Federal workforce initiative promoting skilled-trades careers enters next phase, expanding to Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin

DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BuildFreedom.US, a program funded by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy, today announced the next phase of its national campaign promoting careers in the skilled trades. After a successful launch earlier this year, BuildFreedom.US is expanding into Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with more states to follow as the campaign grows nationwide.

The Department of War recognizes the urgent need to close the skills gap and strengthen America's defense manufacturing and industrial base. BuildFreedom.US connects people with opportunities to develop in-demand skills, earn competitive wages, and contribute to national security. For young Americans interested in pursuing skilled-trade careers, BuildFreedom.US is a way to find scholarships, apprenticeships, training opportunities, and job openings.

"Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin represent a natural next phase in BuildFreedom.US's national expansion. These states are home to industries critical to America's defense industrial base and our national security," said Dr. Kristin Schaaf, Director of the Investment Programs, which includes the IBAS Program. "Building the next generation of American workers isn't just about creating good-paying careers – it's about strengthening our communities, supporting American industry, and ensuring that our nation has the skilled workforce it needs to remain strong and competitive."

Each state presents distinct opportunities for strengthening its skilled workforce:

- Ohio is a leading manufacturing hub, with a strong aerospace and defense industrial presence driving demand for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, production, and related technical careers.

- Illinois has a deep manufacturing base that supports the nation's defense industrial supply chain, creating opportunities for the next generation of workers across advanced manufacturing, precision production, technology, and other high-skill fields.

- Wisconsin is home to a significant defense industrial base supporting military shipbuilding, vehicles, engines, welding, and other critical defense systems. Its aging workforce and critical labor shortage underscore the urgency of attracting, training, and retaining the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

BuildFreedom.US is joining forces with Mike Rowe, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and best known as the creator and host of the hit show Dirty Jobs. For nearly two decades, Rowe has been America's leading advocate for skilled-trade careers. As part of the collaboration, BuildFreedom.US awarded the mikeroweWORKS Foundation a $10 million grant to support its Work Ethic Scholarship Program. Rowe will continue supporting BuildFreedom.US in its next phase.

"It's a privilege to participate in such an important effort," said Rowe. "Reinvigorating the skilled trades is now a matter of national security, and I'm proud to help make a more persuasive case for the excellent opportunities currently available in the defense industrial base. It's also very gratifying to see BuildFreedom.US expand so quickly. Hopefully, our message will soon resonate in all 50 states."

Dallas-based independent advertising agency TRG is leading BuildFreedom.US's marketing efforts, including brand development, creative, and media strategy.

To learn more, visit BuildFreedom.US and view the videos here and here.

Press Inquiries

Visit buildfreedom.us/contact

SOURCE BuildFreedom.US

Share this article

In the news release, NO CAP! Soda Pop Ranks No. 1 in Modern Soda at National Convenience Retailer, issued Sept. 24, 2026 by NO CAP! Soda Pop over PR Newswire, we are advised by a representative of the company that changes have been made to the fourth paragraph and boilerplate. The complete, corrected release follows:

NO CAP! Soda Pop Ranks No. 1 in Modern Soda at National Convenience Retailer

Less than 6 months after launching in convenience stores, the zero-sugar soda brand ranks No. 1 in modern soda by dollar sales and units and No. 8 among all carbonated soft drink brands

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NO CAP! Soda Pop, the fastest growing, Zero-caffeine soda brand with electrolytes, has reached a major retail milestone, ranking as the No. 1 modern soda brand by both dollar sales and units sold at a national convenience retail partner with more than 2,000 stores, according to the retailer's latest 12 weeks of SPINS data.

The ranking comes less than six months after NO CAP! entered the chain and places the brand ahead of modern soda competitors including Poppi and Olipop at the retailer. NO CAP! also ranked No. 8 among all carbonated soft drink (CSD) brands across the chain.

"To become the No. 1 modern soda with this retail partner less than six months after hitting shelves is a huge moment for us," said Vinny Wilson, co-founder of NO CAP! Soda Pop. "We entered this category competing against brands with significantly more capital, distribution and years in the market. Seeing consumers choose NO CAP! in both dollar sales and units at this scale shows us we're building something with real staying power."

Founded in August 2024, NO CAP! offers zero-sugar, zero-calorie and zero-caffeine sodas with electrolytes, combining nostalgic flavors with functional ingredients, positioning it between traditional soda and the growing modern soda category.

NO CAP! has continued to expand its retail footprint while launching licensed collaborations with brands including ICEE, Sour Punch and Albanese Gummies.

