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Diageo introduces drones to drive farming efficiency and environmental benefits across tequila farming in Mexico

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Drones in tequila farming to build data on agave plants to drive better farming decisions, reduce water and fertilizer use and decrease the use of vehicles to reduce carbon emissions Drones work in partnership to collect data on agave plants, identify when the crops need support and dispense the required amount of a unique water fertilizer mix Supports the continued growth of Diageo’s tequila business and progress towards Diageo’s ESG action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress

LONDON, April 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Diageo, producer of Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas, continues to innovate and has introduced the use of drones on its agave farms in Jalisco, Mexico, following up a successful pilot conducted in 2022. This has enabled Diageo to upskill its agave planters for the future of the ever-growing tequila industry, and build their digital capability in flying the drones, integrating more efficient farming practices and drive environmental benefits.

Since mid-2022, drones have been in action to identify which agave plants need the pesticide and fertilizer water mix and how much, to ensure precious water resources are used only where needed, whilst driving efficiency across agave farming.  Agave plants are the key ingredient in making tequila.

The drones work in pairs: one to identify the plants that need attention and collect data on the growth of the agave plants, and the other dispenses a unique water fertilizer and pesticide mix where needed at night when the stomata is open. The collection of data has helped the agave planters to make better decisions on resource use.

The data has also shown the best time of day to feed the plants is the early hours of the morning when its cooler, there is less wind to reduce water loss and when the agave plant is more receptive to water. This has resulted in water use dropping by an expected two thirds, an important saving of precious resources. The drones have the capacity to fly over Diageo’s agave fields, so fewer tractors are needed to be driven across the farmland, which has a secondary benefit of reducing carbon emissions.

Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, said: “As the demand for tequila continues to grow, we want to be able to increase our farming efficiency, but in a way that is also kind to the planet. This initiative is a perfect example of the two coming together. It’s an exciting way in which we’re using technological innovation to boost production, upskill our famers, and help us to meet our 2030 sustainability goals.”

The use of the drones has also enabled agave planters to spend their time continuing to plant and nurturing the new agave. In Diageo’s half-year results announced in January 2023, the company reported its tequila business grew 28%, securing its position as the number one producer of tequila in the world1.

Wellington Pauperio, Director for Supply Tequila & Mezcal at Diageo commented: “We’re incredibly proud to be pioneering the use of drones across our agave farming, to improve efficiency in our agriculture operations while leading our industry innovation and technology adoption. This initiative also brings additional capabilities for our team, new opportunities for personnel in the communities we operate, and contributes to a more sustainable world by reducing the use of resources including water mix across our plantations. It has been a great cross-team collaboration for us to reach this point, and the results are speaking for themselves as we look into a better future.” 

The efficiency and precision agriculture efforts resulting from drone use, contribute to Diageo’s 2030 ESG action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress. Within the plan, Diageo has committed to preserve the natural resources on which our long-term success depends including to reduce its water use in water-stressed areas by 40% by 2030, and by 30% in all other areas.

To find out more on Diageo’s sustainability action and commitments visit diageo.com

1.  IWSR 2022

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9yuW6t7PVA

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diageo-introduces-drones-to-drive-farming-efficiency-and-environmental-benefits-across-tequila-farming-in-mexico-301794234.html

SOURCE Diageo

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HOUSING WORKS CHOSEN AS 2026 BENEFICIARY OF 45TH ANNUAL FRONT RUNNERS NEW YORK LGBTQ+ PRIDE RUN™ 4M

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JUNE 27 RACE IN CENTRAL PARK WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR HOUSING WORKS’ LIFESAVING SERVICES + ADVOCACY

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Housing Works is proud to announce that it was selected as the beneficiary of the 2026 Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run™ 4M hosted by the Front Runners New York and nonprofit New York Road Runners. The iconic 4-mile running event, which kicks off Pride Weekend in NYC, will be held on June 27, 2026, in Central Park.

Since its inception in 1982, the Pride Run has raised more than $300,000 for LGBTQ+ nonprofits as the world’s largest pride charity run. Housing Works was chosen as this year’s beneficiary in recognition of its 35-year history of providing lifesaving healthcare, housing, and justice initiatives for vulnerable New Yorkers. To support this partnership, Housing Works will have a team of over 20 board members, staff, and clients participating in the race under this year’s theme: “Hearts in Motion: United in Every Stride.”

Although the race is sold out, charity bibs are still available. Runners can apply to raise $500 in support of the 2026 Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run™4M beneficiary through Front Runners New York and receive a non-complimentary entry to the race.

