News Hub | News Direct

Consumer

Baby/Maternity Children Family LGBT Men Religion Teens Women
Article thumbnail News Release

COMCAST INVESTS $16 MILLION TO EXPAND BROADBAND SERVICE TO MORE COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT COLORADO

Comcast Colorado

Comcast today announced it invested more than $16 million to expand its network and connect more rural communities in Colorado since the end of 2020, including major projects in the towns of Eagle, Gypsum and Kremmling. These network expansions are the most recent examples of the company’s investment in Colorado to ensure residents and businesses have access to innovative, reliable, fast and secure broadband services. Since 2017, Comcast invested more than $1.3 billion in technology and infrastructure developments in Colorado, including upgrades to its broadband network. “We live and work in Colorado, and our commitment is to deliver innovative media and technology experiences and an incredible customer experience with our broadband. It is what we do,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Mountain West Region, which covers Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. “We’re innovating to bring you incredible products you can use to connect and protect, entertain and communicate now and into the future.” Comcast is a leader in the global 10G initiative, which leverages new standards and technology to dramatically increase speeds. In 2020, the company demonstrated 1.25-gigabit-per-second (Gbps) symmetrical speeds over a live network. Earlier this year in Colorado, the company conducted a lab test of “Full Duplex DOCSIS 4.0” technology and showed the ability to deliver 4-Gbps upload and download speeds. “Since Comcast’s founding more than 50 years ago, our mission and purpose has been to connect people to the moments and experiences that matter most,” said Stephanie Rideau, Senior Director of Business Development for Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “Thriving communities are built on connections whether they are hard wired or through experiences that bring us together. The more that people in our communities are connected with each other, the more we share, grow, and succeed.” “Broadband intersects with Economic Development in many ways. It can be the deciding factor for expanding or relocating businesses, effectively creating or eliminating the opportunity to retain and grow jobs,” said Kim Woodworth, Executive Director for the Economic Development Council of Colorado. “Reliable broadband services are essential to competitive communities. Comcast’s network investment ensures that our community can support any healthcare, educational or business data needs, and keep pace with the broader economy,” added Jeremy Rietmann, Gypsum Town Manager. The network expansions Comcast is currently completing in Eagle, Gypsum and Kremmling, bring the entire suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to these communities. In addition to Gigabit Internet service and unique home WiFi control capabilities with xFi, residential customers in these communities have access to all Xfinity services, including the award-winning Xfinity X1 video platform, Xfinity Home, and Xfinity Mobile. Comcast provides unmatched value to Xfinity Internet customers through superior WiFi coverage, control of connected devices with xFi in the Xfinity App, xFi Advanced Security for cyber security protection at the gateway level, a free Xfinity Flex 4K streaming device, as well as access to Peacock Premium and thousands of hours of free content. Businesses in these areas can get the full suite of Comcast Business products and services, including Ethernet network speeds up to 100 Gbps. Comcast continues to invest in its Colorado network to meet consumer demand, providing among the fastest, most reliable Internet speeds over its fiber-rich network, and one of the fastest in-home WiFi experiences. Comcast also offers Internet Essentials, the national’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program, providing low-cost broadband service, digital literacy training and discounted computers. In the last 10 years, more than half a million people in Colorado have been connected through Internet Essentials. ### Media contact Leslie Oliver, Comcast Colorado Email: leslie_oliver@comcast.com Mobile: 303.810.6326 About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

November 18, 2021 09:00 AM Mountain Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

MEDIHEAL to Offer Big Holiday Savings On Amazon

Mediheal

MEDIHEAL, a global cosmetic brand, is offering big holiday savings this year on select products sold on Amazon. It is the biggest Amazon sale of the season for the brand. The sale includes iconic products such as MEDIHEAL’s top selling mask 10 packs and a large selection of gift sets, including the new Baobab Soothing Moisture Serum & Mask Set and Tea Tree Biome Blemish Cica Ampoule & Mask Set. Amazon shoppers can stock up on their favorite masks and skincare. Just about everything is on sale during these holiday blockbuster sales. From November 22 – 29, Amazon Prime members can enjoy up to 40% off on select products. Link to shop: Black Friday Sale N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Mask 10 Pack – 35% off Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask 10 Pack – 35% off Hydro Advanced Capsule Hydration Treatment 5 Pack - 40% off Tea Tree Biome Blemish Cica Ampoule – 40% off N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Jumbo Pack, 30 Masks – 40% off From December 11 – 18, Amazon shoppers can enjoy 35% off select products with the code 35MEDOFF. Link to shop: December Holiday Sale Baobab Soothing Moisture Serum & NMF Intensive Hydrating 5 Mask Set – 35% off Tea Tree Biome Blemish Cica Ampoule & Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control 5 Mask Set – 35% off N.M.F Triple Step Power Hydration Routine Set – 35% off N.M.F Skincare Hydrating Starter Set – 35% off Baobab Soothing Moisture Cream – 35% off From December 19 – 24, Amazon Prime members can enjoy 30% off select products. Link to shop: Jingle Sale Sheet Mask Heroes, 6 Pack – 30% off Collagen Essential Lifting & Firming Mask 10 Pack – 30% off H.D.P Photoready Tightening Charcoal Mask 10 Pack – 30% off Baobab Soothing Moisture Foam Cleanser – 30% off Baobab Soothing Moisture Serum – 30% off Available while supplies last. Some exclusions may apply. Listed products do not reflect the full sale product assortment. Product assortment and discounts may vary during the specified promotional time periods. For more information on MEDIHEAL, please visit MEDIHEAL on Amazon About MEDIHEAL MEDIHEAL, Korea’s #1 selling sheet mask brand*, is an established, global beauty brand specializing in providing step-by-step skincare routines at an affordable price. Known for their sheet masks, MEDIHEAL's portfolio of skincare has grown to include clean beauty and dermatologically tested products for all skin types and concerns. *Copyright© Worldpanel™, Kantar 2018 Contact Details Rell Marketing & Communications | PapePR Kaitlyn +1 215-870-8193 kaitlyn@incommn.co Company Website https://medihealus.com/

November 18, 2021 08:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Simple Tips to Save Time this Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

Thanksgiving is by far the most delicious holiday of the year, but if you’re hosting a house full of people — or even just preparing dinner for a few friends — it can be a lot of work. Recently, Chief Business Officer and Holiday Shopping Expert at Shipt, Rina Hurst, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss Shipt’s ‘Thanksgiving Most Forgotten List’ and much more. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Al5gBSOboTc Thanksgiving is the official kick-off to the holiday season, which means days get shorter and the to-do lists get longer. Through their recent Thanksgiving Shopping Survey, Shipt uncovered that a majority of Americans - more than 80% - will be preparing or cooking their Thanksgiving meal this year, which means they need to get their lists in order ASAP. It turns out that more people than we think forget important holiday necessities, in fact over half of Americans (61%) surveyed admit to forgetting to buy a food or seasonal ingredient needed for their Thanksgiving meal. The three most commonly forgotten Thanksgiving food items include: 1. Cranberries (33%) 2. Fragrant spices (such as thyme, basil, etc) (30%) 3. Beverages (21%) Another recent trend is buying ready-made items for Thanksgiving and holiday meals. One quarter of Americans are purchasing elements of their meal ready-made from the store, with over half (52%) purchasing their Thanksgiving bread loaves or rolls rather than baking from scratch. One of the biggest resources this holiday season will be home delivery services, like Shipt. They have a dedicated force of Shipt Shoppers that provide a personalized shopping experience and bring the store to your door - with more than 130 retailers nationwide, which can offer same-day delivery of groceries, essentials, pet items, apparel, office supplies and more. To view the Thanksgiving Most Forgotten List, Shipt users can visit Shipt.com or the Shipt app, where the shoppable list will be available in the shelf category icons. About Rina Hurst: Rina Hurst is the Chief Business Officer at Shipt, leading the company’s Business Development, Partner Success and Digital Site Experience teams. In this role, Rina helps spark connections by delivering an easy-to-shop digital site, launching new and innovative partnerships, and building creative strategies alongside retailers and CPGs to continually meet their unique needs for success. Rina received her MBA from Georgetown University and her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 17, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

National Study from Perfitly Reveals Consumers Eager for Online Fitting Room Solutions to Try Before They Buy, Reduce Hassle of Returns

Perfitly

Perfitly, a virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) and AI-powered virtual fitting room solution that is being integrated into the e-commerce platforms of the nation’s leading retailers, today announced the results from its 2021 Virtual Shopping Habits Report. The study examines shoppers’ attitudes, behaviors and expectations from online shopping, and the types of services that would increase the effectiveness of the digital channel and ease shopper pain points going into the holiday shopping season. Conducted by Perfitly, the study surveyed more than 1,200 respondents, representative of consumers in all main geographical areas of the U.S. Key findings show the pervasiveness of online clothes shopping, shaped by the pandemic; the ongoing struggle by the vast majority of online shoppers to find the right, well-fitting purchase; and the high degree of willingness to use ecommerce tools, such as virtual fitting rooms, to select the right garment and reduce returns. The following is a breakdown of top-level data points: Online Shopping Behavior Survey data shows that the majority of shoppers purchase clothing online, motivated by both the ability to save time and the wide selection of options to choose from. More than 53% of respondents purchase at least 40% or more of their clothing online. The majority of respondents have recently purchased an article of clothing online, with 34% making online purchases within the past 2 weeks and a further 25% within the past month. Only 11% reported that they have not purchased clothes online at all in 2021. Online Shopping Hesitations and Returns The largest concern shoppers have with e-commerce is the inability to try on clothing before purchasing. Additionally, the biggest single reason shoppers return garments purchased online is due to receiving an improper fit. 48% say the inability to try clothes on is their biggest concern with online shopping; 3x more than any other cited reason. 73% of online clothes purchases are returned because of the inability to try it on; 7x more than any other cited reason. Outlook on Virtual Fitting Rooms While the majority of shoppers have not used e-commerce tools to help the selection process, they find the ability to choose a correctly sized garment as the most appealing aspect of virtual fitting rooms. More than half of the respondents have used traditional size charts with measurements, while others have used techniques such as sizing questionnaires and AR filters, showing a desire for online fitting solutions. 44% say the ability to find the correct sized garment is why they’d use a virtual fitting room; 3x more than any other cited reason. While only 7% of respondents have used a virtual fitting room, 76% say they would be more inclined to use virtual fitting room technology if it helps their selection experience and to avoid returns. More than half of respondents prefer to see a representation of themselves in virtual avatars. Holiday Shopping Plans With holiday shopping on the horizon, most shoppers are likely to shop for garments online, aiming to complete their holiday purchases by mid-December. 63% are likely or very likely to purchase clothes online this holiday season. 22% aim to complete holiday shopping by late November, and only 4% have already completed holiday shopping at the time of the survey. 21% plan to shop in early December, with 16% holding off until mid-late December. Kash Vyas, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder at Perfitly, said, “Retailers are currently looking at a unique opportunity to increase their online presence and harness the demand for effective and engaging online shopping experiences that provide customers with the ability, and peace of mind, to purchase garments that will fit correctly and match their style expectations. Looking ahead, data suggests there’s a growing appetite for everyday shoppers to find better ways to visualize garments to take online shopping to the next level, one that mimics the in-person shopping experience along with the many conveniences of shopping online.” To learn more, please visit www.perfitly.com. About Perfitly: Perfitly is a virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) and AI powered virtual fitting room solution that is being integrated into the e-commerce platforms of the nation’s leading retailers. Perfitly’s cutting-edge size recommendation and visualization platform serves fashion brands and retailers to help increase sales and conversion and reduce returns, while enhancing sustainability. Perfitly enables shoppers to try on clothes, find their perfect fit and look, and purchase with confidence - all from the comfort of their homes. To learn more, please visit: www.perfitly.com. Contact Details Paige Blair +1 732-233-2273 perfitly@n6a.com Company Website https://www.perfitly.com/

November 17, 2021 09:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Small-town Charm, Seasonal Twinkle in Belmont, N.C.

Belmont Tourism Development Authority

This holiday season, return to traditions and twinkling lights in Belmont, N.C. From small-town celebrations to family-friendly festivities that shimmer and shine, our region shares ample charm and memory-making through the New Year. “The holidays provide a perfect opportunity for Belmont to proudly display its commitment to community, history and tradition,” said Ted Hall, chairman of Belmont Tourism Development Authority. “Belmont’s small town charm glistens as brightly as the colorful bulbs. We cannot wait to welcome families to our city for another year of Christmas cheer.” Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden ushers in its annual Holidays at the Garden, Nov. 26 to Jan. 2. Experience magic and whimsy among festive blooms at this family-friendly event. The exhibition returns with traditions and topiary displays, sparkling cherry trees and rolling lights across the Piedmont Prairie. Festivities also include wintertime tunes, food truck fare, holiday beverages and seasonal shopping. Significant COVID-19 precautions are in place at the Garden throughout the holidays, such as staggered entry times to reduce crowding. Advance tickets are required and available at dsbg.org. Continue celebrating the holidays in nearby Christmas Town U.S.A. as McAdenville, N.C., transforms for a 66th year. Nostalgia and traditions ring loudly in Christmas Town, which presents more than 150 decorated homes alongside sparkling streetscapes from Dec. 1-26, 5:30-10 p.m. each night. In addition to memorable strolls and drives throughout town, the ChristmasTown 5k, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Yule Log Parade return to the McAdenville merriment this year. In Belmont, the holidays unfold brightly beginning in November. Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 27 offers a chance to experience the city’s brick-lined sidewalks and quaint boutiques while finding those perfect presents. On Nov. 29, the City of Belmont Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the season’s glow as well as the fourth annual Festival of Trees, a jolly display of Christmas trees across historic downtown that runs until Jan. 3. The 72nd Annual Belmont Christmas Parade – Nov. 30, 3:30 p.m. – ushers in festive floats, marching bands, tradition, joy and Santa Claus! And on Dec. 4, in the heart of downtown, Belmont Christmas Village evokes the holiday spirit with s’mores stations, holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Also on Dec. 4, nearby Belmont Abbey College presents its annual “Christmas at the Abbey” with two show times featuring secular and sacred music, poignant readings and lighthearted comedy. “Everyone can use a bit of holiday cheer this year,” added Hall. “Belmont is ready to deck the halls with it.” More information about all of the city’s festive celebrations available at VisitBelmontNC.org. About Belmont, N.C. Belmont, N.C., is located in Gaston County, 15 minutes west of Uptown Charlotte. Whether you’re visiting us for the first time for a vacation getaway or returning for a daytime adventure, you’re sure to enjoy a truly unique experience in Belmont. Once a place where textile industries served as the lifeblood of the community, the city now stands as a successful example of commerce and redevelopment, while maintaining charm and hospitality. With picturesque nuances brushed throughout the town, Belmont offers a scenic view of historical homes, vintage streetlamps, red brick sidewalks and memories of a simpler time. It’s a community that embraces entertainment, the arts, unique local retail, destination restaurants and a variety of special events. For more information, visit us online at www.visitbelmontnc.org. Contact Details Melinda Skutnick +1 704-525-3937 mskutnick@lyerly.com

November 17, 2021 08:17 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

ILONA Beauty Celebrates 50 Years of Skin Care with the Return of the Budapest Cocktail

ILONA Beauty

Ilona's story is truly fascinating. One of the original vanguards of skincare, Ilona, a young girl, escaped Communist Hungary in 1956. She landed in a refugee camp in New Jersey with 33 cents to her name and no understanding of the English language. Originally working in a handbag factory, she decided a job as a waitress was a better way for her to learn the language. That same year, she met and married George Meszaros, her lifelong business partner. Taking all of the precious and effective techniques Ilona had learned and perfected in Hungary, together in 1971 they began to build their multi-million dollar empire, opening Skin Care Institutes in New York, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Palm Springs and Costa Mesa. Ilona personally trained each and every esthetician in her own method and techniques. In 1982, the Park Avenue Institute in New York opened to much fanfare. As word spread, of Ilona’s arrival the appointment book overflowed, and a long wait list ensued. Celebrities, socialites, and notables from around the globe clamored to have Ilona tend to their skin. National expansion, product development and mail-order fulfillment soon followed to service clients across the US and internationally. Throughout the decades, Ilona has been guided by her 7 touch points of skincare - performance, efficacy, texture, touch, luxury, aroma and quality. She understood early that beauty is intangible and fluid. It changes with each generation. Today, 50 years later, the company has evolved from its original focus on treatments and services and is strictly devoted to formulating the most advanced skincare products for at home use. Ilona herself is involved in every formulation. She is known to say, “any product that has touched your skin has first touched mine.” Still family owned, she and her son Robert, CEO, together run the business. Ilona of Hungary has since evolved into ILONA Beauty, as it is known today. Digging into the company archives from its early decades, one of the most popular add-on treatments at the Institute was known as the Budapest Cocktail. It was custom blended by Ilona, refrigerated and dispensed via a CO2 whipped cream-like dispenser. It was a cocktail of royal jelly, propolis, hyaluronic acid, various herbs, calendula, ginseng, coveted serum ampoules and imported mineral water from Hungary. It was applied at the end of the treatment and left clients with Ilona’s signature glowing complexion. In honor of the brands' 50th Anniversary, ILONA is relaunching the Budapest Cocktail as a modern conduction foil sheet mask for in-home use. The unique 3 layer, 2-part sheet mask uses foil conduction technology to help cocoon and warm the skin, coaxing the absorption of all the vital elements. Developed with a prestigious laboratory, Budapest Cocktail contains many of the original, beloved ingredients. Contact Details Spotlight Beauty PR Dianne Vavra +1 917-331-4869 spotlightbeautypr@gmail.com Company Website https://ilona.com/

November 17, 2021 08:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

AppYea takes steps for Future Growth

Appyea

Provides the following letter to its shareholders from its Chairman Boris Molchadsky: "I am pleased with the progress AppYea/SleepX has been making this year. As part of the long terms objective, AppYea Inc. (OTCPINK: APYP) took the initial step to advance the prospects of the Company. As disclosed in our quarterly report yesterday to the OTC for the recently completed fiscal quarter, the reverse stock split, for which we are awaiting FINRA approval, is a proactive measure that we believe will better position us for success, and ultimately generate value for all of the Company’s stockholders. The ultimate aim is to raise our stock’s visibility within the investment community by improving long-term liquidity and creating a trading environment attractive to institutional investors in the hopes of broadening our shareholders. We are confident of the prospects of the anticipated commercialization of the SleepX DreamIT X3 in 2022". Mr. Molchadsky continued: “In conjunction with the corporate actions, AppYea has secured funding sources who we believe will asist the Company to restructure prior highly dilutive debt and providing the necessary capital to enable the Company to move forward on several fronts, including: 1. Closing of the merger between AppYea and SleepX—we are awaiting the required necessary regulatory approvals. 2. Completion of development and commencement of manufacturing the first product for snoring treatment. SleepX intends to start a pilot in December with a leading hardware manufacturer after withstanding the Company's endurance tests. 3. Preparation for starting clinical trials of the product for the treatment of Sleep Apnea. 4. Locating and acquiring synergetic technologies and broadening products variety in the sleeping and respiration field. Looking ahead, the primary focus of the Company is to ensure the long-term success of the Company by acting in the best interest of all of our shareholders. Thank you for your continued support and patience”. Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth herein. No statement herein should be considered an offer or a solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any securities. Although APYP believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to adverse economic conditions, intense competition, entry of new competitors and products, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, inadequate capital, unexpected costs and operating deficits, increases in general and administrative costs, unanticipated losses, financial condition and stock price, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans and other specific risks. APYP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Neither APYP nor SLEEPX are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Contact Details AppYea Inc. Asaf Porat info@appyea.com Company Website http://www.appyea.com

November 16, 2021 09:09 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

MEDIHEAL Appoints AESPA as New Brand Ambassador

Mediheal

MEDIHEAL, a global cosmetic brand, has appointed a rising K-pop idol girl group, AESPA (Karina, Winter, Giselle, Ningning), as its new brand ambassador. Last November, AESPA’s debut song, “Black Mamba”, set the record in the industry for the fastest K-pop group debut music video to reach 100 million views. In May, AESPA’s new song, “Next Level”, topped multiple major Korean and international music charts, while in June and July, AESPA became the top trending, #1 K-pop girl group in popularity with the highest brand reputation rankings. In late July, AESPA signed a contract with CAA (Creative Artists Agency), one of the biggest agencies in the United States, expecting to enter the global market including the US. MEDIHEAL is looking forward to expanding the skincare category globally with AESPA as its ‘Next Level’. As MEDIHEAL’s new brand ambassador, AESPA will blend their bright, refreshing side with their chic, charismatic image on stage. A MEDIHEAL representative says, “We are expecting to create a synergy effect with AESPA and successfully expand globally as the K-beauty trend leader meets with the rising K-pop star. Starting with AESPA, we will begin one of several major brand transformations.” For more information on MEDIHEAL, please visit www.medihealus.com. About MEDIHEAL MEDIHEAL, Korea's #1 selling sheet mask brand*, is an established, global beauty brand specializing in providing step-by-step skincare routines at an affordable price. Known for their sheet masks, MEDIHEAL's portfolio of skincare has grown to include clean beauty and dermatologically tested products for all skin types and concerns. *Copyright© Worldpanel™, Kantar 2018 Contact Details Mediheal Kaitlyn Palocsko +1 215-870-8193 kaitlyn@incommn.co

November 16, 2021 08:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Neighborhood Sun and Ameresco Partner to Bring Nation’s Largest Community Solar Project 100 Percent Dedicated to Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) Residents to Montgomery County, Maryland

Neighborhood Sun

The nation’s largest community solar farm to be 100 percent dedicated to low and moderate-income (LMI) residents is coming to Montgomery County. Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Neighborhood Sun, a community solar company making solar accessible to everyone through its advanced community solar software platform, Sun Engine (™), in partnership with Montgomery County, today announced the first-of-its-kind solar farm bringing clean energy to thousands of low- and moderate-income Montgomery County residents. The project’s partners, along with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and other County representatives, launched the project’s subscription campaign today at an event at the County Executive Office Building in Rockville. Community solar farms enable access to affordable, clean energy for residents who are unable to build their own solar systems. Anyone who receives an electric bill can benefit including renters, residents in multi-unit buildings, municipalities, non-profits and businesses that don’t own their roofs. Through the subscription program for this new project, Montgomery County residents who are on the utility Pepco and who qualify as LMI are eligible to receive 25 percent savings on their electricity costs every month. Subscriptions are now available here. The array is sited on the capped Oaks Landfill in Gaithersburg, transforming underutilized land into an environmental asset that brings local jobs and clean, renewable energy to the community. The project, a total of 6 MW, is divided into three 2 MW arrays, and will generate approximately 11.7 million kilowatt hours annually. Array 1 is for use by the County and under a power purchase agreement, providing the County government clean, renewable energy at no upfront cost. Arrays 2 and 3, each with 2 MW, will be the community solar project with 100% of the generated electricity provided to low-to-moderate income residents. “It should not be a surprise to anyone that Montgomery County is creating the nation’s largest community solar farm that will create energy directed to low- and moderate-income residents,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our Climate Action Plan calls for us to eliminate 100 percent of carbon emission by 2035 and it is projects like solar farms that will help us obtain this goal. I am very thankful to Neighborhood Sun and Ameresco, Inc for helping us create this community solar farm. And I am proud of the work of the Department of General Services for delivering another solar project in Montgomery County with 18 completed and four under construction. This project is not only what is good for the environment, but it also serves Montgomery County families who need help with their energy costs as well.” “The equitable and just deployment of renewable energy in the U.S. is critical to expanding our clean energy economy and addressing environmental injustice,” said Gary Skulnik, CEO, Neighborhood Sun. “As a Montgomery County business, we are especially pleased with the county’s support for expanding energy access into underserved communities.” This project is expected to help the County reach its goal of eliminating greenhouse emissions by 2035 and the state of Maryland’s goal to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. The energy produced annually by the arrays dedicated to community solar is expected to be approximately 7.9 million kilowatt-hours. That is equal to preventing 5,599 metric tons of CO 2 from being released each year, which is equivalent to taking 1,218 cars off the road for one year and preventing 6,188,031 pounds of coal burned. “This project blows away by an order of magnitude any other 100% LMI project in the state of Maryland, and is a testament to Neighborhood Sun’s leading role in bringing energy justice to the state,” Skulnik added. Project construction is expected to begin in early 2022. “This project provides not only energy cost savings to the County and its participating low-to-moderate-income residents, but also leverages the use of an under-utilized land asset that will produce revenue for the County, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to its carbon neutrality goal,” said Ameresco Senior Vice President Jon Mancini. “Through this initiative, the County will demonstrate continued commitment to sustainability that will deliver economic and environmental benefits to the Montgomery County Community for many years to come.” The project received a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration. “The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) was pleased to provide for this project over $950,000 in grant funding through MEA's Low-to-Moderate Income Community Solar Program, which provides incentives to reduce the cost of electricity generated from clean energy to Marylander's, with income limitations that result in energy costs being a disproportionate portion of their household expenses,” said Mary Beth Tung, Director, MEA. Regulators in Maryland recently voted to expand the capacity of the state’s community solar program as well as improve access for LMI customer participation in the state’s Community Solar Pilot Program. According to Wood Mackenzie, community solar is expected to exceed 900 MW of annual capacity in 2021. Maryland ranks in the Top 10 states in community solar according to Q2 2021 installations. Maryland-based Neighborhood Sun currently manages nearly 80 megawatts of community solar projects, enough solar to power more than 10,000 homes. About Neighborhood Sun Neighborhood Sun is committed to bringing the promise of solar to everyone, not just the select few. The company is a national leader in expanding solar access to underserved communities to address energy equity. Through its SunEngine™ advanced software platform, it offers a flexible, secure and fully transparent platform for solar developers or asset owners, plus a simplified enrollment experience for customers. For more information, go to www.neighborhoodsun.solar. About Ameresco, Inc. Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions delivered to clients throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Ameresco’s sustainability services in support of clients’ pursuit of Net Zero include upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the development, construction, and operation of distributed energy resources. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,000 employees providing local expertise in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com. The announcement of our entry into a power purchase agreement is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such contract, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of September 30, 2021. Contact Details Wilkinson + Associates Mrs Leah F Wilkinson +1 703-307-3964 leah@wilkinson.associates Company Website https://neighborhoodsun.solar

November 15, 2021 05:07 PM Eastern Standard Time

1 ... 170171172173174 ... 197