Building on its convenience channel growth, NO CAP! will showcase its latest licensed collaborations at the 2026 NACS Show, October 7–9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The brand will exhibit at Booth N1171, where convenience retailers, buyers and industry attendees can experience its latest products and collaborations.

NO CAP! is also working with its national convenience retail partner on a potential 2027 expansion involving exclusive new SKUs, building on the performance of its existing products across the retailer's more than 2,000-store network.

Less than two years after launching, NO CAP!'s retail rankings, expanding distribution and licensed collaborations mark its continued growth within the U.S. carbonated soft drink market.

About NO CAP! Soda Pop

Founded in August 2024, NO CAP! Soda Pop is a next-generation soda brand created to bring a fresh approach to the traditional soft drink category. NO CAP! Offers zero-caffeine soda, with electrolytes, with flavors inspired by the nostalgia and culture today's consumers grew up with.

The brand is available through a growing network of retailers and online, with collaborations including ICEE, Albanese Gummis and Sour Punch.

Media Contact:

Chelsea Kershaw

Cell: (909) 573-7237

[email protected]

SOURCE NO CAP! Soda Pop

Share this article

The Stand8 Model Gateway, deployed in the client's cloud, routes each task to the right model, while a 90-day delivery path turns proof of concept into secure, compliant enterprise AI

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stand8, a global technology consulting firm, today launched the Stand8 Model Gateway, expanding its enterprise AI services to reduce the cost of AI applications and move organizations from proof of concept to secure, compliant production in 90 days.

The practice centers on the Stand8 Model Gateway, deployed in the client's own account on AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, where it sits between the client's applications and the models they use. Stand8 designs and tunes the routing strategy but never sits in the data path. The gateway evaluates each discrete task, then routes it to the most appropriate model, including leading closed models, open-source and open-weight models, or smaller and fine-tuned models, while applying caching, identity, policy, and audit controls. This approach can reduce unnecessary model spend, improve visibility into AI usage, and help organizations adopt new models without rebuilding their applications.

"Organizations should not have to commit every AI task to the most expensive model, or redesign an application every time a better model becomes available," said Eric Gula, Vice President of Enterprise Solution Architecture and Delivery at Stand8. "The Stand8 Model Gateway gives clients a flexible control layer for choosing the right model for each task, balancing quality, speed, cost, and governance. Combined with our 90-Day Enterprise AI Sprint, it helps clients move from a promising proof of concept to an enterprise application people use and trust."

The 90-Day Enterprise AI Sprint takes one defined use case through data validation, model strategy, gateway integration, security and compliance controls, testing, and handoff to a named owner, measured on output quality, cost per outcome, and time saved.

Stand8 delivers AI solutions within an ISO/IEC 27001:2022-certified security program with an annual SOC 2 Type II examination and incorporates security, compliance, and governance into the delivery process from the outset.

About Stand8

Stand8 is a global technology consulting and services leader that helps businesses transform and scale through tailored IT solutions. With a 99% client retention rate and more than 15 years of results, Stand8 integrates seamlessly into client operations while delivering secure, compliant, and personalized technology services.

For more information, visit stand8.io.

SOURCE Stand 8

Share this article

Major expansion brings Synteq's cloud, dedicated servers, GPU, and storage platform to one of the world's largest interconnection markets

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Synteq today announced the launch of its new Chicago deployment, the largest single-site expansion in the company's history, extending its infrastructure into the Northern US Central region.

Chicago is now home to Synteq's most advanced site. The deployment runs the company's newest core platform in full: high-density GPU compute for AI and machine learning, virtualized cloud, bare metal, and block storage, all on Synteq's own network backbone and deployed and operated end to end by the Synteq team.

The site's connectivity is a defining advantage. All network access rides a redundant dark fiber ring into 350 E. Cermak, one of the largest interconnection points in the world. Combined with Chicago's central position on the North American network map, with both coasts within about 50 milliseconds, a single deployment serves users nationwide without the latency of coastal or edge builds.

"Chicago is opening with substantial customer commitments, and we're already adding more equipment," said Eric Yingling, Chief Executive Officer of Synteq. "That demand gives us the confidence to keep investing. Our team is bringing additional systems into production over the coming weeks while we prepare for further expansion."

Facility highlights:

- Resilience: Tier III facility, 99.99% uptime SLA

- Connectivity: Synteq's network and AS400304 backbone over a redundant dark fiber ring into 350 E. Cermak

- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA

The Chicago deployment is online today. Customers can provision dedicated GPU servers, virtual machines, and block storage by API, CLI, or Synteq Cloud, the company's single control plane for provisioning, management, and billing, with capacity added continuously as Synteq expands in the region.

