COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Andelyn Biosciences ("Andelyn"), a leading, patient-focused cell and gene therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization ("CDMO"), today announced it is now manufacturing FAYUVI™ (rebisufligene etisparvovec-hopf), an FDA-approved gene therapy, for commercial supply at its Columbus, Ohio facility. The announcement follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.'s FAYUVI™ for treating Sanfilippo syndrome type A, also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA).

The approval is a significant milestone for the MPS IIIA community and for families affected by the disease, and it reflects the sustained commitment of the Ultragenyx team, clinical investigators, patient advocates, and others who helped advance the program.

Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA) is a rare, fatal lysosomal storage disease that primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS) and is marked by rapid neurodegeneration beginning in early childhood. MPS IIIA is estimated to affect 3,000 to 5,000 patients worldwide, with a median life expectancy of 15 years.

FAYUVI™ is the first FDA-approved gene therapy manufactured using the Andelyn AAV Curator® Platform process. Its commercial manufacturing at Andelyn's Columbus facility reflects the disciplined process development, scientific and quality systems rigor, and cross-functional execution required to bring a gene therapy program to market.

"We congratulate Ultragenyx on this significant achievement and recognize the MPS IIIA community, investigators, and everyone who contributed to advancing this program," said Wade Macedone, Chief Executive Officer of Andelyn Biosciences. "We are proud to manufacture an FDA-approved gene therapy for commercial use using an AAV Curator® Platform process. This milestone reflects the purpose behind Andelyn's founding and underscores the importance of building commercial readiness through rigorous science, accountable execution, and quality at every stage. We look forward to supporting our other late-stage clients and the industry with our FDA-stamped commercial capabilities."

Andelyn's AAV Curator® Platform uses a configurable, data-informed approach to AAV process development and manufacturing. It integrates process knowledge, modular manufacturing strategies, and fit-for-purpose analytics to support gene therapy programs from development through commercial launch.

About Andelyn Biosciences

Andelyn Biosciences is a full-service FDA-inspected cell and gene therapy commercial CDMO focused on developing, characterizing, and producing viral vectors for gene therapy. With more than 20 years of experience, Andelyn's deep scientific expertise has resulted in the production of clinical and commercial material for more than 500 cGMP batches and 85 global clinical trials, including an FDA-approved gene therapy. Operating out of its development and manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Ohio, Andelyn supports its clients in developing cell and gene therapies from concept through plasmid engineering and manufacturing, process and analytical development, and cGMP clinical and commercial manufacturing. Andelyn can accelerate programs and deliver high-quality products by developing and manufacturing processes on its configurable, data-driven Curator® Cell and Gene Therapy Platforms, or by tech transfer within an established client program. Capabilities include cGMP manufacturing for suspension and adherent processes. A rigorous, commercial-grade quality system, phase-appropriate manufacturing, and supply chain vertical integration further help clients bring critical therapies to market.

For more information, please visit andelynbio.com and follow Andelyn Biosciences on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Andelyn Biosciences

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Crunch Springfield, MO will feature the innovative Crunch 3.0 design for an elevated gym-goer experience

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Crunch Fitness today announced the upcoming opening of Crunch Springfield in Springfield, Missouri. The $5 million, 45,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness facility will open its doors in late 2026, with pre-sales beginning late 2026 as well. Operated by Crunch Fitness franchisee Fitness Ventures LLC, Crunch Springfield will be located at 3303 S. Campbell Avenue, creating a new fitness offering for residents of Springfield.

Crunch Springfield will debut the new Crunch 3.0 design, combining modern aesthetics with enhanced functionality to deliver an upgraded fitness experience. Fusing fitness with entertainment to make serious exercise more fun, Crunch Springfield, MO will offer:

- Power Half Hour Circuit Training

- Personal Training

- Dedicated Group Fitness Studio

- Olympic Lifting Platforms

- Hot Yoga

- Advanced HIIT Classes

- TRX®

- Functional HIITZone™ Training Area with indoor turf

- Relax & Recover® services including - Red Light Therapy, HydroMassage® Beds, and Frost Locker

- Tanning

- Kids Crunch Babysitting

- Full-service locker rooms with showers and a sauna

Once open, Crunch Springfield will be the 3rd location in California for Fitness Ventures, which plans to open at least 15 more locations this year.

