GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meteor Education is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), joining NC3’s network of industry partners to help expand access to industry-recognized certifications to the secondary education market.

NC3 is the national leader in advancing career and technical education (CTE) through strong partnerships between education providers and industry. With a network of more than 2,000 education institutions and organizations, NC3 has supported 430,000+ students and delivered more than one million industry-driven, stackable certifications aligned to national skills standards.

Through this partnership, Meteor Education will play a unique role in extending NC3’s certification delivery into the secondary school market. By partnering directly with NC3 to expand professional development, Meteor Education will now support secondary schools in implementing and delivering select Festo certifications that employers value and recognize.

This approach helps bridge a critical gap between access to hands-on learning experiences and career readiness requirements, enabling districts to more effectively build and sustain high-quality, career-connected learning pathways that are grounded in their local economies.

“We’re seeing a clear shift, schools are being asked to deliver outcomes that extend well beyond the classroom,” said Bill Latham, CEO of Meteor Education. “What we hear consistently from our customers is that the difference between offering industry certifications and delivering them well comes down to how prepared and supported their instructors are. Schools want to do this right, and they need partners who can equip their educators at a high level. NC3 is head and shoulders above in this regard. Their commitment to training, preparation, and ongoing support for instructors is unmatched and gives schools the confidence to deliver certifications with real rigor and integrity. We’re privileged to be working with NC3 and excited to join them in this work.”

Meteor Education’s model of embedding expert educators into school systems will allow NC3 certifications to be delivered with greater consistency and scalability across the secondary market – supporting both instructors and students in achieving stronger outcomes.

“NC3 is thrilled to partner with Meteor Education to expand access to STEM, manufacturing, and automation certifications across the secondary education system. Additionally, their expertise in designing engaging and functional learning environments will be a tremendous asset to our network of schools,” said Craig Foucht, NC3 Director of Development. “Together, we’re empowering the next generation of learners with the skills, spaces, and certifications they need to succeed in the modern workforce.”

Together, Meteor Education and NC3 are strengthening the connection between education and industry by expanding access to high-quality certifications, supporting educators, and helping students gain the skills and credentials needed for college and career success, while contributing to the growth and vitality of their local economy.

Learn more about NC3 at nc3.net.
Learn more about Meteor Education at meteoreducation.com.

About Meteor Education
Meteor Education is the leader in the design and delivery of collaborative, flexible learning environments that accelerate student engagement. As part of our full-service approach, Meteor’s local teams, educator experts and design specialists partner closely with each school district to create social classrooms and other custom spaces that empower educators to develop future-ready students. We provide training to teachers to help maximize the positive effect of each environment and tools so districts can measure the impact on student learning and the overall value provided to their community. Meteor has helped thousands of schools improve their learning settings for more than 30 years. Over the past five years we partnered with 1,800+ districts across the US to impact the educational experience of more than 3.2 million students.

About NC3
The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) is a driving force in connecting education to industry through innovative training and certification programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. As part of its comprehensive approach, NC3 partners with educators, administrators, and industry experts to design hands-on learning environments that reflect real-world workforce needs. Through instructor training, industry-recognized certifications, and program development support, NC3 empowers institutions to deliver relevant, skills-based education that drives student success. NC3 also provides the tools and resources needed to ensure program quality and measurable outcomes for both students and communities. With a growing national network of education and industry partners, NC3 has helped hundreds of institutions strengthen their programs and expand opportunities for thousands of students across the country.

Media Contact:
Chelsea Adicks
Director, Brand & Communications
800-699-7516
cadicks@meteoreducation.com

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SOURCE Meteor Education

AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Weinheimer Group today released the Wine Industry AI Marketing Readiness Report, a study of verified winery owners, operators, and marketing decision-makers examining directionally how the industry is approaching artificial intelligence in brand marketing, visibility, and growth. The findings arrive alongside the launch of VINTAGE², an AI visibility educational system built to help wineries understand and navigate the way artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer and trade discovery.

The report’s headline finding is unambiguous: 93% of wine industry respondents are either actively experimenting with AI or gathering information, with only 7% saying AI is not a current priority. Yet a significant gap separates awareness from action. Sixty percent of respondents identify improving online discoverability as their top AI opportunity, making it the most dominant single finding in the study. Thirty-six percent say uncertainty about what is real versus hype remains their primary obstacle, and 29% say clear return on investment proof is the single factor that would move them to take a first step.

“The wine industry has crossed a threshold that cannot be walked back,” said Tim Weinheimer, Brand-AI Marketing Strategist and creator of VINTAGE². “AI-powered search and generative engines are already functioning as the first point of discovery for consumers and trade buyers alike. Wineries that are not visible in those systems are not just losing marketing share of voice, they are losing the conversation entirely before it begins.”

Specializing in AI brand growth consulting for wineries, Tim developed VINTAGE² in direct response to this gap. The system provides winery leaders with a structured operational framework covering AI search behavior, brand visibility audits, narrative alignment, and the practical mechanics of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the emerging discipline of ensuring a brand is understood, trusted, and cited by AI-powered discovery platforms. It is not a software subscription or a quick-fix tool. It is a working knowledge system designed to build durable capability inside winery teams.

“Tim’s AI readiness educational workshop was eye-opening on the opportunities for our brand’s visibility,” said Valerie Elkins, Director of Memberships at William Chris Wine Company. “It helped us clearly understand how AI is already shaping how consumers find wineries like ours, and where William Chris Vineyards has a real opportunity to show up more consistently and credibly. Tim translated a complex topic into practical insight we are ready to act on with our marketing communications.”

For operators building new ventures, the learning curve is even more consequential. “As a new business, we knew that visibility, especially in news, online ratings and reviews, and AI search, would be critical from the start,” said Vinoth Rajkumar, Proprietor of Cork2Glass. “In just five months, we are seeing consistent visibility that has meaningfully supported our early growth.”

Access the AI Marketing Readiness Report and book a free 30-minute consultation with Tim.

About The Weinheimer Group
The Weinheimer Group is a winery brand strategy consultancy specializing in AI readiness, brand clarity, and digital visibility for the wine industry. Founder Tim Weinheimer brings more than 30 years of marketing leadership experience, WSET Level 3 certification, and recognition as Digital Agency of the Year and Data-Driven Agency of the Year by the SABRE North America Awards. A former winery founder, Tim previously launched and sold Su Vino Winery in Grapevine, Texas. He is currently a WSET Diploma candidate through the Napa Valley Wine Academy.

Media Contact:
Timothy Weinheimer
Brand AI Marketing Strategist
tim@weinheimergroup.com
(202) 297-1444

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SOURCE The Weinheimer Group

Recognizing innovation achievements from emerging and growing organizations across industries worldwide

SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Globee® Awards, organizers of merit-based, data-driven business awards programs with worldwide participation that recognize achievements across industries, announced a call for global entries for the Globee® Awards for Innovation, inviting startups and small businesses worldwide to nominate their innovation achievements for consideration.

For more information and to submit nominations, visit: https://globeeawards.com/innovation/

Startups and small businesses across industries are invited to submit achievements that demonstrate innovation in products, services, business models, technology adoption, or operational approaches. Eligible submissions may include new product launches, service enhancements, digital solutions, process improvements, and other initiatives reflecting measurable outcomes.

The Globee® Awards recognize achievements across category groups including products and services, company and organization, individual and team, and brand, communication and creative. These recognitions are part of 10 awards programs that collectively reflect achievements across business and technology domains.

Nominations are welcomed for local, regional, and global achievements, ensuring that innovation at every stage—from early growth to expanding operations—has the opportunity to be recognized.

Entries are evaluated through a merit-based, data-driven process involving participation from experienced professionals across multiple industries worldwide. The evaluation approach is designed to provide a structured and consistent assessment of submissions.

Entries are open to startups and small businesses worldwide.

About the Globee® Awards

The Globee® Awards organize merit-based, data-driven business awards programs with worldwide participation. Through 10 awards programs, the Globee® Awards recognize achievements across industries, organizations, and roles. The programs are open to organizations of all sizes, including startups, enterprises, public and private companies, government entities, and non-profit organizations. Evaluations are conducted through a structured, consistent, and transparent process involving participation from experienced professionals across diverse industries worldwide.

Follow: @globeeawards

Hashtags: #GlobeeAwards #InnovationAwards #Startups #SmallBusiness #CallForGlobalEntries #ApplyNow #GlobalRecognition #Entrepreneurship #BusinessInnovation #ProductInnovation

All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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SOURCE Globee Awards