Synteq plans further expansion in Chicago and additional new locations as it grows its national footprint.

About Synteq

Synteq delivers GPU compute, bare metal, and virtualized infrastructure to enterprises, researchers, and developers worldwide, operating its own network (AS400304) and infrastructure footprint across multiple sites. Synteq combines enterprise-grade infrastructure with exceptional price-performance compute, storage and virtualization. Learn more at synteq.com.

Media Contact: [email protected], https://www.synteq.com

SOURCE Synteq Digital

Share this article

Leading indoor pickleball franchise marks its first California club as part of West Coast expansion and continues growth in one of the nation's top pickleball markets with third Florida location

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PickleRage, one of America's leading indoor pickleball club franchises, today announced plans for two new franchise clubs in Bakersfield, California, and Tampa, Florida, marking significant milestones in the brand's continued nationwide expansion.

"Expanding into California represents an exciting milestone for PickleRage and an important step in our continued growth across the country," said Rich Destasio, CEO of PickleRage. "Bakersfield gives us the opportunity to introduce the PickleRage experience to a new region and establish our presence on the West Coast. At the same time, our continued expansion in Florida reflects the strong demand for high-quality indoor pickleball experiences in one of the nation's leading pickleball markets."

The Bakersfield club will be PickleRage's first location in California, establishing the brand's presence in the state and serving as an important step in its broader West Coast expansion. The new club will be owned and operated by Daniel Marlowe and Jon Knutson, who will bring PickleRage's best-in-class indoor pickleball experience to players throughout the Bakersfield community.

"Pickleball has an incredible ability to bring people together, and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce PickleRage to Bakersfield here in Kern County," said Daniel Marlowe and Jon Knutson. "As PickleRage's first franchisees in California, we're excited to be part of the expansion, but more importantly, to bring one of the first indoor pickleball clubs to Bakersfield where players of every skill level can enjoy the game, improve their skills and become part of a strong local pickleball community."

The Tampa club will become PickleRage's third location in Florida, strengthening the brand's presence in one of the nation's top markets for pickleball. The location will be owned and operated by Eric and Grania Garnighian and will give Tampa-area players a dedicated indoor destination to play and connect year-round.

"Tampa has a passionate and growing pickleball community, making it an ideal market for PickleRage," said Eric and Grania Garnighian. "We're excited to build on the brand's momentum in Florida and bring Tampa players a high-quality indoor experience where they can play year-round, meet other players and enjoy everything that makes pickleball such a special sport."

PickleRage clubs are designed to provide a consistent, high-quality playing experience for everyone from first-time players to seasoned competitors. Clubs feature professional-grade, high-performance CushionX courts, superior lighting and sightlines, and dedicated spaces for players to connect on and off the court. Players also have access to programming created for all skill levels, including beginner lessons, and multi-level open play, leagues, tournaments, clinics and lessons.

The addition of Bakersfield and Tampa reflects PickleRage's strategy of bringing convenient, neighborhood indoor pickleball clubs to communities across the country. By providing a climate-controlled environment for year-round play, PickleRage gives players the opportunity to stay active, improve their game and build lasting connections without weather disrupting their time on the court.

Additional details regarding the Bakersfield and Tampa clubs, including locations and anticipated opening timelines, will be announced as development progresses.

About PickleRage

PickleRage is one of America's fastest growing indoor pickleball club franchises dedicated to bringing the joy of pickleball to players of all ages and skill levels. Designed with community and connection in mind, PickleRage clubs provide a best-in-class environment for year-round play, programming and social experiences. From first-time players to advanced competitors, PickleRage offers opportunities for everyone to get on the court, improve their game, and become part of a vibrant pickleball community.

For more information about PickleRage and franchise opportunities, visit www.picklerage.com.

Media Contact:

Mike Law

SOURCE PickleRage

Share this article

- BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team wins 2026 FIM EWC title, marking Bridgestone's sixth consecutive championship as tire supplier.

- Teams on Bridgestone BATTLAX tires swept the top five positions in final season standings.

- Bridgestone reaffirms its commitment to supporting EWC teams and advancing global motorsport culture.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced that the Bridgestone-supported BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team captured the 2026 FIM1 Endurance World Championship (EWC) title on Sept. 20 following the season final at the Bol d'Or at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. Riding on premium Bridgestone BATTLAX motorcycle tires, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team secured the top spot in the world's premier endurance motorcycle racing series, marking the sixth consecutive year, and seventh time overall, a Bridgestone-equipped team has claimed the EWC championship.

