Franchise Owner Matt Hess Debuts First of Five Greater Charlotte Locations as 24/7 Indoor Golf Concept Surpasses 75 Territories Sold

CINCINNATI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Another Nine, the 24/7 self-service indoor golf concept powered by proprietary A9OS technology and Trackman gameplay, is celebrating the opening of its first franchise location in Cornelius, North Carolina, as the brand moves from a breakout first year of franchise sales into a new phase of unit growth.

Located in the Lake Norman area, the new Cornelius facility is owned and operated by Matt Hess, Another Nine’s first franchise owner. It is the first of five locations Hess will open across the greater Charlotte area. The brand has 12 locations planned throughout the Charlotte metro, making the market the first fully sold-out region in Another Nine’s franchise network.

First Franchise Opening Anchors Charlotte Expansion

The Cornelius opening marks Another Nine’s first franchise location and gives the brand an early foothold in one of North Carolina’s most active suburban markets. With Charlotte sold out, the brand has laid the foundation for a multi-unit growth strategy built around local operators, streamlined operations, and demand for flexible, private indoor golf access.

“Cornelius was the right place to begin because Lake Norman is home for me, and the community has been supportive from the start,” said Hess. “Another Nine makes it easy for people to play on their own schedule, whether they want to practice after the kids go to bed, get in a round before work, or step into a private suite between calls. The founders have built a smart model with strong technology and real support behind it. I am proud to open the first of my five locations here and help introduce Another Nine to the Charlotte market.”

A New Era of Growth for Another Nine

The first franchise opening follows a year of momentum for Another Nine, which has surpassed 75 franchise territories sold in its inaugural year of franchising. The company currently operates two corporate locations in Cincinnati, Columbia-Tusculum, and Montgomery, and is now focused on converting its early franchise traction into open facilities across targeted growth regions.

As Another Nine continues expansion, the brand is placing a particular priority on the Midwest and Northeast, where dense suburban markets, year-round golf demand, and access to multi-unit operators align with its membership-free, technology-driven model.

“The Cornelius opening is a defining moment for Another Nine because it shows what this model can become with the right franchise partner in the right market,” said Ethan Grob, Co-Founder of Another Nine. “Matt understands the guest experience, the Charlotte community and the growth opportunity ahead. As we enter this next stage, our priority is to support owners like Matt while expanding thoughtfully in markets where golfers are looking for premium, flexible access to the game.”

A 24/7 Indoor Golf Model Built for Guests and Operators

Each Another Nine facility features all-private Sim Suites available around the clock through the brand’s A9OS booking platform. Guests can reserve a suite by the hour, any time of day or night, and play Trackman-powered golf across more than 350 world-class courses without a membership requirement.

The model is also designed to give franchise owners a streamlined operating structure. Without a bar or restaurant component and with technology supporting booking, access, and guest support, Another Nine locations are built to operate with a leaner footprint than many entertainment concepts.

Guests can expect:

Private Sim Suites available 24/7Hourly reservations with no membership requiredTrackman gameplay across more than 350 coursesProprietary A9OS technology for booking, access and supportA flexible setting for practice, casual rounds, small groups and late-night play

For more information about franchising with Another Nine, visit anothernine.com/pages/franchise.

About Another Nine

Another Nine is a franchisor of 24/7 self-service indoor golf simulator facilities featuring all-private Sim Suites and Trackman gameplay, powered by proprietary A9OS technology. With a membership-free model and a streamlined operating structure, Another Nine offers guests premium access to the game on their schedule and offers entrepreneurs a modern path to business ownership.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/another-nine-opens-first-franchise-location-in-north-carolina-signaling-new-era-of-growth-302801851.html

SOURCE Another Nine, LLC

Arizton report highlights smart PPE adoption, industrial safety trends, regional growth opportunities, competitive benchmarking, and market forecasts through 2031.

CHICAGO, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to recent research by Arizton, the global personal protective equipment (PPE) market is expected to reach USD 34.22 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.54% during the forecast period.  

The market continues to gain growth as workplace safety regulations become more stringent across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, oil & gas, chemicals, and logistics. Increasing awareness of employee protection, expanding industrial activity, and stronger compliance standards are expected to continue supporting PPE demand globally.

Get detailed market forecasts, competitive benchmarking, and pricing trends: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/personal-protective-equipment-market

Browse in-depth TOC on the Global Personal Protective Equipment Market

Pages- 163
Region- 5
Company- 37
Segment-5

Global Personal Protective Equipment Market Snapshot

Smart PPE is Transforming Workplace Safety Across Industrial Environments

The growing emphasis on proactive workplace safety and real-time hazard prevention is increasing the adoption of smart PPE solutions across industrial environments.

