FEATURED NEWS
- September 12, 2026Food & Beverage
Dingdian Unveils Industry White Paper, Steering a New Era of Dry Pot Flavor
The “Dingdian Product Strategy Upgrade & Launch Ceremony of the White Paper on the Development of Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Category” was grandly held in Chengdu on September 3rd under the theme Tracing the Origins of Dry Pot · Forging a New Chapter for the Category . Guided by the China Cuisine Association and hosted by Dingdian Food, with support from universities and local authorities, the event gathered nearly 200 industry, academic, government, and media figures to explore opportunities and map out high‑quality development for dry pot seasonings. Origins: Tracing Flavors through Sand Art, 27 Years of Craftsmanship The ceremony kicked off with an immersive sand art light show, Searching for Dry Pot Origins, Savouring the Craftsmanship of Fire and Smoke . Amid flowing sand and light, the performance traced the culinary roots of dry pot flavors and unfolded the story of Chairman Ren Kang’s dedicated entrepreneurial journey. For 27 years, Dingdian pioneered dry pot seasonings with paste (2004) and sauce (2006). Now celebrating sauce's 20th anniversary, it stands as the category's founder, definer, and leader, having laid a solid industry foundation. Innovation: White Paper Released, Setting New Benchmarks for the Category Following the sand art show, Ren Kang, Chairman of Dingdian Food, delivered a keynote speech titled From One Bottle of Sauce to an Entire Category — Dingdian’s Pioneering Journey , recounting the brand’s extraordinary growth alongside the dry pot industry. Instead of grand rhetoric, he started his story in 1999, outlining the mutually rewarding journey of Dingdian Food and the dry pot category through four key development milestones. His remark, “You may not know me, but you must have tasted the flavor of Dingdian dry pot sauce,” drew warm applause from the audience. At the much-anticipated moment, the White Paper on the Development of Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Category was officially released. Guided by the China Cuisine Association, compiled under Dingdian’s leadership and co-developed by Xihua University and Sichuan Tourism University, this landmark industry document defines dry pot flavor seasonings as an independent product category for the first time. It clearly demarcates category boundaries, unifies industry understanding of flavor profiles, and fully explores application prospects across catering, household, and industrial scenarios. Yang Liu, President of the China Cuisine Association, and Cai Yu, Member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Pidu Hi-Tech Industrial Park, delivered speeches in succession. They highly recognized the release of the white paper and expressed high expectations for the future of the dry pot seasoning industry. Xiong Shuangli, Dean of the School of Cuisine and Food Science and Engineering at Sichuan Tourism University, analyzed the contemporary value of the white paper for the dry pot sector from multi-dimensional perspectives, including industry, academia and the market. During the roundtable dialogue, A New Era of Dry Pot Flavors , academic scholars, industry experts and catering leaders engaged in in-depth exchanges. They freely shared insights on product innovation, channel collaboration, and future trends, sparking new ideas for industrial development. After the dialogue, a signing ceremony for the group standard Technical Specifications for Dry Pot Flavors was held on site. This marks the joint establishment of an industrial standard system through university-enterprise cooperation, ushering the dry pot flavor industry into a new phase of standardized, high-quality development. Leading the Trend: Upgraded Product Matrix Empowers New Market Segments The product matrix showcase took the stage, unveiling Dingdian’s full range of dry pot flavor products in five forms: paste, sauce, oil, powder, and concentrate. The display intuitively demonstrated Dingdian’s full-scenario strategic layout covering catering, household, and food manufacturing clients. Zhao Licheng, Assistant to the Chairman and Marketing Director, presented the keynote Flavor and Ingredients from the Same Source — Leading the Dry Pot Era with Full-scenario Product Empowerment . He elaborated on the core logic and industrial empowerment value of this round of product strategy upgrade. “Flavor and ingredients from the same source” is not merely a product philosophy, but a full-cycle quality commitment from raw materials to the dining table. Dingdian sources quality from its 10,000-mu Hanyuan prickly ash farm, works with 30+ chefs for regional dishes, and ensures consistent quality via strict standards and smart production. Subsequently, an awarding ceremony for “Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Ambassadors” was held. Dozens of catering practitioners were appointed to jointly promote dry pot flavors and drive the category forward. Tasting: Return to Taste Buds, Witness Premium Quality at the Source Grand strategies are ultimately tested on the palate. In the tasting session of the launch event, innovative dry pot dishes were presented one after another, paired with cooking videos to vividly demonstrate the outstanding flavor performance of Dingdian dry pot seasonings and their capability to help restaurants achieve efficient dish output. Great flavors originate not only on the dining table but also in mountain fields. Prior to the conference, media representatives visited Dingdian’s nearly ten-thousand-mu tribute prickly ash planting base and intelligent modern factory to witness quality at the source. A complete quality chain stretches from the tribute prickly ash branches in the mountains of Hanyuan, through the modern factory, to the back kitchens of tens of thousands of catering stores nationwide. Over 20 mainstream media outlets asked Chairman Ren about the white paper's industry significance and Dingdian's future. His replies showcased the company's confidence and responsibility as a category definer. The launch event caps 20+ years of dry pot dedication while marking a new start for industry standardization. Going forward, rooted in premium Sichuan raw materials such as Hanyuan tribute prickly ash, Dingdian Food will uphold its responsibility as the founder and definer of the category. It will connect academic institutions, the catering industry, and channel partners to continuously unlock the unlimited potential of dry pot flavors, spreading the aroma of Sichuan dry pot across China and beyond.
- September 12, 2026Business
The 6th Forum of Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District Series Successfully Held
From September 7 to 8, a series of events was successfully held in Xiamen for the 6th Forum of Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District. The forum adopted the theme "Innovating Legal Services, Building a Legal Hub – Empowering High-Quality Development of the Maritime Silk Road through High-Standard Legal Services District Construction." It featured a main forum and three sub-forums, bringing together legal experts and scholars, representatives from domestic and international legal and quasi-legal institutions, and corporate representatives to discuss the future development of the Legal Services District. At the main forum, ten experts and scholars delivered keynote speeches. Lin Wei, Vice President of the China Law Society and President of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, proposed empowering the legal services district construction through high-level legal talent cultivation and regional and country studies. Li Zhongyuan, Chief Risk Officer of the Export-Import Bank of China, shared his reflections on strengthening cross-border compliance construction. Yu Weifeng, Vice Chair of the Belt and Road International Legal Services Association, suggested that the Association and the Legal Services District should work in coordinated alignment to jointly cultivate a full-lifecycle legal services ecosystem. Chin Malin, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice of Cambodia, advocated for deepening and upgrading international legal cooperation towards legal integration. Liu Xiaohong, Director of the Shanghai Arbitration Commission and Professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, proposed promoting the qualitative leap of legal services supply in the legal services district from quantitative accumulation. Xiao Yongping, a senior Professor at Wuhan University, offered insights on reshaping the institutional competitiveness of the Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, elaborated on the significance of cross-border legal cooperation for regional connectivity and sustainable development in his video speech. Sundra Rajoo, President of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution, discussed via video, from the perspective of international cooperation, the view that physical connectivity cannot be achieved without legal connectivity and interconnection. Liu Jingdong, Director of the Center for Foreign-related Rule of Law Studies at the Institute of International Law Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shared views on the new developments in global economic and trade rules and China's solutions. Fan Jiuli, Vice President of the China Law Society and President of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, focused on sharing ideas for cultivating need-oriented, practical foreign-related rule-of-law talent. On September 8, three sub-forums were held: "International Commercial and Maritime Dispute Resolution and High-Quality Development of the Marine Economy," "Integration of Law and Business for Innovative Services to Enterprises Going Global," and "Building an Innovative Ecosystem for Digital Construction of Political and Legal Work." Guests from domestic and international judicial, arbitration, and legal service institutions, universities, and enterprises engaged in discussions on topics such as international dispute resolution, cross-border operational risks for businesses, and digital rule of law. During this period, the Xiamen Maritime Court released two achievements in foreign-related judicial work: the "White Paper on Foreign-related Maritime Trials (1990-2026)" and "Maritime Legal Wisdom, Global Sharing – A Spotlight Tour of Representative Achievements in International Communication of Xiamen Maritime Court's Foreign-related Maritime Trials." Additionally, the "Political and Legal Innovation Joint Laboratory," jointly established by the Fujian Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission and Fujian Big Data Group, officially launched. This laboratory aims to become a source of technical innovation, a pilot test base for achievement transformation, and a training base for professional talents in digital political and legal affairs across the province. Scenes from the Sub-forums Following the forum, participating guests also visited the Xiamen International Expo Center to attend the 2026 China (Xiamen) International Public Security & Legal Technology Expo and the Going Global Legal & Business Service Exhibition.
- September 12, 2026Finance & Loan
BlackRidge Capital launches to fund the “first cheque” for business buyers
BlackRidge Capital , a new acquisition-finance business, has launched to fund the initial consideration: the first and often hardest cheque a buyer must write to acquire a business. BlackRidge has been launched by The Carling Group , a private family office chaired by Graeme Carling, which buys, builds and sells businesses internationally from its base in Dubai. Its principals bring decades of hands-on M&A experience. What sets BlackRidge apart from a traditional lender is that it is run by dealmakers. Its principals have spent decades completing acquisitions of their own and understand a transaction from the inside; how it is structured, where it stalls, and what it takes to reach completion. BlackRidge brings that judgement to the buyers it backs, assessing a deal on its commercial merits rather than against a lending checklist. The business focuses on the initial consideration, the first payment in an acquisition, and the most common point at which a promising deal stalls. A buyer who can commit capital of their own is more credible, more likely to be chosen by a seller, and more likely to complete. By funding that first payment, BlackRidge gives capable buyers the standing to compete for deals that would otherwise pass them by. Graeme Carling, Chairman of The Carling Group, said: “Every day, capable people find a business worth buying and fall at the first hurdle: the money it takes to get the deal moving. We’re not a bank working from a checklist, we’re dealmakers. We’ve spent decades buying, building and selling businesses of our own, so we understand what a good deal looks like and what it takes to complete one. BlackRidge is us putting real capital behind serious people, so they can walk into the room with something in their hand.” BlackRidge is inviting enquiries from buyers who have identified a business to acquire and need finance for the initial consideration. Further information is available at blackridge-capital.co.uk .
- September 12, 2026Business
New Data From People Insight Reveals Women Leaders Underrate Their Impact More Than Men
People Insight has announced the findings of new research that shows women leaders are more likely to underrate their impact than male leaders. Analysis of 2,120 leadership feedback (360 feedback) assessments across 105 organisations found that women and men rated themselves similarly. However, women received slightly higher ratings from others, creating a wider gap between how they saw themselves and how their leadership was experienced. This pattern appeared across every competency measured, from Strategy and Influencing to Performance and Agility. The findings suggest that many women are already having a strong leadership impact but may not fully recognise it. People Insight is therefore encouraging organisations to provide broader, evidence-based feedback that makes strengths as visible as development needs. Tom Debenham, Managing Director at People Insight, said: “So many women are already having a stronger impact than they realise, but bringing this down to confidence alone isn’t good enough. Organisations need to help leaders recognise their strengths, trust the evidence and use those strengths more deliberately.” People Insight cautions that conservative self-ratings are not necessarily a weakness. They may reflect high standards and a commitment to improvement, but without balanced feedback, they could also cause capable leaders to discount their achievements or hesitate over new opportunities. The full report, The numbers are in: women leaders may have a stronger impact than they realise, explores the findings and how 360 feedback, coaching and action planning can make hidden strengths more visible. Download the full report: https://peopleinsight.co.uk/women-leaders-self-perception-gap/ About People Insight People Insight partners with organisations across sectors to develop effective employee listening strategies and drive meaningful improvements to the employee experience through actionable surveys and 360 feedback. With industry-leading benchmark data spanning every sector, People Insight provides an unparalleled understanding of how employee experience varies across industries. By combining cutting-edge technology, generative AI and expert consultancy, People Insight supports the creation of outstanding workplace cultures rooted in evidence and insight.
- September 12, 2026Health
CorneaCare Expands Nationwide Retail Footprint to 8,500 Doors and Launches New Product Innovation
CorneaCare, the leading eyecare brand redefining how consumers treat and manage their eye health, announced a series of major milestones: the national retail expansion to over 8,500 stores across Walmart, Target, and Walgreens; the launch of Ripple , a preservative-free artificial tear designed specifically for contact lens users; an upgraded Rescue self cooling eye compress; and a fully redesigned digital experience set to launch in May. Together, these milestones mark a significant step forward in CorneaCare’s mission to make eyecare a part of daily self-care through clean, convenient and effective solutions. Nationwide Retail Expansion to 8,500 Doors CorneaCare products are now available in more than 8,500 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart, Target, and Walgreens. This expansion dramatically increases accessibility for consumers seeking high-quality, doctor-designed eyecare products, meeting consumers where they already shop and accelerating CorneaCare’s vision of making eyecare part of everyday health routines. Introducing Ripple: A New Standard for Contact Lens Comfort CorneaCare introduced Ripple , a preservative-free artificial tear formulated specifically for the needs of contact lens users, a group often underserved by traditional eye drops. Unlike conventional tears that contain preservatives or require contact lens removal before use, Ripple is designed for seamless, on-the-go use, helping maintain hydration, comfort, and ocular surface health throughout the day. Ripple expands CorneaCare’s growing portfolio of preservative-free solutions, continuing the company’s focus on eliminating unnecessary additives while delivering clinically effective care. Enhanced Rescue Self Cooling Eye Compress CorneaCare also announced the launch of an improved version of its Rescue self cooling eye compress, a core product in its eyecare system. The updated compress delivers enhanced cooling performance, improved fit, and greater comfort to provide more effective relief from digital eye strain, dryness, and inflammation. This upgrade reflects CorneaCare’s continued investment in refining core products based on consumer feedback and clinical insight. New Digital Experience Launching in May In May, CorneaCare will debut a fully redesigned website, creating a more seamless and supportive experience for consumers. The new platform will make it easier for consumers to: Understand their conditions and symptoms Discover personalized eye health routines Access educational content grounded in clinical science Integrate products into a daily eyecare system This digital evolution is part of CorneaCare’s broader effort to bridge the gap between eyecare and eye health, bringing education and products into a single, connected experience. Building the Future of eyecare CorneaCare is redefining eyecare by moving beyond single-product solutions toward a comprehensive, routine-based approach—combining products, education, and accessibility. With expanded retail presence, new product innovation, and a modern digital platform, CorneaCare is laying the foundation for a future where eyecare is proactive, personalized, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.
- September 11, 2026Business
Inside MPMC's Manufacturing Capabilities: A One-Stop OEM Partner With an Expanded Battery Production Base in Yangzhong
MPMC has continued to build out its manufacturing footprint in Jiangsu Province, expanding its capability to independently supply generator sets, battery energy storage systems, and mobile BESS chargers from its own production lines rather than relying on third-party subassemblies — a combination that positions MPMC as a one-stop OEM and private-label partner for distributors, EPC contractors, and international project buyers. A Dedicated Battery Manufacturing Base MPMC Energy Tech Corporation, launched in Yangzhong, Jiangsu, represents a total investment of USD 27 million across a 19,000 square-metre workshop and a 3,300 square-metre research and development centre, housing one semi-automatic and one fully automatic battery pack assembly line alongside two fully automatic BESS and hybrid power station assembly lines. The facility sits within an industrial base with a significant share of China's domestic market in high- and low-voltage switchgear, busbars, and cable trays — supply chain proximity that supports consistent component sourcing for MPMC's containerised product lines. MPMC's Jiangsu manufacturing facility, where generator sets, battery storage systems, and mobile chargers are assembled under one roof. Integrated Manufacturing Across Five Product Lines Separately, MPMC's Haimen, Jiangsu facility operates a 22,000 square-metre smart factory, including 4,000 square metres of dedicated office space, with end-to-end CNC machining, fabrication, and testing capability, integrated with CRM, ERP, PLM, MES, and OA systems to support high-volume, high-consistency production. That Haimen facility carries CNAS certification and salt-spray testing standards comparable to established European production quality benchmarks. Together, the two facilities support MPMC's five core product lines: containerised diesel, gas, methanol, and biofuel generator sets; battery energy storage systems across the HBD-A, HBD-E, and HBD-R series; GSB/GB hybrid power stations; SPK mobile solar arrays; and BCH mobile BESS chargers, plus solar and hybrid lighting towers. Certification Coverage for Cross-Border OEM Programmes MPMC holds company-level certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, alongside a CNAS-accredited testing centre, ARCADIS accreditation, recognition under the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA), and a WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) code. Product-level certifications span CE for Europe, TUV, SGS, and UN38.3 for battery safety, SABER for Saudi Arabia, BV (France's Bureau Veritas), UL, and Russian Customs Union certification, as well as China TLC and Nigeria SONCAP certification for those specific markets — a certification base intended to support OEM and private-label partners delivering into multiple regulatory jurisdictions from a single manufacturing relationship. MPMC is one of a small number of Chinese manufacturers able to independently supply generator sets, battery storage, and mobile BESS chargers as well as hybrid energy solutions, a combination that reduces integration complexity for distributors and EPC contractors who would otherwise need to combine equipment from separate generation and storage suppliers. MPMC works with authorised distributors and agents globally, offering OEM customisation and private-label arrangements, and exclusive distribution territory arrangements in select markets subject to commercial agreement. Bringing battery pack manufacturing in-house alongside its existing generator set and mobile charger production gives MPMC's OEM and distribution partners a single, audited supply chain to stand behind, rather than a set of separately sourced components assembled after the fact. For a distributor or EPC contractor evaluating a Chinese manufacturing partner, that combination of in-house battery assembly, CNAS-accredited testing, and a certification base spanning multiple export markets is a more concrete basis for due diligence than a general claim of manufacturing capability. About MPMC Powertech Corp. MPMC Powertech Corp. is a Chinese manufacturer of containerised diesel, gas, methanol, and biofuel generator sets, battery energy storage systems, hybrid power stations, mobile solar arrays, mobile BESS chargers, and solar lighting towers. MPMC's products have been delivered to more than 120 countries and territories across Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and Europe. For more information, contact MPMC at [email protected] .
- September 11, 2026Business
The Thousands of Miles on the Silk Road: Century of Tin Craft – How a Chinese Tinware Brand Witnesses the Cultural Exchange Along the Silk Road
In August 2026, the 2026 “The Thousands of Miles on the Silk Road 2026 ·The Path of Illumination” all-media reporting team arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to visit Royal Selangor, a national treasure-level craft brand founded by Chinese immigrants that has been passed down for 141 years. Four Generations of Heritage: From a Family Workshop to the World’s Leading Brand In 1885, Yong Koon, a tin and pewter craftsman from Guangdong, crossed the ocean to Kuala Lumpur and opened a small workshop to produce tinware. The Yu He (Jade Peace) mark embodies both the quality commitment and memories of home held by a craftsman who journeyed to Southeast Asia. In 1979, the company was granted the royal warrant by the Sultan of Selangor. In 1992, the company name was changed to Royal Selangor. Through four generations of heritage and a century of dedication, Royal Selangor has grown from a family workshop into the world’s largest producer of pewter. From the “Four Gentlemen” to Dunhuang, Silk Road motifs come to life on tin In Royal Selangor’s showroom, Chinese elements are everywhere. Executive Director Chen Tien Yue showed the press corps a piece titled “The Four Gentlemen,” in which the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum each represent the noble virtues of the Confucian gentleman. "You will see a lot of designs that resonate with Chinese elements," said Chen Tien Yue. At the end of 2025, Royal Selangor unveiled its "Silk Road Collection," with designs directly inspired by classic artistic images such as the Dunhuang flying apsaras. "We hope to tell these stories through our works, reminding people of the Silk Road and the centuries-long trade between East and West," Chen added. Motifs of fortune and longevity, auspicious beasts, and Dunhuang elements – where traditional Chinese craftsmanship meets local Malay flavour, a unique Southeast Asian aesthetic is born. What is even more noteworthy is the cultural transformation behind this fact: over a hundred years ago, the artisans' products were mainly ritual and ceremonial objects for the daily life of the Chinese community; today, the brand has begun to actively seek inspiration from the homeland of Chinese civilisation, creating works with Dunhuang and the Silk Road as their themes. From a "repository of nostalgia" to a "medium of cultural expression", Royal Selangor’s transformation serves as a contemporary footnote to the evolving cultural identity of the overseas Chinese community. As China's rise drives a global cultural renaissance, overseas Chinese enterprises have reaffirmed their role as cultural ambassadors. The beauty of objects transcends language; silent yet profound, it connects diverse civilizations. "China is changing rapidly, and Chinese people take great pride in their culture. We believe we can play a role in helping to further promote that culture," said Chen Tien Yue. 141 years ago, a craftsman from Chaoshan packed the skills of his homeland into his travel bag and struck the first hammer blow in a foreign land. He likely never imagined that this craft would span four generations, taking root and blossoming on a distant land – blending with Malaysian aesthetics, resonating with the murals of Dunhuang, and engaging in a dialogue with memories of the Silk Road. Objects may be silent, yet they allow a culture to endure and thrive, even after traversing mountains and seas. This is precisely what makes the Maritime Silk Road so captivating: it ensures that civilizations are not interrupted by the long journey, but rather enriched through their encounters. Royal Selangor’s century-old legacy of pewter craftsmanship bears witness to the struggles of the Chinese diaspora in Nanyang, while continuing to write a story of cultural fusion that transcends mountains and seas.
- September 11, 2026Land & Property
Septic Solutions LLC Prepares Washington Homeowners for New Statewide Septic Inspection Requirement Taking Effect February 1, 2027
Septic Solutions LLC Prepares Washington Homeowners for New Statewide Septic Inspection Requirement Taking Effect February 1, 2027 New Washington rules will establish a statewide property-transfer inspection requirement for homes with septic systems, while local health jurisdictions will continue to determine authorized inspectors and whether a recent qualifying inspection can satisfy the requirement. ARLINGTON, Wash., Sep. 11, 2026 — Septic Solutions LLC is preparing Western Washington homeowners for a major change to the state’s on-site sewage system rules that takes effect February 1, 2027. Property owners transferring a property served by an on-site sewage system will be required to obtain a septic inspection by a third-party inspector authorized by the local health officer, as required by WAC 246-272A-0270. The local health jurisdiction may remove the need for a separate property-transfer inspection when it already has evidence that the system is in compliance with applicable routine inspection requirements and was inspected by an authorized third-party inspector. The change creates a statewide property-transfer standard for septic systems while keeping local health departments responsible for implementation. Local jurisdictions may verify inspection results, require additional information or inspections, and establish a compliance schedule when a system failure is discovered. Washington has approximately 950,000 on-site sewage systems, according to the Washington State Department of Health. For homeowners who rely on septic rather than public sewer, the new rule makes system records and inspection history more important well before a property reaches the closing table. “Homeowners should not wait until they have an accepted offer and a closing deadline to start figuring out what septic system they have or when it was last inspected,” said Art Nikolin, Operations Manager at Septic Solutions LLC. “The best preparation is simple. Find the records and make sure the inspection history is current before the transaction becomes time-sensitive.” The state rule also requires property owners to provide buyers with all available septic maintenance and repair records at the time of property transfer, in addition to the applicable residential seller disclosure statement. Inspection results must be submitted to the local health jurisdiction on a form approved by the local health officer. A compliant inspection includes an evaluation of the septic tanks and accessible components, their structural condition and contents, the system and reserve area for signs that could affect performance, and available record drawings and previous reports. Proprietary treatment systems must also be evaluated according to the procedures associated with those products. The 2027 property-transfer requirement does not mean every septic system needs to be replaced when a home is sold, and the age of a system by itself does not establish failure. “An old septic system is not automatically a failed septic system, and a house where everything still drains normally does not automatically have a healthy septic system,” Nikolin said. “The inspection gives the buyer and seller documented information about what is actually on the property and what condition it is in. If there is a problem, that is when you deal with the actual finding instead of guessing.” A 2026 home-sale inspection in Arlington showed why age alone does not define septic failure. The 43-year-old system had significant root growth, but the inspection found no reason to treat the entire system as failed. Washington’s existing operation and maintenance rules also matter for sellers preparing for 2027. Systems consisting solely of a sewage tank and gravity subsurface soil absorption system generally must be inspected at least once every three years unless a local health officer requires more frequent inspections. Other on-site sewage systems generally require annual inspections unless the local jurisdiction establishes a different, more frequent schedule. That existing inspection history could become especially important during a sale because the new property-transfer rule allows a local health officer to remove the requirement for another inspection when the jurisdiction has sufficient evidence of compliance and a qualifying inspection by an authorized third party. “This is why keeping records matters,” Nikolin said. “If you have been maintaining the system properly, you want that history documented. If you have not looked at the system in years, finding that out months before a sale gives you much more room to solve a problem than finding it out days before closing.” Septic Solutions has published How Real Estate Septic Inspections Protect Buyers and Sellers , a homeowner guide explaining how septic conditions can remain hidden even when plumbing appears to work normally, what a professional inspection can uncover, and why understanding the system before ownership changes can reduce surprises during a real estate transaction. Homeowners planning to sell in 2027 are encouraged to check their local health jurisdiction’s requirements before scheduling work because counties may have their own approved inspectors, reporting forms, procedures, and additional requirements within the statewide framework. About Septic Solutions LLC Septic Solutions LLC provides septic pumping, inspections, installation, repair, maintenance, drainfield service, and 24/7 emergency response across King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom counties. The company is based in Arlington and lists additional contact locations in Mill Creek, Redmond, and Mount Vernon. Septic Solutions advertises same-day septic pumping, free estimates, and extended workmanship and installation warranties. Homeowners can request an estimate through septicsolutionsllc.com . Media Contact: Art Nikolin, Operations Manager Septic Solutions LLC Arlington, Washington Phone: (425) 553-3422 Email: [email protected] Website: septicsolutionsllc.com
- September 11, 2026Blockchain
VeraData Announces 20-Year Milestone in AI-Powered Nonprofit Fundraising
VeraData Holdings today announced a 20-year milestone in applying machine learning to nonprofit donor acquisition and retention, a capability the company has operated since its founding in 2007. The announcement comes as major fundraising platforms rush to embed artificial intelligence into their products and sector research shows organizations integrating AI into fundraising are reporting 20 to 30 percent increases in donations through improved targeting and personalized outreach. Michael Peterman built VeraData on that exact premise in 2007. "We have been doing this for nearly two decades," said Peterman, Founder and CEO of VeraData Holdings. "The tools have different names now. The underlying discipline is the same one we built this company around from day one. Data is the asset. The model is the engine. And the nonprofit sector has always deserved access to both." What Peterman recognized at VeraData's founding was a structural inequity that most of the business world had never considered: the same AI and machine learning capabilities that Fortune 500 companies deploy to identify their best customers, predict purchase behavior, and optimize acquisition costs had no equivalent in the nonprofit sector. Organizations raising money for humanitarian aid, medical research, veteran services, and animal welfare were making donor acquisition decisions the way commercial marketers did in the 1980s, relying on basic demographic segmentation, historical response rates, and instinct. VeraData was built to close that gap entirely. What 20 Years of Sector-Specific Data Actually Means The distinction Peterman draws between VeraData and the wave of AI tools now entering the nonprofit market is not about technology. It is about data. General-purpose AI models trained on commercial consumer behavior do not translate cleanly to charitable giving. A person who buys premium consumer goods does not necessarily have a higher probability of making a major gift to a humanitarian organization. The behavioral signals that predict philanthropic giving are sector-specific, accumulated over years of campaign history, and require models trained on nonprofit data to interpret correctly. VeraData's proprietary database and predictive modeling infrastructure has been built on nearly two decades of nonprofit-exclusive campaign performance. The company's team of more than 25 PhD mathematicians does not work on general-purpose AI problems. They work exclusively on the mathematics of donor acquisition, lapse reactivation, and major donor pipeline development for mission-driven organizations. That depth of specialization is what produces the outcomes VeraData puts behind its performance-based pricing model: routinely doubling or tripling an organization's active donor pool while reducing the cost of acquiring donors by 20 to 30 percent. Those are not projections derived from sector averages. They are outcomes the company is willing to guarantee, charging clients only when results are delivered. "The organizations that have been using data science in fundraising for years already have a compounding advantage over the ones just starting now," Peterman says. "Every campaign makes the model smarter. Every donor interaction adds signal. The flywheel is real, and it takes time to build. The nonprofits that started late will spend years closing the gap." Three Problems AI Actually Solves in Fundraising Peterman is precise about where AI delivers genuine value in nonprofit fundraising, as opposed to where it generates activity without outcomes. Prospecting is the most obvious application and the one where VeraData's two-decade data advantage is most pronounced. Identifying which individuals outside an organization's current donor base have the highest statistical probability of making an initial gift, given their behavioral, demographic, and transactional characteristics, is a problem that machine learning solves with far greater precision than any manual segmentation approach. The difference in acquisition cost between a well-modeled prospecting campaign and a broadly targeted one compounds across the full donor file over time. Lapse reactivation is the most underutilized opportunity in the sector. Most organizations treat lapsed donors as a homogeneous group and apply the same reactivation messaging uniformly. Behavioral modeling reveals that lapsed donors have widely varying reactivation probability based on how long they have been lapsed, what their giving history looked like, and what external signals correlate with renewed giving intent. Targeting reactivation spend on the highest-probability segment rather than the broadest one dramatically changes the economics of the program. Major donor pipeline development is where AI creates the most long-term value and where most organizations remain almost entirely data-blind. Identifying mid-level donors who have the behavioral and demographic characteristics of eventual major donors, years before they make a transformational gift, allows organizations to invest in those relationships at the right time rather than discovering the opportunity after it has already matured. "The data exists to answer all three of these questions with precision," Peterman says. "The organizations that build the infrastructure to use it well right now are going to look very different in five years from the ones that don't." The Integration Advantage What separates VeraData's AI platform from the point solutions entering the market in 2026 is that the data science does not operate in isolation. Through The VeraData Group, which includes Faircom New York, Teal Media, and Avalon Consulting, the predictive modeling outputs feed directly into creative strategy, channel selection, production, and campaign execution under a single accountable structure. That integration matters because the most common failure mode in data-driven fundraising is not a bad model. It is a good model handed to a creative or production partner who has no visibility into what the data says and no incentive to act on it. When the entire chain from insight to outcome sits inside one enterprise, accountability is no longer diffuse and the gap between what the data recommends and what actually gets executed closes to near zero. VeraData stands alone in the nonprofit sector with both SOC2 and HIPAA compliance, ensuring unparalleled data safety and integrity for clients across every vertical the company serves, including healthcare-adjacent and social services organizations that handle sensitive constituent data as a matter of course. VeraData now serves more than 400 nonprofit organizations nationwide that collectively raise more than $1 billion in annual philanthropic giving. Peterman was named EY US Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Florida Award winner and advances to the national competition at the EY Strategic Growth Forum in November 2026, where high-growth CEOs, Fortune 1000 executives, and investors converge to recognize the country's most consequential company builders. About VeraData VeraData is a data analytics company headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in AI and machine learning-enabled donor acquisition and retention for the nonprofit sector. Founded in 2007 by Michael Peterman, VeraData serves more than 400 nonprofit organizations nationwide and supports clients that collectively raise more than $1 billion in annual philanthropic giving. VeraData operates as The Donor Science Company. For more information, visit veradata.com. About Michael Peterman Michael Peterman is the Founder and CEO of VeraData and the originator of the Donor Science framework. He is the EY US Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Florida Award winner and will compete at the national EY Entrepreneur of the Year program in November 2026. Peterman is based in Sarasota, Florida.
- September 11, 2026Food & Beverage
Touch Coffee Revolutionizes Coffee Service with Fully Automated Smart Bars
The Silent Coffee Shop Revolution: A New Era for Coffee Lovers In an age of technological innovation, the coffee industry is undergoing a transformation. Gone are the days of bustling coffee shops requiring long lines, costly overheads, and multiple employees. Enter Touch Coffee, a pioneering brand that’s changing the way we enjoy coffee. By introducing fully automated Smart Bars, Touch Coffee is bringing premium, freshly brewed coffee to the masses, with no staff required and minimal operational complexity. This shift from traditional coffee shops to automated, self-service systems is not just about convenience; it's about offering café-quality drinks in locations where a traditional coffee shop can’t operate. With Touch Coffee, premium beverages are now available in gyms, hospitals and clinics, malls, offices, and schools, all thanks to the power of automation. Touch Coffee Receives Prestigious Recognition: Best Coffee Vending Technology in North America of 2025 Touch Coffee's revolutionary Smart Bars have earned the company the Best Coffee Vending Technology in North America of 2025 award from Best of Best Reviews. This prestigious recognition highlights the company’s exceptional contribution to the coffee industry with its automated systems that deliver premium coffee with minimal operational complexity. The award underscores Touch Coffee's commitment to redefining coffee service by combining innovation, convenience, and quality. How Touch Coffee Works: Innovation at Its Finest Touch Coffee’s Smart Bars are a game-changer in the coffee industry. They grind fresh coffee beans and brew premium drinks at the push of a button. The best part? The system requires nothing more than a standard electrical outlet, eliminating the need for plumbing or complicated installation. The Smart Bar is designed to operate in high-traffic environments where traditional coffee shops might struggle to thrive. Whether in a hospital corridor or a busy convenience store, Touch Coffee ensures that customers get the coffee they crave, fast, fresh, and consistently good. An Entrepreneurial Opportunity: A Low-Cost, Scalable Business Model Touch Coffee offers more than just a technological marvel; it provides entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to start a business with a low upfront cost. Business owners can launch a fully automated coffee station, taking advantage of Touch Coffee’s turnkey model. The Smart Bar comes with a management app that allows operators to remotely monitor sales, stock levels, drink selections, and technical status, ensuring smooth operations with minimal effort. This low-overhead, high-return business model makes Touch Coffee an attractive option for those looking to enter the coffee service industry. The Smart Bar’s scalable nature allows entrepreneurs to expand their operations by adding more units, creating additional revenue opportunities. The Convenience Factor: Coffee Without the Hassle What sets Touch Coffee apart is not just its technology, but the convenience it offers to both operators and customers. With no employees to manage, no complicated setups, and minimal maintenance required, Touch Coffee offers a truly hands-off experience. Operators only need to restock beans and clean the milk line, a process that takes just 20 to 30 minutes every day or two. This ease of operation is coupled with the ability to manage everything remotely. The app-based control allows operators to track everything from sales to technical performance, making it easier than ever to run a coffee business without being tied to a physical location or having to deal with staffing issues. The Future of Coffee Service: Where Automation Meets Quality Touch Coffee is not just about making coffee more accessible; it’s about making it better. The brand’s focus on using high-quality, fresh-ground coffee ensures that customers receive the same premium experience they would get in a traditional café. The automation doesn’t compromise quality; instead, it ensures that every drink is brewed to perfection, every time. With the rise of unattended retail and automated systems, Touch Coffee is at the forefront of a new wave in the coffee industry. As the brand continues to expand across North America, it is reshaping the coffee service model and creating a blueprint for the future of coffee. The Growth of Touch Coffee Touch Coffee is rapidly growing across North America, expanding its footprint in various industries, from gyms and airports to hospitals and malls. The brand’s success can be attributed to its unique value proposition, providing premium coffee in locations where it was previously unimaginable. This growth is expected to continue as more businesses recognize the benefits of having a Smart Bar in high-traffic areas. As the automated coffee movement gains momentum, Touch Coffee is poised to lead the charge in redefining what coffee service looks like. With its focus on quality, convenience, and profitability, the future of coffee service has never looked more attractive. About Touch Coffee Touch Coffee is a North American company that specializes in providing automated, self-service coffee bars for businesses and entrepreneurs. The brand’s innovative Smart Bars deliver café-quality beverages anywhere, requiring only a standard electrical outlet to operate. Touch Coffee’s turnkey model allows operators to launch fully automated coffee stations with minimal upfront investment and maintenance, making it a convenient and profitable option for a wide range of locations. For more information, visit Touch Coffee through their website and Instagram , or contact them directly via email at [email protected] .
- September 11, 2026Land & Property
BKREA Brings to Market 143-155 East 60th Street, a Rare Six-Lot Assemblage in the Heart of Manhattan's Lenox Hill
BKREA today announced the exclusive listing of 143-155 East 60th Street , a fully vacant and already-demolished, assembled development site occupying nearly the entire mid-block on East 60th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues in the Lenox Hill section of the Upper East Side, making it one of the largest available development sites on the Upper East Side. The offering represents one of the largest contiguous, ready-to-build parcels to reach the Manhattan market in this prime corridor in years. This listing is being led by BKREA Chairman & CEO Bob Knakal , together with Managing Directors Genessy Jaramillo and Jas Saini, Senior Associate Nick Tuleu, and Transactional Associate Christian Sweeney. Comprising six contiguous tax lots (Block 1395, Lots 120, 21, 23, 24, 25 and 26), the site spans approximately 200 feet of frontage and 100 feet of depth, totaling roughly 19,684 square feet of lot area. All existing structures have been demolished, delivering the site fully vacant and immediately buildable. The property is zoned C5-2 (R10), permitting an as-of-right mix of residential, office, retail, community facility and hotel uses, and sits outside the Upper East Side Historic District, streamlining the path to approvals. Ownership has substantially enhanced the site's development potential ahead of sale. Through an existing Zoning Lot and Development Agreement with the adjacent property at 165 East 60th Street (Lot 29), ownership has secured 34,666 square feet of excess development rights. Ownership has also purchased 51,419 square feet of Universal Affordability Preference (UAP) certificates allocated directly to the site — eliminating the need for a future developer to build affordable units on-site and clearing the way for a fully market-rate project from day one. Together, these components bring the site's maximum buildable floor area to approximately 282,925 zoning square feet at a 12.0 FAR, with no height restrictions and unlimited outdoor space that does not count against FAR. With no height restrictions and the site's proximity to Central Park, a future tower here is positioned to capture breathtaking, unbeatable views unmatched elsewhere in the corridor. A massing study prepared by Michael Parley of Development Consulting Services, Inc. envisions a 48-story, approximately 586-foot residential tower with roughly 332,233 gross square feet, including ground-floor retail and lobby, a full amenity floor, and residential floors above. The design preserves protected sightlines to Central Park, with unobstructed, breathtaking views. “This is the kind of site that simply doesn’t come to market in this neighborhood - a full, vacant, mid-block assemblage with 200 feet of frontage, protected Central Park views, and every major entitlement hurdle already cleared by ownership,” said Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA. “Between the acquired air rights, the UAP certificates already in place, and the site’s position just steps from Central Park and the Plaza District, this is a rare opportunity to deliver a true trophy condominium in one of Manhattan’s most established luxury corridors.” Lenox Hill is among the Upper East Side's most established luxury residential enclaves, prized for its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones and proximity to Central Park. The site sits one block from eight subway lines and the Roosevelt Island Tram at the Lexington Avenue–59th Street and Lexington Avenue–63rd Street stations, with the Plaza District, Park Avenue and Central Park all within a five-minute walk. The surrounding neighborhood is anchored by some of the city's most recognized cultural, medical, and retail institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Frick Collection, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the Madison Avenue luxury retail corridor. 143-155 East 60th Street is being offered for sale as a development site, with pricing guidance available upon request. The offering memorandum is available through BKREA's exclusive listing team.
- September 11, 2026Lifestyle
ReloomVR Redefines Wedding Videography: Couples Can Now Step Back Into Their Wedding Day
A wedding can take months or years to plan and only hours to experience. Couples spend months choosing venues, flowers, music, lighting, menus and details, yet the day itself can pass quickly as they move between ceremonies, photographs, conversations and celebrations. ReloomVR, a New York immersive capture studio, preserves weddings in 8K 360 degree virtual reality and delivers the finished experience on a ready to play headset. The studio is built around a simple question: what if a wedding could be revisited as a place rather than watched as a video? Traditional wedding photography and cinematography remain important parts of how celebrations are documented. ReloomVR is designed to work alongside those services rather than replace them, capturing the whole room so couples can later choose where to look and what moments to revisit. “You can't stop time. But you can keep it. VR's real power was never the footage. It was the feeling, and everything we build starts from that,” said Zvi Goffer, Founder of ReloomVR. From Storytelling Research to Immersive Memory ReloomVR was founded by brothers Zvi and Manu, whose interest in storytelling led them to immersive technology and how audiences respond to recorded experiences. Their early work with Campus VR shaped the company’s perspective that memorable footage is not just about the image, but the feeling of being present within an environment. That insight became foundational to ReloomVR. The company’s production process preserves the room, people, movement and sound surrounding important events. Rather than limiting viewers to a predetermined frame, 360-degree capture lets them choose where to look. “Traditional videography decides what fits inside a flat, restricted frame. We capture the entire environment, so when you replay your wedding in the headset, you control where to look. It preserves not just what happened, but how it felt,” said Manu, Co-Founder of ReloomVR. ReloomVR combines VR cinematography, editing and engineering to preserve both the event and its atmosphere. What It Means to Step Back Inside The finished experience gives couples a different relationship with their wedding footage. Wearing the headset, viewers can return to the ceremony, look toward the person speaking, or turn toward family and friends reacting nearby. During the reception, they can look across the dance floor, toward guests at a table, or toward moments outside the photographer’s or cinematographer’s selected frame. The experience is edited and chaptered for pacing and accessibility, while the 360-degree environment remains open to explore. This distinction is central to ReloomVR's approach. Instead of asking viewers to follow a predetermined sequence of shots, the technology allows them to determine their own point of view within the captured environment. A ReloomVR client identified the difference simply: “It is like a video on steroids. You feel like you were actually there.” Designed to Work Alongside Existing Wedding Teams ReloomVR is an additional layer of wedding documentation, not a replacement for professional photography or traditional cinematography. The company works alongside existing photo and film teams, and its on site team never directs couples or guests. Most guests never realize the celebration is being captured in 360 degrees. Its proprietary mobile capture assistant, Aurabot, is designed to move through a celebration while recording immersive footage from perspectives that may not be available to a stationary camera. ReloomVR has captured celebrations at venues including The Plaza New York, The Pierre New York, Gotham Hall, The Rockleigh, The Breakers Palm Beach, The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Waldorf Astoria and The Edition. ReloomVR also works alongside event professionals including Mindy Weiss Party Consultants and Norma Cohen Productions. Based in New York, the studio has served clients in prominent cities including New York City, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and is available for weddings anywhere in the United States and Canada, including San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. “As an event designer and planner with over 35 years of experience, I know the value of capturing the emotion, detail and storytelling that make each celebration unique. Working with Reloom VR has completely transformed how I preserve and share my clients' most cherished experiences,” said Norma Cohen of Norma Cohen Productions in New York. An Experience Designed for Families Across Distance and Generations The immersive format also provides a way for people who could not attend an event to experience it afterward. A grandparent may be unable to travel. A sibling may be living in another country. A friend may have been unable to attend because of circumstances beyond their control. ReloomVR includes link delivery of the full film with its packages, while additional preloaded headsets can be provided for family members in different locations. The headsets arrive ready to play, with no setup, and are easy to use for all ages. “This was such an incredible experience to share with those that couldn't make it to the actual event. It requires no setup and is so easy to use for all ages. It also gives the bride and groom a chance to not only relive the night, but see and appreciate new moments that sometimes get missed,” said Irene Boujo of Team Mindy Weiss in Los Angeles. And one day, the couple's own children can attend the wedding their parents were married at, sit where their grandparents sat and hear the toasts as they were given. The company sees this ability to share an immersive experience as part of the long term value of preserving an event. The recording can remain available for the couple and their family to revisit rather than existing only as a single viewing after the wedding. ReloomVR Opens 2026 and 2027 Wedding Availability ReloomVR is currently booking weddings and milestone celebrations for the 2026 and 2027 seasons across the United States and Canada. The process begins with a free 20-minute consultation. One to two weeks before the event, the team works with the couple and planner to review the timeline and identify key moments. On event day, VR videographers and Aurabot capture the celebration in 8K 360 degrees. About two weeks later, couples receive a highlight cut and can provide feedback, with revisions available during editing. The final chaptered VR experience is delivered approximately six to eight weeks after the event on a preloaded headset. Packages currently begin at $7,500 for The Core and extend to $20,000 for The Legacy. The Core includes seven hours of coverage, two VR videographers and one preloaded headset. The Keepsake includes nine hours of coverage, two VR videographers and one headset, while The Legacy provides full event coverage, three VR videographers and five preloaded headsets. About ReloomVR ReloomVR is a New York immersive capture studio focused on preserving weddings, milestone events, live music, hospitality spaces and sporting events through 8K 360 degree virtual reality. Founded by brothers Zvi and Manu, the company combines VR cinematography, editing and engineering to create immersive experiences designed to preserve the environment and atmosphere surrounding significant moments. ReloomVR serves clients across the United States and Canada. More information is available through the ReloomVR and Wedding VR page . The company can also be found on Instagram , YouTube and Facebook . General inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
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