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May 24, 2026

HBS Orlando Adds Expanded Clinic Hours and New Enrollment Pathways at Five Central Florida Campuses to Address Regional Shortage of Licensed Beauty and Wellness Professionals

HBS Orlando announced the expansion of supervised clinic hours and a streamlined enrolment process across all five of its Central Florida campuses, effective this summer. The changes are designed to reduce the waiting period for new students and increase the number of graduates entering Florida's beauty and wellness workforce each year a labor market that state industry associations say is facing a measurable shortage of licensed professionals. The expanded access applies to programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and massage therapy, with additional clinic session slots opening at the school's Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, and Altamonte Springs locations beginning in July 2026. A Regional Workforce Shortage Driving Enrolment Growth Florida employs more massage therapists and cosmetologists per capita than nearly any other state in the country, a product of its tourism economy, expanding healthcare sector, and large retiree population. Yet industry groups report that open positions at licensed facilities including resort spas, medical aesthetics practices, and salon chains consistently outnumber qualified applicants. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for skin care specialists to grow 8 percent through 2032, faster than the national average for all occupations, while massage therapy employment is projected to grow even more sharply at 18 percent over the same period. In high-demand markets like Orlando where hotel, healthcare, and lifestyle businesses compete for the same limited pool of licensed professionals the practical shortage is already acute. HBS Orlando has seen a 22 percent increase in inquiry volume over the past 12 months, which school officials attribute to both the growing awareness of career opportunities in the sector and the school's rising visibility in local search results. The institution currently ranks first on Google.com for Beauty Schools in Orlando FL and Massage Therapy School Orlando two of the highest-searched education terms in the Central Florida market. What the Expansion Includes The operational changes announced today include three specific improvements across all campuses. First, evening and weekend clinic sessions will be extended by two hours at the Orlando and Winter Park locations, increasing supervised hands-on training time available to students in accelerated tracks. Second, the school is introducing a rolling monthly enrolment window replacing a fixed quarterly schedule allowing students to begin their programs without waiting for a semester start date. Third, a new student success coordinator role is being added at each campus to provide dedicated academic and career support from enrolment through licensure. School officials say the rolling enrolment change, in particular, responds to consistent feedback from prospective students who found fixed start dates to be one of the primary barriers to beginning their training. Program Overview: Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Massage Therapy HBS Orlando is licensed by the Florida Department of Education and offers programs aligned with the requirements of the Florida Board of Cosmetology and the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Each program combines in-class instruction with supervised clinical practice, giving students direct experience working with real clients before they graduate. The cosmetology program covers cutting, colouring, chemical services, and salon management, preparing students for the Florida cosmetology licensure examination. The esthetics program includes facial treatments, chemical exfoliation, waxing, lash and brow services, and skin analysis, with updated modules on medical-adjacent skincare technology. The nail technology program covers natural nail care, gel and acrylic applications, nail art, and sanitation standards. The massage therapy program includes Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, and hydrotherapy modalities, with full clinical hours completed under instructor supervision. Financial aid is available for students who qualify, and the school's career services team maintains active relationships with regional employers in hospitality, healthcare, and the independent salon sector. Accessibility Across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties HBS Orlando's five-campus network is one of the largest footprints of any independent beauty school in Central Florida, designed to bring training within reach for students across a wide geographic area. The Orlando and Winter Park campuses serve the urban core; Lake Mary and Altamonte Springs serve the northern Seminole County corridor; and Kissimmee serves Osceola County and the communities south of the tourism district. Each campus operates with the same curriculum standards and instructor qualifications, ensuring that a student's experience does not vary based on which location they attend. Bilingual support services are available at select campuses, and the school actively recruits instructors who reflect the cultural diversity of the communities it serves. Prospective students interested in learning more about available programs, financial aid, or the new rolling enrolment process are encouraged to visit hbsorlando.com or contact the admissions team directly to schedule a campus tour. About HBS Orlando HBS Orlando is a state-licensed beauty and wellness school offering programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and massage therapy at five campuses across Central Florida, including Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, and Altamonte Springs. All programs are approved by the Florida Department of Education.

