MTA (Matanuska Telecom Association) Appoints Rebecca Rudd as Chief Financial Officer
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 13:14 EDT
Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) has named Rebecca "Becky" Rudd, CPA, as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective August 5, 2026. Rudd brings more than 18 years of experience in finance, accounting, auditing, and leadership. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer for Providence Medical Group in Alaska, where she led financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and operational improvement efforts across the organization. Prior to that role, she served as Regional Director of Financial Operations for Providence Alaska and Financial Controller for Medical Group of Alaska. Earlier in her career, Rudd spent more than a decade in public accounting and auditing, including leadership roles at KPMG, working with a wide range of organizations across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds both a Master of Professional Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Montana State University. "What stood out to me about Becky is her ability to pair strong financial discipline with a practical, steady leadership style," said Demian Voiles, MTA Chief Executive Officer. "She builds trust, navigates challenges well, and stays focused on what matters most. We're excited to welcome her to MTA." As CFO, Rudd will oversee MTA's financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. To support a smooth transition, Rudd will work alongside current Chief Financial Officer Laurie Browning during an overlap period before assuming full responsibilities in the role. As Browning prepares for her retirement, MTA extends its sincere gratitude for her many years of dedicated service and leadership. Through her commitment to the cooperative and its members, she has played an important role in strengthening MTA's financial position and helping guide the organization's long-term success. "I'm excited to join MTA and be part of an organization that is so important to the communities it serves," said Rudd. "I look forward to getting to know the team, supporting MTA's mission, and working together to position the company for continued success." Rudd is also deeply connected to the Mat-Su Valley. She and her family operate a local farm and greenhouse, giving her a firsthand appreciation for the communities MTA serves.
Los Huracanes Del Norte and El Jerry, Gerardo Coronel, Set to Headline AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol - 10/10
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 13:00 EDT
Legendary Norteño Group and Rising Regional Mexican Star Bring a Night of Corridos and Romantic Ballads to Tucson: Tickets On Sale Friday, July 31 TUCSON, AZ - July 27, 2026 - Casino Del Sol is pleased to announce that Los Huracanes del Norte, one of regional Mexican music's most enduring and influential norteño groups, will bring their multigenerational family sound to AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with special guest El Jerry, Gerardo Coronel. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, July 31. Formed in 1969 by brothers Heraclio, Jesús, and Francisco García, and later joined by brother José Guadalupe, Los Huracanes del Norte helped define the sound of traditional norteño music over a career spanning more than five decades. Raised in Tangancícuaro, Michoacán, before relocating to California as teenagers, the García family built a catalog of more than 60 albums and recorded hundreds of songs, earning three Grammy nominations along the way. In September 2022, the group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of its lasting influence on the genre. Today, the band continues to tour with a lineup that includes founding members alongside a new generation of García family musicians, carrying the group's legacy forward for longtime fans and new audiences alike. Joining Los Huracanes del Norte is Gerardo Coronel, known to fans as "El Jerry," a singer-songwriter from Apatzingán, Michoacán, who has become one of regional Mexican music's most prolific hitmakers. Coronel began writing his own material as a child and released his breakout debut album in 2014, launching a career that has since produced numerous charting singles and collaborations with some of the genre's leading acts. Known for blending classic corrido storytelling with contemporary energy, Coronel has built a devoted following across Mexico and the United States. AVA Amphitheater, located at Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, is a premier open-air venue with seating for up to 5,000 guests and a state-of-the-art sound system delivering a high-energy concert experience under the desert sky. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, July 31 at casinodelsol.com.
A Marine's Second Mission: How Kirk Parsons Turned a Tour in Georgia into a Family Wine Business
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 11:38 EDT
Kirk Parsons spent nearly three decades serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. It was his military assignments overseas that first brought him to Georgia-a country many Americans knew little about, but one he found himself returning to year after year. What began as a professional mission soon became something deeply personal. Kirk discovered a culture where hospitality is a way of life, every meal is an opportunity to build lasting friendships, and wine is more than a drink-it's an expression of identity. Those experiences didn't simply leave an impression; they changed the course of his life. In 2022, Kirk founded Parsons Fine Imports as an importer and wholesaler dedicated to introducing U.S. consumers to the remarkable diversity of Georgian wine-and today runs it alongside his son, Will. A Portfolio Built on Relationships Parsons Fine Imports was built on a simple philosophy: represent the true diversity of Georgian wine through long-term relationships with the people who make it. Today, the family-run importer works with 14 carefully selected wineries, bringing nearly 90 wines to the U.S. market. Rather than build around a single style, the portfolio reflects the many faces of Georgian winemaking-from traditional qvevri wines, fermented and aged in clay vessels buried underground, to contemporary expressions crafted in stainless steel and oak. Together, the lineup showcases the range of Georgia's indigenous grapes, including Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Chinuri, Mtsvane, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, and beyond. Partner wineries include Villa Mosavali, Giuaani, Barbale, Disveli Estate, Terra Kisi, Traditsiuli, Tanini, Satsnakheli, Château Buera, Ghvardzelashvili's Marani, Marbano, Lazmauri, Kiketi Farm Wine, and Wine Thieves-each selected not only for the quality of its wines, but also for its philosophy, craftsmanship, and story. Many of these partnerships have been built over years of returning to Georgia, where shared meals, vineyard walks, harvest conversations, and traditional supras have transformed business relationships into lasting friendships. At a Georgian supra-a feast centered on hospitality, wine, and heartfelt toasts-a glass raised often carries the same weight as a handshake. "Every visit reminds me that great wine begins with great people," said Kirk Parsons. "The wines are exceptional, but it's the friendships and trust we've built over the years that make this business so rewarding. We don't simply import bottles-we're honored to share the people, traditions, and culture behind them." That relationship-driven approach comes at a timely moment, as interest in Georgian wine continues to grow. This month, SOMM TV released Echoes of Wine, a feature documentary exploring Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking tradition and the people preserving it today. Among the featured wineries is Villa Mosavali, one of Parsons Fine Imports' long-standing producer partners. As the documentary introduces new audiences to Georgian wine, Parsons Fine Imports offers consumers the opportunity to discover those wines firsthand through one of the most diverse Georgian wine portfolios in the U.S. How to Get Involved For distributors, retailers, sommeliers, and beverage directors: Demand for Georgian wine isn't a maybe anymore-it's a curve, and it's climbing. Parsons Fine Imports offers direct access to the portfolio, along with the market guidance to place it well: which region, which grape, which bottle fits your list. For consumers: If Echoes of Wine is still on your watchlist, don't press play empty-handed. Pick up a bottle from their online store at parsonsfineimports.com and pour something real while Georgia tells its own story on screen. No subtitles required. For media: Kirk Parsons is available for interviews on his path from military service to Georgian wine, and on the relationships behind the portfolio. Media samples are available for qualified journalists and reviewers. For interviews or sampling, contact the press office at eter@beviour.com . About Parsons Fine Imports Parsons Fine Imports is a family-run wine importer and wholesaler based in Columbus, Indiana, founded by Kirk Parsons and co-run with his son, Will Parsons. The company specializes in wines from Georgia, the birthplace of wine, representing 14 producers and nearly 90 wines, and also imports select wines from India and Ukraine. Parsons Fine Imports distributes across Indiana, Kentucky, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York. More information: parsonsfineimports.com .
Parsons Fine Imports and SOMM TV Present the World Premiere of Echoes of Wine
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 11:29 EDT
Every ticket for the U.S. premiere of Echoes of Wine sold out within a single day. Not in New York. Not in Los Angeles. In Napa Valley - at the Cameo Cinema, a historic theater in St. Helena where the wine world pays attention. On July 31, director Jason Wise - the filmmaker behind the SOMM TV whose films redefined how Americans think about wine on screen - will premiere his newest documentary alongside Parsons Fine Imports. This time, Wise didn't go to Burgundy or Napa. He went to the place where wine began. Echoes of Wine is an immersive journey through the Republic of Georgia - across the vineyard corridors of Kakheti, through the ancient winemaking heartland of Kartli, and into the streets of Tbilisi - where clay vessels called qvevri have held fermenting grape juice for eight millennia. The film, financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia, is not a tourism reel. It is an argument: that the oldest wine country on earth is also the most relevant one right now. WHY IT MATTERS NOW Georgian wine is no longer a curiosity in the American market - it is a category in motion. Imports have climbed steadily. Sommeliers from San Francisco to Brooklyn are building Georgian sections on their lists. Natural wine bars from Portland to Austin are pouring Kisi and Saperavi by the glass. And it's not just the coasts - Georgian wines are now on shelves and lists in Indianapolis and Louisville, markets where a bottle of Rkatsiteli would have been unthinkable five years ago. But the story behind the bottles has never had a vehicle like this. The world premiere is presented by Parsons Fine Imports, one of the leading U.S. importers dedicated to Georgian wine. Founder Kirk Parsons first discovered Georgia through nearly three decades of U.S. Marine Corps service - professional missions that evolved into a lasting personal connection and, ultimately, a family business built alongside his son, Will. Supporting Echoes of Wine is a natural extension of the company's mission: introducing Americans not only to the diversity of Georgian wines, but to the people, places, and traditions behind them. "We didn't start Parsons Fine Imports to put Georgian wine on the curiosity shelf. We started it because these wines belong at the table. Jason went to Georgia and understood the same thing we did - this isn't ancient history. This is the most exciting wine country most Americans haven't tasted yet." - Kirk Parsons THE EVENING: SCREENING, WINE, AND SOMM TV'S FIRST LIVE PODCAST The sold-out premiere on July 31 at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena is more than a screening. It is an evening built around the convergence of film, wine, and conversation. Guests will experience Echoes of Wine while tasting a selection of Georgian wines from the Parsons Fine Imports portfolio - including wines featured in the documentary, such as Villa Mosavali. Immediately following the film, SOMM TV will record its first-ever live podcast episode on site, with Jason Wise joined by Kirk and Will Parsons for an unscripted conversation about what they saw, tasted, and learned across Georgia. No studio. No script. Just the filmmaker and the importers who walked the same vineyards, talking about what the experience meant - in front of the audience that just watched it happen on screen. MEDIA & TRADE ACCESS A limited number of seats are reserved for accredited press and trade professionals. For availability, screening credentials, and interview requests, contact the press office: Beviour Marketing, eter@beviour.com About Parsons Fine Imports Parsons Fine Imports is a family-run wine importer and wholesaler based in Columbus, Indiana, founded by Kirk Parsons and co-run with his son, Will Parsons. The company specializes in wines from Georgia, the birthplace of wine, representing 18 producers and nearly 120 wines, and also distributes select wines from India, Ukraine, and Oregon. Parsons Fine Imports distributes across Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York. More information: parsonsfineimports.com . About Beviour Marketing Beviour Marketing is a U.S.-based public relations and marketing agency specializing in food and wine sector. The agency develops strategic communications, media relations, and brand storytelling campaigns that connect producers with consumers, trade professionals, and influential media audiences. For more information, visit Beviour.com
SGS Highlights ASTM Update to Candle Fire Safety Standard
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 11:28 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 096.26, highlighting updated candle fire safety requirements published in ASTM F2417-26. Published by ASTM International, the revised standard specification establishes minimum safety requirements for candles and candle ensembles to provide a reasonable degree of safety during normal use. These measures are intended to help improve consumer safety and reduce the risk of fires, deaths and injuries. Key changes in the standard include added, expanded and revised definitions, an update to Section 4.7, new requirements for embeds and containers and the addition of Appendix X.5. Stakeholders involved in the design, manufacture, testing, sourcing, importation and retail sale of candle products may be affected by the changes. ASTM F2417-26 is a voluntary industry standard and therefore does not have an effective mandatory date. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 096.26 includes further information about the changes included in F2417-26 and a link to purchase a copy of the standard. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 096.26 for more details. SGS consumer product services SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's consumer product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full ASTM Updates Candle Fire Safety Standard SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Ramiro Mantilla Laboratory Supervisor, Toys and Juvenile Products, Hardlines Tel: +1 (973) 575-5252 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products Dennis Lancion Consumer and Retail, Technical Manager, Hardlines Tel: +1 (905) 364-3757 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines Linkedin: SGS Connectivity & Products
Savor Quality from Europe Concludes U.S. Spring Tour: Four Events, Three Cities, Over 400 Trade and Media Professionals Engaged
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 06:05 EDT