Demonstrating proven performance and durability, all five of the top teams in the final overall standings ran on Bridgestone tires. Ultimately, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team secured victory in the final race of the season following a dramatic 24-hour endurance race filled with dynamic twists and turns down to the final lap.

The 2026 Bol d'Or was about redemption for the Belgian-based team, as twelve months prior at the same circuit, they were less than 30 minutes away from claiming the title when a mechanical failure ended their chance at the championship win. Returning to Circuit Paul Ricard, riders Markus Reiterberger, Steven Odendaal and Michael van der Mark delivered a remarkable performance to secure BMW's first-ever FIM EWC World Championship.

2026 FIM EWC Bridgestone Results:

- 1st Place: Team Name: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team; Team Number: 37; Bike: BMW M 1000 RR; Riders: Markus Reiterberger, Steven Odendaal, Michael van der Mark and Jẽrẽmy Guarnoni; Team Manager: Werner Daemen

- 2nd Place: Team Name: YART Yahama Official EWC Team; Team Number: 1; Bike: Yamaha YZF–R1; Riders: Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz and Leandro Denis Mercado; Team Manager: Manfred Kainz

- 3rd Place: Team Name: Yoshimura Sert Motul; Team Number: 12; Bike: Suzuki GSX-R 1000R; Riders: Gregg Black, Etienne Masson and Dan Linfoot; Team Manager: Damien Saulnier

- 4th Place: Team Name: Kawasaki Webike Trickstar; Team Number: 11; Bike: KawasakiZX-10RR; Riders: Roman Ramos Alvaro, Christian Gamarino, Grẽgory Leblanc and Enzo De La Vega; Team Manager: Ryuji Tsuruta

- 5th Place: Team Name: Autorace Ube Racing Team; Team Number: 76; Bike: BMW M 1000 RR; Riders: Naomichi Uramoto, Sylvain Guintoli, Hannes Soomer and Jẽrẽmy Guarnoni; Team Manager: Tsunetaka Igami

- 7th Place: Team Name: F.C.C TSR Honda France; Team Number: 5; Bike: Honda CBR 1000 RR-R; Riders: Alan Techer, Corentin Perolari, John McPhee and Jordi Torres Fernandez; Team Manager: Toru Bovẽ

- 12th Place: Team Name: Honda HRC; Team Number: 30; Bike: Honda CBR 1000 RR-R-SP; Riders: Takumi Takahashi, Jonathan Rea and Somkiat Chantra; Team Manager: Teruaki Matsubara

- 13th Place: Team Name: Elf Marc VDS Racing Team/KM99; Team Number: 99; Bike: Yamaha YZF–R1; Riders: Randy De Puniet, Florian Marino, Alessandro Delbianco and Bo Bendsneyder; Team Manager: Kupper Mario

- 17th Place: Team Name: Yamaha Factory Racing Team; Team Number: 21; Bike: Yamaha YZF–R1; Riders: Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Jack Miller and Andrea Locatelli; Team Manager: Wataru Yoshikawa

- 18th Place: Team Name: Team PMS99 YAM Service; Team Number: 98; Bike: Yamaha YZF–R1; Riders: Marcus Delestre, Ryan Maher, Fausto Mincione and Timothee Monot; Team Manager: Loĩc Pouvillon

- 19th Place: Team Name: SDG Team Harc-Pro. Honda; Team Number: 73; Bike: Honda CBR 1000 RR-R; Riders: Yuki Kunii, Teppei Nagoe and Keito Abe; Team Manager: Kotaro Honda

- 20th Place: Team Name: Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo; Team Number: 88; Bike: Honda CBR 1000 RR–R; Riders: Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, Khairul Idham Pawi and Mohammad Adenanta Putra; Team Manager: Makoto Tamada

- 21st Place: Team Name: Team ATJ with NTT Docomo Business; Team Number: 40; Bike: Honda CBR 1000 RR-R-SP; Riders: Satoru Iwata, Koki Suzuki and Takuma Kunimine; Team Manager: Takahiro Nakatsuhara

- 22nd Place: Team Name: S-Pulse Dream Racing Suzuki; Team Number: 95; Bike: Suzuki GSX-R 1000R; Riders: Sho Nishimura, Jonas Folger and Jẽrẽmy Guarnoni; Team Manager: Hideyuki Ogata

- 23rd Place: Team Name: Marumae Team Kodama; Team Number: 50; Bike: YamahaYZF-R1; Riders: Yuta Kodama, Max Stauffer and Takumi Takahashi; Team Manager: Yuta Kodama