May 24, 2026

Education

Studycat reports rising downloads for popular kids Chinese language iPhone app

HONG KONG, HK— Studycat today announced milestone growth for its popular kids' Chinese language iPhone app, reporting rising iPhone download momentum, continued lesson completion activity, and expanding review volume as families increasingly seek playful early language learning tools for children. The announcement reflects the recent performance of Studycat Chinese on iPhone and highlights the broader demand for child-focused digital learning experiences for ages 2–8. The company said the milestone is significant because it indicates sustained parent interest in structured, game-based language exposure that fits into home learning routines while keeping young learners engaged. Growth signals in early language learning Studycat said the latest milestone combines three indicators that matter to families and education observers: download momentum, signs of ongoing lesson participation, and a growing body of public reviews. Taken together, those measures suggest that the popular kids' Chinese language iPhone app is not only reaching new households, but also seeing continued use after installation. For the wider education technology sector, the trend underscores a shift toward early learning products that are built around short interactive sessions, audio guidance, and age-appropriate design. Studycat’s approach centers on teaching vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension through play-based activities rather than long-form instruction, which the company says is especially important for younger children who are still developing their attention spans and reading skills. “This milestone shows that families are actively looking for a popular kids Chinese language iPhone app that feels approachable for young children and practical for daily use,” said VP of Communications at Studycat. “The combination of download growth, lesson completion trends, and review volume suggests that parents want language learning to feel playful while still delivering structure and progress.” Why the milestone matters now Interest in home-based learning tools has remained strong as families continue to look for flexible ways to support language development outside traditional classroom settings. In that environment, products that combine entertainment value with repeatable learning routines have gained attention. Studycat said the recent momentum around its popular kids' Chinese language iPhone app reflects that broader market direction. The company’s Chinese app is part of a broader library of children’s language-learning products and supplemental resources, including stories, songs, worksheets, and activities. On iPhone, the Chinese learning experience is designed to help children build familiarity with sounds, words, and common phrases through interactive gameplay and guided repetition. Studycat noted that a rise in review volume can also serve as a useful public signal for new families evaluating an app's quality, usability, and age-appropriateness. Studycat has also built its products around an ad-free environment, independent use for young children, and progress visibility for families. These elements, combined with the company’s established reach, millions of downloads, and a large volume of five-star feedback, have helped shape its position in the early language-learning category. Play-based design continues to attract families According to Studycat, one reason the popular kids' Chinese language iPhone app continues to resonate is that it reduces friction for adults and children alike. Young learners can move through short activities with clear audio support, while families can introduce language practice without turning every session into a formal lesson. That balance is increasingly relevant for households seeking educational screen time that remains accessible and consistent. The company added that lesson completion patterns are an important indicator, as they reflect more than just initial curiosity. Continued participation may suggest that families are finding a rhythm that works for busy schedules, multiple children, and early learners who benefit from repetition and routine. Studycat’s recent recognition in education awards has also contributed to its standing as a research-backed developer of language-learning apps for children. The company said the latest iPhone milestone adds a measurable consumer signal to that industry recognition, particularly amid growing interest in Chinese-language exposure among younger age groups. Families exploring early language learning for children ages 2–8 can browse Studycat’s ad-free Chinese app experience, game-based lessons, and child-friendly resources designed for repeat practice at home at https://studycat.com/products/chinese/ .

May 24, 2026

Health

VOKA Takes Gold at the Hermes Creative Awards 2026

Medical visualization company VOKA won a Gold Award at the 2026 Hermes Creative Awards for its educational 3D animation, “The Birth of Immune Cells: Granulocytopoiesis in 3D.” New York, NY – On May 1, 2026, VOKA, one of the leading providers of medical visualization solutions, received the prestigious Gold Award at the 20th annual Hermes Creative Awards. The company was recognized in the “Video Production” category for its medical video, “The Birth of Immune Cells: Granulocytopoiesis in 3D.” This global appreciation highlights VOKA’s ongoing commitment to transforming healthcare education, promoting digital innovation, and driving deeper engagement through high-precision 3D modeling and animation. While this award cements VOKA’s reputation as a top-tier medical visualization company, the recognition serves as powerful motivation for the team to push boundaries and further refine our solutions. About VOKA’s project The award-winning video, “ The Birth of Immune Cells: Granulocytopoiesis in 3D ”, explores the complicated process of immune cell formation inside the bone marrow. It shows how granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, mature and enter the bloodstream as neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, helping the body fight infections as the part of the immune responses. Created as an educational and communication tool, the animation transforms microscopic biological processes into easy-to-follow 3D visuals. It uses realistic environments and cinematic storytelling to help students, healthcare professionals, researchers, and general audiences better understand how the immune system works. The video supports medical education, scientific presentations, healthcare communication, and patient engagement by making difficult biological concepts more visual, accessible, and memorable. The full award-winning video can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn1girFu5Ww . About the award Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition sponsored and administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The award recognizes outstanding work in marketing, communication, and creative media across more than 400 categories, including: advertising, branding & marketing, publications, websites & digital media, video production, public relations & communications, community‑impact work and many others. Every year, the competition attracts thousands of participants from over 30 countries, including writers, designers, video producers, social media specialists, and other creative professionals. About VOKA VOKA is a MedTech company specializing in advanced medical visualization, immersive technologies, and scientific storytelling for healthcare, pharma, life sciences, and medical education. VOKA provides a large variety of 3D medical and scientific animation production services, including: 3D medical animations across a wide range of therapeutic areas, such as cardiology, dermatology, dentistry, oncology, and many others. Other types of medical and scientific content, including MoA, MoD, medical device and surgery animations, explainer videos, and much more. VOKA’s in-house medical team ensures scientific accuracy and alignment with international and regional regulatory standards, while a team of professional 3D artists and animators translates intricate biological mechanisms into compelling visual narratives. Beyond high-fidelity animation, the company provides a broader digital ecosystem for healthcare, including interactive 3D models and immersive XR experiences. These solutions are engineered to redefine medical communication and clinical training. From pharmaceutical and biotech companies to medical device manufacturers and academic research institutions, organizations worldwide rely on VOKA’s expertise in driving medical innovation.

May 24, 2026

Lifestyle

Liv Hospital Announces Expanded Program for Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery

Liv Hospital announced an expanded program to integrate Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery into a broader range of surgical specialties, positioning the institution to increase the use of single-incision robotic-assisted techniques across urology, gynecology, thoracic procedures and select general surgery cases. Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery is an advanced robotic-assisted platform designed to enable complex procedures through a single small incision. The system employs flexible instruments and a high-definition camera inserted through one access point while a surgeon operates from a specialized console that translates hand motions into controlled micro-movements. The platform does not function autonomously; each instrument motion is directed by the operating surgeon. The expanded program at Liv Hospital emphasizes several core technical features associated with Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery . The platform’s three-dimensional high-definition visualization supports detailed intraoperative views. Flexible instruments expand the reach into confined anatomical spaces. Integrated tremor reduction technology and instrument articulation deliver levels of dexterity that assist in tasks requiring fine motion control. These technical characteristics are emphasized as part of surgical planning and case selection within the hospital’s operating suites. Patient-centered considerations are a central component of the program description. The single-incision approach inherent to Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery is associated with smaller external wounds and reduced disruption of surrounding tissues compared with procedures that require larger or multiple incisions. These procedural attributes are linked to lower likelihood of visible scarring and reduced tissue trauma. Minimally invasive access may also correlate with shorter postoperative recovery intervals in appropriate cases, including reduced length of hospital stay and earlier resumption of routine activities for some patients, depending on individual condition and procedure complexity. The expanded use of Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery at Liv Hospital encompasses a range of clinical applications. In urology, the hospital cited procedures involving the prostate and kidney as frequent uses of the platform, as well as certain bladder interventions. In gynecology, the program includes cases such as fibroid removal, treatment of endometriosis and procedures that require hysterectomy. The technology’s capabilities have also been applied in selected thoracic and general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, chest procedures and specific abdominal operations. Eligibility for the single-port approach varies by patient anatomy, clinical indication and surgeon assessment. Preoperative assessment protocols associated with the program follow standard clinical pathways. Patients considered for Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery typically undergo comprehensive medical evaluations, imaging studies and multidisciplinary consultations to determine suitability for the single-incision technique. Postoperative care protocols reflect the minimally invasive nature of the procedures and may involve smaller wound care needs, lower reported postoperative discomfort for some patients and an emphasis on earlier mobility, with outcomes contingent on individual health status and procedural complexity. Liv Hospital noted that the success of robotic-assisted procedures depends on the combination of surgical experience, multidisciplinary coordination and appropriate infrastructure. The hospital’s expanded program integrates surgical teams, anesthesiology support, perioperative nursing and imaging resources to establish individualized care plans aligned with each patient’s clinical requirements. Liv Hospital is among global healthcare institutions that have incorporated robotic-assisted surgical systems as part of their surgical services portfolio. About Liv Hospital Liv Hospital is a multidisciplinary healthcare institution based in Istanbul that provides inpatient and outpatient medical services. The hospital operates surgical suites equipped for minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures and maintains teams across clinical specialties to support perioperative care and follow-up. Liv Hospital delivers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitative services within its regional healthcare network.

