bain & Company’s 2026 Insurgent Brands list, marking the company’s third consecutive year earning this distinction. The annual list is a closely watched benchmark in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, recognizing high-growth U.S. consumer brands that are driving disproportionate category growth and outpacing traditional competitors in both innovation and sales.

Category Creators: How Botanic Tonics Redefined Energy and Supplements

Founded in 2020, Botanic Tonics has grown from a regional startup into a nationally recognized brand competing alongside — and outperforming — legacy energy drink and supplement brands across key retail channels.

Drawing on noble kava root’s centuries of traditional use and pairing it with botanicals like natural kratom leaf and yerba maté — with no synthetic ingredients, no alcohol, and no chemical extracts — Botanic Tonics speaks to a growing consumer demand for functional energy offerings, botanical pairings, and alternatives to high-caffeine, synthetic energy drinks.

“Achieving a three-peat on Bain’s Insurgent Brands list reinforces what we’ve believed from day one: consumers are ready for a shift in the energy and supplement category,” said Cameron Korehbandi, CEO of Botanic Tonics. “For decades, innovation centered on sugar substitutes, fictitious flavors, escalating caffeine levels and synthetic coloring. We took a different path: harnessing botanical formulations rooted in tradition to deliver functional energy and focus without compromise. We’re not chasing flavor trends or quick fixes: Botanic Tonics is building and leading a new category grounded in premium botanical supplements that come from nature.”

Botanic Tonics’ flagship tonic, feel free CLASSIC, earned the No. 1 position at a leading national convenience retailer, reflecting strong consumer demand for natural, botanical energy alternatives. Botanic Tonics also expanded consumer access to Kava Maté through Amazon Prime, bringing the pairing of noble kava root and yerba maté — in a convenient 2-ounce bottle — to a national audience.

All Botanic Tonics products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified, and Kosher-certified facility and undergo multiple quality and safety tests for consistency and compliance. Botanic Tonics continues to lead the energy and supplement category in education and transparency through extensive consumer education.

About Bain & Company’s Insurgent Brands List

Bain & Company defines insurgent brands as those that have generated more than $35 million of annual revenue in Nielsen IQ-tracked channels, have grown more than 10 times their category’s average growth rate over the past five years, and have maintained positive growth over the past two years. To qualify for Bain’s list, insurgent brands must be independent or have been acquired by a large consumer packaged goods company only within the past two years.

“We’ve now seen a decade of sustained momentum from insurgent brands driving exceptional growth and disruptive innovation in the consumer products sector, and this year is no exception,” said Charlotte Apps, executive vice president of Bain’s Consumer Products practice. “Looking ahead, we expect insurgents will continue to outgrow the market as health and wellness trends, retail dynamics, and technology further disrupt the industry.”

About Botanic Tonics

Botanic Tonics is the leader in botanical supplements. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, our feel free® product line harnesses the wisdom of ancient botanical traditions to support energy, focus, and mood. Our flagship product, feel free CLASSIC®, combines noble kava root and natural kratom leaf, in a formulation that contains no synthetic ingredients, alcohol, or chemical extracts and is for responsible consumption for adults 21 years of age and older only. We deliver botanical pairings that deliver sustained, grounded energy without the jitters associated with artificial energy drinks in our newest innovation, Kava Maté. With more than 129 million servings sold, feel free CLASSIC® maintains the strongest safety record of any kratom product on the market, backed by government testing, gold-standard clinical trials, and expert medical review. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and undergo multiple tests for consistency and safety. Botanic Tonics continues to lead the energy and supplement category in education and transparency through extensive consumer education. Learn more at botanictonics.com.

Disclaimer

The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This announcement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Warning: This product contains natural kratom leaf which, like caffeine and alcohol, may be habit-forming and harmful if consumed irresponsibly. Avoid if you have a history of substance abuse. When consumed as recommended, feel free CLASSIC has not been shown to cause any serious physical or social harm.

Caution: Not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21. May interact with certain medications — consult a licensed, qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not consume with excessive alcohol. This product is not intended for those who are sensitive to the active ingredients or women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant.

To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.

Media Contact

Botanic Tonics
media@botanictonics.com

Luxury cruise line provider Explora Journeys has launched a new fleet of ships in 2026. These vessels offer patrons personalized journeys to destinations across the globe, including regions like the Mediterranean and the Amazon, while also providing guests with a list of itineraries to meet their individual tastes.

As one of the newest members of the MSC Group, often regarded as one of the most prestigious and fastest-growing luxury lifestyle travel brands in the industry, Explora Journeys specializes in ultra-luxury cruise lines that cater to higher budgets. The company’s latest line of ships is intended to continue this trend by providing passengers more options for destinations, experiences, and modes of relaxation than standard luxury cruise ships.

The Addition to Ultra-Luxury Class Cruises

Explora Journeys’ new ultra-luxury cruise line adds more variety and options for personalization in 2026’s expanding area of ultra-luxury class cruises. The company’s many offerings for onboard activities, housing, dining, and travel destinations showcase Explora Journeys’ dedication toward creating the “Ocean State of Mind” they continually strive for.

By launching their new vessels and developing accompanying itineraries that leave room for choice, the cruise line marks its place as a notable contender among cruise lines in the same class for 2026.

Explora Journeys aims to have every cruise ease guests into what the company refers to as an “Ocean State of Mind,” a mindset meant to help each traveler leave the stresses of daily life behind so they can pursue adventure while enjoying a sense of ocean wellness. The company’s ultimate goal for every voyage is to provide guests the space and atmosphere they need to make time for genuine, undisturbed contemplation.

Notable Onboard Accommodations and Activities

In an effort to help guests feel at home while at sea, Explora Journeys’ most recent line of vessels includes hundreds of oceanfront suites, penthouses, and other stylized residences that vary in layout to cover many aesthetic preferences; while some suites offer lounge areas and outdoor decks with alfresco dining areas, others are structured to provide terraces and private outdoor whirlpools. Additionally, every room features subtle European stylings and panoramic ocean views.

Dining is meant to offer similarly high standards by way of diversity and quality, with Explora Journeys offering over nine unique culinary experiences inspired by international cuisine and prepared by internationally acclaimed chefs. The new vessels also feature options for in-room dining and hands-on cooking workshops where guests can prepare and cook their own meals with other travelers.

Each voyage on Explora Journeys’ upcoming cruises also offers a variety of facilities and programs hosting activities such as entertainment, shopping, wellness, and relaxation. Services on board include a thermal area, nine treatment rooms, including two VIP Double Spa suites, beauty and fitness services, several onboard bars and lounges with DJs and live music, multiple outdoor and indoor heated pools, and an art and photography gallery.

In addition, services such as transport to and from ports to city centers are included in the booking, allowing each guest to take their time in each destination without logistical hassles.

Prominent Destinations and Itineraries

The most notable addition to Explora Journeys’ new ultra-luxury cruise line is its expanded list of itineraries and destinations, as having more options to choose from allows travelers to more deeply personalize their cruise experience. For example, travelers might decide to include both the Caribbean and the Arctic Circle in their itineraries, meaning they would be able to effectively create their own tour while staying on the same cruise ship.

These new itineraries are also meant to add immersion to every traveler’s journey, with Explora Journeys offering experiences like exploring the local wildlife, sampling local dishes, and learning more about the local culture and its unique history. 

Many of these itineraries purposefully combine popular destinations with lesser-known spots to give guests more time in each location to become more acquainted with their surroundings; a cruise set for Athens, Greece, for instance, might also travel to less familiar Greek locales such as Syros and Corfu to show travelers parts of Greece they may not have seen otherwise. The same could be said for Explora Journeys’ other popular destinations, such as Tokyo, Barcelona, Copenhagen, and Dubai, among others.

About Explora Journeys

Founded by the Aponte family, Explora Journeys was launched in 2021 by MSC Group. The company offers transformative luxury cruise experiences to destinations worldwide, prioritizing culture, well-being, and discovery with each journey. For more information, visit explorajourneys.com/us/en.

About Getfluence

Getfluence is a global marketplace dedicated to sponsored content campaigns. We connect brands and agencies with the most influential digital media, to increase your visibility and awareness. For more information, visit getfluence.com.

Media Contact

Stephane Baron
stephane.baron@getfluence.com

Mercy University has been ranked No. 1 in New York (and No. 11 nationwide) on Newsweek’s inaugural “America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026” list. The recognition comes as Mercy University celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking decades of expanding access to higher education and driving social mobility. Developed in partnership with Gender Fair, the national ranking recognizes institutions that demonstrate measurable progress in advancing women through leadership representation, equitable policies and pay practices, campus safety, and career opportunity.

“This recognition affirms that when you create an environment where women and all students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally, they transform not only their own lives but entire communities," said Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W., president of Mercy University. "The Sisters of Mercy founded this institution with a vision of opening doors that had been closed to too many. That vision remains true today as we continue to create opportunity for all students who walk through our doors.”

Founded in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy, the University has grown into an independent, coeducational institution serving more than 9,000 students across its Westchester, Manhattan, and Bronx campuses. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and the largest private, nonprofit minority-serving institution in New York, Mercy is committed to creating pathways to success for students from all backgrounds.

Mercy’s top ranking reflects its sustained commitment to creating an academic environment where women and all students are positioned to succeed both during their studies and after graduation. The honor adds to the University’s broader recognition for student success and economic mobility, reinforcing its standing as a leader in higher education in New York and nationally. 

The university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy is a top producer of diverse professionals in fields including nursing, education, mental health counseling and business leadership.

“America’s Best Colleges for Women” is a ranking developed by Newsweek in partnership with Gender Fair to highlight institutions that support gender equality and empower women. The methodology is rooted in the Women’s Empowerment Principles and evaluates colleges across four key areas: leadership, pay and policies, safety, and opportunity. 

The ranking identifies colleges that have established the structural elements necessary to foster education and employment for women by drawing on data from the U.S. Department of Education — including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database — as well as additional desk research. Only institutions meeting specific criteria for size and academic roles are included, ensuring the results reflect meaningful progress toward gender equity in higher education.

“Choosing a college is a defining moment for many young women, and it’s about more than academics alone,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, editor-in-chief of Newsweek. “America’s Best Colleges for Women highlights institutions that are making measurable progress in leadership, equity, safety, and opportunity, helping students identify environments where women are supported and positioned to succeed.”

Read the complete list of "America's Best Colleges for Women 2026."

About Mercy University

Mercy University is an independent, coeducational institution serving more than 9,000 students each year across campuses in Westchester, the Bronx, Manhattan, as well as online. It is a federally designated minority-serving institution and the largest private Hispanic-Serving Institution in the state of New York. Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificate programs within six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy was founded in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy whose mission of transformative education remains strong. For more information, visit www.mercy.edu.

Media Contact

Zodet Negrón
Executive Director of Public Relations
znegron@mercy.edu

CapCut, a leading all-in-one video editing platform, today announced the launch of its enhanced AI video maker. CapCut's latest release introduces an "idea-to-video" workflow that eliminates the fragmented processes common in traditional editing. Unlike other tools that require manual assembly across multiple platforms, CapCut’s new AI functions as a true creative partner. Users can now input raw ideas or key talking points, and the AI autonomously structures the brief, writes the script, builds scenes, matches stock media, arranges pacing, and adds professional voiceovers and AI avatars — all in a single click.

"What sets CapCut apart is our commitment to fluid creativity," said a spokesperson for CapCut. "While many AI tools generate a first draft and leave users to start over if something is wrong, CapCut allows for granular control. If a specific clip needs adjustment, you simply edit the corresponding line of script and regenerate that section without touching the rest of the video."

Key Features of the 2026 CapCut AI Video Maker:

• End-to-end automation: Generates a complete, editable video draft from a simple text prompt, including script, scenes, voiceovers, and pacing.
• Script-driven editing: Offers unparalleled precision by allowing users to edit the AI-generated script to instantly modify specific video clips.
• Multi-model support: Integrates the latest advanced AI models to ensure robust and high-quality video generation.
• AI avatars and voiceovers: Features a library of customizable AI avatars and natural-sounding voiceovers to enhance storytelling without on-camera talent.
• Dual-mode flexibility: Provides an intuitive interface for beginners to get started instantly, while offering the full-featured CapCut online editor for professionals seeking deeper control over color grading and effects.

Availability

The new CapCut AI video maker features are available now on both desktop and online platforms. For more information or to start creating, visit www.capcut.com.

About CapCut

CapCut is the premier all-in-one video editing application dedicated to empowering creators worldwide. With a comprehensive suite of editing tools, advanced AI capabilities, a vast library of effects, and user-friendly design, CapCut enables users to tell their stories and create exceptional content effortlessly. For more information, visit www.capcut.com.