- 25th Place: Team Name: KRP Sanyo Kogyo & RS-ITOH; Team Number: 23; Bike: Kawasaki ZX 10R; Riders: Yuto Sano, Katsuto Sano and Riku Sugawara; Team Manager: Kazunari Ito

- 26th Place: Team Name: Astemo Pro Honda Si Racing; Team Number: 17; Bike: Honda CBR 1000 RR-R; Riders: Kohta Nozane, Taiga Hada and Kohta Arakawa; Team Manager: Shinichi Ito

- 27th Place: Team Name: Honda Suzuka Racing Team; Team Number: 20; Bike: Honda CBR 1000 RR-R; Riders: Ben Young, Genki Nakajima and Maiku Watanuki; Team Manager: Kazuhiro Matsushita

- 28th Place: Team Name: Shinsyuren with Totec; Team Number: 45; Bike: BMWM 1000 RR; Riders: Hinata Nakajima, Kyosuke Okuda and Isami Higashimura; Team Manager: Katsuyuki Yoshii

"On behalf of Bridgestone, I want to congratulate the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team on earning a hard-fought championship victory," said Nico Thuy, Director Motorcycle at Bridgestone EMEA. "To all our partner teams who also gave an extraordinary effort out on the track – we are proud to stand behind you. Reliable tires are a non-negotiable foundation for pushing the absolute limit in a series as grueling as the FIM EWC, and we are deeply honored that so many exceptional teams rely on Bridgestone to perform and endure."

Championship-grade tech

Bridgestone has outfitted many full-season EWC competitors with high-performance BATTLAX race tires since 2017, establishing a proven track record of championship-winning success on the world's most demanding circuits. In 2026, Bridgestone served as the exclusive tire supplier for 19 EWC teams, highlighting the trust these elite racing programs placed in the BATTLAX lineup to deliver consistent, winning performance in high-stakes endurance competition.

The FIM EWC places relentless demands on equipment, pushing tires, and riders, to their absolute limits over non-stop 8- to 24-hour stretches. Engineered with advanced compound technology and high-rigidity architecture, Bridgestone race tires are designed to deliver maximum traction, predictable handling and long-lasting durability through every stint. This precision engineering gives riders unwavering confidence to maintain a winning pace, regardless of shifting track temperatures, weather changes or variable surface conditions.

Driven by a passion for motorsports and sustainability

From world championship endurance racing to grassroots competitions, motorsports remain a vital proving ground for Bridgestone's continuous pursuit of excellence. Bridgestone's commitment extends beyond technical competition, actively nurturing global motorsport culture while collaborating with leading manufacturers and teams at every level to push the boundaries of tire technology and durability.

Through these high-stakes partnerships, Bridgestone advances its "From Circuit to Street" concept. Testing advanced rubber compounds and structural designs under demanding endurance conditions, including dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts and unpredictable weather, allows Bridgestone engineers to accelerate the development of premium replacement tires. This continuous innovation drives the future of sustainable, high-performance mobility for all riders.

Media information:

1FIM stands for Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Share this article

350 Teamsters Demand Contract Without Mandatory Overtime

GAINESVILLE, Texas, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of Teamsters Local 767 at Safran Seats were forced to launch an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in Gainesville, Texas, after the employer refused to offer a contract that did not require mandatory overtime.

"Instead of addressing Safran Teamsters' concerns with a provision in the tentative agreement, the company has decided to play games at the bargaining table and forced us to the picket line," said Dave Reeves, President of Local 767. "Due to Safran's unwillingness to present a revised agreement without mandatory overtime, Teamsters will be on strike until the company gets serious and offers a fair contract."

More than 350 Teamsters build airplane seats for major airlines at one of the nation's largest suppliers. On Sept. 18, Safran Teamsters rejected the company's offer due to a mandatory overtime provision. Local 767 returned to the bargaining table and made clear to Safran that any contract that includes this provision would be rejected and leave members with no choice but to strike.

"We are out here striking because we want no mandatory overtime, our holiday pay back, and fair wages for all of us Teamsters — even those who have topped out," said Michelle Shero, a 20-year Safran Teamster. "We deserve a strong contract for all of the hard work we put in day in and day out."

Chartered in 1956, Teamsters Local 767 proudly represents workers at 10 employers in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area. For more information, go to teamsters767.com.

Contact:

Emma Stamps, (903) 714-4789

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 767

Share this article

Oxford Economics highlights San Antonio's growing global competitiveness as greater:SATX-led efforts help secure 7,098 jobs and $4.8 billion in capital investment in 2026

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater San Antonio region has been named one of North America's leading "Cities to Watch" by Oxford Economics, a distinction that comes as the region surpasses its annual economic development goals with 7,098 announced jobs and $4.8 billion in capital investment year-to-date.

The recognition reflects San Antonio's emergence as one of the nation's most dynamic economies, fueled by growth in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, cybersecurity and new technology, financial services, and life sciences operations.

Led by greater:SATX Regional Economic Partnership and an unprecedented level of regional collaboration among business, education, workforce and community partners, the region continues to attract major employers and transformative investments while building a foundation for long-term economic competitiveness.

"San Antonio differentiates itself as a community that knows how to effectively collaborate, where partnership drives deals," said Sarah Carabias Rush, President & CEO of greater:SATX. "We've brought together partners across sectors to focus on what truly builds economic competitiveness: talent, opportunity, infrastructure and quality of life, and the results are clear. This region is moving forward together, and it's showing up in the data."

Independent Recognition Validates Growing Momentum

In its latest Global Cities Index, Oxford Economics identified San Antonio as one of only five North American metros to watch, citing the region's economic diversity, labor force growth, military presence, higher education assets and expanding business base.

Since 2022, greater:SATX has helped secure more than 20,900 jobs and more than $10.26 billion in capital investment, supporting projects across manufacturing, aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, financial services and corporate operations.

Major Investments Signal Long-Term Confidence

Major announcements in 2026 include IEM's expansion at Brooks, creating up to 3,000 jobs by 2030; Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, adding 2,000 advanced manufacturing jobs; H-E-B, creating 1,200 new jobs; and Blackwave, establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operation in San Antonio.

"IEM is excited to put down roots in San Antonio," said Clayton Such, Chief Executive Officer of IEM. "The city's skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and collaborative economic development environment made this a natural choice for our next phase of growth. This facility will strengthen our ability to deliver highly engineered, customer-specific power distribution solutions that industries, from healthcare to energy, advanced manufacturing, and more, depend on every day."

These investments reflect growing confidence in the region's workforce, infrastructure and business development.

Port San Antonio Emerging as a National Innovation Hub

Port San Antonio owns and develops Tech Port, a 1,900-acre innovation campus where aerospace, defense, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing grow side by side. Home to more than 80 employers and approximately 19,000 workers, Tech Port activity generates approximately $20 billion in annual economic impact.

Recent investments include Germany-based Blackwave's selection of Tech Port for its first U.S. manufacturing facility, strengthening the region's growing aerospace and advanced materials ecosystem.

"Every investment we make on this campus and every partnership we strengthen does double duty: growing strategic industries and expanding opportunity across all of San Antonio," said Jim Perschbach, President & CEO of Port San Antonio.

Port San Antonio is advancing several major initiatives, including the future Alamo Colleges School of Emerging Technologies, discussions with the Air Force regarding next-generation facilities, and plans for a combination FBO-vertiport that can support advanced air mobility technologies.

Building the Talent Advantage

Regional higher education institutions, employers and civic leaders have aligned around a goal of increasing educational attainment to 45 percent by 2030, strengthening the talent pipeline for high-growth industries.

The region also benefits from its military-connected talent workforce, anchored by Joint Base San Antonio and a veteran population exceeding 156,000.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Fuel Growth

San Antonio International Airport now offers 47 nonstop destinations and is advancing a transformational terminal expansion, while regional partners continue investing in water security, industrial development sites, transportation infrastructure and utility capacity to ensure companies have the resources necessary to scale and succeed over the long term.

Building What's Next

The Oxford Economics recognition, record economic development performance and continued investments in talent and infrastructure reflect San Antonio's growing competitiveness as a destination for business investment.

Read the full story, including additional regional rankings, investment highlights and perspectives from business and community leaders in the News section at greaterSATX.com.

About greater:SATX Regional Economic Partnership

For more than 50 years, greater:SATX has been the economic development partnership leading the San Antonio region's transformative growth through global corporate recruitment, local business advancement, and workforce development. The San Antonio region, or SATX, is the ten-county San Antonio-New Braunfels Combined Statistical Area. At the core of greater:SATX's mission is attracting, retaining, and growing quality jobs for all San Antonians that provide pathways to economic mobility. This work is guided by greater:SATX, supported by regional businesses, regional economic development partners, and by the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, CPS Energy, and SAWS. The organization is responsible for assisting over 700 companies to relocate or expand in the region, which collectively employ more than 160,000 San Antonians. For more information on San Antonio's industry growth and economic opportunity, visit greatersatx.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @greater_SATX, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

SOURCE greater:SATX Regional Economic Partnership

Share this article

"Dr. Strickland, Dr. Gwathmey, and Dr. Gomoll are exceptional surgeons, researchers, and educators," said Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health and the Walter A.L. Thompson Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "The expertise they each bring will be instrumental in shaping the next chapter at NYU Langone Orthopedics."