"We are excited to bring a bigger and better Crunch to Springfield. Crunch is for everyone, from the first-time gym-goer to the seasoned athlete. Add in a high-energy and fun environment, and with memberships starting at $9.99 per month, we have options to meet everyone's goals and budget!" said Brian Hibbard, CEO of Fitness Ventures, LLC.

Prospective members can visit CrunchSpringfieldMO.com for more information about memberships and to lock in their rate. The first 500 founding members to lock in their rate will receive $1 down and one month free, plus a free t-shirt, discounts on small group and personal training, and more.

Crunch Springfield is also expanding its team within the community and is looking for individuals who are passionate about helping others experience fitness, wellness, relaxation, and recovery. Crunch believes in not only being the best place to work out, but also the best place to work. Interested applicants can apply today at CrunchSpringfieldMO.com.

Crunch was ranked #2 in the fitness category and #20 overall in the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500®, up from #32 last year in the world's most comprehensive franchise ranking. The brand has appeared on the list for 13 consecutive years and was inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame and Consecutive Ranking Club. Crunch was also recognized on the annual Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing companies for the second consecutive year, moving up 720 spots from its 2025 ranking. It continues to expand nationwide and push the bar with innovative offerings for its members.

About Fitness Ventures:

Founded in 2016 by Brian Hibbard, Fitness Ventures, LLC is one of the largest Crunch Fitness franchisees in the United States and one of the fastest-growing operators in the high-value, low-price (HVLP) fitness category. As of the time of this press release, the Company operates 123 locations across 30 states and is on pace to exceed 130 locations by year-end, with a robust pipeline of new club developments and acquisitions underway. Backed by Meaningful Partners, Fitness Ventures pairs a disciplined operating and development strategy with a relentless focus on execution - operating some of the highest-volume Crunch locations in the system and delivering industry-leading financial returns. The Company is also a category leader in applied AI, leveraging proprietary technology to drive performance across its portfolio. For more information, visit www.fitnessventuresllc.com.

About Crunch:

Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals, exercising all different ways, working it out at the same place together. Today, we are renowned for creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for our wildly diverse members. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves 4 million members with over 585 gyms worldwide in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Mexico, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe.

SOURCE Crunch Fitness

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) declared the regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.56 per share on Nucor's common stock. This cash dividend is payable on November 10, 2026 to stockholders of record on September 30, 2026 and is Nucor's 214th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

About Nucor 

Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel and steel products, with operating facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel -- in bars, beams, sheet and plate; hollow structural section tubing; electrical conduit; steel racking; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; precision castings; steel fasteners; metal building systems; insulated metal panels; overhead doors; steel grating; wire and wire mesh; and utility structures. Nucor, through The David J. Joseph Company and its affiliates, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and hot briquetted iron / direct reduced iron; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap. Nucor is North America's largest recycler.

SOURCE Nucor Corporation

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Unlike fragrance-based products that primarily mask unpleasant smells, ODORSORB-101 is designed to work through chemical odor capture. The product helps capture and lock odor-causing molecules in the air, reducing their volatility and limiting their release back into the surrounding environment.

ODORSORB-101 targets common nitrogen- and sulfur-based odor compounds, including ammonia, methylamine, trimethylamine, hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans and sulfides. These compounds are often associated with wastewater, sludge, leachate, manure, organic waste and other industrial or municipal odor sources.

"Odor control is not only about improving comfort. For many operators, it is part of site management, worker experience, community relations and environmental responsibility," said a SOCO spokesperson. "ODORSORB-101 was developed to provide a practical, plant-based option that can be applied through common spraying, misting and fogging systems."

The product is suitable for a broad range of applications, including wastewater and sludge ponds, septic and manure tanks, leachate ponds, scrubber towers, industrial workshops, waste transfer stations, livestock housing and public restroom facilities. It can be diluted and applied through spraying, misting, fogging, direct dosing or scrubber circulation systems depending on the odor source and site conditions.

According to SOCO's technical data, ODORSORB-101 has a neutral pH range of 7.0-7.5 and a specific gravity of 1.00-1.05. The product is supplied as a liquid and packaged in sealed, moisture-resistant industrial packaging.

Key benefits include:

- Rapid odor reduction through chemical odor capture

- Long-lasting odor suppression at the source

- Effectiveness against common ammonia, amine and sulfur-based odors

- Compatibility with spraying, misting, fogging and scrubber systems

- Broad application across wastewater, sludge, waste and livestock environments

- Plant-based formulation designed for practical industrial use

ODORSORB-101 expands SOCO's portfolio of application-focused environmental and industrial solutions. The company continues to develop products that address specific field challenges across water management, sludge treatment, waste handling and related industrial applications.

About Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2009, SOCO® Group is a technology-driven manufacturer specializing in water-absorbing and retention solutions for agricultural and industrial applications. The company focuses on application-led research and development, developing customized solutions tailored to specific operating needs across industrial and infrastructure settings. Through continued product development and collaboration with global partners, SOCO® supports customers with solutions designed to improve water management, resource efficiency, and project performance.

Media Contact

QINGDAO SOCO NEW MATERIAL CO., LTD.

Website: www.socochem.com

SOURCE Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd.

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Flagship initiative to mobilize up to $2 billion in capital to strengthen communities and bring distributed energy infrastructure to scale amid surging power demand

The announcement builds on the company's projects already underway with businesses, utilities, data centers, and municipalities deploying solar and energy storage solutions

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Madison Energy Infrastructure ("Madison") today announced the launch of its Community Infrastructure initiative, a commitment to develop an additional 1 GW of distributed energy capacity by 2028, mobilizing up to $2 billion in capital to help meet AI's growing demand for power while creating and delivering lasting benefits for communities.

AI is driving unprecedented electricity demand. Gigawatts of new data centers are being developed faster than traditional generation and transmission infrastructure can be built, intensifying pressure on an already strained grid. To date, this buildout has focused first on creating the necessary capacity to support the industry's continued growth. At the same time, communities across the country are looking for solutions that support this historic growth while delivering advantages closer to home.

Madison's Community Infrastructure initiative flips this dynamic, seeking to build trust and value with communities first through distributed local infrastructure and then as aligned partners in AI's continued expansion.

"AI requires power at a speed and scale we've never seen before, and building that infrastructure successfully requires more than capacity," said Richard Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of Madison Energy Infrastructure. "Community Infrastructure is about helping AI labs and hyperscalers show up for communities, not just in them. We've spent years cultivating the right relationships, development capabilities, and national ecosystem needed to turn that idea into local energy infrastructure at scale."

While large-scale generation will remain essential, it cannot, alone, address surging demand or local concerns about rising electricity prices and resource constraints. Distributed solar and energy storage infrastructure complement those investments by bringing new capacity online faster, cheaper, and closer to where electricity is consumed, helping residents, businesses, and utilities manage rising costs and grid constraints.

Today's announcement builds on an ecosystem Madison has spent years creating, combining institutional capital and national scale with local development, community engagement, utility relationships, and market expertise to build more than 600 projects across more than 30 states and a growing pipeline of distributed energy infrastructure serving utilities, businesses, municipalities, and data centers.

Projects and partnerships already underway include:

- 50 MW of standalone energy storage with CORE Electric Cooperative in Colorado to help the utility meet rising demand and emission reduction goals

- 13 MW solar plus 8.75 MW energy storage project in development with the City of Niles at the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport in Michigan to provide significant lifetime savings to the municipality

- 16 MW solar project under construction with Denver International Airport to support one of the largest aviation hubs in the country

- 27 MW offsite solar project nearing completion in Pennsylvania serving a national industrial client as a hedge against rising electricity prices in the PJM territory

- Ongoing partnership with data center developer EdgeConneX to pair clean energy with the company's custom-built digital infrastructure

"Maintaining a resilient and reliable electric system is more important than ever," said Chris Hildred, Chief Energy Supply Officer at CORE Electric Cooperative. "Partnering with Madison will allow us to deploy distributed energy storage at scale, helping enhance grid resilience, support reliability during periods of high demand, and position our system to meet our communities' future energy needs."

"The buildout of AI infrastructure and data center capacity provides a unique opportunity to deliver clean energy and local benefits to communities across the country," said Andrew Brodeur, Vice President, National Real Estate and Sustainability Team Leader at EdgeConneX. "We are excited to grow our partnership with Madison and show up as a force for good in the communities we call home."

Alex Darden, Head of EQT Infrastructure, Americas, said, "Power availability is increasingly the gating factor for how fast AI infrastructure can scale, and that pressure is further straining local grids. Community Infrastructure will help deliver reliable, affordable energy for communities in partnership with AI infrastructure developers as this buildout accelerates. Backing both digital and energy infrastructure companies, like EdgeConneX and Madison, gives EQT a unique vantage point on this challenge, and this initiative reflects our view that local energy needs and AI infrastructure growth are complementary, not competing, priorities."

To deliver an additional 1 GW by 2028, Madison will leverage its utility relationships, market expertise, national project pipeline, and network of regional developers through AccelDev. Madison's operating portfolio is expected to surpass 1 GW later this fall. The Community Infrastructure initiative targets another gigawatt by 2028, effectively doubling the company's energy infrastructure footprint in two years.

About Madison Energy Infrastructure

Madison Energy Infrastructure is on a mission to modernize energy for industry and communities, where it matters most. Madison's growing ecosystem and robust portfolio are bolstered by the strength of EQT and our globally renowned capital partners. Building on its proven track record and expertise, Madison is strengthening communities and bringing distributed energy infrastructure to scale amid surging power demand. Learn more at madisonei.com/community-infrastructure. 

Media Contact

Prosek Partners for Madison Energy Infrastructure

[email protected] 

SOURCE Madison Energy Infrastructure

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Z Squared Inc. CEO David Halabu Discusses AI Data Center Strategy on Two Investor Podcasts

Both Interviews Are Live Now and Available Through the Company's Website and Major Podcast Platforms

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Z Squared Inc. (Nasdaq: ZSQR) ("Z Squared" or the "Company"), a computing infrastructure company expanding into AI infrastructure, today announced that David Halabu, Chief Executive Officer, was recently featured on two investor podcasts: The Wall Street Resource, hosted by Jeff Kone, and The Nano Cap Podcast, hosted by Will Tjernlund. Both interviews are live now.

Speaking with Jeff Kone on The Wall Street Resource, Mr. Halabu outlined how Z Squared acquires existing powered sites - former crypto mining and manufacturing facilities - and retrofits them for AI and high-performance computing use. He described the Company's role as a triple-net landlord, positioned the Union County Campus in Arkansas as its flagship asset, and reiterated the two measures he has asked shareholders to hold the Company to over the next 12 to 18 months: megawatts under management and signed leases.

Speaking with Will Tjernlund on The Nano Cap Podcast, Mr. Halabu traced his background in trading and real estate and the Company's path to the public markets, and detailed the criteria Z Squared applies to a prospective site - price, power and time to power, redundant fiber, water, and county and municipal support. He also addressed the expanding role of behind-the-meter generation as utility interconnection timelines lengthen, and why he expects land and power to remain scarce as AI compute demand grows.

"These conversations were a chance to be direct about what we are building and how it generates revenue," said David Halabu, Chief Executive Officer of Z Squared. "We find power, deliver a shell an AI tenant can use, and grow the site behind it. Over the next 12 to 18 months, measure us on megawatts and leases."

The full interviews can be found via the following links:

The Wall Street Resource (Jeff Kone): Here

The Nano Cap Podcast (Will Tjernlund): Here

Both interviews touched on the Company's previously announced acquisition of Paradox Data, LLC and the Union County Campus it brought with it. Set out below are the questions investors have most frequently raised about that transaction.

What did Z Squared acquire?

Z Squared acquired 100% of the membership interests of Paradox Data, LLC, whose flagship asset is the Union County Campus in El Dorado, Arkansas. The transaction closed on an all-stock basis - no cash at closing and no debt financing.

How much power does the Union County Campus have today, and how does it scale?

The campus has an existing arrangement with Entergy Arkansas for energy service of up to 8.0 MW, plus an executed contract for adjacent land. On The Wall Street Resource, Mr. Halabu described roughly eight megawatts of total capacity and six megawatts of critical capacity available today. The development pathway targets up to 150 MW over time through a combination of utility power and on-site generation, added in phases as utility timelines and customer demand allow.

How does Z Squared expect to generate revenue from the campus?

Z Squared intends to operate as a triple-net landlord, not a compute provider: it expects to lease the land, the building and access to power to tenants - primarily "neocloud" and enterprise AI users - with power treated as a pass-through, and does not intend to buy or lease GPUs. Mr. Halabu said he is hopeful the first six to eight megawatts can be monetized in the early-to-mid 2027 timeframe, subject to the factors described under "Forward-Looking Statements" below.

About Z Squared Inc.

Z Squared Inc. is a computing infrastructure company operating advanced computing equipment and expanding into AI infrastructure. The Company's strategy is built on three principles: lead with power by acquiring operating sites where power is already flowing; build for AI workloads by converting that capacity into AI-ready colocation where the customer brings the compute and runs what they need; and scale with discipline by deploying conversion capital site by site, against signed contracts and operational readiness. Z Squared's common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "ZSQR" in April 2026.