Guardhouse, the leading workforce management platform purpose-built for physical security providers, today announced a strategic investment from Sundance Growth, a growth equity firm focused on partnering with mission-critical B2B software companies, to support the company’s continued global expansion and product innovation. Guardhouse enables operators to centralize management of all critical activities in one unified platform, improving administrative bandwidth, operational scalability, and service reliability.

Guardhouse was founded with a clear mission: to modernize an industry that was heavily reliant on manual processes, fragmented systems, and burdened by complex compliance requirements. Many security businesses lack real-time visibility into day-to-day operations, creating inefficiencies and operational risk across the sector.

From the beginning, Guardhouse has taken a product-first approach, building technology specifically designed for the realities of physical security operations. The platform integrates scheduling, GPS-based attendance tracking, compliance automation, subcontractor collaboration, payroll inputs, invoicing, and incident reporting into a single unified workflow. The platform enables security companies to manage complex workforce operations in real time, ensuring the right guard is deployed to the right site with full compliance validation and complete operational visibility.

By automating core workflows and eliminating manual reconciliation, Guardhouse improves operational efficiency, enhances compliance accuracy, and enables security firms to scale efficiently while protecting profit margins. Building on this foundation, Guardhouse remains deeply customer-focused, prioritizing long-term partnerships with security providers to solve their most complex challenges.

“When we started Guardhouse, the physical security industry in Australia was highly inefficient, with significant manual processes and an enormous compliance burden placed on operators,” said Jack Alpe, co-founder and CEO of Guardhouse. “We built Guardhouse to solve those problems with a product-first mindset and an unwavering commitment to our customers. This partnership with Sundance represents the foundation of Guardhouse’s next chapter. It allows us to continue investing heavily in the product, driving innovation, and helping security companies around the world further streamline their operations. Julian and I truly feel like we’re just getting started, and Sundance is the right partner to help us achieve what we set out to build.”

The investment will enable Guardhouse to expand its global footprint while accelerating development of new product capabilities designed to meet the evolving needs of the physical security market.

“We care deeply about this industry and the relationships we’ve built over the past seven years,” said Julian Cartwright, co-founder of Guardhouse. “Guardhouse was built alongside our customers, grounded in a real understanding of the challenges security providers face. With Sundance’s support, we’re excited to strengthen those partnerships and continue investing in innovation for the long term.”

“Physical security providers operate in one of the most complex and fragmented labor environments, where workforce coordination, compliance, and profitability visibility are mission critical," said Christian Stewart, managing partner at Sundance Growth. "Guardhouse has built a purpose-built platform that serves as the operational backbone for security companies, replacing fragmented legacy tools with a single, integrated solution. The company has demonstrated strong growth, exceptional customer retention, and clear product-market fit. We believe Guardhouse is uniquely positioned to become the global category leader in security workforce management, and we are proud to partner with the team as they scale the platform and expand globally.”

As part of the transaction, Peak Technology Partners served as financial advisor to Guardhouse, and K&L Gates acted as legal counsel to Sundance Growth.

About Guardhouse

Guardhouse is a global workforce management and compliance automation platform purpose-built for physical security providers. The cloud-native solution enables security companies to manage guard scheduling, time and attendance, compliance tracking, payroll inputs, invoicing, and incident reporting in a single integrated platform. Guardhouse’s proprietary subcontractor collaboration capabilities enable security firms to coordinate labor across multiple organizations while maintaining full compliance and operational visibility. For more information, visit www.guardhousehq.com.

About Sundance Growth

Founded by Christian Stewart, a former Accel-KKR investor, Sundance Growth is a growth equity firm focused on mission-critical B2B SaaS companies. The firm raised a $125 million debut fund in 2025. Sundance provides founders with flexible capital and hands-on support to grow organically and through strategic M&A. Sundance invests in companies with $3 to $10 million in ARR. For more information, visit www.sundancegrowth.com.

Media Contact

Christian Stewart
Managing Partner, Sundance Growth
cstewart@sundancegrowth.com

Brosix, a team messaging platform designed for small and mid-sized businesses, has launched a new Partner Program that allows consultants, IT advisors, agencies, and business professionals to earn recurring passive income by recommending the platform to organizations that need a simple and reliable internal communication solution.

In many companies, software decisions are influenced less by advertising and more by recommendations from trusted professionals. Consultants, IT specialists, and operations managers often help organizations select the tools their teams rely on every day.

According to a recent survey conducted among Brosix customers, recommendations from colleagues and advisors were among the most common ways companies discovered new business software.

In that survey, recommendations ranked higher than vendor presentations, social media, and industry events as a source of information about new software tools.

The Brosix Partner Program was created to recognize and reward those recommendations. When a company signs up through a partner referral and becomes a paying customer, the partner receives a share of the subscription payments for as long as the customer continues using the service.

Because internal communication platforms typically become part of a team’s daily workflow, companies often continue using them for many years. Some Brosix customers have used the platform for more than a decade, allowing referrals to generate recurring income over long periods of time.

“Many professionals already recommend software tools to their clients and colleagues,” said Stefan Chekanov, co-founder of Brosix. “The Brosix Partner Program simply allows those recommendations to become a long-term recurring passive income stream while helping more teams adopt a communication platform that is easy to use and reliable.”

Brosix helps teams communicate quickly through messaging, file sharing, voice and video calls, and screen sharing within a private team communication environment that can be deployed in minutes without complex infrastructure.

The partner program is particularly suitable for:

• IT consultants and managed service providers
• business and operations advisors
• digital agencies working with small businesses
• software reviewers and bloggers
• existing Brosix customers who recommend the platform

The announcement follows a recent article explaining how software recommendations can gradually grow into passive income for professionals who regularly introduce useful tools to the teams they work with.

Read the article:
www.brosix.com/blog/brosix-partner-program-passive-income/

More information about the partner program is available at:
www.brosix.com/partners/

About Brosix

Brosix is a team communication and internal messaging platform built for companies that value stability, ease of use, and long-term reliability. It helps teams chat, share files, and communicate in real time through a private, secure and easy-to-manage platform that works out of the box, without complex setup or dedicated IT resources. Founded 20 years ago, Brosix is used worldwide by teams across different industries to keep internal communication simple, focused, and dependable. For more information, visit www.brosix.com

Media Contact

Stefan Chekanov
pr@brosix.com

The Pool Boss, widely recognized as the top pool builder in New Jersey for its comprehensive design-build firm model, has been officially recognized as an industry leader on the nationally televised program “World’s Greatest!," airing on Bloomberg Television. Selected for its comprehensive design-build firm model, The Pool Boss was profiled for its ability to execute full installations that account for town regulations, budgets, and unique lifestyles. The segment features high-profile clients Joe and Melissa Gorga, who praised the company’s customer service and punctuality, noting that the team "really shows up" to ensure homeowners maximize their limited summer season.

The Bloomberg feature highlights The Pool Boss’s commitment to a turnkey experience, handling everything from the initial design and construction to weekly valet pool service and warranty repairs. By focusing on serene aesthetic features such as custom waterfalls and sun decks, the company creates tranquil outdoor living spaces where families can come together. Utilizing modern communication tools like automated notifications and technician onsite photos, The Pool Boss provides a transparent, professional experience that has earned its reputation as one of the "world's greatest" in custom pool design and installation.

“We view this recognition as a reflection of our team’s consistent focus on craftsmanship, transparency, and client experience,” said Christopher Argenziano, owner and founder of The Pool Boss. “Our goal has always been to deliver custom pools that combine thoughtful design with dependable construction and clear communication throughout the process.”

The Pool Boss provides custom in-ground pool design, installation, and outdoor living solutions for residential clients throughout Northern and Central New Jersey. The company’s process emphasizes upfront planning, detailed timelines, and collaborative design to help homeowners move confidently from concept to completion.

The Bloomberg Television feature offers viewers an independent look at the company’s methods, standards, and approach to serving homeowners in the custom pool market. To learn more about The Pool Boss or to view the television segment, visit The Pool Boss.

About The Pool Boss

Based in Wayne, New Jersey, The Pool Boss is an award-winning design and construction firm recognized as one of the "world’s greatest" pool companies and a premier builder in New Jersey. Specializing in rapid, high-quality installations and custom backyard transformations, the company offers elite amenities including fire pits, landscaping, hardscaping, water features, and outdoor kitchens. As an owner-operated company, The Pool Boss is led by founder and CEO Christopher Argenziano, whose hands-on approach ensures accountability and precision for every project. Built on the philosophy that a five-star experience is created by people rather than just plans, The Pool Boss provides bespoke designs tailored to the unique vision and needs of every family. For more information, visit thepoolbossnj.com.

Media Contact

Karl Renelt
Founder and owner, Lead Maze
kdren@leadmaze.com