Their arrival at NYU Langone underscores the institution's commitment to providing comprehensive, innovative care for athletes and active individuals at all levels, from everyday athletes to elite competitors.

"We are so fortunate to have Dr. Gwathmey play a central role in establishing our Hip Preservation and Hip Arthroscopy Center and advancing innovative approaches to patient care, while Dr. Strickland and Dr. Gomoll bring extraordinary expertise in the treatment of knee and other joint injuries," said Laith M. Jazrawi, MD, chief of the Division of Sports Medicine at NYU Langone and the Neil B. Hamburger Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "Our ability to attract top talent in key areas makes NYU Langone the best place for people seeking orthopedic care."

NYU Langone is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. It is recognized nationally for having the largest orthopedic residency program in the country, as well as leading programs in sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, joint replacement, and musculoskeletal oncology.

About Sabrina M. Strickland, MD

Dr. Strickland, a nationally recognized sports medicine surgeon, will be the inaugural director of the Center for Patellofemoral Disorders. Her areas of focus include knee cartilage repair, patellar stabilization, ACL and meniscus surgery, and joint preservation.

"I am honored to join the NYU Langone orthopedics community and work with the world-class researchers and physicians here," said Dr. Strickland. "I am excited to join an institution that works as an engine to move orthopedic clinical trials forward and that is also an academic medical center with top-notch specialists in all areas of medicine."

Dr. Strickland will be joining NYU Langone from the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, where she has been an orthopedic surgeon for over two decades. She has a particular interest in using 3D-printed models of joints to learn how to refine surgical techniques that lead to better patient outcomes.

Since most biomechanical research is performed on "normal" joints from cadavers, many surgical techniques are not optimized for patients with unique or abnormal bone structure. Dr. Strickland's work with 3D-printed models of joints allows her to study examples that better reflect the natural variation in bone shapes seen in the clinic.

She earned her bachelor's degree from Cornell University and her medical degree from Rush University. She then completed an orthopedic surgery residency and a fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery and served as the chief of orthopedic surgery at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx from 2005 until 2012.

For her surgical expertise and research contributions, she has been honored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center Alumni Council, among other organizations.

About F. Winston Gwathmey, MD

A preeminent leader in hip preservation and arthroscopy, Dr. Gwathmey will lead the Hip Preservation and Hip Arthroscopy Center. He is known for using minimally invasive techniques to evaluate the joint, treat damaged tissue, and correct structural problems contributing to pain and dysfunction before they worsen.

Dr. Gwathmey comes to NYU Langone from the University of Virginia Health System where, as an orthopedic surgeon in 2013, he established the hip arthroscopy and preservation program, that evolved into one of the region's highest volume centers.

"I developed a special interest in hip preservation surgery and hip arthroscopy because the hip is both essential and underrecognized," said Dr. Gwathmey. "Arthroscopic hip surgery is a rapidly evolving field, and I have been drawn to its potential to identify and treat joint and cartilage injuries before they progress."

Dr. Gwathmey earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He then completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Virginia Health System and a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine and shoulder surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. He pursued additional fellowship training in Nashville, TN with Dr. Thomas Byrd, one of the pioneers in hip arthroscopy.

He most recently served as vice chair for education and director of the orthopedic surgery residency program at the University of Virginia. As a professor of sports medicine at the University of Virginia, he has earned multiple awards for his excellence in teaching, including the Dean's Award for Excellence in Medical Student Teaching.

About Andreas H. Gomoll, MD

As co-director of the Knee Preservation Center, Dr. Gomoll will treat the full spectrum of knee problems, including ACL tears, patellar instability and meniscus injuries in young athletes, and cartilage defects and early arthritis in the middle-aged. An orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint preservation and sports medicine, Dr. Gomoll performs partial joint replacement for older adults and minimally invasive techniques to evaluate the knee joint, treat damaged tissue, and correct structural problems contributing to pain and dysfunction.

Dr. Gomoll joins NYU Langone from the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he has been an attending surgeon specializing in joint preservation and sports medicine since 2018, as well as a Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College. He is double board certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Prior to HSS, he was faculty at Harvard Medical School since 2006, where he directed the Orthopaedic Program within the Regenerative Medicine Institute at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Dr. Gomoll has co-authored over 170 research publications and is internationally recognized for his work in cartilage repair and knee preservation. He also has experience with innovative orthopedics treatments, such as the MISHA Knee System, a shock-absorbing knee implant that received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2023.