Unlike conventional protective equipment, smart PPE integrates IoT sensors, AI-enabled analytics, and connectivity technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 5G to support real-time worker monitoring, predictive alerts, and enhanced hazard detection.

According to research published by IRE Journals in February 2025, integrating smart PPE solutions can reduce workplace accidents by up to 40% and improve safety compliance by nearly 30%. Supported by increasing industrial digitalization and connected workplace initiatives, demand for smart PPE is expected to rise significantly over the forecast period.

North America Holds the Largest PPE Market Share Supported by Expanding Industrial Activity

North America accounted for over 36% of the global PPE market share, supported by strict workplace safety regulations, expanding industrial activity, and manufacturing reshoring efforts.

The region continues to witness strong demand across healthcare, construction, oil & gas, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Healthcare systems in North America have also transitioned from emergency pandemic procurement toward maintaining stable PPE inventories, creating a more consistent long-term demand base.

The U.S. remains the largest and fastest-growing regional market, supported by infrastructure investments, increasing smart PPE adoption, and domestic manufacturing expansion.

To Know More, Click: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/5137

Hand Protection Segment Leads as Regional PPE Demand Evolves

North America: Growth is centered heavily around oil, gas, and regulatory compliance.Asia-Pacific (APAC): Demand is driven by infrastructure and commercial construction projects.Middle East & Africa (MEA): Procurement is dominated by the upstream energy and utility sectors.Global Logistics: The rising trade of temperature-sensitive biologics (like vaccines) has expanded cold-storage infrastructure, driving the demand for specialized thermal protective garments.

Recent Developments Shaping the Personal Protective Equipment Market

In March 2026, DuPont introduced a specialized disposable garment engineered for designed for cleanrooms, containment, and other high-hazard environments.In January 2026, Ansell Ltd introduced the TouchNTuff 93-800. This innovative single-use glove is engineered to provide a minimum of 15 minutes of protection against acetone exposure.In October 2025, 3M introduced the 3M PELTOR WS ALERT XPV Headset MRX21A1WS7. These solar-powered headsets provide robust communication solutions with Bluetooth® MultiPoint technology and noise-cancelling microphones.In September 2025, MSA Safety Incorporated launched the V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Type 2 Helmet. It provides enhanced lateral impact protection. It is designed for workers needing extra debris and sun protection.

Personal Protective Equipment Market Segmentation Highlights

Product: The disposable segment accounted for the largest market share of around 64%.Protection: The hand protection segment dominated and held the largest market share in 2025Application: The chemical protection segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 6.78%End-User: The manufacturing segment accounted for the largest market share in 2025.Geography: North America dominates the global PPE market, accounting for over 36% of the market share.

Download a FREE PDF Sample of the Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/5137

List Of Key Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Companies Profiles

Key Vendors

3MProtective Industrial Products, IncAnsell LimitedDuPont de Nemours, Inc.MSA Worldwide, LLC

Other Prominent Vendors

Lakeland Industries Inc.Delta Plus GroupUvex Safety GroupDragerwerk AG & Co. KGaAAlpha Pro Tech Ltd.Radians Inc.Showa GroupMoldex-MetricMallcom India Ltd.MCR SafetyAlexandraASATEX AGAvon Technologies plcBennett SafetywearCardinal HealthCOFRA S.r.l.Dynarex CorporationGateway Safety, Inc.Globus Global SafetyGore-TexJSP LtdSanctum Work Wear Pvt LtdSioenStanley Black & Decker, Inc.Superior Glove Works Ltd.WenassWurth GroupSioen IndustriesPortwestShaanxi Dursafety Materials Co.,Ltd (Dursafety)BullardSupermax Corporation Berhad (Malaysia)Brazil Safety Brands

 What Key Findings Will Our Research Analysis Reveal?

How big is the global personal protective equipment market?What is the growth rate of the global personal protective equipment market?What are the key trends in the global personal protective equipment market?Which region dominates the global personal protective equipment market?Which protection segment provides more business opportunities in the global personal protective equipment market?Who are the key vendors in the global personal protective equipment market?

About Us:                                                                                   
Arizton Advisory & Intelligence delivers data-driven market research and strategic consulting that empowers clients to make informed decisions and drive growth. Combining quantitative and qualitative insights, we provide in-depth analysis across industries including Agriculture, Consumer Goods, Technology, Automotive, