Lucid Bots takes drone cleaning beyond 280 feet with new Sherpa HighLine rooftop pulley system

Demonstrated at Colorado's Monarch Casino Resort Spa, the Sherpa HighLine is designed to help cleaning operators reach taller buildings, pursue more revenue opportunities and improve cleaning efficiency.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucid Bots today unveiled the Sherpa HighLine, a software-controlled, motorized rooftop pulley system that enabled its Sherpa drone to perform exterior cleaning at 280 feet above ground level at Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, Colorado. By reducing the hose weight carried by the aircraft, the system is designed to help cleaning businesses reach more properties, take on larger project scopes and work more efficiently at height.

The late-September operation took place on the resort's 23-story hotel tower. The work was completed in partnership with BlackJet Drone Solutions, MG Cleaning Systems, and Oklahoma Drone Technologies. The project demonstrated a different approach to extending drone-cleaning reach, supporting the cleaning hose from above rather than asking the aircraft to lift more weight.

For a cleaning drone, reaching higher involves more than the aircraft's ability to fly. A drone supplied by a ground-based pump must also support the suspended cleaning hose and the liquid inside it. As more hose is lifted off the ground, the load on the aircraft increases.

The project's mountain setting added another challenge. Black Hawk, Colorado is a mountain town that sits roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. At high elevations, lower-density air makes generating lift more demanding, reinforcing the importance of managing the load the aircraft must carry.

Mounted to existing rooftop equipment at the top of a building, the Sherpa HighLine transfers part of the hose's load to the rooftop support. The drone itself does not become lighter, it has less hose weight to carry, allowing it to work higher without relying solely on greater lifting capacity.

"Reaching higher has often meant making trade-offs, whether that's shaving weight off the drone or using a smaller hose to reduce the load," said Robert Blank, Vice President of Research and Development at Lucid Bots. "We wanted to move beyond removing a pound or two in pursuit of another 10 or 20 feet. Supporting the hose from the rooftop changes the equation. It allows us to pursue greater working heights while also supporting larger-diameter hoses that can deliver more flow."

— Robert Blank, Vice President of Research and Development at Lucid Bots

Smaller hoses, such as quarter-inch, reduce weight but can restrict cleaning flow. By supporting the hose from above, the Sherpa HighLine can enable larger hoses and higher flow. With suitable pumps and nozzles, that can mean faster cleaning, less time on the building, better job margins and more capacity for additional work.

"The Sherpa HighLine made this 23-story project possible," said Parker Eakins, owner of Oklahoma Drone Technologies. "The roof and launch points ruled out a roof-down flight, so we had to clean from the ground up. The HighLine supported the hose as we climbed, allowing us to reach the full 280-foot height of the building. Without it, we couldn't have completed the project on time."

— Parker Eakins, owner of Oklahoma Drone Technologies

Greater working height gives operators more buildings to bid on and more exterior surface area they can clean on each property. That can expand the scope and value of individual contracts, while more efficient cleaning can improve job margins and free up crews for additional work.

"Monarch Casino is a milestone, not a ceiling," said Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots. "This is about helping our customers win taller buildings and clean more of each one, which means more revenue for their businesses. 280 feet is the highest a cleaning drone has cleaned in the United States, and we're still going higher."

— Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots

Lucid Bots has not yet announced a maximum working height for the Sherpa HighLine. Testing is continuing to establish its supported operating range, with final specifications and operating requirements to be announced as development progresses.

The company plans a limited release in the fourth quarter of 2026, with full production targeted for early 2027. Operators can reserve a place in line with a $250 refundable deposit, credited toward the purchase price, at https://lucidbots.shop/products/sherpa-highline. Purchase is subject to operator approval and required training.

About Lucid Bots

Lucid Bots is the world's largest provider of cleaning drones and the manufacturer of the Sherpa drone, a purpose-built platform for exterior cleaning and protection applications. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company is backed by Y Combinator and $34 million in funding and serves a network of more than 400 operators across more than 40 states and three continents.

Lucid Bots partners with its customers beyond the equipment sale, combining hands-on training, U.S.-based technical support and ongoing product innovation to help operators take on more work, improve productivity and grow their businesses. The Sherpa drone is designed and built in the United States, with a distinct NDAA-compliant configuration available. Learn more at lucidbots.com.

Contact: Abigail Steinberg | [email protected]

SOURCE Lucid Bots

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New Orders Growing; Production Growing; Employment Growing; Supplier Deliveries Slowing Raw Materials Inventories Contracting; Customers' Inventories Too Low; Prices Increasing; Imports Growing; Exports Growing

TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in September for the ninth consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report.