For more information, visit www.zsquaredinc.com.

Investor Relations Contact: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "targets," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "potential" or "continue," or the negatives of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements made by management in the podcast interviews described above and statements regarding: the achievement of the development milestones at the Union County Campus and the issuance of the related preferred stock; the development of the Union County Campus, including the targeted capacity of up to 150 MW; the availability and expansion of utility power and on-site generation; the acquisition of adjacent land; the timing of tenant leasing and the monetization of initial capacity at the Union County Campus; and the Company's strategy and planned expansion into AI infrastructure, data center development and power generation.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including, among others: the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the risk that the development milestones are not achieved in whole or in part; risks related to the availability, cost and interruptible nature of electric power at the Union County Campus and the Company's ability to secure additional utility power and on-site generation; risks related to the pending transfer of the utility account for the Union County Campus and the completion of related post-closing arrangements contemplated by the transaction agreements; risks related to permitting, construction, equipment procurement and the development of data center capacity; customer demand for AI-ready capacity; dilution resulting from the issuance and conversion of the preferred stock issued in the transaction; volatility in digital asset prices and the economics of the Company's mining operations; and the other risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Z Squared Inc.

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The article outlines how system age, repair history, and energy bills guide heating system decisions.

MOUNT AIRY, N.C., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- When should homeowners repair their furnace or heat pump, and when is replacement the smarter choice?

HelloNation has published the answer in an article featuring insights from Jason Bare of Friendly Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Mount Airy, NC.

The HelloNation article explains that many heating systems reach a decision point around the 15-year mark. A furnace or heat pump typically lasts between 15 and 20 years, but performance can decline before that. Evaluating repair frequency, rising energy bills, and overall reliability helps homeowners determine whether furnace replacement is appropriate.

Frequent service calls are often the first warning sign. If a heat pump or furnace requires multiple repairs within a single season, the cost of ongoing fixes may begin to outweigh the benefits. Tracking repair expenses over time provides a clearer picture of whether furnace replacement offers better long-term value.

Energy bills are another important consideration. As systems age, they lose efficiency, causing higher monthly heating costs. Comparing current energy bills with the potential savings from a modern heat pump or high-efficiency furnace can help homeowners in Mount Airy assess the financial advantages of replacement.

Reliability during winter months is critical. An aging furnace that struggles on the coldest nights can disrupt comfort and create safety concerns. Choosing furnace replacement before a complete failure occurs provides greater peace of mind and reduces the risk of emergency breakdowns.

The article also highlights the importance of professional evaluation. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect key components such as heat exchangers, compressors, and blower motors. When these parts show signs of corrosion or wear, repairs may provide only short-term relief, making furnace replacement or upgrading a heat pump a more practical solution.

Newer systems offer additional benefits. Modern furnace replacement options and updated heat pump models often include improved efficiency ratings and advanced technology. These upgrades can reduce energy bills while delivering more consistent indoor temperatures for homes in Mount Airy.

However, replacement is not always necessary. For newer systems with minimal repair history, targeted repairs and regular maintenance may extend service life. An experienced HVAC technician can help determine whether a repair is cost-effective based on system age and condition.

Financial planning also plays a role in the decision-making process. Homeowners should compare the immediate cost of repairs with the projected expense of furnace replacement. Factoring in reduced energy bills and potential warranty coverage provides a more complete understanding of long-term value.

Timing is equally important. Planning furnace replacement or upgrading a heat pump before peak winter demand helps avoid rushed decisions. Scheduling an evaluation with an HVAC technician allows homeowners in Mount Airy to make informed choices without the pressure of an emergency situation.

The HelloNation article concludes that reviewing repair history, system age, reliability, and energy bills provides clarity. With guidance from a trusted HVAC technician, homeowners can decide whether continued repairs or furnace replacement is the best path forward for lasting comfort and efficiency.

When to Repair or Replace Your Furnace or Heat Pump features insights from Jason Bare, HVAC Expert of Mount Airy, NC, 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 publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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Fast casual concept coming to Fruitville Farms on September 29, celebrating with free chicken salad for a year and appearances by famed sports broadcaster, Dick Vitale

ATLANTA, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today the opening of its newest restaurant in Florida, located at 6650 Fruitville Road in the Fruitville Farms shopping center in Sarasota, just east of I-75. The local community is invited to celebrate this grand opening on Tuesday, September 29, when the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year*. The celebration will also feature special appearances by legendary sports broadcaster Dick Vitale, who will attend the restaurant's Friends & Family event and ribbon cutting ceremony on behalf of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

During the grand opening week, guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality Chicken Salad Chick is known for while taking advantage of various specials and giveaways. These include:

- Tuesday, September 29 – Free Chicken Salad for a Year to the First 100 Guests – The first guest in line at 10:30am will receive one FREE large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line will receive one FREE large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.*

- Wednesday, September 30 – The first 50 guests to purchase a meal with two sides or equivalent will receive a free 16oz Tervis Tumbler!**

- Thursday, October 1 – The first 50 guests to purchase a meal with two sides or equivalent will receive a FREE Red Grocery Tote!**

- Friday, October 2 – The first 50 guests to purchase a meal with two sides or equivalent will receive a FREE large Chick Cooler!**

- Saturday, October 3 – The first 50 guests to purchase a meal with two sides or equivalent will receive a FREE large Quick Chick on their next visit!**

Chicken Salad Chick of Sarasota – Fruitville Farms is the third restaurant owned and operated by franchise owner, Karen Jordan. Through her franchise group, Manasota Chick, LLC, she also owns locations in Bradenton and Parrish, with Parrish recently opening in December 2025. Karen is very engaged with her community, serving as an active member of organizations like Successful Women Aligning Together, Discover Bradenton, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She also serves on the board of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Parrish Area Business Alliance. Family is a top priority for her as well, and she's excited to share this new chapter with them – especially as they recently welcomed their seventh grandchild.

"Opening my third Chicken Salad Chick restaurant is a really exciting milestone for me," said Karen Jordan, franchise owner, Chicken Salad Chick of Sarasota – Fruitville Farms. "This past year has been incredibly meaningful for my team and I – from providing free meals to children during the SNAP benefits lapse, to being named a finalist for Small Business of the Year in Manatee County by the Chamber of Commerce, I'm so proud of what we've accomplished and excited for what's ahead. My team and I are driven every day by The Chick's mission of to 'Spread Joy, Enrich Lives, and Serve Others,' and I can't wait to bring that same experience to our new guests in Sarasota County."

The Sarasota opening will also feature renowned broadcaster Dick Vitale, a longtime advocate for pediatric cancer research and supporter of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. As part of the pre-opening Friends & Family events, funds will be raised for the nonprofit, which was founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano to support groundbreaking cancer research. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Vitale, purchase signed copies of his book, and learn more about the annual Dick Vitale Gala, scheduled for May 7, 2027 to help raise money for pediatric cancer research.

Chicken Salad Chick is known for its dozen-plus varieties of made-from-scratch chicken salad flavors, fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts. The new Sarasota – Fruitville Farms restaurant offers in-restaurant dining, outdoor patio, take-out, third-party delivery, and catering options.

"Karen is an amazing franchise owner and her passion for serving others has been vital for our growth in Southwest Florida," said Scott Deviney, CEO and President of Chicken Salad Chick. "We're thrilled to open our first restaurant in Sarasota County and to have Dick Vitale join us for such a special occasion. Community involvement and charitable giving are core to Chicken Salad Chick, and we're honored to support the V Foundation and its mission to advance life-saving cancer research."

Chicken Salad Chick of Sarasota – Fruitville Farms will be open Monday – Saturday from 10:30am – 8pm. For more information on giveaways and specials, visit the restaurant's Facebook. Visit www.chickensaladchick.com, and follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

*Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line and download the Chicken Salad Chick app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of a meal with two sides, or anything of equal/greater value and enter a code in the Chicken Salad Chick app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day. Your reward will be valid for redemption for 30 days upon delivery. Guest must be 16 years or older. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present.

**Guest must be 16 years or older and purchase a meal with two sides or equivalent. Limit 1 reward per guest present. Not valid with any other offers. In-restaurant only.

About Chicken Salad Chick  

Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors plus fresh sides, soups, sandwiches, desserts and catering, there's something for every guest and occasion. Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 345 restaurants across 27 states and continues its rapid expansion driven by a passionate network of franchise owners. The brand has earned consistent recognition from Entrepreneur, Franchise Times, Fast Casual, QSR, Southern Living, USA Today, and Technomic, among others. Visit www.chickensaladchick.com to learn more.

Contact:

Alexis Paul

Tidehouse

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick

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The merger brings together two relationship-driven wealth management firms with shared core values and a commitment to long-term client service.

CHICAGO and DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerity Partners and Gilbert & Cook today announced their intention to merge, effective at the end of September. Cerity Partners is a leading independent wealth management and investment advisory firm with offices nationwide. Gilbert & Cook is a respected wealth management firm based in West Des Moines, Iowa. Through the merger, Gilbert & Cook will operate under the Cerity Partners name, enhancing access to an extensive suite of wealth management services, including financial planning, investment management, business owner advisory, multigenerational estate planning, private family office services, divorce financial planning, and private markets investing. This partnership marks Cerity Partners' entry into the Iowa market and brings together two client-focused firms united by a shared commitment to personalized advice, deep relationships, and high-quality service.

Founded in 1993, Gilbert & Cook has earned national recognition serving individuals, families and business owners with an integrated, client-centered approach to financial planning, investment management and sophisticated wealth strategies. The firm will contribute approximately $2 billion in assets under management to Cerity Partners.

"This partnership represents an exciting milestone for both firms," said Claire O'Keefe, Partner & Head of Partner Development at Cerity Partners. "Gilbert & Cook has built an outstanding reputation based on trust, expertise, and an unwavering dedication to their clients. By bringing our firms together, we are strengthening our ability to deliver deeply personalized, integrated wealth advice while expanding our reach into the Des Moines community. We're thrilled to welcome our talented new partners and colleagues to Cerity Partners and look forward to the impact we will make together for many years to come."

"For more than 30 years, our mission has been centered on building relationships—with our clients, with one another, and with the community we are proud to call home—to help clients navigate life's financial decisions through trusted and thoughtful guidance," said Linda Cook, Founder & Managing Partner of Gilbert & Cook. "Joining Cerity Partners is a natural next step in that journey. At the heart of the decision to join Cerity Partners was a strong alignment in values and philosophy. This partnership allows us to preserve the values and personalized service our clients have always counted on while opening the door to expanded resources, specialized resources and experience, and new opportunities. We're incredibly excited about the future and what this means for our clients, our team, and the broader community we serve."

Together, Cerity Partners and Gilbert & Cook will continue to deliver the high-touch, relationship-driven experience clients expect while providing access to an even broader range of capabilities designed to help individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals with confidence. Expanded resources include financial planning, investment management, tax, estate planning, business owner advisory and private family office services.

Advisors

Houlihan Lokey is representing Gilbert & Cook in this combination, and Sissel Law is providing legal counsel. Lowenstein Sandler is providing legal counsel to Cerity Partners in this combination.

About Cerity Partners

Founded in 2009, Cerity Partners is a nationally recognized wealth management firm serving high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, and institutions with an extensive range of financial planning, investment, tax, and retirement solutions. Learn more at ceritypartners.com.

About Gilbert & Cook

Founded in 1993 and based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Gilbert & Cook is a wealth management firm dedicated to empowering clients to Live a Life of Abundance®. The firm provides financial planning, investment management, business owner consultation, generational estate planning, private family office services, divorce financial planning, and private markets investing to individuals, families, and business owners. Learn more at gilbertcook.com.

Media Contact

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SOURCE Cerity Partners

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Texans can be among the first to benefit from dcbel's flagship product. With Ara® Core at the center, homeowners can build a private grid for blackout protection, reduced energy costs, and up to 85% energy independence.

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- dcbel, the integrated home energy company, today announced the launch of the Ara Core Home Energy Station in Texas, giving homeowners the means to reduce their reliance on an increasingly strained public grid – slashing energy bills while protecting against blackouts from day one.

Through industry-leading intelligent management, Ara Core connects and orchestrates solar panels, home batteries, the public grid, and even bidirectional EVs, creating a private grid that helps homeowners generate, store, and manage their own energy through a groundbreaking all-in-one system. Ara Core's key features include:

- 100 decisions per second to consume, store, or sell energy with the intelligent Orchestrate OS;

- Reduced energy bills with up to 85% independence from the grid;

- Blackout protection using solar, battery storage, or a compatible bidirectional EV that can power a home for up to 10 days;

- A centralized station that minimizes power losses as it routes energy where needed, providing up to 30% more efficiency over traditional unintegrated energy systems.

To mark its arrival in Texas, dcbel is proud to be powering the 2026 Southern Living Idea House. The custom-built residence in Fredericksburg showcases the latest innovations in architecture, design, and home technology. Tours will be open to builders, renovators, designers, and the public from September 18 through December 20.