New York, July 14, 2026 - The Savor Quality from Europe campaign, co-financed by the European Union, closed its 2026 U.S. spring tour after a two-week program that brought Tuscany's most iconic denominations - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and the PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils represented by APOT - Tuscan Olive Oil Producers Association - to more than 400 American wine and food professionals across three cities. Between May 4 and May 15, the campaign delivered four invitation-only events built around a shared idea: that European quality schemes are best understood through direct engagement with the producers, terroirs, and experts behind them. A New York Opening at Ai Fiori The tour opened on May 4 at Ai Fiori in Manhattan with a press conference moderated by Stephanie Johnson , former Italian Wine Editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine and a WSET Diploma holder recognized for her work across Italy's wine regions. She was joined by Andrea Rossi , President of the Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The session gathered more than 30 journalists, editors, podcasters, and content creators, including representatives from Forbes, Fortune, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, CBS, alongside prominent podcast platforms such as The Grape Nation and Stop Wasting Your Wine. Social coverage from attending creators - including Modo di Bere, Diva Gals Daily, and Pop Pairings - began circulating the same day. Tuscany as Testament to European Quality in Los Angeles On May 6 at Eataly Los Angeles , the program welcomed more than 160 guests across the day's three sessions. The APOT masterclass was hosted by Patrick Zinelli , Italian olive oil sommelier and CEO of the organic estate Mezzecrete Società Agricola. Guests moved through a blind tasting of five Tuscan DOP and IGP oils, exploring quality principles, cultivar identity, and the distinction between premium and commercial extra virgin olive oils. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano masterclass that followed was led by Diego Meraviglia , a sommelier and educator with more than 20 years in the luxury wine industry, founding member of the North American Sommelier Association. His session guided attendees through nine benchmark wines representing Montepulciano's different subzones, each shaped by distinct soils, elevations, and microclimates that give wines from Montepulciano their diverse expressions of structure, elegance, and identity. The afternoon closed with a walk-around tasting bringing nine Vino Nobile producers and five APOT producers face-to-face with the Los Angeles trade and press. A West Coast Highlight at the Fairmont San Francisco May 7 at the Fairmont San Francisco followed a similar day-long structure, welcoming around 150 guests across the day's program. The APOT session was co-led by Amy Sherman , Editor-in-Chief of Olive Oil Professor, and Patrick Zinelli . The Vino Nobile masterclass was led by Deborah Parker Wong, MSc, DipWSET, one of the most respected voices in the U.S. wine industry, Global Wine Editor for the SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel, and National Co-Editor for the Slow Wine Guide USA. A walk-around tasting followed with the same producer lineup, drawing an engaged sommelier, buyer, educator, and Bay Area press. A Return to New York with Vinous Icons Italy The tour closed on May 15 at Hall des Lumières in Lower Manhattan, where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano returned to New York as part of Vinous Icons Italy 2026 , the U.S. edition of Vinous founder Antonio Galloni's flagship Italian wine event. Held annually in New York City, Vinous Icons Italy offers U.S. audiences a rare, concentrated look at Italy's leading appellations. Within this setting, the Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano hosted an exclusive masterclass led by Eric Guido , Italian Wine Editor and critic at Vinous, widely respected for his in-depth reporting on Italy's historic wine regions. The session welcomed 50 sommeliers, buyers, importers, educators, and journalists for a deep dive into the Pievi , the recently defined system of geographic subzones within the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG that maps the appellation according to its historic parish territories. Guido guided attendees through eight benchmark wines representing several of these Pievi, paired with five APOT extra virgin olive oils - offering a rare comparative view of the appellation's most recent qualitative evolution. Producers on the Ground Across the four events, nine Vino Nobile estates and five APOT olive oil producers presented their wines and oils directly to the U.S. trade and media. The lineup - including Carpineto, Il Molinaccio di Montepulciano, Fattoria Svetoni, Le Berne, La Ciarliana, Marchesi Frescobaldi, Podere Tiberini, Tenuta Valdipiatta, and Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano for wine, and Mezzecrete, Podere Ricavo, Fattoria Le Fonti, Bagno a Sorra, and Fattoria di Busona for olive oil - offered attendees a rare, unified expression of Tuscany's dual excellence. The 2026 U.S. tour confirmed a growing American appetite for terroir-driven, protected-designation European products, and reinforced Tuscany's leadership within the premium wine and olive oil categories. Looking Ahead Journalists interested in learning more about the outcomes of the 2026 tour, arranging interviews with Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or APOT representatives, or being included in upcoming editions of the Savor Quality from Europe program are invited to get in touch with the campaign's U.S. press office. Press contact: Eter Gorgiladze, Beviour Marketing - eter@beviour.com About the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Founded in 1965, the Consorzio safeguards and promotes Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, and Vin Santo. Today, it represents nearly 270 producers and leads initiatives to protect these denominations worldwide while advancing sustainability. About APOT - Tuscan Olive Oil Producers Association APOT brings together producers of Tuscany's PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils, preserving centuries-old traditions while promoting quality and sustainability. Representing oils such as IGP Toscano, DOP Terre di Siena, DOP Lucca, DOP Seggiano, and Chianti Classico DOP, APOT ensures that Tuscan olive oil remains a symbol of authenticity and excellence. Discover the campaign: www.savorqualityfromeurope.eu Facebook: @savorqualityfromeurope Instagram: @savorqualityfromeurope #savorqualityfromeurope For more information on the campaign and upcoming events, please contact: Ms. Silvia Loriga s.loriga@consorziovinonobile.it
Party with a Purpose: Local Airport Cafe Hosts Charity Casino Night for Breast Cancer Patients
Sun, Jul 26, 2026 13:36 EDT
Billed as a "party with a purpose," the event raises critical funds that bypass bureaucratic red tape to directly assist area residents navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. RIVERSIDE, CA - A powerful new partnership is taking flight in Riverside to support local breast cancer patients. The CARE Project, Inc. has teamed up with the Riverside Airport Cafe to host the 2026 "Casino Night with CARE" fundraising event. The annual charity gala will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Riverside Airport Cafe, 6951 Flight Road, Riverside. A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose The collaboration represents a deeply personal commitment for Riverside Airport Cafe owner Leimamo Taylor. Like millions of families worldwide, Taylor's family has been personally impacted by breast cancer. Driven by a desire to maximize funding for The CARE Project's core mission, Taylor generously offered her venue to anchor the fundraiser, ensuring that operational overhead remains low and event proceeds are fully optimized. The event also highlights a growing bond between Taylor and Carrie Madrid, the Founder and CEO of The CARE Project. What began