"I have long been drawn to work that combines science, care, and teaching, and I look forward to continuing my passion for joint preservation at NYU Langone Orthopedics," said Dr. Gomoll. "I believe that physician care is not only about performing surgery, but also about guiding patients and helping them feel supported throughout the process."

About NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 122 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation five years in a row, and it continues to have the most No. 1– and top 10–ranked specialties among medical centers in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across seven inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 400 outpatient locations in the New York City area and Florida. The system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise.

Media Contact: Marlene Naanes, [email protected] 

SOURCE NYU Langone Health

Share this article

Enrollment through August is nearly 56% ahead of last year and more than double 2024 levels

CANTON, Ohio, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty HealthShare®, one of the nation's leading Christian healthcare sharing ministries, marked its 24th consecutive month of year-over-year enrollment growth, reflecting increasing interest in affordable alternatives to health insurance.

Enrollment through August 2026 is nearly 56% higher than the same period in 2025 and more than double the levels from 2024, underscoring the rising demand for the ministry's sharing programs.

The sustained growth comes as Liberty HealthShare has continued to focus on providing affordable healthsharing options, greater transparency, and a strong member experience. The ministry has reduced members' monthly share amounts in each of the past two years while enhancing programs and services.

"Twenty-four consecutive months of year-over-year enrollment growth tells us that more Americans are looking for affordable ways to manage their healthcare costs and finding value in the Liberty HealthShare ministry," said Liberty HealthShare Chief Executive Officer Dorsey Morrow. "In a time when families are facing rising health care costs, we have worked diligently to provide members with greater value, transparency, and the service they deserve."

Despite the national trend of increasing healthcare expenses, Liberty HealthShare has reduced monthly share amounts for two consecutive years. In June 2026, sharing contributions for family programs were reduced by an average of 16%. Additionally, the ministry returned more than $2 million to members, demonstrating sound financial stewardship and the ministry's commitment to providing value to its members.

"Our members are at the center of everything we do," Morrow said. "Whether we're adding new programs, increasing amounts eligible for sharing, or cutting costs, we do it to give our members the best healthsharing experience possible. That commitment to stewardship is an important part of who we are as a ministry."

Liberty HealthShare emphasizes transparency by informing members and the public about submitted medical expenses, savings from repricing, and community-shared eligible expenses.

In 2025, the ministry's members submitted nearly 205,000 medical expenses totaling $385.4 million. Through discounts, negotiations, and medical bill repricing, Liberty HealthShare saved members $259.3 million, reducing the original charges by more than 67%. The community shared $87.4 million in eligible medical expenses.

The ministry's emphasis on service, transparency, and accountability is reflected in strong reviews, ratings, and recognition. Liberty HealthShare has a 4.5-star rating on Google, a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot, an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid, and a "Give with Confidence" designation from MinistryWatch.

As Liberty HealthShare enters the final months of 2026, Morrow emphasized the ministry's ongoing commitment to affordable healthsharing programs and enhancing the member experience.

"Growth is encouraging, but what matters most is how well we serve every member who chooses Liberty HealthShare," Morrow concluded. "Our responsibility is to continue earning their trust every day."

About Liberty HealthShare

Liberty HealthShare is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Christian medical cost-sharing ministry whose members help each other in times of need. The faith-based program, which facilitates healthsharing between its members, is a caring community of health-conscious individuals and families who choose to support one another and agree to the Christian values of stewardship to make healthcare affordable.

Liberty HealthShare offers six medical cost sharing programs designed to provide Christian individuals and families with affordable alternatives to health insurance. Suggested monthly share amounts range from $87 to $362 for individuals and start at $319 for families. Most programs include sharing eligibility for urgent care and mental wellness telehealth visits along prescription drug discounts.

As a healthcare sharing ministry and not insurance, Liberty HealthShare offers year-round enrollment without requiring a qualifying life event. For more information, visit LibertyHealthShare.org or call (855) 585-4237.

Liberty HealthShare is not an insurance company nor is it offered through an insurance company. Liberty HealthShare's Sharing Programs do not guarantee or promise that a member's medical bills will be paid or assigned to others for payment. Whether anyone chooses to pay a member's medical bills will be totally voluntary. As such, Liberty HealthShare's Sharing Programs should never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whether a member receives any payments for medical expenses and whether or not Liberty HealthShare continues to operate, the member is always liable for any unpaid bills.

SOURCE Liberty HealthShare

Share this article