The report was issued today by Susan Spence, MBA, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

"The Manufacturing PMI® registered 54.5 percent in September, 0.1 percentage point below the August figure of 54.6 percent. The overall economy continued in expansion for the 23rd month in a row. (A Manufacturing PMI® above 47.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.) The New Orders Index expanded for the ninth consecutive month after four straight readings in contraction, registering 55.3 percent, up 1.6 percentage points compared to August's figure of 53.7 percent. The September reading of the Production Index (56.7 percent) is 1.6 percentage points lower than the 58.3 percent recorded in August. The Prices Index remained in expansion (or 'increasing' territory), registering 77.9 percent, a notable increase of 6.8 percentage points compared to August's reading of 71.1 percent. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 56.4 percent, up 4.6 percentage points compared to the 51.8 percent recorded in August. The Employment Index reading of 52.7 percent is up 1.5 percentage points from August's figure of 51.2 percent," says Spence.

"The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated slowing performance for the 10th month in a row after one month in 'faster' territory. The reading of 59 percent is down 0.3 percentage point from its August reading of 59.3 percent. (Supplier Deliveries is the only ISM® PMI® Reports index that is inversed; a reading of above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries, which is typical as the economy improves and customer demand increases.)

"The Inventories Index registered 48.6 percent, down 2 percentage points compared to August's reading of 50.6 percent. The Customers' Inventories Index reading of 41.6 percent is 1.2 percentage points lower compared to the 42.8 percent recorded in August.

"The New Export Orders Index lost 2.3 percentage points in September for a reading of 50.9 percent versus 53.2 percent in August. The Imports Index registered 51 percent, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points compared to August's reading of 52.5 percent."

Spence continues, "In September, U.S. manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory. Of the five subindexes that make up the PMI®, only New Orders and Employment grew faster than the previous month. In September, 40 percent of the comments were positive and 60 percent negative, with a 1-to-1.6 ratio of positive to negative sentiment. Among negative comments, pricing volatility was mentioned in 46 percent, tariffs 34 percent, the Iran war 30 percent and increasing lead times 21 percent; most comments mentioned multiple factors.

"In September, three of four demand indicators (the New Orders, Backlog of Orders and New Export Orders indexes) remained in expansion, and the Customers' Inventories Index remained in 'too low' territory, contracting at a faster rate. A 'too low' status for the Customers' Inventories Index is usually considered positive for future production.

"Regarding output, the Production Index expanded for the 11th month in a row, with the positive-to-negative comment ratio dropping again in September (1.6 positive comments for every negative one, compared to a 2.2-to-1 ratio in August and 3.3-to-1 in July). The Employment Index remained in expansion and gained 1.5 percentage points. The positive-to-negative comments ratio on Employment was 1.5-to-1 in September.

"Finally, inputs (defined as supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and imports) were mixed, with the Supplier Deliveries Index decreasing 0.3 percentage point, the Inventories Index declining another 2 percentage points and returning to contraction, and the Prices Index increasing 6.8 percentage points, returning to its level at the start of the Iran War. The Imports Index lost 1.5 percentage points, to 51 percent versus 52.5 percent in August.

"Looking at the manufacturing economy, 2 percent of the sector's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted in September, compared to 22 percent in August, and 2 percent of manufacturing GDP was in strong contraction (defined as a composite PMI® of 45 percent or lower), the same as in August. The share of sector GDP with a PMI® at or below 45 percent is a good metric to gauge overall manufacturing weakness. Of the six largest manufacturing industries, five (Computer & Electronic Products, Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products, Transportation Equipment, Machinery; and Chemical Products) expanded in September."

The 12 manufacturing industries reporting growth in September — listed in order — are: Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Chemical Products. The two industries reporting a contraction in September are: Printing & Related Support Activities; and Textile Mills.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

- "Better performance was driven primarily by temporary market effects, including (1) geopolitical uncertainties, (2) customers bringing forward purchases, (3) delayed raw material price increases and (4) reduced competitor capacity. However, these factors do not signal sustained recovery: Structural challenges facing the chemical industry remain, including overcapacity, persistent pricing pressures and protectionist trade policies." [Chemical Products]

- "Supply chain performance has improved compared to prior years, with lead times largely normalized. Cost pressures persist in select raw materials, transportation and labor categories, requiring continued focus on supplier management and cost control. We remain cautiously optimistic about business conditions over the next several quarters." [Chemical Products]

- "The U.S. tariff schedule is providing challenges. Finding alternate sources of supply outside of China, local pushback on data centers in the U.S. and continuing material/component shortages are affecting business." [Computer & Electronic Products]