May 24, 2026

Business

Together for Prosperity on a New Journey! 2026 China Fuzhou International Investment Month Opens

The 2026 China Fuzhou International Investment Promotion Month Launch Ceremony, as well as the Together for Prosperity in Fuzhou: Global Investment Promotion Conference, was held on the afternoon of May 22 at the Fuzhou Strait International Conference and Exhibition Center. The event was hosted by the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee, the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government, and the Fujian Provincial Investment Promotion Bureau. Centered on carrying forward and deepening the important vision and practices initiated by President Xi Jinping during his tenure in Fuzhou—specifically the initiation of the "China Fuzhou International Investment Promotion Month"—the conference focused on the theme "Together for Prosperity in Fuzhou." It mobilized authorities at all levels to adopt a comprehensive, full-process, full-chain, full-lifecycle, and widely-participated approach to investment promotion, extending an invitation to global investors to jointly seize new development opportunities brought by the latest wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, and to achieve mutual success through two-way engagement and empowerment. The conference highlighted Fuzhou's advantageous resources and brought together a high-caliber gathering of global investors. More than 1,200 participants attended, including over 500 key overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and representatives from Hong Kong and Macao, coming from more than 70 countries and regions; nearly 70 heads of Fortune Global 500, China Top 500, and China Top 500 Private Enterprises from outside Fujian; leaders of important Taiwan-invested enterprises and Taiwan-based industrial & commercial organizations; prominent private enterprise representatives; and representatives from various companies, business associations, and project owners. Nearly 80% of the attendees came from outside Fuzhou. During the event, Antony Leung Kam Chung, Group Chairman & Co-founder of New Frontier Group; Abdul Alek Soelystio, Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Entrepreneur Association (PERPIT); and Wang Tao, Vice President of JD.com, delivered speeches. They discussed hot topics such as the construction of a demonstration zone for cross-strait integrated development, policies for the comprehensive pilot program to expand the opening-up of the service sector, wholly foreign-owned hospitals, and the hometown investment of Fuzhou-origin entrepreneurs. They also shared their experiences in landing key projects in Fuzhou, showcasing from an investor's perspective the city's business-friendly environment and broad development prospects. The conference also aligned closely with Fuzhou's advantageous industries, facilitating efficient matchmaking and negotiations. Focusing on building the "358X" industrial cluster and strengthening 16 key industrial chains, the city mobilized over 200 investment promotion teams before the event. They identified a list of more than 200 key projects under negotiation, targeting specific projects and enterprises for continuous engagement, investor invitations, and negotiation push efforts. During the conference, a list of more than 50 prospective projects was compiled and assigned to 12 counties (county-level cities/districts), resulting in nearly 100 project site visits and negotiation activities, transforming the investment promotion conference into a practical push for key project implementation. At the event, Fuzhou released 59 specific investment priorities across 16 key industrial chains and featured industries, along with an investment opportunity list covering 639 items with a total value exceeding 920 billion yuan. Guided by this list, the city painted a picture of vibrant opportunities in Fuzhou, inviting domestic and international investors to jointly write a new chapter of "Together for Prosperity in Fuzhou." The conference also took a province-wide perspective on investment promotion, working in concert to write a new chapter of coordinated regional development. Leaders and key personnel from 14 provincial departments, including the Fujian Provincial Department of Commerce (Fujian Provincial Investment Promotion Bureau), the Fujian Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and the Fujian Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, attended and guided the province-wide investment promotion efforts. During the event, the Fujian Provincial Department of Commerce (Fujian Provincial Investment Promotion Bureau) presented the province's investment environment, showcasing the new opportunities of a "vibrant, sound, prosperous, and beautiful" new Fujian. Nanping City also presented its investment environment under the "Mountain-Sea Collaboration" framework, building a coordinated investment promotion structure. It is reported that the 2026 China Fuzhou International Investment Promotion Month and the 28th Cross-Strait Fair for Economy and Trade will run from May 21 to June 21. The program includes the Global Investment Promotion Conference, 5 major thematic investment events (focusing on overseas Chinese, private enterprises, central and local state-owned enterprises, Taiwan-invested enterprises, and foreign-invested enterprises), and 12 county-level investment events. Supporting activities include the Cross-Strait Industrial Development Conference, the Cross-Strait Carbon Neutrality Conference, and the release of policies for the Fuzhou-Matsu "Shared Life Circle." With a long duration, broad industry coverage, a high level of internationalization, and a strong focus on tangible results, the event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants. The brand "Together for Prosperity in Fuzhou" continues to gain prominence, as global investors share in the new opportunities brought by Fuzhou's high-quality development. Attachment: QR code for Industrial Investment Promotion Priorities and Investment Opportunity List QR Code for Investment Opportunity List in Fuzhou

May 24, 2026

Business

Geely Auto Becomes the Only Automaker to Demonstrate Beyond-Compliance Crash Test in Europe