as a personal friendship has evolved into a strategic business alliance. "The CARE Project is strongly committed to supporting the small businesses who step up to support our small nonprofit," Madrid stated, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between local commerce and grassroots charity work. Direct Impact for Local Families Billed as a "party with a purpose," the event raises critical funds that bypass bureaucratic red tape to directly assist Inland Empire-area residents navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. The CARE Project assists clients by easing the severe financial and emotional burdens that often accompany medical treatment. Proceeds from the casino night will directly fund essential everyday needs for patients, including: ● Medical co-pays and prescription costs ● Household utilities and rent assistance ● Groceries and nutritional support ● Transportation to and from medical appointments ● Vital medical garments, such as compression sleeves In addition to financial relief, The CARE Project fills a critical gap in emotional care by providing compassionate end-of-life doula services to individuals who are terminally ill. Event Highlights and Ticket Information Attendees can expect a vibrant, high-energy evening designed to maximize both fun and community impact. Admission tickets grant guests access to a wide array of activities, including: ● CARE Cash: Voucher chips for charity casino gameplay ● Cuisine: Light bites and refreshments provided courtesy of the Riverside Airport Cafe ● Entertainment: A dedicated photo booth, a high-stakes silent auction, and outdoor dancing on the cafe patio ● Parking is free Services Offered The CARE Project , Inc. provides a range of essential services to breast cancer survivors, including: ● Financial support for treatment co-pays, rent, utilities, groceries and transportation. ● Emotional support through peer mentoring and the Survivor Social Club. ● Lymphedema care via a partnership with LymphaDivas , providing compression sleeves, gauntlets and gloves to survivors at no cost. How to Get Involved Tickets for the event can be purchased directly online through the official registration portal at GiveButter.com/TCPCasino . Contact Carrie Madrid, Founder of The CARE Project, Inc., for more details or support. at CMadrid@TheCareProjectInc.org , TheCareProjectInc.org , or (951) 742-7405. About The CARE Project Inc. The CARE Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing financial and emotional support to male and female breast cancer patients. Through direct grants, mentorship programs, and end-of-life advocacy, the organization lives by its motto: "Never Stop Caring."
Brett Young Coming to AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson - 9/26/26
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 16:31 EDT
Casino Del Sol is pleased to announce that multi-Platinum country star Brett Young will bring his acclaimed live show to AVA Amphitheater on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, July 24 at 10 a.m. Young burst onto the country scene with his 2017 self-titled debut, launching a run of seven consecutive No. 1 hits - including the Diamond-certified breakout "In Case You Didn't Know," the 4x Platinum "Mercy," and Platinum singles "Here Tonight," "Catch," and "Lady." Known for a sound that blends West Coast sensibility with Nashville songcraft, Young has built a devoted national following and amassed billions of streams across his catalog. His most recent studio album, 2.0, released in 2025, marked a return to the breezy, romantic style that first defined his career. The September 26 date adds Tucson to Young's ongoing North American headlining tour. AVA Amphitheater, located at Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, is a premier open-air venue with seating for up to 5,000 guests and a state-of-the-art sound system delivering a high-energy concert experience under the desert sky. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, July 24 at 10 a.m. at www.CasinoDelSol.com.
Courtney Pulitzer Marks Two-Year Anniversary as PR Director at Sandoval Creative
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 16:22 EDT
Two-year milestone marked by a strategic shift toward forward-looking, story-first PR and an active, ongoing awards practice for a diversified client roster. Courtney Pulitzer is celebrating two years as Public Relations Director at Sandoval Creative, the Tucson-based, family-owned marketing agency where she joined in July 2024. Over the past two years, Pulitzer has led the agency's PR function through a deliberate transformation: from a reactive, request-driven service to a proactive, strategy-first practice built around media relationships, measurable results, and long-term brand storytelling. Since stepping into the role, Pulitzer has managed public relations for a strikingly diverse client roster including organizations in the financial, gaming, home decor, and pools industries, while also lending her expertise for an access and accessibility non-profit, a large-scale art installation company, a New York-style delicatessen in Tucson, and the Junior League of Tucson, among others. This range reflects the same cross-industry approach she built over a two-decade career founding Courtney Pulitzer Creations and the nationally recognized Cocktails with Courtney event series. Highlights from Pulitzer's tenure include: Driving measurable year-over-year results for key clients: media coverage grew 29% for one gaming-industry client, and for a credit union client, coverage more than tripled with mentions up 233%, impressions up 417%, and advertising value equivalency (AVE) up 482% to $14 million. Sustaining an active, ongoing practice of submitting clients for industry awards - with 24 total award entries prepared across 4 client accounts, supported by 75 pieces of supporting documentation. Rebuilding the agency's PR process around proactive media relationships and forward-planned campaigns rather than one-off, reactive placements. Bringing an established national media network with prior features in The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN to client visibility and credibility. Serving as Membership Chair for PRSA Southern Arizona, where she initiated and produces a monthly "Coffee Meetup" open to both PRSA members and non-members. Speaking on public relations careers at Junior Achievement and on marketing and branding at the local PRSA-sponsored PR101 program. "What I love about PR is representing a client's story, told well, to the right people," Pulitzer stated. "Two years in, I'm excited about maintaining proactive, relationship-driven PR that works no matter what the client sells." About Courtney Pulitzer Courtney Pulitzer is a public relations executive, community builder, and entrepreneur with roots in New York's early Silicon Alley tech scene. She is the founder of Courtney Pulitzer Creations and Cocktails with Courtney, a networking event series that has run in 16 U.S. cities and internationally in London and Cannes. Her work and expertise have been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN, among others.
A former Royal Marines Commando, who lost his right leg in an Afghanistan bomb blast, is cycling the iconic Route 66 to become the first amputee to complete the 2,517-mile trip.
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 09:53 EDT
Aaron Moon will spend up to 12 hours in the saddle every day on the gruelling non-stop challenge which he hopes to complete in 22 days later this month and raise around £100,000 for military charities. The 39-year-old, who was injured in 2009 when his armoured vehicle hit an IED, has refused to be defined by the incident and became a professional golfer, the world's first indoor skydive instructor and a motivational speaker as part of his recovery. "It is a daunting challenge but I want to do it to show that no matter what you've been through in life, no matter how low, you can fight back. I want to inspire people that you can overcome any set back and achieve your goals," he says. "Everybody has their own Route 66 in life and I want everyone to have the belief they can face theirs. People are feeling that life is a bit tough and that we are living in an uncertain world at the moment so the message is maybe a little more important." Aaron, from Wigan, Lancashire, who also survived a life-threatening blood clot last year, has branded the challenge riding from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, as: 'One leg. One Mindset. One hell of a ride.' He starts pedalling on July 30 and is hoping to raise significant funds for Blesma, the Limbless Veterans, and two other forces' charities. "Blesma were there for me in the darkest times when I was first injured and have helped me throughout my recovery as well as on this challenge so it would be great to give back to them and others," he adds. Aaron has been riding up to eight hours a day, on the roads and on a static bike, to get used to the physical and psychological demands he will face on Route 66, which skirts Death Valley, where temperatures can hit 120F. He will be supported by a friend driving an RV where he will sleep after his daily ride. "I've seen myself finish the ride 100 times in my head so I'm confident about my mind set but the physical side is going to be brutal," he says. "I will have to look after my stump because it will take so much pressure from the pedalling and I need to make sure I eat well. "The toughest part will be Death Valley because the road is long and straight and the scenery doesn't change and I'm also concerned about wild dogs that roam around in packs and will probably be quite interested in a lone cyclist. "It will be a huge physical effort but I'm really looking forward to it and meeting people along the way and spreading the message about what you can achieve with the right mindset and resilience. "I'm going to experience pain and my body will be a mess at the end - that will fade away but the journey will live forever and, I hope, inspire people for years to come. I want people to see that if I can do this, they can conquer their Route 66." Aaron's expedition, which has been sponsored by Spectra Group and Blesma, has been incorporated into the iconic Route 66's 100 th Anniversary celebrations. He will be raising funds for Blesma, The Wounded Warrior Project and Rock2Recovery
Firney Named Finalist in Business Innovation Category at the SME National Business Awards 2026
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 06:32 EDT
Engineering for marketing company Firney has been named a finalist in the Business Innovation category at the SME National Business Awards 2026. It's been a busy year for the London-based team, and the nomination comes off the back of several projects that show what Firney does best: building AI into a website's foundations rather than bolting it on as an afterthought. The company designs websites and conversational tools that adapt to each visitor in real time, helping brands personalise customer journeys, anticipate intent and deliver relevant recommendations. One of the standout examples this year has been Firney's work with Hammerson on Bullring Birmingham's website. Data had shown a clear change in how people were using the site: a growing number of visitors were arriving on mobile, in short sessions, often just minutes before heading into the city. They weren't browsing for inspiration: they wanted to know quickly where to go when they arrived at the mall. Firney rebuilt the browsing experience around that behaviour. Navigation was simplified, mobile was treated as the default rather than an afterthought, and search was sharpened so shoppers could move between brands, offers and events without losing their place. Speed and stability were tackled alongside personalisation, since a slow page is often the difference between someone continuing to plan their visit and giving up altogether. The impact was quick to show. Sessions increased 1.6 times, daily searches climbed to around 1,000, and page load speeds improved by 60 percent. Firney's work with Direct Ferries, building a conversational booking assistant to help customers navigate the often-complicated business of booking a ferry, also fed into this year's recognition. Marc Firth, CEO and Co-founder of Firney, said, "Making the finals for Business Innovation means a lot, particularly in a year when so many businesses are still working out what AI is actually for. Our answer has always been the same: it should make things faster and clearer for the person on the other end, not more complicated. That's the thread running through everything we've built this year, and it's amazing to see it recognised. "Credit really goes to the team - they're the ones turning that thinking into something that works in practice!" Winners of the SME National Business Awards 2026 will be announced at the Leonardo Royal, London Tower Bridge, on Friday 6th November 2026. For more information, please visit https://www.firney.com .
SPC Launches New Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 17:00 EDT
St. Petersburg College (SPC) is expanding its leadership in advanced manufacturing and technology education by launching its new Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate, beginning this fall. The 18-credit certificate program will prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy while helping meet Florida's increasing demand for skilled manufacturing technicians. According to Deloitte, the global semiconductor industry is projected to reach a record $975 billion in annual sales by 2026, fueled by increasing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and next-generation technologies. Cleanrooms play a critical role in semiconductor production, providing highly controlled environments where even microscopic particles are eliminated to ensure the quality and reliability of semiconductor chips. These chips power modern technologies ranging from smartphones and computers to artificial intelligence systems, medical devices and advanced manufacturing equipment. The new certificate offers students a flexible pathway into the semiconductor industry, allowing them to gain specialized workforce skills quickly or apply their coursework toward SPC's Applied Engineering Technology Associate in Science program. "The semiconductor industry is driving innovation across nearly every sector of our economy," said Belinthia Berry, SPC's Dean of Workforce Development. "This new certificate gives students access to high-demand careers while providing employers with the skilled talent needed to support continued growth in advanced manufacturing throughout Florida." The Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate is the latest addition to SPC's Semiconductor, Mechatronics, Automation and Robotics Training (SMART) Tech programs, which are supported by $7.2 million in workforce development grants from the State of Florida. Earlier this year, the College launched Electronic Assembly Operator and Robotics and Semiconductor Technician training programs, providing graduates with industry-recognized credentials and employers with a growing pipeline of qualified workers. Through collaborations with industry leaders such as Jabil, SPC continues to align its curriculum with workforce needs and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technologies. Meeting Industry Demand Florida continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation, with Pinellas County serving as a major hub for the high-tech industry. Major employers in the region include Jabil, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Plasma-Therm and Bigorre Aerospace. "With the global growth in AI and other advanced technologies, demand for semiconductor manufacturing and testing is only increasing," said John Kraus, Vice President of Operations, North America, at Jabil. "For companies like Jabil, it's critical that we collaborate with academic leaders like SPC to provide our future workforce with the training and hands-on experience they need to hit the ground running when they enter the manufacturing industry." Industry leaders and workforce development partners recognize SPC's growing impact on Florida's advanced manufacturing ecosystem. "St. Petersburg College is a cornerstone of Florida's high-tech manufacturing education ecosystem," said Ernie Friend, Executive Director of the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) at FloridaMakes. "By aligning their semiconductor and SMART Tech programs directly with industry needs, they aren't just teaching students - they are building the highly skilled workforce that will power Florida's global competitiveness for decades to come." According to the Florida Department of Commerce, Florida's manufacturing industry employed 434,600 workers in March 2025, representing an increase of 5,700 jobs compared to the previous year. The state is also home to more than 27,000 manufacturing establishments, reflecting a 32% increase since 2019. Through hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum and strategic partnerships with employers, SPC continues to create pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers while supporting economic growth throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond. For more information about the Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate and other Engineering and Manufacturing programs, visit SPC's website .
VA Maryland Health Care System to Host its 10th Annual Baby Shower for Veterans Who are New Mothers
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 16:28 EDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2026 VA Maryland Health Care System to Host its 10 th Annual Baby Shower for Veterans Who are New Mothers About 45 Veterans and their families are expected at Loch Raven VA Medical Center (BALTIMORE, MD) The VA Maryland Health Care System is gearing up for a full-on baby shower complete with games, gifts and goodies! To honor and support women veterans, the VA Maryland Health Care System's Women Veterans Program is hosting its 10th annual baby shower for new and expectant mothers. Women comprise approximately 10 percent of the veteran population nationwide, and nearly half of the nation's 2 million women veterans are of childbearing age. About 45 families are expected to attend the baby shower. The gifts and prizes (from baby monitors to highchairs and playpens) are donations from community members, volunteer groups, and Veteran Service Organizations. This VA baby shower provides mothers with essential items that support their pregnancy and labor journeys and also provide essential baby items while fostering community connections with other parents and services like special supplemental services for women, infants, and children. Many women veterans do not realize that VA covers maternity care in partnership with community providers and also supports women veterans with lactation, help for postpartum depression, parenting and relationship support after their babies arrive. "We are excited to be hosting an event that will bring so much happiness and essential items to veterans and their families," said Dr. Siobhan Kirksey, Women Veterans Program Manager. "The baby shower is just one of the ways we support our women veterans. We're thrilled to be able to provide expanding services for women veterans who range from early 20s to late 90s," said Dr. Catherine Staropoli, medical director of the Women Veterans Program. "This year we're happy to report that we're hosting the highest number of new and expectant mothers who are Veterans." WHEN: Sat. July 25, 11 a.m. -1p.m. (Media Availability: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) WHERE: Loch Raven VA Medical Center 3900 Loch Raven Blvd,/Baltimore, MD 21218 HGHLIGHTS: Veterans will be treated to gifts, lunch, and a cake. Staff will be on hand with information regarding birth, parenting, and available services. Community resources will be on hand to provide additional support and information EDITOR's NOTE: To cover the Baby Shower and to interview women veterans present, please contact Rosalia Scalia via e-mail at rosalia.scalia@va.gov , or via landline at 410-605-7464, or cell at 410-736-8444. # # # The VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, rehabilitative, mental health and outpatient care to Veterans at two medical centers, one community living & rehabilitation center and five outpatient clinics located throughout the state. More than 52,000 Veterans from various generations receive care from the VAMHCS annually. Nationally recognized for its state-of-the-art technology and quality patient care, the VAMHCS is proud of its reputation as a leader in Veterans' health care, research and education. It costs nothing for Veterans to enroll for health care with the VA Maryland Health Care System and it could be one of the more important things a Veteran can do. For information about VA health care eligibility and enrollment or how to apply for a VA medical care hardship to avoid future copayments for VA health care, interested Veterans are urged to call the Enrollment Center for the VA Maryland Health Care System, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-463-6295, ext. 7324 or visit www.maryland.va.gov .
Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. Launch Mortgage Assistance Program Along the Beltline
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 13:26 EDT
New down payment assistance program offers up to $30,000 to help longtime residents and public servants buy homes in Beltline neighborhoods on the south and west side For generations, families in Beltline neighborhoods have watched the streets around them change while wondering if there would still be a place for them to call home. For the teachers, firefighters, and city employees who serve those same neighborhoods every day, homeownership nearby has often felt out of reach. Today, Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. are working to change that story with the launch of the Atlanta Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program, a new downpayment assistance program built to help legacy residents and public sector employees. Eligible long-term residents and public sector employees may receive up to $30,000 in assistance. Other qualified homebuyers may receive up to $20,000. Eligible homeowners may purchase homes within the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD) on the south and west sides of the city. Funds can be used for down payments, closing costs, permanent interest rate buydowns, principal reduction, or a combination of these expenses. "The Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program reflects the City's commitment to protecting housing affordability and legacy neighborhoods," said Mayor Andre Dickens, Board Chair at Invest Atlanta and Board Member at Atlanta Beltline, Inc. "By removing the financial barriers that so often prevent residents from remaining in their communities or hinder potential buyers from taking the first step toward purchasing a home, we can achieve community-centered development that includes putting the dream of homeownership within reach for more Atlantans." Funded through Atlanta Beltline, Inc.'s affordable housing budget and administered by Invest Atlanta on behalf of the Beltline, the program will operate alongside Invest Atlanta's existing downpayment assistance programs, giving homebuyers in neighborhoods adjacent to the Beltline with an additional resource tailored to the geography and affordability goals of the Beltline itself. "Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools we have for building generational wealth, and for too long, rising costs along the Beltline have pushed that opportunity further out of reach for the very residents and public servants who make these neighborhoods thrive," said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. "Invest Atlanta has provided downpayment assistance to more than 650 homebuyers totaling more than $13 million." This program was built around a simple idea: the people who have lived in and served Beltline communities the longest should have a real chance to own a home there. The program is designed to: Empower long-time residents to remain in, or return to, Beltline communities Attract and retain civil servants - teachers, first responders, and other public employees - as local homeowners Promote affordability while helping families build wealth through homeownership Advance Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc.'s shared commitment to inclusive, community-centered development. "The Atlanta Beltline is for all Atlantans, and that's why we like to call it 'the People's Project,'" said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. "Affordable housing has always been central to the Atlanta Beltline mission, and homeownership is one of the most meaningful ways families build stability and generational wealth. This program helps ensure that longtime residents and the public servants who serve these neighborhoods have a real opportunity to own a home and share in the Beltline's success." Eligible buyers can purchase single-family homes, townhomes, condos, or 2-4-unit properties using FHA, VA, or conventional 30-year fixed-rate loans. Key eligibility highlights include: Minimum credit score of 620 Maximum household income of 140% AMI (120% AMI for land trust transactions) Loans up to $400,000, with no maximum home purchase price A minimum homebuyer contribution of $1,500 toward the transaction Completion of a HUD-approved, 8-hour homebuyer education course through an Invest Atlanta participating provider, plus an Invest Atlanta Q&A session To date, the Beltline has reached 81% of its goal to create or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030, delivering 4,555 units within the TAD. Since 2018, the Beltline has more than doubled the number of completed affordable housing units along the corridor, with nearly three-fourths of these reserved for people earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). While much of the Beltline's affordable housing work has focused on creating and preserving rental housing, the Mortgage Assistance Program expands that commitment by increasing access to affordable homeownership. The timing of the program also aligns with new homeownership opportunities planned along the corridor, including approximately 150 for-sale homes at 425 Chappell Road. Investing in land for long-term affordability has guided the Beltline to create equitable, inclusive and sustainable development that meets and exceeds the needs of Atlanta's residents and small businesses. To date, the Beltline has secured 94 acres of land to support the expansion of affordable housing and affordable commercial space along the corridor. The Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program reflects a broader vision shared by Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. that the transformation happening along the Beltline should create opportunity for the people who already call these neighborhoods home, not just for those who arrive after the change. Prospective home buyers interested in learning more about eligibility and how to apply can visit Homebuyer Programs & Downpayment Assistance . ###
Tasmanian Tiger®'s TT Breacher Pack Earns Silver Rating in NTOA's Member Tested and Recommended Program
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 10:42 EDT
Purpose-built breaching pack scores 4.26 out of 5 in real-world evaluations by law enforcement tactical teams. Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., announced today that its TT Breacher Pack has been tested and recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended Program (MTRP), earning an overall score of 4.26 out of 5, placing it in the program's Silver tier. The TT Breacher Pack was tested by four NTOA members, including tactical operators specializing in breaching and less-lethal roles, who evaluated the pack across categories including design, durability, storage, versatility, and ease of use. Testers carried the pack during live training and operational deployments, assessing its ability to organize and secure breaching tools such as bolt cutters, sledges, hooligan tools, and detonation components. "It exceeded our expectations and is a reliable, mission-ready option that we would confidently recommend for tactical breaching operations," said one tester, a police officer from Pennsylvania who evaluated the pack over nearly two months of SWAT team training and operations. "We have been looking for a solution for our explosive breachers to be able to comfortably carry pre-made charges during certain deployments, and this has been just what we were looking for." A tester from Louisiana who used the pack in both breacher and less-lethal roles noted its "excellent durability, comfortable carry system, [and] outstanding modularity." He continued, "Overall, I am very pleased with the TT Breacher Pack. It offers excellent durability, a comfortable carry system, outstanding modularity, and sufficient capacity for most breaching operations. I would confidently recommend this backpack to breachers or other tactical operators who are looking for a compact, durable, and highly adaptable pack capable of supporting the majority of breaching mission requirements." The tester from New York, who scored the pack 4.66 individually, called it "very well thought out, well-constructed" and suited to agencies needing a compact, dedicated tactical breaching solution. Built on Tasmanian Tiger's 700-denier CORDURA® construction (500-denier in Multicam), the TT Breacher Pack is purpose-built to carry breaching tools securely and access them fast. Two removable tool compartments organize and separate the gear, while an extendable design accommodates long bolt cutters. Removable padded shoulder straps, side compression straps, and internal mesh pockets round out a system designed to move with the operator, not against them. The TT Breacher Pack weighs 3.4 lbs./54 oz. and measures 23 x 10.75 x 7 in. / 58 x 27 x 18 cm. It is available in black, olive, and coyote for an MSRP of $359. Multicam is available at an MSRP of $439. "Tasmanian Tiger built the TT Breacher pack to solve a real problem tactical teams face: organizing and protecting mission-critical breaching tools under real operational stress. Having that validated by NTOA's testers means a great deal," said Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Proforce Equipment, Inc. The MTRP has evaluated more than 3,000 products in real-world conditions since 2003 and is widely regarded by law enforcement agencies as a key resource in tactical equipment purchasing decisions. Results are shared with the law enforcement community through The Tactical Edge magazine, NTOA's online database, its e-newsletters, and directly with manufacturers. Under NTOA's MTRP rating scale, products scoring 3.00-3.99 receive the standard MTRP logo, 4.00-4.49 receive the Silver logo, and 4.50-5.00 receive the Gold logo. Check out the new 2026 product line digital catalog here. Click to see the Tasmanian Tiger Full Product Line Vol. 5 digital catalog here. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products. Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram . All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com .
2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide Recognizes Steptoe & Johnson and Attorneys
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 09:29 EDT
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is proud to announce that the firm has been recognized in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide in Private Wealth Law in West Virginia. Additionally, Michael Barill in West Virginia was individually ranked in the Private Wealth Law category, and Laura McConnell-Corbyn in Oklahoma was individually ranked in the Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth category. The guide recognizes firms and attorneys that understand the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals and provide unparalleled service and advice. Barill advises clients on wealth preservation, minimizing tax exposure, and future planning with a focus on high-value business succession and estate planning. He is the leader of the firm's Private Client/Wealth Management Team and has been named to the High Net Worth Guide for five consecutive years. McConnell-Corbyn counsels high-net-worth individuals navigating complex legal challenges involving business ownership, asset protection, and family dynamics. Her practice includes advising on high-stakes divorce and property division matters, estate planning modifications, and prenuptial agreements, particularly for clients with closely held business interests or sophisticated tax considerations. The Chambers High Net Worth Guide provides rankings and recommendations based on its in-depth analysis conducted by its seasoned research team. To learn more about the Chambers High Net Worth Guide, visit its website .