- "Manufacturing activity remains stable, with a continued focus on cost optimization, supplier negotiations and supply base consolidation. We are actively evaluating alternative sources in several categories to improve supply resilience and reduce costs. While material availability has generally improved compared to prior periods, qualification requirements and supplier capacity constraints continue to influence sourcing decisions for certain critical materials and components. Capital and operational spending remain focused on productivity, efficiency and transformation initiatives." [Computer & Electronic Products]

- "Orders have doubled yet again, and delivery times have also doubled, in the semiconductor, electronics and government sectors, with remaining sectors flat to down. Coupled with supply chain lead times and pricing pressures, the factory backlog has nearly doubled. Canada tariffs have impacted cross-border costs and left our supply chain team scrambling — those supply chains took years to develop and nurture — hurting the very lead times government buyers are concerned about." [Machinery]

- "Order levels remain strong and elevated; we have orders through year-end at above forecast levels. Our biggest challenge continues to be a severe shortage of workers, limiting our production output to meet demand. The second challenge is general availability of steel; the market is getting worse, and more production delays are expected as we gap out of needed material." [Fabricated Metal Products]

- "Raw metals continue to be challenging, especially with the uncertain nature of tariffs being on and off again. New tariffs against Canada have drastically increased costs for capital expenses as well as assemblies." [Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components]

- "Fuel costs are still affecting transportation costs and the overall cost of goods. Beef costs remain high, with no relief in sight." [Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products]

- "Higher interest rates slow down the growth of new construction projects; we also have to face up to the higher cost of components from overseas due to tariffs and freight rates. Due to booming demand of AI and data centers, domestic steel capacity has been stretched and pushed. Higher steel costs each month increase our raw-material and finished-goods costs." [Machinery]

- "Every month, we are faced with new headwinds created by this administration. This month, it is the trade war with Canada, which every day is getting worse — causing prices to go up and uncertainty that creates massive disruption. Buying continues to get pushed out indefinitely as customers don't want to spend on capital expenditures until there is more certainty of costs and demand. The only thing that is predictable is the chaos that is created by these trade policies." [Transportation Equipment]

ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories indexes.

*Number of months moving in current direction.

Article examines attorney involvement, personal legal representation and the need for clearer disclosures before consumers pay

MESA, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new op-ed by Newton Group Founder and CEO Gordon Newton published in The National Law Review calls for clearer regulation of the timeshare exit industry, particularly around how companies use attorneys and legal terminology in marketing.

The article, "Attorney Involvement Is Not Attorney Representation: Why Timeshare Exit Regulation Must Move Upstream," was published Sept. 15. Newton argues that consumers should be able to determine before paying whether an attorney personally represents them, represents the exit company, or is simply involved somewhere in the process.

"Consumers should not have to decipher marketing language, disclaimers and multiple agreements to determine whether they actually have a lawyer," Newton said. "If attorney involvement is important enough to feature prominently in the marketing and sales pitch, the nature of that attorney relationship should be disclosed with equal clarity before the consumer pays."

The article identifies three areas Newton believes deserve greater regulatory attention:

- Registration and accountability for companies taking substantial advance fees to resolve timeshare obligations.

- Truth in legal marketing, including clear disclosure of who an attorney represents and when or if an attorney-client relationship begins.

- Clear unauthorized-practice-of-law boundaries when non-lawyer employees interpret contracts, evaluate claims or provide individualized legal guidance.

A central focus of the op-ed is the growing use of legal authority in timeshare exit marketing.

Companies may describe services as "attorney-backed," "attorney-led," or supported by a "legal team," "attorneys on staff," "in-house attorneys" or "attorneys on retainer."

Those descriptions may accurately indicate that attorneys are involved with the business, Newton writes, but they do not necessarily answer the question that matters most to the consumer:

Who does the attorney actually represent?

Legally, Newton argues, the question is even simpler: Who is the client?

Personal legal representation means the timeshare owner is the attorney's client. An attorney employed or retained by an exit company may advise the company, review its contracts, develop compliance procedures or protect its interests without representing the consumer.

That distinction can become especially important when attorney involvement influenced the consumer's decision to hire the company.

"Paying an exit company for a service that includes attorney involvement does not, by itself, make the consumer the attorney's client," Newton said. "The issue is not whether an attorney is somewhere in the process. It is whose interests that attorney is legally obligated to protect."

The article explains that the interests of the company and the consumer may not always be identical. Without personal legal representation, Newton argues, there may be no attorney in an important decision whose professional duty is to ask:

What is best for this client?

"That is why the distinction is not semantic," Newton said. "It determines where the lawyer's duty runs."

Newton also argues that companies advertising attorney involvement should clearly identify, in writing, who the attorney represents, when the representation begins and the scope of that representation — before the consumer pays.

The op-ed separately examines potential unauthorized-practice-of-law concerns that can arise when individualized legal work is performed inside or alongside a non-lawyer business.

Among the questions Newton says regulators and consumers should ask are: Who interprets the contract? Who evaluates whether the consumer may have a legal claim? Who recommends strategy? Who explains the legal consequences of a proposed course of action?

"Putting an attorney somewhere inside or alongside a non-lawyer company does not necessarily answer those questions," Newton said.

The article also cites recent federal enforcement actions and court decisions as evidence of broader consumer-protection concerns in the timeshare marketplace, including an August 2026 Department of Justice announcement involving a timeshare fraud scheme in which FBI Director Kash Patel said losses exceeded $400 million.

Newton also references Newton Group's ongoing Timeshare Exit Study, which has examined more than 10,000 owner-reported timeshare experiences. Fifty-five percent of respondents reported failing at least once in an attempt to exit a timeshare, and among those respondents, more than one in four attributed a failed attempt to the exit company they hired. The study is owner-reported and is not a randomized national population survey.

"This is about clarity," Newton said. "If legal services or attorney involvement are part of what a company is selling, consumers deserve a straightforward answer before they pay: Who does the lawyer actually represent?"

Read the full article in The National Law Review:

https://newtongrouptransfers.com/gordon-newton-national-law-review-attorney-representation/

About Newton Group

Newton Group is a Mesa, Arizona-based timeshare exit company helping owners since 2005. The company has helped more than 30,000 families pursue solutions to unwanted timeshare ownership. Every Newton Group client separately establishes an attorney-client relationship in which a licensed attorney represents the timeshare owner. Newton Group is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.

Media Contact:

Erik Ellingsen

Newton Group Media 

Newton Group

[email protected]

SOURCE The Newton Group

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Infrared Fitness Franchise Rallies 900+ Studios Nationwide with Limited-Edition Pink Retail, "Honor a Warrior" Dedication Cards and Studio Raffles

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 1, 2026/PRNewswire/ -- HOTWORX®, the pioneering 24-hour infrared sauna fitness franchise, which recently surpassed 900 open studios worldwide, has launched its annual Workouts for Heroes campaign, a nationwide fundraising initiative running October 1 through November 30. All funds raised will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation's (NBCF) Military Women's Patient Relief Fund, which helps cover essential non-medical expenses for military women battling breast cancer.

This year's campaign builds on the momentum of 2025, when HOTWORX members, franchisees and the corporate team raised $63,253.42 for veterans and military women battling breast cancer. Since 2024, HOTWORX's Workouts for Heroes and breast cancer awareness charitable campaigns have raised more than $110,000.

Ways to Give at HOTWORX Studios Nationwide:

- Pink Retail Initiative: HOTWORX is launching limited edition Pink Yoga Towels, Pink Yoga Mats and Pink Yoga Mat Holders. HOTWORX corporate will donate $1 for every Pink Yoga Towel and Pink Yoga Mat sold, plus $0.14 for every Pink Yoga Mat Slap Band.

- "Honor a Warrior" Dedication Cards: Members can donate $5 to dedicate a card to a veteran or breast cancer survivor who is close to their heart.

- Studio Raffles: Participating studios will host their own Workouts for Heroes raffles, with every $1 donated equaling one raffle entry.

Dedication card and raffle donations will be collected through the campaign's official GiveButter page available at givebutter.com/workouts-for-heroes-2026-2027.

"Last year, our members showed us what's possible when an entire fitness community rallies behind a cause. Workouts for Heroes has become part of who we are as a brand," said Stephen P. Smith, Founder and CEO of HOTWORX. "Every towel, every dedication card and every raffle ticket this year goes toward helping military women focus on what matters most during treatment and we're proud to have our members and studios across the country standing with them."

Through the NBCF Military Women's Patient Relief Fund, donations help cover everyday expenses like childcare, lodging and transportation for military women navigating breast cancer treatment, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery.

For more information about HOTWORX and its charitable initiatives, visit hotworx.net. To find your nearest studio, visit hotworx.net/locations.

ABOUT HOTWORX®

Founded in Marrero, La., HOTWORX introduces a groundbreaking fitness program and is one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide, known for its innovative approach to infrared fitness training. With over 900 studio locations and over 400,000 members, HOTWORX provides members with an immersive, virtual exercise experience that combines the benefits of infrared heat with either 30-minute isometric workouts or 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions. Using its patented infrared sauna, HOTWORX offers a "3D Training" method, uniquely blending heat, infrared energy, and exercise for a deep, detoxifying workout. Members can conveniently book sessions through the HOTWORX Burn Off app, making fitness accessible and secure.

SOURCE HOTWORX

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Five Years of Purposeful Fashion: LILYSILK Renews Partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation for 'A Bloom of Care' Campaign

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LILYSILK, the world's leading silk brand dedicated to inspiring people to live spectacularly, announced the renewal of its partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF) through a new campaign, "A Bloom of Care," featuring a new sleepwear collection inspired by the lily flower.

Since 2022, LILYSILK and NBCF have partnered through monetary and gift-in-kind donations and cause-marketing campaigns. Over five years, LILYSILK has contributed $82,057.38 to NBCF, helping provide breast health education to 32 women, support 144 hospital partners, provide 23 mammograms, help 123 patients navigate care and engage 1,558 volunteers.

Their renewed collaboration centers on the Lily Embrace Collection, extending the existing Hope's Collection.

The Lily Embrace Collection

The campaign celebrates the quiet strength and resilience of women, presenting care as a force that grows through self-care and mutual support. Inspired by the lily flower, a symbol of renewal, compassion and strength, the Lily Embrace print features delicate lily motifs and soft, flowing lines in a soothing color palette, representing a warm, protective embrace.

The Lily Embrace Collection features three sleepwear pieces crafted from responsibly sourced 19-momme silk charmeuse, with a lustrous, pearl-like sheen on the front and a matte finish on the reverse — the Hope's Short Silk Print Nightgown, Hope's Lily-Print Silk Pajama Set and Hope's Full-Length Lily-Print Silk Pajama Set.

From September 11, 2026, to December 31, 2027, LILYSILK will donate 20% of gross retail sales from this collection to NBCF, supporting those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

"At LILYSILK, we believe beauty is not only about what we create. It is also about the care we extend - to ourselves, to each other and to the communities around us," said David Wang, CEO of LILYSILK. "Through our continued partnership with NBCF, we hope to raise awareness, encourage conversation and support women's health for years to come."

"We are grateful to continue our partnership with LILYSILK and their commitment to Helping Women Now®. Together, we are making a meaningful difference for individuals and families affected by breast cancer," said Candice Hensley, Director of Strategic Partnerships. "We are truly honored to have them as a partner."

For more information, please visit LILYSILK's official website and follow @lilysilk on Instagram and @Lilysilk on Facebook.

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One-Day Event Offers Exclusive Founding Rates and Member Perks

DALLAS, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Fitness Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of leading Crunch Fitness franchise group CR Fitness Holdings, is proud to announce a special one-day only Cyber Sale for its newest location, Crunch Garland, happening Saturday October 3rd. This brand-new, $5 million, 34,589-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center is located at 825 West Centerville Road, Garland TX.

For one-day only on October 3rd, visit CrunchGarland.com for exclusive online-only membership deals. Memberships will start at just $9.99 per month with $0 enrollment fees, plus additional limited-time savings. The first 500 members to join will receive exclusive perks including a free limited-edition t-shirt, discounts on personal and small group training, and more!

Crunch Garland will also host an in-person Cyber Sale Party that same day, featuring tours, giveaways, and fitness experiences for the community from 9am to 5pm.

As a brand-new 3.0 location with a sleek, modern design, Crunch Garland will deliver a complete, high-end fitness experience focused on quality service and inclusivity. The 34,589-square-foot facility will feature top-of-the-line cardio and strength equipment, contrast therapy featuring Infrared Sauna and Frost Locker, Olympic squat racks, an Abs & Glutes room, Ride Cycle studio, and a dedicated performance turf area. Members can take advantage of a full group fitness studio, a hot studio for yoga and Pilates, and high-energy boxing classes, along with the innovative HIITZone™ for heart-pumping interval training. Premium recovery and relaxation amenities include HydroMassage® and tanning, and locker rooms with saunas and a steam room - creating a well-rounded fitness destination that supports performance, recovery, and total wellness.

Whether you're new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, Crunch Garland is designed to support a wide range of fitness goals in a motivating, welcoming, and community-driven environment.

"Launching our Garland location is an exciting step forward in our continued expansion across Texas," said Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness Holdings. "Our mission is to provide a fun, high-value, and unparalleled Crunch Fitness experience. With premium amenities, top-tier equipment, and dynamic group fitness programming all under one roof, Crunch Garland will bring something special to the community."

The new club opening is expected to create more than 70 local jobs across personal training, group fitness, sales, operations, member services, and club leadership.

For more information or to secure Cyber Sale pricing, visit CrunchGarland.com on October 3rd.

About Southwest Fitness Holdings, LLC

Southwest Fitness Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of CR Fitness Holdings, currently operates 14 Crunch gyms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (as well as 5 coming soon to Arizona) - and is on track to operate nearly 20 total in Texas by the end of 2026. Its parent company, CR Fitness Holdings, is a leading Crunch Fitness franchise group that currently serves over one million members across 99 Crunch Fitness locations.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE CR Fitness Holdings, LLC.