"With its thoughtful design and innovation, the 2026 Southern Living Idea House was the perfect place to showcase the next evolution of home energy in Texas, for the very first time," said Benjamin Tuff, CMO at dcbel.

"More than ever, Texas homeowners want greater control over their energy," said Marc-André Forget, CEO and co-founder of dcbel. "Whether they're looking to keep the lights on during outages or reduce utility costs, they need a solution that brings everything together. Ara was designed to be the foundation of a home's private grid, helping homeowners decide when to generate, store, use or export energy through one intelligent platform."

The growing need for energy resilience

Several converging trends are reshaping how Texans think about energy:

- Texas has the nation's second-highest number of power outages, while energy costs have risen 40% since 2020.

- dcbel's 2026 Home Energy Independence Report found that 91% of homeowners want greater energy independence, while 77% identified lower monthly energy bills as their top priority.

- Major weather events caused Texas customers to experience nearly 3x more outage hours in 2024 than in 2023.

- A recent heat wave pushed electricity demand in Texas to new highs, with six straight weeks that exceeded the state's previous all-time load record.

- Demand is forecast to grow 14% this year – 600% higher than the national average of 2% – as large data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities come online.

More than ever, Texans are exploring new energy options such as home batteries, solar panels, and alternative charging solutions to buffer these rising costs and create stability as reliability wavers.

One system for maximum efficiency

The problem? Conventional systems often rely on multiple separate, expensive and complex devices and power conversions that can result in energy losses of up to 30%. In other words, a portion of the energy generated never makes it to where it's needed most.

Ara Core takes a new approach. It's a single point of conversion that intelligently manages home energy with over 100 decisions a second, routing energy between solar panels, home batteries, bidirectional EVs, and the home with minimal losses.

The result is a significantly more efficient energy ecosystem that helps homeowners get more bang for their buck from every kilowatt-hour.

A private grid that grows with your home

Once installed, Ara Core creates the foundation of a home's intelligently managed private grid. Yours to own and control, the private grid allows homeowners to add solar panels, bidirectional EVs, or batteries without costly retrofits or replacing existing equipment later.

Keeping blackouts at bay and reducing energy costs, Ara Core can charge two EVs simultaneously and is futureproof for bidirectional charging; leveraging the massive amount of energy stored in a compatible EV for up to 10 days of blackout protection.

And another huge benefit? Ara Core homeowners can sell back excess energy through vehicle-to-grid and energy market programs which the Home Energy Station will manage seamlessly in the background.

Powered by the Texan sun with Ara Core +solar

For homeowners considering solar to maximize their independence, Ara Core +solar allows customers to add solar panels to generate and store more usable energy every day. Ara Core +solar's DC microinverter architecture creates a direct path from roof to road, and makes it possible to charge your EV with the sun and add up to 20,000 free miles of EV range per year. It also enables solar to continue powering a home during a blackout.

First in class, built to last

Ara Core is engineered to the highest standards of durability, security, and design.

Built in the USA in collaboration with visionary automotive designer Paul Deutschman, Ara Core features advanced military-grade encryption, stringent UL and CSIP certifications, and a NEMA 3R-rated enclosure suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.

A comprehensive 12-year warranty helps protect homeowners' investment for years to come.

Reserve your system today

Texans can register to learn more or reserve their system at dcbel.energy/texas with a refundable deposit.

Once a reservation is placed, a dcbel Energy Specialist works directly with each household to confirm eligibility, identify available incentives, and connect homeowners with an approved local installer. From the first conversation through installation and ongoing support, homeowners benefit from a single point of contact throughout their energy journey.

About dcbel

At dcbel, we believe people should lead the modern energy ecosystem. As mobility becomes increasingly electric and demand grows, we are relentless in our pursuit of home energy solutions that are reliable, clean, and free from limitations. Because everyone in the world deserves energy without compromise.

Learn more at dcbel.energy

Sources

- Times Record News, Texas ranks near the top in the nation for power outages in new study

- KLTV, Texas power bills surge as infrastructure costs, data center growth strain the grid

- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Annual Table 11.2 Reliability Metrics Using IEEE of U.S. Distribution System by State, 2024 and 2023

- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Weekly average load in ERCOT continues near record high

- U.S. Energy Information Administration, We expect rapid electricity demand growth in Texas and the mid-Atlantic

SOURCE dcbel Inc.

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