Musculoskeletal Injuries: How the Right Equipment on the Warehouse Floor Can Cut the Risk
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 04:55 EDT
New figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most persistent and costly health issues facing UK workplaces, with an estimated 511,000 workers affected in 2024/25 and 7.1 million working days lost as a direct result. Pallet Truck Shop says the figures are a reminder that, in warehouses and distribution centres, much of that risk sits at floor level - in the everyday manual handling equipment staff use dozens of times a shift. The company says well-designed manual pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables remain one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways for businesses to reduce manual handling strain - without the cost or complexity of powered alternatives. Features such as ergonomic tiller handles, smooth-rolling wheels, adjustable lift heights and lower push-pull forces are designed specifically to reduce the physical load on operators carrying out repetitive lifting, lowering and moving tasks. "When people talk about warehouse safety, the conversation often jumps straight to automation or big capital projects. But for a huge number of businesses, the equipment that matters most day to day is much simpler than that - it's the pallet truck, the stacker, the lift table that staff are using constantly, often without a second thought. "A well-designed manual pallet truck with the right handle height and a smooth, low-effort action can make a real difference to the physical strain on someone doing that job repeatedly, all day, every day. It's important that the basic tools they rely on aren't working against them. "With HSE confirming musculoskeletal disorder prevention as an ongoing priority, this is a good moment for businesses to look again at whether the manual handling equipment on their floor is actually doing its job properly, or whether it's quietly adding to the strain." Manual handling equipment is often overlooked in wider health and safety reviews, despite being some of the most frequently used equipment in any warehouse. The company recommends regular equipment audits alongside staff training as part of a wider approach to reducing musculoskeletal injury risk. For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
Cardiff Mum Who Found Support at Baby Sensory During Difficult Times Returns as Class Leader
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 04:44 EDT
Cardiff mum Sophie Milner didn't set out looking for a turning point. She was just trying to get through the week - and she found a lifeline. Her son, Leo, was a baby, her partner Aaron was recovering after major bowel surgery, and life at home in Cardiff had shrunk down to hospital visits, sleepless nights, and just trying to keep going amid a pandemic. Somewhere in the middle of all that, Sophie found Baby Sensory. Now, she's the one leading Baby Sensory Cardiff East and has just celebrated her 5th anniversary with the award-winning parent and baby classes. Back then, Sophie wasn't thinking about careers or business decisions. She was a parent on maternity leave, getting through lockdown like so many others, looking for something that felt normal again. The classes gave her that: the soothing routine of turning up each week and being somewhere that felt safe. Baby Sensory sessions are built for babies from birth to 13 months, using simple sensory experiences - light, sound, movement, textures - to support early development. Parents are guided through what each activity is doing, but for many, it's also the first time in the week they get to sit down with other adults who understand what life with a baby truly is like. Sophie said, "I remember sitting there thinking, this is the first time in days I've properly exhaled. It wasn't just about Leo enjoying it, although he really did. It was about me too, having somewhere to go where nothing was expected of me except turning up. "I think that's stayed with me more than anything. You realise quite quickly that everyone in the room is carrying something you can't see. So I've never liked the idea of parents feeling like they must be 'on' when they walk into a class. Some days are messy. Some days you've barely slept. That's fine." The opportunity to take over Baby Sensory Cardiff East came later, after Sophie had stepped back from her original plans to become a primary school teacher and started rethinking what work needed to look like alongside family life. It wasn't a polished, carefully planned decision - more a moment of recognition that this was something she already believed in. What she wants now is simple: that the classes feel like they did for her. Familiar faces. No pressure. A place to sit on the floor with one's baby and not feel out of place doing it, finding joy in watching babies develop in leaps and bounds. "And if parents leave feeling a little more connected than when they arrived," Sophie says, "that is enough." She recently received the Wow World Group community impact award in recognition of her work in the local community. In addition to running weekly classes, Sophie also arranges meet ups for parents, produces what's on guides for half terms and summer holidays and runs summer events promoting the local businesses of mums attending Baby Sensory classes. For more information, please visit www. babysensory.com/cardiff-east .
STUDY: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TARIFFS RAISED COSTS ON MIDWEST HOUSEHOLDS BY AN AVERAGE OF $2,000 IN 2025
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 08:30 EDT
Data shows import taxes hit Midwest harder than nation, raising costs, shrinking the economy, reducing manufacturing employment, and disproportionately impacting low-income families La Grange, IL: Tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration in 2025 raised costs for the average Midwest household by more than $2,000, shrunk the economy by $18 billion, reduced the region's manufacturing employment by more than 41,000, and disproportionately impacted low-income households, according to a new study by the nonpartisan Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Read the Report, "Tariffs and the Midwest: Impacts on Households, Manufacturing, and Economies in Six States" In 2025, the Trump administration increased tariffs on imported goods and supply chains to their highest levels since the 1930s, causing some nations to respond with retaliatory measures against U.S. exports. While many of the Trump administration's 2025 levies were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2026, they were replaced with a temporary 10% global tariff that expires this week. The administration has already begun announcing new tariff rates, including a new 50% levy on most Canadian goods. The report uses data from the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Pew Charitable Trusts alongside tariff impact modeling from the Budget Lab at Yale University to quantify the effects on six Midwest States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Household costs are based on each state's consumer spending, market for imports, and manufacturing industry composition, while economic impacts are scaled by each state's trade exposure and trend-adjusted manufacturing job losses capture both direct layoffs and jobs that would have existed without the tariffs. "Research consistently shows the costs of tariffs are passed along to consumers, and the Midwest has faced outsized exposure because consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of all economic activity and the region is responsible for about one-fifth of the nation's manufacturing and agricultural output," said ILEPI Economist and study coauthor Frank Manzo IV. "The data confirms that the trade war launched in 2025 has been a substantial headwind for the economy, with Midwest households faring far worse than the nation as a whole."
The Overlooked Green Upgrade: Why Electric Pallet Trucks Are Becoming Part of Freight Decarbonisation
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 03:52 EDT
The push to decarbonise freight is gathering pace, but Pallet Truck Shop says one area of the logistics chain is still being overlooked: the movement of goods once they reach the warehouse. As the transport sector explores lower-carbon alternatives, including Bio-LNG-powered haulage and expanded rail freight capacity, the UK's largest supplier of pallet and sack trucks believes the next stage of emissions reduction will come from improving the final steps of the supply chain - inside distribution centres, fulfilment hubs and storage facilities. Electric pallet trucks, stackers and table trucks are increasingly being considered as a practical upgrade for businesses looking to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-powered equipment while maintaining productivity in busy warehouse environments. Unlike larger infrastructure projects, Pallet Truck Shop says switching to electric handling equipment can offer businesses a relatively straightforward way to make day-to-day operations more efficient. While the action around greener logistics has traditionally focused on transport fleets and delivery vehicles, the warehouse itself remains a critical part of the emissions picture. Every movement of goods, from unloading deliveries to transferring stock between storage areas and dispatch zones, contributes to the overall environmental footprint of the supply chain. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said businesses are beginning to recognise that sustainability improvements do not only happen on the road. "The biggest changes in freight are understandably focused on vehicles, fuel and infrastructure, but there is another part of the journey that happens behind the warehouse doors," he explained. "Moving goods around a facility is a constant process, and the equipment used every day has an important role to play in creating more efficient and lower-impact operations. "Warehouses are becoming more sophisticated, but they still rely on practical equipment that operators can depend on. For many businesses, electric pallet trucks provide a balance between reducing physical effort, improving efficiency and supporting wider sustainability goals." As freight decarbonisation continues to shape the future of UK logistics, the warehouse floor will become an increasingly important focus for businesses seeking realistic, measurable sustainability improvements. To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk.