Technology

Disney Parks and RICE Bring Diverse Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs to Walt Disney World Resort as part of Innovative New Supply Chain Program

Published

3 years ago

November 28, 2022

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Sponsors Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) Supply Chain Accelerator Program focused on transforming diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — 10-year-old Zoe Oli of Atlanta arrived at Walt Disney World for the first time a few days ago, not on vacation but as CEO of her start-up business, Beautiful Curly Me, aimed at creating dolls who look like her.

Oli and 58 other Black entrepreneurs got a two-day peek behind the Disney curtain as part of their journey with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs’ (RICE) Supply Chain Accelerator Program sponsored by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. RICE, a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, is a business generator designed to inspire and support Black entrepreneurs.

Throughout the two days of workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions led by Disney, RICE stakeholders learned best practices from various Disney leaders and the Disney Institute about how to grow their businesses. Participants engaged in sessions focused on storytelling, leadership, customer service, and supplier diversity.

“Disney understands the importance of diversity in business and is helping us create and accelerate opportunities for Black business owners – expanding the possibilities during a time when equitable opportunities have never been more important,” said Jay Bailey, President and CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs.

The Supply Chain Accelerator Program delivers an immersive learning experience aimed at preparing and positioning diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses for long-term success. The pilot includes 35 companies owned by Black entrepreneurs, 66% of whom are women-owned and featured companies from industries such as consulting, food and beverage, IT and software, media, transportation and retail.

In Oli’s case, her company, Beautiful Curly Me, started when she was six years old. “I did not like my hair and I wished it was straight like my classmates. I found a need for black dolls that looked like me. When we went to the stores and couldn’t find any, I decided I wanted to make my own business and do something about it,” shared Oli.

Oli is proud to say that Beautiful Curly Me is a brand on a mission to empower and inspire young black and brown girls to love and be confident in who they are, and for every doll purchased, one is given to an underserved girl. About her experience at Walt Disney World, Oli stated, “Walt’s vision has shown me the power of teamwork and one dream,” shared Oli. “If Walt can do it, I can too.”

M-T Strickland, co-founder and CEO of Metric Mate, also is part of RICE’s Supply Accelerator program. “The magic that you feel at Walt Disney World is energizing, and having a group of 60 entrepreneurs here that share that energy just magnified it,” shared Strickland, co-founder and CEO of Metric Mate. “Beyond the curriculum and relationships we built, being able to take a little piece of the magic back home is going to be amazing. Without a shadow of a doubt, every conversation I have from now on will have that twinkling of Disney in the back of my mind letting me know that I can achieve and I can do what I believe.”

Disney’s sponsorship of RICE’s program is part of its commitment to invest in communities by sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In fiscal year 2021, Disney set a goal to spend at least $1 billion annually with diverse suppliers by 2024, placing the company among the top in spending with diverse suppliers and impacting the communities by creating jobs and opportunities.

“We recognize that supporting suppliers of all backgrounds, sizes and industries makes a profound impact in the community,” said Ralph Sagaille, Director, Supplier Diversity and Sustainability, The Walt Disney Company. “We believe in the power of possibilities and the collaboration with RICE is part of our commitment to invest in supplier diversity while encouraging entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to dream.”

The second year of the program will expand to 50 participating businesses and an enhanced curriculum. We look forward to continuing to share more stories about our work with RICE. To learn more about Disney’s Supplier Diversity efforts, visit https://supplierdiversity.disney.com/.

Additional Resources:
Graduation Clips/ Interviews
Photos

About Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)
RICE is a business generator serving metro Atlanta, created to support Black entrepreneurs in overcoming the unique barriers they face in building thriving businesses. At 54,000 square feet, RICE is the largest center of its kind in the United States. Our BIG IDEAS model meets every business owner where they are on their journey, fortifying them with a community of support, increasing access and exposure, focused on transformational change. RICE honors the legacy and visionary leadership of one the greatest entrepreneurs the city of Atlanta ever produced, the late great Herman J. Russell

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with five ships and plans for two more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai’i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships and consumer products — including books, games and merchandise.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/disney-parks-and-rice-bring-diverse-small-business-owners-and-entrepreneurs-to-walt-disney-world-resort-as-part-of-innovative-new-supply-chain-program-301687566.html

SOURCE Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Technology

CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

Published

29 minutes ago

April 18, 2026

Leadership Transition Positions CAS Holdings for Continued Growth and Customer-Focused Innovation

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CAS Holdings, a leader in industrial automation distribution, engineering, and integration, is pleased to announce that Patrick McDermott has been named Chief Executive Officer.

McDermott previously served as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he played a key role in driving growth across the organization, strengthening customer relationships, and leading teams with a clear focus on execution and results.

In his new role as CEO, McDermott will lead CAS Holdings into its next phase of growth, building on the company’s strong foundation and continued commitment to delivering value to customers, partners, and employees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at CAS Holdings,” said McDermott. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team, support our customers, and help drive the growth of our organization. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we move into our next chapter.”

CAS Holdings, through its divisions including iAutomation and RND Automation, delivers a full spectrum of industrial automation solutions – from product distribution and technical support to custom machine building and system integration. Serving OEM machine builders and end-users, the company brings deep expertise in motion control, robotics, and vision, along with value-added capabilities such as kitting, sub-assembly, panel building, and turnkey automation systems, acting as an extension of its customers’ engineering and production teams.

McDermott’s leadership will focus on advancing CAS Holdings’ strategic initiatives, strengthening its market position, and continuing to deliver innovative automation solutions that support customers across a wide range of industries.

“We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and a clear direction. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” McDermott said. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers with responsive, local expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and the engineering and production capabilities they rely on to keep their operations running and growing.”

About Complete Automation Solutions Holdings

Complete Automation Solutions Holdings (CAS Holdings) is dedicated to empowering industrial automation companies, including those in the packaging industry, to achieve optimal efficiency and success. With a diverse portfolio encompassing industrial distribution, panel building and assembly, system integration, and robotics, CAS Holdings provides comprehensive packaging machines and solutions tailored to meet industry needs. The company prioritizes strong partnerships, expert engineering, and innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable practices and continuous improvement. CAS Holdings envisions a future where its transformative automation solutions redefine industry standards and drive growth. Committed to transparency and collaboration, CAS Holdings aims to be the most trusted partner in the automation sector.

Press Contact:

Erika Jacques
508-838-8012
http://www.iautomation.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cas-holdings-appoints-patrick-mcdermott-as-chief-executive-officer-302746520.html

SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.

Technology

Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

Published

1 hour ago

April 18, 2026

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vipboss-marks-earth-day-with-renewed-commitment-to-green-energy-solutions-302746462.html

SOURCE Vipboss

Technology

Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

Media Contact
Organization: Mercury News Media
Email: info@mercurynewsmedia.com
Phone: 303 800 6186
Website: https://www.mercurynewsmedia.com/
Contact Name: Jessica Brown

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pastor-dino-rizzo-marks-100-days-to-serve-day-ahead-of-global-outreach-initiative-302746143.html

SOURCE Dino Rizzo