“We deeply appreciate Front Runners New York in helping us with our fundraising efforts. In the early days, our evidence-based advocacy often met political resistance, making traditional donors hesitant to support our life-saving HIV/AIDS work. Nearly 40 years into the AIDS epidemic, we continue to face budget cuts and limited capital as government administrations shift,” said Matthew Bernardo, President of Housing Works, Inc. “However, the urgency of this fight drives us to innovate. Housing Works is proof that nonprofits can create real, measurable impact for those who need it most.”

“The Pride Run has always been a showing of the strength of our community. Supporting Housing Works this year feels especially meaningful at a time when unity is most needed. Together, every step adds to our shared momentum to support the incredible, lifesaving work that Housing Works provides to our community,” said J Solle, 2026 Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run™4M Director.

“When this race began 45 years ago, many of our members faced risks just by signing up to run openly. Today, standing with thousands of runners who sold out this event in hours, we see how far we’ve come,” said Ryan Hallett, President of Front Runners New York. “But progress requires constant action. By partnering with Housing Works, we are honoring our history of activism and ensuring that our strides in Central Park support lifesaving housing and healthcare for the most vulnerable members of our community.”

“For more than 40 years, New York Road Runners has teamed up with Front Runners New York to host the LGBTQ+ Pride Run in celebration of this incredible community,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “Now a marquee event during Pride weekend in New York City, we’re excited to unite the running community once again and help raise awareness and funds for Housing Works’s critical work.”

What: The 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Run

When: Saturday, June 27, 2026
            Race Start | 8AM

Where: Central Park

Website: https://frny.org/pride-run

For more information about Housing Works, visit housingworks.org. Follow Housing Works on Facebook and Instagram

About Housing Works:
For more than three decades, Housing Works has been at the forefront of the movement to end AIDS and homelessness and fight for the rights and dignity of some of the most marginalized populations. Housing Works was founded in 1990 as the housing committee of ACT UP and is now a leading provider of housing and lifesaving services to low-income individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, including LGBTQ+ youth, the transgender community, immigrants, people experiencing substance use, and formerly incarcerated New Yorkers. Housing Works’ integrated healthcare, supportive housing portfolio, wraparound services, and relentless advocacy are supported by innovative social enterprise: nine Thrift Shops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, its iconic Bookstore & Cafe in Soho, and most recently, New York’s first adult-use dispensary. In the year ahead, amid challenging headwinds from the federal government, Housing Works continues to expand its services and fight for what is right for those who need our help the most, bridging communities in building a more compassionate and equitable world.

About Front Runners New York:
Front Runners New York (FRNY) is New York City’s LGBTQ+ running club. The club was founded in 1979 and has grown to over 1100 members annually. FRNY’s mission is to provide encouragement and support to LGBTQ+ adults and their supporters who are interested in running and running-related activities. FRNY has created a social running community focused on health and fitness that is welcoming to all New Yorkers. FRNY offers a robust, inclusive membership experience. FRNY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of New York. For more information, visit frny.org.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR):
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running—serving more than half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/housing-works-chosen-as-2026-beneficiary-of-45th-annual-front-runners-new-york-lgbtq-pride-run-4m-302749363.html

SOURCE Housing Works

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City of Bradenton Launches Accela ePermitHub Digital Plan Room, Advancing Integrated Digital Plan Review

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SAN RAMON, Calif., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Bradenton, FL has launched the Accela® ePermitHub Digital Plan Room™, marking an important milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to modernize plan review and streamline the permitting process for both staff and applicants.

This launch represents a significant shift for Bradenton, which previously relied on a plan review approach that required staff to navigate multiple systems and complete several manual steps to accomplish a single task. With Accela’s ePermitHub Digital Plan Room, the City now benefits from a fully integrated digital plan review experience, bringing plan review directly into Accela and simplifying workflows for both staff and applicants.

“After our previous experience, we were looking for a solution that truly worked with our permitting system—not alongside it,” said Dana Winters, Building Manager for the City of Bradenton. “With Accela’s ePermitHub, plan review is part of the same system our teams already use every day. It reduces extra steps, eliminates duplicate work, and makes the process much easier for staff to understand and manage.”

Under the City’s prior setup, staff often had to move between systems, log in separately, and repeat actions to keep plan review and permitting records aligned. Accela’s ePermitHub replaces that fragmented experience with a single, streamlined workflow—automating previously manual steps and improving reliability across the review process.