The Geely Starray EM-i has completed a beyond-compliance, dual-sided serial extreme crash test at France’s Euro NCAP-accredited UTAC headquarters. The vehicle’s exceptional performance directly validated Geely's leading vehicle safety architecture and its systemic engineering depth. Geely Auto was the sole automaker selected to conduct a live safety demonstration during the "Automotive Safety Tech Globalization & Innovation in the Smart Driving Era" summit, co-hosted by the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CAERI) and UTAC. As Europe's first-ever side-impact test combined with a far-side rigid pole intrusion challenge, this test goes far beyond the current Euro NCAP side-impact protocol, compounding the test’s severity to replicate real-world multi-vehicle chain collisions. During the test, a moving deformable barrier strikes the side of the vehicle at 60 km/h, pushing it into a rigid pole positioned on the opposite side, creating a second high-severity impact comparable to a side pole crash. It puts an extreme test on the vehicle’s structural integrity, millisecond-level airbag deployment algorithms, and NEV battery system protection. The results confirmed that the Geely STARRAY EM-i maintained an intact passenger cell after the collision. The restraint systems were deployed with pinpoint precision, the e-CALL emergency rescue system triggered instantly, and the doors unlocked automatically. Spanning nearly three decades of automotive manufacturing, Geely Auto has steadfastly adhered to its core philosophy of “Consumer First, Safety First”. Geely Auto has fused full-domain AI technology to enhance its Comprehensive Safety System 2.0. This evolution shifts the focus from traditional “vehicle-centric safety” to an ecosystem-wide perspective encompassing “People-Vehicle-Road-Cloud-Satellite”, anchoring four distinct zero-accident mobility visions. Through sustained R&D investments, Geely Auto has built deep technological barriers. Propelled by uncompromising quality, Geely Auto has secured top ratings in 80 global authoritative safety assessments, with various models securing prestigious five-star ratings across C-NCAP, Euro NCAP, ANCAP, ASEAN NCAP, and C-IASI. Geely Auto has also opened up critical safety patents to the public, including its one-touch window-breaking technology and underbody battery protection systems, while making its Safety Center resources accessible to industry peers. About UTAC UTAC is a leading international group in the fields of digital and sustainable mobility, autonomous and connected vehicles, custom testing, certification, global regulatory compliance, and training. As an official Euro NCAP-accredited laboratory, UTAC operates state-of-the-art testing centers worldwide, providing the global automotive industry with independent, world-class validation and certification services to advance safety and environmental performance. About CAERI China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CAERI) is a premier, state-level automotive research institution headquartered in Chongqing, China. Established as a leading authority in automotive engineering R&D, testing, inspection, and certification, CAERI provides comprehensive technical support and innovative solutions to the global automotive industry, playing a pivotal role in shaping national safety standards, intelligent connected vehicle technologies, and green mobility ecosystems. About Geely Auto Group Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands. Geely Auto achieved cumulative sales of 3,024,567 units in 2025, exceeding the full-year sales target with a year-on-year growth of 39%. New energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 1,687,767 units, a year-on-year increase of 90%. With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems. As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation.

May 23, 2026

Business

Nature’s Sunshine Celebrates Earth Day 2026 by Turning Every Purchase into a Tree Through Partnership with Evertreen

Nature’s Sunshine , a pioneer in herbal supplements committed to giving back to the earth it sources from, has partnered with Evertreen to celebrate Earth Day 2026 through a meaningful environmental initiative: planting a tree for every customer purchase made through its e-commerce platform. This campaign reflects a simple but powerful idea — that everyday choices can contribute to something bigger. By linking each purchase to a tree sponsored through Evertreen, Nature’s Sunshine transforms customer engagement into tangible environmental support, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Turning Everyday Actions into Environmental Impact As part of its Earth Day initiative, Nature’s Sunshine has supported tree planting across global reforestation projects , contributing to ecosystem restoration and long-term environmental resilience. Each tree is associated with structured restoration initiatives designed to promote biodiversity and support nature-based climate solutions over time. By embedding tree sponsorship directly into the customer journey, Nature’s Sunshine creates a model where sustainability becomes part of the purchasing experience — allowing individuals to contribute to environmental initiatives through simple, everyday actions. A Community Effort Rooted in Shared Values The success of the campaign is also driven by the people behind it. Supporters including Thomas Marcinowski, Rob Modarelli, Taylor Bradley, and Kate Ward have played a role in bringing this initiative to life, helping amplify its message and impact. Together, they represent a broader community that believes in aligning business, creativity, and environmental responsibility to generate meaningful change. Transparency and Long-Term Commitment Through Evertreen’s digital platform, the trees supported by Nature’s Sunshine are associated with monitored environmental projects, offering visibility into restoration efforts and environmental impact estimates based on recognized scientific methodologies. This ensures that the initiative remains transparent and grounded in long-term environmental contribution, supporting credible sustainability communication while avoiding short-term or symbolic claims. Strengthening Brand Purpose Through Sustainability For Nature’s Sunshine, sustainability is not an add-on — it is embedded in the brand’s identity. The company manufactures its supplements in a 100% solar-powered facility, holds Zero Waste Gold certification at its distribution centers, and sustainably sources ingredients from around the globe. By connecting its Earth Day campaign to real-world environmental initiatives, the company strengthens its relationship with customers who are increasingly seeking brands that reflect their values. This approach not only supports environmental restoration but also reinforces brand trust, demonstrating how businesses can grow while contributing to positive environmental outcomes. Inspiring a New Way of Thinking About Consumption The collaboration between Nature’s Sunshine and Evertreen highlights how companies can rethink the relationship between commerce and sustainability. By integrating tree sponsorship into its e-commerce experience, Nature’s Sunshine shows that even small actions, when multiplied, can support meaningful environmental progress. Organizations interested in creating similar initiatives and integrating nature-based environmental solutions into their customer experience are encouraged to connect with Evertreen. For corporate partnership inquiries: [email protected] About Evertreen Evertreen is a UK-based digital platform that connects individuals and organizations with high-quality reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based climate initiatives worldwide. Through its technology, Evertreen facilitates contributions to a diverse portfolio of environmental projects and provides digital tools, monitoring insights, and impact reporting to support transparent and responsible environmental engagement.

May 23, 2026

Land & Property

Bob Knakal CEO of BKREA Announces Ryan Candel Honored as "Most Promising Commercial Broker of the Year" at 2026 RED Awards in NYC

Ryan Candel, Senior Vice President of Transactions at BKREA, was recognized as " Most Promising Commercial Broker of the Year " at the 2026 RED Awards, held on April 30 at Club 101 NYC. The RED Awards celebrate top talent and rising stars within the commercial real estate industry. Ryan's recognition highlights his rapid growth and impact within New York City's competitive land and development site brokerage market. Ryan oversees the full sales cycle for commercial real estate transactions at BKREA, specializing in land, multifamily, retail, and office assets across New York City. Since joining the firm, he has been responsible for the execution of in excess of $100.34 million in sales volume. His prior experience includes a role as a Transactional Associate on the New York City Private Capital Group at JLL, where he worked closely with Bob Knakal and played an instrumental role in creating the Knakal Map Room. His credentials extend beyond transaction volume. Ryan Candel was recognized as one of the 2025 Ones to Watch – Industry Leaders by the New York Real Estate Journal and appeared on the cover of Commercial Observer's "Top Young Professionals" edition. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA, praised Ryan's development and commitment: "Ryan has been with us for over four years now and is developing into one of the City's top land brokers. He took a chance and came along on the BKREA journey from the very beginning and his loyalty is greatly appreciated and will be rewarded. I could not be more proud of him as a person and as a real estate professional." Ryan's award underscores both his individual performance and his growing reputation as a key player in the next generation of New York City commercial real estate professionals.

May 23, 2026

Business

As Dallas Breaks Ground on Its $3.7 Billion Convention Center Redevelopment, 1823 Cadiz Street Stands as the Best-Positioned Development Site in Dallas' Convention Center District

Demolition is underway on Dallas’s old Convention Center, and the city’s southern core is changing in real time. Wildcat Management announces that 1823 Cadiz Street, a 0.67-acre fully-entitled development site in the Dallas Central Business District, is positioned directly within the transformation footprint of the Convention Center District as the largest public investment in the city's history moves from planning into construction. Dallas currently adds more than 700 new residents to the DFW area every single day and posted 49 million visitors last year, the fastest-growing visitor market in the country. Eleven major corporate headquarters have relocated to the region in recent years. The $3.7 billion Convention Center is scheduled to open in 2029, with the proposed arena in the City Hall District expected to follow in 2030 or 2031. 1823 Cadiz Street sits between the Farmers Market District, City Hall, and the emerging Arena District, at the center of every major investment corridor now moving in downtown Dallas. The site carries PD 357 zoning, which eliminates the entitlement risk that kills most downtown development deals before they start. Three development programs have already been studied by Merriman Anderson Architects, all by right under current zoning with no variance required: No height cap and no minimum parking requirement 20:1 floor area ratio, allowing up to 580,000 square feet of buildable area on a single parcel 250-plus-unit residential tower, 200-key hotel, or a combined residential and hospitality program, all supported under existing zoning The site also carries three layers of financial incentive that transfer to a buyer: Newpark Tax Increment Financing District Federal Opportunity Zone designation PD 357 zoning, which eliminates entitlement cost and timeline risk from day one “Demolition is the proof that this is no longer a future story,” said Tanya Ragan , Founder and President of Wildcat Management. “Crews are on site. The infrastructure is moving. A buyer who positions on this parcel today is not betting on what Dallas might become. They are stepping into what Dallas is already building.” For more information on 1823 Cadiz Street, visit tanyaoutloud.com/the-last-blank-canvas-in-downtown-dallas/

May 23, 2026

Business

Turkish and American Business Leaders Converge on New York for High-Level Economic Summit

The Turkish-American Business Summit brought together leaders from business, diplomacy, media, and culture at Türkevi New York, organized through a collaborative effort among TABA-AmCham (Turkish-American Business Association and Chamber of Commerce), TABNET NYC, and the CEO Platform. The gathering focused on three strategic priorities: expanding bilateral trade volume between Turkey and the United States, identifying new investment opportunities, and strengthening the presence of Turkish companies in the American market. Opening Remarks Underscore Strong Commitment to Bilateral Cooperation The summit was hosted by Birnaz Yılmaz Gülnahar, founder of Egopro Media, with a delegation of TABA-AmCham and CEO Platform members attending from Turkey. Ömer Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of TABNET, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of building a more visible and sustainable footprint for Turkish business in the United States. He noted that cross-institutional solidarity is essential to unlocking new opportunities for Turkish entrepreneurs and companies operating in the American market. TABA-AmCham Chairman Süleyman Ecevit Sanlı followed with remarks underscoring that the Turkey-U.S. economic relationship has grown well beyond its commercial foundations, now carrying strategic weight across technology, investment, entrepreneurship, and public diplomacy. Sanlı called on Turkish business leaders to take a more active and ambitious role in shaping the bilateral agenda. Haldun Pak, Chairman of the CEO Platform, highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in enhancing the global competitiveness of Turkish companies. He described the New York summit as a meaningful networking milestone for the Turkish business community, providing a high-level platform for relationship building and deal exploration. Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in New York, expressed strong support for the deepening of commercial and cultural ties between the two countries. He highlighted the indispensable role that civil society organizations play in advancing economic diplomacy and bridging the gap between governments and private sector actors. Academic Selçuk Şirin closed the opening session with a presentation on the international potential of the Turkish community, exploring themes of education, innovation, and next-generation entrepreneurship. Diplomacy Meets Culture at Türkevi A highlight of the program was a ceremonial artwork presentation in which TABA-AmCham Chairman Süleyman Ecevit Sanlı presented Consul General Yazal with a work titled “The Return of Picasso,” gifted by TABA-AmCham Culture and Arts Committee Chairman Nejat Çuhadar-oğlu. The gesture underscored the summit’s dual focus on diplomacy and cultural exchange. At the end of the event, plaques were presented to the individuals who contributed to the organization, including Birnaz Yılmaz Gülnahar, in recognition of her contributions to her field. Rooftop Networking Gala Draws Broad Participation Following the Türkevi gathering, TABA-AmCham and Karakaşlıoğlu Law Firm PLLC co-hosted a Rooftop Networking Gala in connection with the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. The event united public diplomacy representatives and business leaders on a single platform, fostering new professional connections and partnerships between the Turkish and American business communities. TABA-AmCham Marches in 43rd Annual Turkish Day Parade TABA-AmCham participated in full force in the 43rd Annual Turkish Day Parade and Festival, organized under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications and coordinated by TADF. The delegation joined the flag-raising ceremony, the parade procession, and the gala program, representing both Turkey and its member organizations on an international stage through a dedicated institutional float. The festival’s rich cultural programming and strong attendance reinforced the unity and visibility of the Turkish community in the United States. Washington, D.C.: Strategic Meetings at the Highest Levels TABA-AmCham Chairman Sanlı held a dedicated meeting with U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) in Washington, D.C., during which the two discussed state-level economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and strategies for increasing bilateral trade volume. As part of the Washington engagements, TABA-AmCham also convened roundtable discussions with Turkish trade counselors and attachés from the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade posted in the United States. These sessions addressed actionable pathways for institutional advancement of trade relations between the two countries. In parallel, diplomatic contacts in the defense domain addressed topics including defense industry cooperation, strategic security dialogue, and institutional coordination between Turkish and American counterparts. B2B Meetings Open Doors to New Business Opportunities Dedicated B2B meetings organized in Washington, D.C. brought together Turkish and American business representatives to explore investment, partnership, and commercial expansion opportunities. The structured sessions facilitated direct engagement between decision-makers and are expected to yield tangible business outcomes in the months ahead.