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Flower Mound firm honored for the fourth consecutive year for its fiduciary, fee-only approach to client care

FLOWER MOUND, Texas, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GDS Wealth Management has once again been named to D Magazine's list of Top Wealth Managers, marking the firm's fourth year of recognition. The distinction, appearing in the magazine's October 2026 issue, is determined through peer nomination among CFP® professionals in the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Financial Planning Association and is not influenced by compensation of any kind.

"To be recognized by our peers year after year is something we never take for granted," said Glen Smith, Founder and CIO of GDS Wealth Management. "This honor belongs to our clients as much as it does to our team. Their trust is what makes this work possible, and we're grateful for every family who has allowed us to be part of their journey."

Robert Casey, Senior Vice President and Co-Founder, pointed to the firm's continued growth as evidence the strategy is working. "We've welcomed more families into the GDS community this year than ever before, and this award tells us we're earning that trust the right way through transparency, personalized planning, and a fiduciary standard we don't compromise on."

GDS Wealth Management serves individuals, families, and business owners across Texas and nationwide through a fee-only, fiduciary model built around long-term relationships rather than transactional advice.

"Every nomination is a reminder of how far we've come alongside our clients," Smith added. "We're thankful for their confidence in us, and for a team that shows up for them every single day."

For more information, visit www.gdswealth.com.

GDS Wealth Management is a fiduciary, fee-only wealth management firm headquartered in Flower Mound, Texas. Led by a team with more than two decades of industry experience, the firm provides holistic financial planning, investment management, and retirement strategies designed around each client's long-term goals.

GDS Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. D Magazine compiles this list annually from peer nominations by DFW-area CFP® professionals from 5/5/26 – 6/5/26. GDS paid nothing to be considered or included, beyond a logo licensing fee. Not a guarantee of future results. For more information, including fees and conflicts, visit www.gdswealth.com.

Contact:

Joan Doan

[email protected]

469.212.8072

SOURCE GDS Wealth Management

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- WACKER will highlight silicone technologies for thermal management, thermal runway protection and efficient processing in battery and electronics applications.

- Featured technologies span thermally conductive potting, flexible barrier coatings and thermal interface materials for mobility applications.

- Material capabilities include customizable thermal conductivity, room-temperature curing, primerless adhesion, flame resistance and ceramic shielding under extreme heat.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wacker Chemical Corporation will showcase advanced silicone technologies for thermal management, thermal protection and processing in battery and electronics applications at The Battery Show 2026. The event takes place Oct. 12-15 at Huntington Place in Detroit, where WACKER will exhibit at Booth 4422. The company will highlight materials for thermally conductive potting and mobility applications as well as a flexible silicone coating that forms a ceramic thermal barrier under extreme heat.

Battery pack design places significant demands on material performance. Thermal management materials must transfer heat effectively while also meeting requirements for dispensing, curing, adhesion, temperature stability and integration into production processes. WACKER's exhibit will focus on how silicone materials can address those interconnected requirements across battery pack and electronics applications.

"Thermal management is closely connected to both battery performance and the manufacturing process," said Peter Zorney, WACKER Senior Director of the Electronics and Automotive business segment for North and Central America. "Engineers have to consider how a material behaves during dispensing and curing, how it performs across operating temperatures and how effectively it supports the application over time while fulfilling increasingly demanding safety requirements. As battery pack architectures continue to develop, that combination of thermal and processing performance becomes increasingly important."

Thermally Conductive Potting Supports Efficient Processing

WACKER will feature ELASTOSIL® RT 7650 TC VS A/B, a low-viscosity, self-leveling silicone potting compound for battery pack, power and electronics applications. The two-part material offers primerless adhesion, customizable thermal conductivity from 1.2 to 3.0 W/m•K and low sedimentation that supports easy rehomogenization and efficient dispensing.

Flexible Silicone Barrier Responds to Extreme Heat

ELASTOSIL® CM 146 US A/B is a sprayable silicone coating for flexible barrier systems in battery applications. The material remains deformable after curing, then forms a hard ceramic shield at temperatures above 600°C, providing strong thermal insulation during a thermal runaway event. It also offers fast room-temperature curing, low volatile content and no oil bleeding effect.

Thermally Conductive Material Supports Changing Pack Designs

WACKER will also highlight SEMICOSIL® PE 9351 TC VS A/B for assembly applications in automotive battery and electronics manufacturing. The two-component hybrid adhesive material provides thermal conductivity up to 2.0 W/m•K, non-slump dispensing behavior, room-temperature curing and UL 94 V-0 flame-retardant performance. Its processing characteristics support evolving New Electric Vehicle from module-to-pack to cell-to-pack architectures.