Bradenton serves a population of approximately 58,000 residents and is an active permitting jurisdiction across building and planning disciplines. The transition to ePermitHub was also well received by applicants, who benefit from a simpler, more consistent submission and review experience.

“This launch reflects the progress agencies are making toward more connected, end‑to‑end digital permitting,” said Maykel Martin, Vice President, Technology Product Management, Accela. “By adopting a plan review solution that is native to Accela, Bradenton is improving efficiency for staff while delivering a more consistent experience for applicants.”

The City’s project team was led by Theresa Armstrong (IT), Dana Winters (Building) and Jamie Schindewolf (Planning), who partnered closely with Accela throughout the implementation, bringing a shared focus on delivering the best outcomes for their customers and achieving a smooth, successful deployment.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Media@accela.com

About Accela®

Accela® is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions, empowering local and state governments to drive efficiency and modernization. Accela offers both a configurable platform and out-of-the-box civic applications for core processes including permitting, licensing, and code enforcement. Accela assists agencies in streamlining workflows, reducing manual tasks, and improving service delivery. With a commitment to end-to-end support, Accela is a trusted partner to over 600 agencies and jurisdictions worldwide. For more information, please visit www.accela.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-bradenton-launches-accela-epermithub-digital-plan-room-advancing-integrated-digital-plan-review-302749920.html

SOURCE Accela

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Axonic Insurance Annuities, Built for Banks, Broker-Dealers and RIAs, Now Available through WealthVest.

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Financial professionals can now secure a competitive 3-year fixed annuity rate and crediting strategies from Deutsche Bank, S&P Global, and Nasdaq through their WealthVest wholesaler and Axonic Insurance.

BOZEMAN, Mont., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WealthVest, a leading wholesaler of annuities to financial professionals, has announced a strategic distribution partnership today with Axonic Insurance (AXI), a global annuity and insurance platform. WealthVest will begin offering a suite of curated, highly competitive annuity products from Axonic Insurance to their network of banks, credit unions, broker-dealers and registered investment advisers across the United States.

“We’re excited to align with a team that shares our commitment to delivering differentiated solutions and supporting financial professionals with the tools and opportunities they need to better serve their clients,” said Les Sutherland, Chief Distribution Officer at Axonic Insurance.

“We’re excited to bring the Axonic Insurance suite of solutions to the marketplace,” said Matt Hamann, National Sales Manager at WealthVest. “By combining the strength of our distribution team with AXI’s competitive offerings, we’re well positioned to drive growth and expand access across banks, broker-dealers, and RIAs. Through our education-first approach, we’re committed to supporting financial professionals with practical solutions that help their clients navigate retirement with confidence.”

Through the partnership, Axonic Insurance aims to better support financial advisors and investment adviser representatives in building a solid foundation of protection and growth for their clients’ retirement. WealthVest will align their well-regarded, client-first coaching and wholesaling model with Axonic Insurance’s highly competitive annuities to help financial professionals stay up to date on market trends and determine the best annuity to address their clients’ retirement needs.

“Partnering with WealthVest marks an important step forward in expanding AXI’s reach across the bank, broker-dealer, and RIA channels,” said Les Sutherland, Chief Distribution Officer at Axonic Insurance. “We’re excited to align with a team that shares our commitment to delivering differentiated solutions and supporting financial professionals with the tools and opportunities they need to better serve their clients.”

The suite of annuities is designed specifically for advisors and IARs to help them deliver competitive guaranteed rates of return across 2-, 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-year surrender period options; strong marketing participation; 100% principal protection and systematic income withdrawals to their clients. The annuities are available in forty-three states and the District of Columbia, and include the:

Incline MYGA: Featuring 5.25% Guaranteed for 3-Years with Initial Premiums of $100,000 or Greater1HighLine FIA: Offering 1- and 2-year point-to-point cap, participation, and fixed rate crediting strategiesHighLine FIA PLUS: Includes a 9% Premium Bonus Rider on the 5-Year2

WealthVest’s team of dedicated wholesalers and annuity case managers will serve as the main point of contact for financial advisors and IARs interested in Axonic Insurance’s annuities across 5 US regions. The team has partnered with thousands of advisors, providing annuity planning technology, retirement income planning, practice management, market and industry trends and annuity case management.

Launched in 2024, Axonic Insurance is an annuity and insurance platform delivering institutionally managed retirement products through a fully integrated model spanning product design, distribution, issuance, and servicing. Axonic Insurance is supported by Axonic Capital, an investment management firm with $8 billion in assets under management specializing in structured credit and commercial and residential real estate debt and equity. Axonic Insurance’s suite of annuities is issued by AmFirst Insurance Company (“AmFirst”), an A- (Excellent) financial strength rated company by AM Best3.

Advisors and IARs interested in learning more about Axonic Insurance and their suite of annuities can connect with their wholesaler at www.wealthvest.com/axonic-insurance or call the WealthVest Sales Desk at 1-833-299-8750.

1 Rate shown is effective March 27, 2026 and subject to change. Rate only applies to the Incline MYGA 3-year plan with initial premiums of $100,000 or greater, issued by AmFirst Insurance Company (“AmFirst”) and offered by Axonic Insurance Services LLC (“Axonic”). Additional rates available.

2 At the time of issuance, the Premium Bonus is credited to your Account Value, providing immediate access to additional funds to allocate into the various crediting strategies. The Premium Bonus is calculated as a percentage of the initial premium and becomes a permanent component of the annuity’s Accumulation Value. All Premium Bonuses are subject to a Vesting Schedule, under which the Contract Value and the Cash Surrender Value increase annually as the bonus amount vests over time. Please refer to the HighLine FIA Rate Sheet for Premium Bonus amounts and Contract details.

3 AM Best affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “A-” (Excellent) of AmFirst Insurance Company on August 29, 2025.

ABOUT WEALTHVEST

WealthVest is a leading wholesaler of fixed, fixed-indexed, and registered index-linked annuities to financial professionals. We’re a partner to thousands of advisors by providing annuity planning technology, retirement income planning, practice management, market and industry trends and annuity case management. Their team of dedicated wholesalers and annuity case managers helps advisors provide the best annuity outcomes. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or visit wealthvest.com.

ABOUT AXONIC INSURANCE

Axonic Insurance (AXI) is a fast-growing annuity and insurance platform delivering institutionally managed retirement products through a fully integrated model spanning product design, distribution, issuance, and servicing. AXI combines modern insurance capabilities with disciplined asset management and rigorous risk oversight to drive scalable, sustainable growth. AXI’s suite of annuities includes Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) and Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), distributed through IMOs, Banks, Broker-Dealers, and Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs), while strengthening profitability through operational efficiency, pricing discipline, and balance sheet resilience. AXI’s strategy prioritizes durability — balancing growth, capital strength, and earnings to support long-term value creation and financial stability.

ABOUT AXONIC CAPITAL

Founded in 2010, Axonic Capital is a New York-based alternative investment manager with $8 billion in assets under management. The firm has deep expertise in structured credit, commercial and residential real estate debt and equity, and systematic fixed income. Axonic’s flexible capital base includes private limited partnerships, separate accounts, insurance company mandates, and publicly listed fund structures. For additional information, visit axoniccap.com.

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

Since 1896, S&P DJI have provided innovative index solutions backed by robust methodologies and strong governance. Today, S&P Dow Jones Indices is the world’s largest provider of financial market indices, offering iconic solutions and unparalleled expertise across asset classes and geographies. With more exchange partnerships and more assets invested in products based on our indices than any other index provider, S&P DJI is a critical link in capital markets and the global financial ecosystem.

ABOUT NASDAQ GLOBAL INDEXES

Nasdaq Global Indexes has been creating innovative, market-leading, transparent indexes since 1971. Today, our index offering spans geographies and asset classes and includes diverse families. We continuously offer new opportunities for financial product sponsors across a wide spectrum of investable products and for asset managers to measure risk and performance. Nasdaq also provides exchange listing, custom index, and design solutions to financial organizations worldwide. 

ABOUT DEUTSCHE BANK

Deutsche Bank provides retail and private banking, corporate and transaction banking, lending, asset and wealth management products and services as well as focused investment banking to private individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporations, governments and institutional investors. Deutsche Bank is the leading bank in Germany with strong European roots and a global network. Deutsche Bank’s FIG Structuring & Solutions business structures and arranges bespoke capital and financing transactions for its global FIG client base.

Media Contact

Jackson Bolstad, WealthVest, 1 406-272-3759, jbolstad@wealthvest.com, www.wealthvest.com

Les Sutherland, Axonic Insurance, lsutherland@axonicinsurance.com, https://axonicinsurance.com/

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View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/axonic-insurance-annuities-built-for-banks-broker-dealers-and-rias-now-available-through-wealthvest-302750101.html

SOURCE WealthVest

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