May 22, 2026

Charity

Old Bags Luncheon Celebrates 27 Years as the Brand Prepares for a New Chapter

Old Bags Luncheon ™, a Palm Beach charity institution, is celebrating 27 years of philanthropic fundraising as founder Eileen Cornacchia prepares the organization for future ownership and wider international expansion. (Old Bags Luncheon, source: Old Bags Luncheon) Founded in April 1999, the luxury handbag fundraising platform has spent nearly three decades building a reputation around charity luncheons, designer auctions, and socially driven donor events that have reached communities across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The brand, Cornacchia highlights, has grown purely by word of mouth, driven through personal referrals and community enthusiasm. She shares, “I never did advertising anywhere in the world. This grew simply because more people sought to replicate the same experience in their own community.” That growth has expanded the event into high-profile seasonal markets, including Southampton and Saratoga Springs , where she notes that influential local committees and honorary chairpersons help elevate participation and fundraising visibility. “People open an invitation and see names they know and trust, and suddenly they want to be part of it too,” she adds. Old Bags Luncheon™ events combine luxury handbag auctions with celebrity guest appearances and charitable giving. Cornacchia points to past events that have featured high-profile celebrities and pop-cultural icons , which she believes signal the caliber of gathering Old Bags Luncheon™ has strived to deliver since its inception. According to her, the atmosphere surrounding the luncheons has always mattered as much as the fundraising itself. “I want everybody leaving there saying they hope the event comes back next year,” she shares. “The women are donating to a good cause, finding beautiful handbags at auction prices, and spending time together in a joyful environment.” Luxury handbags remain the core of the organization’s identity, with committee members and attendees often contributing designer pieces sourced from personal collections and retail relationships. Cornacchia believes those contributions helped transform the auctions into major fundraising drivers over time. She shares, “People started bringing better and better handbags every year.” (Old Bags Luncheon™ 2026 at The Breakers Palm Beach, source: Diana Zapata) As Old Bags Luncheon™ reaches new milestones, Cornacchia is actively seeking buyers interested in carrying the brand into its next phase. During that process, she is offering to remain with the business for one year post-acquisition to personally guide the next generation of charitable partners through the model she has refined over nearly three decades. “I would stay on and teach the next generation how to run the events. There’s a formula to it, and after all these years, I know what keeps people excited and engaged,” she explains. Cornacchia has also developed a detailed operational guidebook that outlines the event model, committee structure, auction process, and organizational strategy used throughout the brand’s expansion. Interest in the luxury handbag sector continues to grow globally , according to Cornacchia, who recently attended a handbag-focused event hosted by a luxury auction house. She notes that the experience reinforced her belief that Old Bags Luncheon™ holds strong long-term potential within charitable and luxury markets. Trademark expansion also remains underway, including a pending trademark application in Japan, which Cornacchia identifies as one of the strongest luxury handbag markets internationally. She adds that future growth opportunities could also include Great Britain and the UAE. “Word of mouth carried this business from Palm Beach to other parts of the world,” she remarks. “I still believe there are many places where this concept can grow and thrive.” Old Bags Luncheon™ now enters its next chapter with Cornacchia focused on preserving the organization’s philanthropic culture while identifying ownership capable of expanding the brand’s international presence and longstanding fundraising legacy.

May 22, 2026

Transportation

SCEND becomes one of the few UK logistics providers to hold B Corp Certification

SCEND, the eCommerce fulfilment and third-party logistics ( 3PL ) provider, has been awarded B Corp Certification by B Lab, placing it among a vanishingly small group of UK logistics operators independently verified against the standard. Of the approximately 3,500 UK 3PLs in the market, only a small handful are B Corps. SCEND's B Impact Assessment score of 93.7 sits comfortably above the 80-point threshold required for certification. The certification covers governance, employee practices, environmental impact, and community engagement, requiring demonstrable outcomes rather than stated policies, and is subject to ongoing reassessment as businesses grow. It sits alongside SCEND's existing ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications adding another layer of external verification to an operational framework that was already being held to account. "There's a version of growth that looks good on a spreadsheet and not much else," said Jack Crumpton, Co-Founder of SCEND. "We didn't set out in 2017 to become a B Corp - we just made decisions we could defend to ourselves. B Corp is the external audit of whether we actually did. The fact that fulfilment as a sector is so under-represented in the certification tells you something about how far it has to go, and we'd rather be part of changing that than waiting for it to change." One shift the certification process made tangible was how SCEND measures success. Revenue growth remained important, but it was no longer the only metric that mattered. Client satisfaction, employee wellbeing, and supplier due diligence became equally central - alongside the development of shared values that could be embedded across the business and felt at every level of it. SCEND worked with B Corp specialists The Pollinators throughout the certification process. "Logistics has such an important role to play in shaping more responsible supply chains, and SCEND's curiosity about the certification translated into practical changes with real impact across the business. Their commitment to doing business with greater transparency, accountability and care really aligned with our own values," said a representative from the firm. The sector isn't typically associated with this kind of accountability. For SCEND, the certification reflects a longer-term commitment to how the business is run, not simply a milestone to mark. What began as a regional operation has grown into a business with international reach, and the same principles that shaped it then are now being held to an internationally recognised standard. B Corp Certification represents a point of accountability for what comes next: growth that holds itself to something.

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