The Battery Show brings together scientists, engineers, executives and technology providers across battery and electronic components development value chain, EV technology, manufacturing and safety. The 2026 event will take place Oct. 12-15 at Huntington Place in Detroit. WACKER experts will be available at Booth 4422 to discuss material requirements and silicone technologies for battery and electronics applications.

Additional information:

Rachel Ufer

Wacker Chemical Corporation

Tel. +1 (734) 730-8793

[email protected]

The company in brief:

WACKER is a global company with state-of-the-art specialty chemical products found in countless everyday items, ranging from tile adhesives to computer chips. The company has a global network of 27 production sites, 22 technical competence centers and 47 sales offices. With more than 16,000 employees, WACKER generated annual sales of around €5.5 billion in fiscal 2025.

WACKER operates through four business divisions. The Silicones and Polymers chemical divisions supply products (silicones, polymeric binders) for the automotive, construction, chemical, consumer goods and medical technology industries. Biosolutions, the life sciences division, specializes in bioengineered products such as biopharmaceuticals and food additives. Polysilicon produces hyperpure polysilicon for the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries.

Follow us on

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wacker/

https://www.youtube.com/wackerchemie

https://www.instagram.com/wacker_global/

SOURCE Wacker Chemical Corporation

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Proposed 5,000-mile plan, spanning more than 30 counties, would reduce wildfire ignition risk by 98% and future outages by 90% on lines moved underground

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has filed a proposed 10-Year Electrical Undergrounding Plan (EUP) with the California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety), outlining a long-term, risk-based strategy to improve safety and reliability in high wildfire-risk areas across Northern and Central California that delivers long-term benefits valued at $117 billion.

The proposed plan would place approximately 5,000 miles of electric distribution lines underground from 2028 to 2037 in locations where undergrounding is forecasted to provide the greatest reduction in wildfire risk. In these areas, undergrounding powerlines can reduce ignition risk by nearly 98% and improve reliability with 90% fewer outages.

PG&E estimates that completing 5,000 miles of undergrounding will also save customers approximately $6 billion in vegetation management, operations and maintenance costs over the life of these assets. The plan includes work in more than 30 Northern and Central California counties.

"Placing powerlines underground provides the most effective way to reduce wildfire risk and enhance reliability for customers within High Fire-Threat Districts," said Peter Kenny, PG&E Chief Delivery Officer and Electric Transmission and Distribution Senior Vice President. "A 10-year plan allows us to develop and execute projects with increased efficiency, which translates into cost savings for customers, all while delivering enhanced safety and reliability to the hometowns we are privileged to serve."

Benefits for Customers

The proposed 10-year plan is designed to deliver lasting benefits, including:

- Improved safety: Undergrounding permanently reduces wildfire risk by 98% on lines moved underground.

- Fewer outages: Customers served by underground lines experience enhanced reliability, resulting in approximately 90% fewer outages.

- Protection for critical facilities: Undergrounding can also improve reliability for critical facilities such as hospitals, fire stations, police stations and other essential community services.

- Lower long-term costs: PG&E estimates that completing 5,000 miles of undergrounding will allow the Company to avoid approximately $6 billion in vegetation management, operations and maintenance costs over the life of these assets.

- Unlocked investments: PG&E will continue to develop and test new technology and processes that have already reduced the undergrounding cost per mile by approximately 25%.

- Better planning and coordination: A 10-year roadmap provides greater certainty and coordination with customers, local agencies, suppliers, vendors and stakeholders.

Focused on Affordability and Disciplined Investment

PG&E estimates the plan will deliver long-term benefits valued at $117 billion by helping prevent wildfires and reduce outages, which is more than 10 times the value of the proposed investment, while avoiding approximately $6 billion in future vegetation management, operations and maintenance costs over the lifespan of the underground assets.

Over the last few years, PG&E has reduced its undergrounding cost per mile by approximately 25%. The company expects a 10-year plan to enable continued improvements in planning, construction practices and supply chain coordination to help further improve efficiency and reduce costs over time.

The proposal will be reviewed by Energy Safety, which will evaluate whether the plan substantially increases reliability and substantially reduces wildfire risk. If the plan is approved, PG&E will submit the plan and an application to the California Public Utilities Commission requesting conditional approval of the plan's costs.

Data and Technology Puts the Right Solution in the Right Place

A key feature of the plan is PG&E's use of advanced data analytics and risk modeling to forecast where undergrounding will provide the greatest benefits for customers and communities.

The company's risk-based approach considers wildfire likelihood and consequence, system reliability, customer impacts, project costs and benefits, and how undergrounding compares with other wildfire mitigations.

