Legendary quarterback and broadcaster joins award-winning longevity brand.

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For 35 years, Troy Aikman's life has been defined by leadership and success. As a three time champion and first ballot Hall Of Famer, his quarterbacking resume speaks for itself. Now, as a football broadcaster for the 3rd most watched television show in America, that success continues off the field. Troy's latest venture is a newly announced ownership stake in Qualia Life Sciences, the premium brand of supplement formulas Troy credits as fueling his unrelenting schedule and fitness standards.

"I'm almost 60 years old, but I don't feel like it," states Aikman. "I'm maintaining fitness standards, energy, and mental sharpness that I had 20 years ago. I've normally passed up endorsement offers from nutritional brands because I don't want to put my name behind something unless I'm sure it works. That's the difference with Qualia. Their supplements have actually worked for me personally. It's why I'm going beyond endorsing them and actually becoming part of their ownership team. People my age are starting to realize that we can age much better than past generations if we prioritize cutting edge nutrition, and Qualia is a true leader in longevity products."

Founded in 2015, Qualia brand supplements have gained increasing accolades in the health and wellness space for their pioneering formulation methods and unique testing standards. Qualia subjects every product to human studies prior to release, a first for major supplement brands, and their large in-house science team has advanced the study of ingredient relationships and whole-body modeling as the basis of health formulations.

These groundbreaking formulation principles have won them recent prestigious awards such as the 2025 Nutrition Business Journal Science & Innovation Award, and the only supplement brand to achieve multiple 2025 NEXTY Award nominations. They were also recently named to the 2026 INC 5000 list, honoring the fastest growing private companies in the United States.

"We are thrilled that Troy has become part of our ownership team because his credibility and character are widely recognized," states Qualia CEO James Schmachtenberger. "Both mentally and physically, Troy doesn't seem anywhere near 60 years old. Then we learned that Qualia products were fueling his health on a daily basis. Anyone who has worked with Troy knows his character is uncompromising. He's only putting his name behind a supplement brand that gets real results for him. That's why Troy taking an ownership stake in Qualia was the ultimate compliment to us."

Troy Aikman's ownership announcement follows on the heels of several recent milestones for Qualia that have increased their profile and reach. Their products have become available at major retailers nationwide like GNC, Sprouts, and The Vitamin Shoppe, and they recently achieved peer-reviewed publication in the International Journal Of Molecular Sciences.

Qualia's fast growing line of longevity and performance supplements include newly released formulas like Qualia 2-Day Detox, with several additional new formulas scheduled for launch over the next year.

"I honestly don't trust much in the world of supplements," adds Aikman. "I trust Qualia because their standards are unlike any company I've explored. Most supplement brands avoid double-blind clinical testing and peer-reviewed studies because they're worried what those rigorous standards will show about their products. Qualia actually runs towards those challenges with amazing results. That says a lot. Plus, I feel their products actually working. I love getting friends my age to try Qualia products and to watch them experience the results. If I can use my fame to help their products become discovered by a wider audience, then that's a big health win for other lives, too."

About Qualia:

Founded in 2015, Qualia Life Sciences aims to change the way people age through pioneering standards, including human studies on every formula prior to release. Their products, found in GNC, Sprouts, and The Vitamin Shoppe, support brain health, cellular health, NAD+ levels, and an expanding range of health needs. Their best selling products include Qualia Senolytic, Qualia Mind, and Qualia NAD+, with newly released products like Qualia 2-Day Detox and Qualia Creatine+ growing in popularity.

SOURCE Qualia Life Sciences

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Recognition Highlights Kibow's Continued Commitment to Advancing Kidney Health Education, Innovation, and Global Access

EXTON, Pa., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kibow Biotech, a leading innovator of science-based solutions for kidney health and the 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Corporation of the Year, today announced that its newly redesigned website, KibowBiotech.com, has been named Best Science Website in the 2026 WebAward Competition.

Presented by the Web Marketing Association, the annual WebAward Competition recognizes excellence in website development across seven criteria, including design, innovation, content, and ease of use. KibowBiotech.com earned the 2026 honor for Best Science Website.

The award comes as Kibow continues to expand both its reach and its commitment to kidney health. Founded in 1997, Kibow has spent nearly 30 years pioneering research into the gut-kidney axis and translating that science into practical solutions for people focused on maintaining kidney health. Its mission is to develop safe, effective, and accessible microbiome-based solutions that improve kidney health and the daily lives of patients.

"For nearly 30 years, our focus has been on advancing the science of kidney health while helping more people understand the important role the gut can play in supporting kidney function," said Mike Kane, President of Kibow Biotech. "Our website gives us another powerful way to share that science, increase awareness, and provide people with credible kidney health information wherever they are. We're honored by this recognition and excited to continue expanding the ways we can educate and support the kidney community."

That commitment is increasingly global. Kibow's flagship product, Renadyl®, a clinically studied probiotic dietary supplement developed to support kidney health through the gut-kidney axis, is now available worldwide, including upcoming expansion into Canada. The milestone reflects Kibow's continued efforts to broaden access to its kidney health solutions internationally.

Kibow is also preparing to expand its kidney-health mission beyond people with the upcoming launch of Renaphil™, a kidney probiotic scientifically formulated for cats and dogs. Developed from Kibow's decades of experience studying the gut-kidney connection, Renaphil will bring the company's microbiome science to companion animals and the families who care for them.

The award-winning KibowBiotech.com was created in collaboration with PRISM Marketing, an award-winning, woman-owned marketing agency with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations translate complex business and healthcare challenges into research-driven marketing strategies and communications.

"We're incredibly proud to see Kibow Biotech receive this recognition," said Michelle Adams, President and Founder of PRISM Marketing. "Kibow has an important story to tell, built on decades of science, innovation and a genuine dedication to improving the lives of people affected by kidney health challenges. Our goal was to create a website that made that story and the science behind it more accessible and engaging. We're proud to work alongside the Kibow team and help extend the reach of that mission."

The new website brings together Kibow's kidney health research, educational resources, product portfolio and nearly three decades of work advancing the understanding of the gut-kidney axis. Visitors can explore clinical trials, scientific posters and peer-reviewed publications, learn more about chronic kidney disease and the role of the gut microbiome, and access information about Kibow's growing portfolio of kidney health solutions.

About Kibow Biotech, LLC.

Kibow Biotech develops science-based solutions to support kidney health by targeting the gut-kidney axis. Founded in 1997, Kibow has been an early pioneer in researching the interaction between the intestinal microbiome and renal function and translating that science into practical solutions for kidney health. Its portfolio includes Renadyl®, its clinically studied probiotic dietary supplement for kidney health, Renadyl® Advanced Multivitamin, Kibow Fortis®, and other kidney-specific products designed to support patients at different stages of care. Kibow's mission is to apply rigorous science to develop safe, effective and accessible microbiome-based solutions that improve kidney health and the daily lives of patients.

Contact Information:

Michelle Adams

President

PRISM Marketing

614-989-6373

[email protected]

SOURCE Kibow Biotech

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ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's housing market appeared to be leveling off in August, after nearly a full year of steadily improving home sales, according to Florida Realtors®' latest housing report.

Last month, closed sales of existing single-family homes statewide totaled 21,497, down 1.4% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 7,291, down 1.8% over August 2025, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor® boards/associations. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.

"Florida's housing market is moving toward a more balanced pace as buyers and sellers adjust to today's conditions," said 2026 Florida Realtors® President Chuck Bonfiglio Jr., broker-owner of AAA Realty Group in Plantation. "Prices remain relatively steady, while lower inventory shows how quickly conditions can shift from one local market to another."

"For buyers and sellers, preparation still matters. Pricing, timing and local market knowledge can make a real difference, which is why working with a local Realtor® remains so important."

Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O'Connor noted that several of the year-over-year growth streaks seen over the past year came to an end in August. While these months-long positive trends resulted in part from several factors that occurred in the second half of 2025, the reason the streaks just ended is due to the higher rate environment we currently face, he explained.

"In fact, coming into August, we had experienced 12 consecutive months of year-over-year increases in new pending sales for existing single-family homes, and 11 straight months of year-over-year increases in closed sales," he said. "But those monthly year-over-year increases had already been shrinking before ending in August, in no small part due to the consistently rising mortgage rates we've seen so far in 2026. The gap between this year's mortgage rates and last year's mortgage rates narrowed considerably through the first half of 2026, and now we find ourselves with higher mortgage rates than we had a year ago.

"Still, looking at rates over the long run, the movement of the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in 2025 and 2026 between 6% and 7% has been rather small in the grand scheme of things. We aren't talking about a seismic shift in affordability one way or the other. But on the margin, the recent rise in rates has been enough to slow home sales growth, and the affordability constraints induced by elevated mortgage rates are likely going to be with us for the foreseeable future."

Despite the mild slowdown in sales activity, tightening inventory is keeping home prices largely intact, O'Connor said. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in August was $415,000, up 1.2% compared to a year ago, while the statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $298,000, up 2.8% compared to August 2025. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

On the supply side of the market, single-family existing homes were at a 4.3-months' supply in in August, while condo-townhouse properties were at a 7.7-months' supply.

"Florida's housing market still has a lot of good things going for it and we're not expecting to see any major upward or downward movements in closed sales over the next several months," O'Connor said. "We continue to see some evidence that migration into Florida is starting to pick back up a bit, and little by little, sellers and buyers who have been sitting on the fence thinking the market might return to what it looked like in 2021 are starting to realize that there's not much sense in delaying making a move at this point."

He added, "Sales remain relatively stable, inventory continues to tighten, and home prices are holding up well despite mortgage rates that remain challenging for many buyers."

To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to the Florida Realtors Newsroom and look under Latest Releases or download the August 2026 data report PDFs under Market Data.

Florida Realtors® is The Voice for Real Estate® in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 230,000 members in 47 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Newsroom website is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom.

SOURCE Florida Realtors

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New Series Debuts November 11 with Episodes Released Weekly

30-Year-Old Jace Cates Named Season Lead

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FOX Nation will premiere the first two episodes of its all-new original dating series, Chris Harrison's The Vow, on November 11, announced Lauren Petterson, president of FOX Nation. Hosted by longtime reality television personality Chris Harrison, the series marks his highly anticipated return to the relationship genre. New episodes will premiere weekly on Wednesdays, culminating with the season finale on December 9. A teaser is available here.

Across six episodes, one eligible bachelor, 30-year-old Jace Cates, embarks on a relationship journey with ten women, each seeking lasting commitment and marriage. Through curated dates and real-world compatibility challenges, Chris Harrison's The Vow explores whether shared values, faith, communication, and long-term goals can build a relationship designed to last long after the cameras stop rolling. At a time when much of modern dating culture is driven by fleeting connections and social media attention, the series offers a different approach by placing the focus on meaningful relationships, commitment and building a life together.

In making the announcement, Petterson said, "Chris Harrison helped shape one of television's most recognizable genres, and we're thrilled to partner with him on a fresh, thoughtful take that returns the focus to what so many people are ultimately searching for: a genuine connection built to last. This series explores the conversations, values and real-life moments that matter long after production ends, and we believe audiences will connect with its authentic and hopeful approach to finding lasting love."

Harrison added, "I'm so excited to be back helping people find love, and FOX Nation has been an incredible partner in bringing this vision to life. We were inspired by the faith-driven renaissance happening across America, and as a result, I believe we've created the most authentic dating show on television today. At a time when so many people feel dating has become harder than ever, The Vow asks a simple but important question: Can genuine, lasting love still be found in the modern world? The stakes couldn't be higher. I'm incredibly proud and honored to put my name on this show."

Returning to the genre he helped define, Harrison guides participants through honest conversations and pivotal decisions that test far more than chemistry. From navigating conflict and communication to discussing faith, family and future goals, the series examines the real-life questions that shape successful marriages while encouraging contestants to leave the process if they no longer believe the relationship has a genuine future. During the season, Sean and Catherine Lowe, one of the most enduring success stories in the genre, will make an appearance to share their experience and offer advice on what it takes to build a lasting partnership.

Produced in partnership with Lionsgate Alternative Television, Chris Harrison's The Vow is executive produced by Chris Harrison, Lauren Zima, Nicholas Caprio, Tom Huffman, showrunner and executive producer Louis Caric, with Elan Gale serving as consulting producer, casting by Lindsay Liles and directed by Michael Shea. Chris Harrison's The Vow is distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global, which holds finished tape and format rights.

FOX Nation is a direct-to-consumer on-demand streaming service designed to complement the FOX News Channel experience with a members-only destination for its most passionate and loyal super fans. Featuring more than 10,000 hours of content, the subscription service includes lifestyle and entertainment content, as well as historical documentaries and investigative series from a multitude of FOX News personalities. Morning Consult named FOX Nation as one of the top 10 fastest-growing brands in 2023 among Gen Z adults, with the platform placing in the top 15 overall. Launched in 2018, FOX Nation is available at foxnation.com and via app for iOS devices, Android devices, FOX One, Prime Video, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Android TV, Roku, Xbox One, FuboTV, Vizio TVs, and Samsung TVs, as well as DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, Comcast Xfinity, Cox Contour, The Roku Channel, DISH and SLING.

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FOX News Media Contact:

Alexandra Coscia: 212.301.3272 or [email protected]

SOURCE Fox News Network, LLC

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The battery storage facility will strengthen grid reliability while driving local economic investment

and supporting California's transition to a more affordable and resilient energy future

DALY CITY, Calif. and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, today celebrated significant construction progress at its Cormorant Energy Storage Project in Daly City, California. The 250 megawatt (MW)/1,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) facility, expected to begin operations in 2027, will be capable of powering 321,000 homes for up to four hours during periods of peak electricity demand. By storing electricity during periods of lower demand and dispatching it when demand is highest, the project will enhance grid reliability in California.

Arevon is developing and will own and operate Cormorant, which is being constructed in partnership with Primoris Services Corporation's Renewables group. The project will employ approximately 175 workers at peak construction and will use lithium iron phosphate battery technology, recognized for its strong safety record and long operating life. Over its lifetime, Cormorant is expected to generate more than $73 million in property tax revenue to help fund schools, infrastructure improvements, and public services. In addition, the project will save more than 4.2 billion gallons of water and avoid 174,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually.

Arevon announced Cormorant's start of construction in March 2026, and has since made significant advancement toward commercial operation. To mark this progress, Arevon hosted a celebration attended by project partners, state and local officials, labor and business leaders, and community members. Speaking on the project's anticipated impact were Justin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Arevon; Molly Sterkel, a Director in the Energy Division of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC); Mayor Glenn Sylvester of Daly City; Perla Ibarrientos, Chairman of the Board at Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center; and Marya Ouro-Gbeleou, Senior Director of Client Services at the Daly City Partnership. Megan Yarnell, Development Associate at Arevon, was the event's master of ceremonies.

"Cormorant represents the kind of critical energy infrastructure California needs to meet growing electricity demand while strengthening grid reliability," said Johnson. "This event recognized the tremendous work of our construction crews and project partners who are bringing this facility to life. Arevon is proud to invest in projects that store power when it is abundant, deliver it when it is needed most, and support a more reliable and affordable energy future for California."

"Cormorant is a great example of the progress California is making toward a reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean electric grid. The CPUC, working with our partners through the state's Tracking Energy Development Task Force, has supported this project since 2024, helping address challenges and keep it moving forward," said Sterkel. "The CPUC expects over 20 gigawatts of new clean resources to come online by 2032 to meet our reliability requirements. Battery storage is a critical part of that effort, providing reliability when solar generation declines and demand remains high. We congratulate Arevon and all of the partners who helped advance this 250 MW project to this important milestone for California's clean energy future."

"This project demonstrates that Daly City can play a leading role in building the reliable, resilient infrastructure our state needs," said Mayor Sylvester. "Cormorant will strengthen our electric grid, create jobs, generate significant long-term revenue for public services, and help move California toward a cleaner and more sustainable future."

Cormorant is under a long-term offtake agreement with MCE, an electricity provider serving more than 1.8 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Originally planned at 188 MW/752 MWh, Cormorant was expanded to 250 MW/1,000 MWh, with MCE contracting for the project's additional capacity.

"MCE and Arevon have partnered on the Cormorant Energy Storage Project to provide clean, reliable electricity when it's needed most," said Vicken Kasarjian, MCE's Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. "In addition to helping Bay Area residents take advantage of abundant midday solar production, this project has a direct community benefit. As part of Arevon's contract with MCE, more than $500,000 will be distributed to fund local community programs that empower residents and support a future we can be proud of."

Arevon has continued its engagement in Daly City and the greater Bayshore community as Cormorant has progressed through development and construction. Through donations, sponsorships, scholarships, memberships, and volunteer activities, the company has partnered with more than a dozen local and regional organizations, including Bayshore Elementary School District, Jefferson Union High School District, Daly City Partnership, Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center, Bayshore Community Center, Pacific Islands Together, John's Closet, among others.

"From offering afterschool programs to senior assistance initiatives to workforce trainings, community support is at the heart of everything we do at the Daly City Partnership," said Mike Stancil, Executive Director at the Daly City Partnership. "By investing in clean, renewable energy for Daly City, it's clear that Arevon shares our same commitment to community. They have been a great supporter of our organization, and we are incredibly grateful to have such a caring and compassionate corporate partner in Daly City."

Arevon is one of California's leading renewable energy developers, owners, and operators, with more than 4 gigawatts in operation, representing billions of dollars in capital investment. Recent milestones in the state include the commencement of operations at its Nighthawk Energy Storage Project, two-phase Eland Solar-plus-Storage Project, Peregrine Energy Storage Project, https://arevonenergy.com/news/releases/arevon-reaches-full-operations-at-its-2-billion-eland-solar-plus-storage-project-in-california/ Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project, and Condor Energy Storage Project.

Several of these projects have also received national recognition, including Condor for Proximo's North America Storage Deal of the Year Award, Vikings for IJGlobal's Renewables Deal of the Year – Energy Storage Award and Proximo's North American Deals of the Year Award, and Eland, which received highly commended recognition in the 2026 Reuters Events Clean Power Generation Award. In addition, Eland and Nighthawk have been named finalists in the S&P Global Platts 2026 Global Energy Awards in the Infrastructure Project of the Year and Energy Deal of the Year categories, respectively. Arevon also earned the No. 1 developer ranking in California in Solar Power World's 2026 Top Solar Contractors List.

About Arevon Energy, Inc.

Arevon is a U.S. energy leader committed to powering America with affordable, reliable, and secure homegrown energy. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and with a regional office in New York City, the company's experienced and dedicated team develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates renewable energy projects nationwide. With a strong track record in utility-scale solar and energy storage, Arevon is a trusted partner to utilities and businesses seeking cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing American manufacturing and domestic energy production, the company invests in U.S. jobs, strengthens local economies, and advances the country's energy independence.

Arevon owns and operates more than 6.3 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects across 18 states, is currently constructing 370 megawatts (MW) of new capacity, and maintains a robust development portfolio. The company has also partnered with local utilities to develop and build 480 MW of solar energy, ensuring each project was successfully integrated into their communities. Together, this scale, execution, and ongoing development activity position Arevon at the forefront of American energy innovation. For more information, visit arevonenergy.com.

SOURCE Arevon

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FlexXray Releases Third Annual Benchmark Report on Foreign Material Contamination in Food Manufacturing

ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FlexXray, the leader in foreign material inspection services for the food industry, today announced the release of the 2026 Foreign Material Contamination in Food Benchmark Report. Now in its third year, the report is based on survey responses from more than 170 food safety and manufacturing professionals across North America, offering an ongoing, data-driven look into how the industry identifies, manages, and protects against foreign material contamination in their products.

This year's findings point to a widening gap between what food manufacturers are most likely to encounter and what their detection equipment is built to catch. Key findings include:

- A shift in the contamination profile — Plastic has overtaken metal as the most frequently reported contaminant, cited by 37% of respondents

- Internal response remains the default — 63% of producers still rely on in-house resources to manage a foreign material event

- Investment cooling, not closing the gap — The share of producers planning to increase detection investment fell from roughly 70% in 2025 to 57% in 2026, while confidence that in-line equipment catches all foreign material has remained flat

"For three years now, this report has given food safety and manufacturing leaders real industry data to benchmark their own programs against," said Kurt Westmoreland, Chief Commercial Officer. "This year's findings cover how often facilities are dealing with foreign material events, how confident they are in their detection equipment, how they're investing, and how they respond when an event happens — giving teams a clear picture of where they stand relative to the rest of the industry."

The full Foreign Material Contamination in Food Benchmark Report is available at https://flexxray.com/lp/2026-foreign-material-contamination-in-food-benchmark-report/.

For more information about FlexXray, visit https://flexxray.com/.

About FlexXray

FlexXray is the nation's leader in foreign material inspection and remediation services for the food industry. Using advanced X-ray and CT inspection technologies, FlexXray helps food manufacturers safeguard their products, reduce waste, and protect consumers. Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, FlexXray operates facilities across the U.S. and internationally, and partners with leading food brands to solve contamination challenges with speed and precision.

SOURCE FlexXray

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BEND, Ore., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Platformr, a cloud operations company and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partner, today outlined how its platform supports Managed Service Providers (MSPs) adapting to AWS's newly published MSP Validation Checklist (VCL) 8.0, which is the standard that AWS partners must meet to earn and maintain AWS MSP validation.

VCL 8.0 represents a comprehensive update to the checklist, not simply an expansion of AI requirements. Of the standard's 61 total controls, 24 are net-new – covering agentic AI platform and agent lifecycle governance; a Responsible AI framework spanning data governance and prompt injection prevention; agentic Zero Trust and blast-radius containment; GenAI and agentic observability (sessions, traces, drift, and cost); operational toil measurement and reduction; an AI transformation roadmap with industry vertical specialization; and new Forward Deployed Engineer and AI Practice Lead roles.

Another 27 existing controls were updated to incorporate AI capabilities; for example, change management now covers AI model changes, vulnerability management extends to agent dependencies, and FinOps now includes AI workload cost optimization. Ten foundational controls, including IAM, encryption, Well-Architected, and patch management, carry forward unchanged, while 15 VCL 7.1 controls were retired and consolidated into broader requirements, such as combining role-based access, MFA, and IAM into a single control.

Taken together, the update reflects AWS's shift to an AI-first framework: AI capabilities are now embedded across every section rather than treated as an add-on, and several previously Recommended AI controls are now Required, reflecting AWS's expectation that partners prove AI-driven delivery at scale.

The managed services market is projected to reach $645 billion in 2026, growing at a 10% compound annual rate, with agentic AI expected to unlock as much as $200 billion in net-new value over the next five years, according to industry estimates. Despite that trajectory, only a small share of MSPs today have extended agentic AI into customer-facing operations, which is a gap AWS's updated standard is designed to close.

"AWS just raised the bar on what it means to run a modern managed services practice," said Ryan Comingdeer, CEO of Platformr. "Predictive monitoring, AIOps, and a real AI-first delivery model are now mandatory under the new checklist. We built Platformr to automate exactly that kind of operational work, so our job now is helping MSP partners close that gap before it becomes a competitive disadvantage."

Platformr's solution automates and centralizes AWS cloud operations for its customers – including AWS Landing Zone deployment, multi-account governance, and observability – capabilities that align closely with the operational and AI-readiness areas VCL 8.0 now requires. Platformr is working with MSP partners to assess their current coverage against the updated checklist and close gaps to achieve AWS MSP designation for entry to the MSP Partner Program.

MSPs interested in preparing for VCL 8.0 can check out https://platformr.cloud/partners/aws/partners-aws-managed-service-provider/ to learn how Platformr can help get them there faster.

About Platformr

Platformr is an AI CloudOps platform purpose-built for AWS environments and organizations. Platformr gives users the tools to deliver secure, well-architected AWS environments quickly and then stay engaged at every stage of the customer journey, from ongoing security and compliance monitoring to cost optimization and operational visibility. The result is less time spent on infrastructure, more time spent on high-value work for customers.

Media Contact

Ryan Comingdeer

[email protected]

SOURCE Platformr

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Plug and Play Foundation Launches SMB Tech Connect With Wells Fargo Grant

Ten Bay Area small businesses will get workflow assessments, startup pilots, and grants to pay for what they adopt

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Plug and Play Foundation (PNPF) has received a grant from Wells Fargo to launch SMB Tech Connect, an accelerator that will help 10 Bay Area small businesses identify where technology can improve their operations and then fund the implementation. Applications are now open.

The program addresses a gap most small-business support misses. Owners constantly hear that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will change how they operate, but few have the time, technical guidance, or capital to find out whether a specific tool works for their business.

Most owners run every function themselves, including finance, hiring, marketing, compliance, and customer service. Evaluating and implementing software becomes its own full-time job, and a tool that turns out to be the wrong fit is a cost few can absorb.

Participants will move through Plug and Play Foundation's ELEVATE Pathway, which combines tailored education, one-on-one mentorship, workflow assessments, technology recommendations, and grant funding for adoption.

"Small-business owners are navigating an increasingly complex technology landscape, but access to a tool alone does not guarantee meaningful adoption," said Dominique Reese, Executive Director, Plug and Play Foundation. "Businesses need trusted guidance, hands-on implementation support, and the financial flexibility to test solutions that address their specific needs. We are grateful to Wells Fargo for helping us build a program that brings these resources together and makes technology adoption more practical and accessible."

Every business starts with a technology and AI readiness assessment that maps operational gaps, repetitive processes, and the highest-impact opportunities for improvement. The results determine which of two tracks it joins.

- Technology Pilot Track — Businesses are matched with vetted startup solutions that address the challenges surfaced in their assessment. Plug and Play Foundation supports onboarding, implementation, evaluation, and long-term adoption planning.

- Workshop Implementation Track — Businesses attend hands-on workshops to improve workflows and use accessible AI and automation tools to reduce repetitive work, with implementation support tailored to their use cases.

Solutions may cover finance and accounting, sales and marketing, human resources, cybersecurity, legal and compliance, vendor management, e-commerce, customer operations, and other core functions.

Wells Fargo has funded small-business assistance for years. Its $420M Open for Business Fund backed more than 200 community-based organizations providing grants, loans, and technical assistance nationwide. Grantees reported reaching more than 336,000 small businesses, creating or preserving more than 461,000 jobs, and delivering more than 1.1M hours of tailored technical assistance, more than half of it one-on-one.

Plug and Play Foundation intends to use the California pilot as a model that may be adapted for additional markets, including New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Dallas.

Applications for the pilot are now open. Small-business owners interested in participating can learn more here or contact Dominique Reese.

About Plug and Play Foundation

The mission of Plug and Play Foundation is to build the next generation of impactful entrepreneurs and innovators of all backgrounds. Through our ELEVATE Pathway, we work to democratize access to technology by making enterprise-grade tools and innovative startup solutions accessible to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Plug and Play Foundation builds the next generation of impactful entrepreneurs, with a focus on communities facing significant opportunity gaps. Backed by the network and expertise of Plug and Play, the Foundation works across three pathways — ACCESS, which builds career and workforce pipelines from early education through first-time entrepreneurship; ELEVATE, which helps small and medium-sized businesses adopt technology and operate more efficiently; and IMPACT, which accelerates and invests in startups producing measurable social and environmental returns. Participants receive mentorship, hands-on support, and direct access to Plug and Play's corporate network. For more information, visit Plug and Play Foundation.

Plug and Play Media Contact

Jacky Tsang

Senior Communications & PR Associate

[email protected] 

SOURCE Plug and Play Foundation

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Hangzhou Zhilianhui Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Launches Official AccuMEMS DTC Website

LOS ANGELES, HOUSTON and MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hangzhou Zhilianhui Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. officially launched the DTC (direct-to-consumer) website for its thermal imaging brand, AccuMEMS. The new website gives customers direct access to the brand's thermal imaging products and information as AccuMEMS seeks to make accurate thermal measurement more accessible to professionals, technicians, and other users through a combination of practical performance, portability, and affordability.

The launch comes as thermal imaging technology continues to expand beyond research laboratories and specialized industrial environments. Smaller and more sensitive sensors, along with advances in computing and electronics, have made thermal cameras increasingly accessible to electricians, contractors, engineers, inspectors, and other users who rely on temperature differences to identify potential problems.

Cost, however, remains an important consideration. Professional thermal imaging systems can offer high-resolution sensors, advanced image processing, and rugged designs, but these capabilities can also place them beyond the needs or budgets of smaller businesses and individual technicians. AccuMEMS is positioning its products between highly specialized professional systems and basic consumer devices, with an emphasis on balancing measurement capability, usability, portability, and price.

"Make Accurate Measurement reflects what we want AccuMEMS to stand for," said Simón, CEO of AccuMEMS. "Our goal is to provide practical thermal imaging tools that deliver the measurement capabilities users actually need while making the technology accessible to more people."

For users, that balance extends beyond price. Depending on the application, factors such as thermal resolution, image quality, refresh rate, measurement capability, battery life, and device size can determine how useful a thermal camera is in everyday work. A portable device can be particularly valuable for technicians moving between jobs or conducting inspections in confined spaces.

These tools can support a range of applications. Electricians can identify abnormal heat around electrical connections, while HVAC technicians can examine heating and cooling equipment for unusual temperature patterns. Building inspectors can use thermal information to investigate insulation, moisture, and energy-loss concerns. In automotive and industrial settings, thermal imaging can help locate heat-related abnormalities and guide further inspection alongside other diagnostic methods.

About Hangzhou Zhilianhui Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2023 and based in Hangzhou, China, the company specializes in thermal imaging and measurement solutions through its AccuMEMS brand. Its products serve professional and everyday applications across multiple inspection and diagnostic scenarios. More information is available at www.accumems.com.

SOURCE HANGZHOU ZHILIANHUI ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

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New collaboration helps utilities replace fragmented, manual infrastructure data with faster visibility and actionable insights across complex grid and network programs

CHICAGO and ATLANTA, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- West Monroe, an AI-native global consulting firm, and Sitenna, an infrastructure lifecycle management platform provider, today announced they are working together to help utilities accelerate complex grid, network and infrastructure programs. By combining West Monroe's deep utility and implementation expertise with Sitenna's infrastructure technology, the companies will help utilities reduce manual processes, gain faster visibility into project and asset data, and put that information to work sooner.

The collaboration addresses a persistent challenge for utilities: critical infrastructure information can be fragmented across field teams, contractors, spreadsheets, emails and disconnected enterprise systems. That can leave teams spending significant time manually collecting, reconciling and reporting information simply to understand what is happening across their infrastructure portfolios.

Sitenna's unified project and asset management platform enables field and project information to flow into a centralized, governed system of record, providing more timely visibility into assets, milestones, progress and potential bottlenecks. West Monroe will implement Sitenna within utility environments, integrate it with existing GIS, work management and enterprise systems, and provide the security, data, reporting and program expertise needed to turn that visibility into action. The result is utilities can spend less time assembling and reconciling infrastructure information and more time using it to identify issues sooner, make better-informed decisions and keep complex infrastructure programs moving.

"The real opportunity here isn't simply collecting more data. It's shortening the distance between what's happening in the field and what utilities can do with that information," said Tim Valin, Senior Partner, Energy & Utilities at West Monroe. "Our clients are being asked to deliver more infrastructure, faster, while managing enormous complexity. Sitenna gives us another powerful tool to bring into those programs, while West Monroe provides the utility expertise and speed required to turn that technology into meaningful business and operational outcomes."

West Monroe and Sitenna will support utility programs across a range of fast-growing infrastructure needs, including grid security and resilience, distributed energy resources, private LTE, and fiber buildouts. These capabilities are becoming increasingly important as utilities modernize the grid, respond to rising demand and prepare for new sources of load, including AI and data centers, while maintaining a lens on customer affordability.

The agreement also addresses another source of friction: the time and complexity involved in introducing new technology into a utility environment. With an existing commercial agreement between West Monroe and Sitenna, the technology can be incorporated into West Monroe engagements without requiring clients to establish a separate contractual relationship with Sitenna. For utilities accustomed to lengthy procurement, technology, security and data reviews for new vendors, this structure can help shorten the path from identifying a need to putting a solution to work.

Sitenna provides an integrated platform spanning site acquisition, project delivery, asset management and commercialization. Rather than replacing utilities' existing technology environments, the platform can connect with GIS, work management, finance and other enterprise systems. West Monroe will provide the implementation, integration and professional services around the technology. The relationship allows Sitenna to remain focused on its technology while West Monroe brings the industry capabilities required for complex utility environments.

"West Monroe has supported clients through some of the most complex grid and network programs in the United States," said Daniel Campion, Sitenna CEO and Co-Founder. "We built Sitenna to give those teams a single system for the sites, projects, assets, agreements and equipment behind infrastructure programs. Combining that technology with West Monroe's expertise in utility technology, data and analytics, and project management gives the industry a faster path to putting infrastructure data to work, without adding another disconnected system or another layer of complexity."

West Monroe has more than 400 professionals dedicated to the energy and utilities industry and works with leading utilities across the United States on grid modernization, operational resilience and major infrastructure programs. In 2026, West Monroe was named a Top Energy Consulting Firm by Vault and Overall AI Consulting Firm of the Year in the 2026 AI Breakthrough Awards.

About West Monroe

West Monroe is an AI-native global consulting firm built for today's pace of change. We combine deep industry expertise with modern technology and business transformation capabilities to help organizations move faster and deliver measurable impact with speed to value and certainty of results through execution excellence. We don't just talk about what's possible—we apply AI and technology where it matters most, pairing strategic insights with hands-on execution to help clients move from strategy to results, faster.

Clients tell us we show up differently. Our employee ownership model fuels an all-in approach grounded in practical execution, measurable impact, and lasting partnership. That commitment has earned recognition from Forbes and Business Insider and made West Monroe one of only 22 companies recognized worldwide for building high-quality careers.

See what's possible at westmonroe.com.

About Sitenna

Sitenna is an infrastructure lifecycle software platform used by operators, developers and infrastructure service providers to manage site acquisition, project delivery, asset management and commercialization in one system of record. It supports telecom, utility, energy, fiber, EV charging, battery storage and public sector infrastructure without custom re-engineering. Sitenna is backed by Y Combinator, Samsung Next, Merus Capital and Rebel Fund.

Get faster asset data confidence with sitenna.com

Media Contacts

West Monroe:

Christina Galoozis, Director, Communications & Public Relations

[email protected]

847-302-1762

Sitenna:

Jeremy Jones, VP of Growth

[email protected]

470-681-4012

SOURCE West Monroe

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