When undergrounding is not the best fit for a given location, PG&E may deploy other system upgrade measures, including installing strengthened poles, covered powerlines and other overhead system upgrades. This approach helps direct investments toward the solutions that provide the greatest overall value to customers while maintaining a strong focus on safety and reliability.

Building on Proven Progress

By the end of 2027, PG&E plans to have completed more than 1,900 miles of undergrounding and approximately 2,000 miles of overhead system upgrades in high wildfire-risk areas, since the programs started. Combined with the proposed 10-year EUP mileage and additional overhead system upgrade work, PG&E expects to underground or upgrade more than 11,000 miles of powerlines in high wildfire-risk areas by the end of 2037, subject to regulatory approval.

"Our customers deserve safer, more reliable energy service at the lowest possible cost," said Matt Pender, Undergrounding & System Hardening Vice President. "This plan continues our progress in delivering exactly that, making long-term investments that reduce wildfire risk, improve reliability and create savings over time."

The complete filing, including a forecasted county workplan list, is available at pge.com/eup.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company

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New role reflects the enduring and growing strategic significance of the region for ZEISS' long-term roadmap.

- Christian will represent ZEISS North America, lead region-wide initiatives, and identify cross-business opportunities across ZEISS Group.

- The North American organization will strengthen collaboration and enable faster decision-making closer to customers.

OBERKOCHEN, Germany and DUBLIN, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ZEISS, the global technology and innovation enterprise, appointed Axel Christian as President of ZEISS North America, effective today. The organization and newly created role formally unite the company's activities across the United States and Canada, reaffirming ZEISS' long-term commitment to North America.

Celebrating its centennial in the USA this year, ZEISS began its American operations in December 1925 with a staff of 39 in New York City. Today, ZEISS' footprint in the US includes a workforce of more than 3,500 employees in over 30 locations, innovating in healthcare and vision care, precision optics and photonics, metrology and microscopy, and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. In Canada, ZEISS employs more than 250 people in four locations, providing advanced optical and industrial quality solutions, from eyeglass lenses and medical technologies to precision metrology, microscopy, and quality assurance solutions that serve a diverse range of industries across the country.

In his role as president, Christian will build an integrated presence by leading region-wide initiatives and identifying growth opportunities for ZEISS in the North American market. He will enhance collaboration and innovation across all of the company's distinct segments and strategic business units:

- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology: Enabling the global semiconductor industry with lithography optics and solutions for photomasks as well as wafer inspection.

- Industrial Quality & Research: Turning the physical world into data and actionable insights through leading microscopy and quality assurance solutions, enabling customers in manufacturing and research to accelerate discoveries, improve processes, and drive innovation.

- Medical Technology: Offering cutting-edge medical products and integrated workflow solutions for ophthalmology and microsurgery, helping healthcare professionals worldwide improve the quality of life for their patients.

- Consumer Markets: Protecting and improving consumers' lifelong vision health through spectacle lenses and ophthalmic instruments.

- Photonics & Optics: Revealing the wonders of the universe in planetariums, bringing ZEISS quality to everyday life through photography lenses, shaping how the world experiences film with Academy Award-winning cinematography lenses, and transforming transparent surfaces into functional interfaces using holographic microoptics technology.

ZEISS North America will bring its businesses closer together to unlock the full strength of the region. By pairing distinct capabilities, such as applying precision-optics and metrology expertise developed for semiconductor and industrial applications to medical technology and consumer imaging, ZEISS is turning cross-segment cooperation into a pipeline of innovation.

"ZEISS' 100-year anniversary in the United States reflects the enduring value of our North American market and our commitment to its future," says Andreas Pecher, President and CEO, ZEISS Group. "ZEISS North America will establish a single, unified presence to support customers across Canada and the US. I have full confidence that Axel's experience, global perspective, and market knowledge will allow us to advance innovation throughout the region."

"This new structure is ultimately about bringing the United States and Canada together as ZEISS North America and directing more of our energy toward our customers," says Christian. "Collaboration is easy to say, but harder to do. Over the past several weeks, I have spent time listening to colleagues across the region, and I have already seen the possibilities that exist when we connect expertise across our businesses. Together, we will achieve much more."

With over 20 years of experience in strategic management roles, Christian previously served as the Head of Corporate Finance and Controlling at ZEISS' headquarters in Oberkochen, Germany, and more recently as CFO of ZEISS Greater China. His office will be based in the ZEISS Innovation Center California (ZICC) in Dublin, Calif., one of several ZEISS innovation hubs throughout North America. Christian studied industrial engineering at the University of Technology, Darmstadt in Germany and the University of California, Berkeley in the United States.

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production, and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 14 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 47,400 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide (March 31, 2026). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

SOURCE ZEISS Group

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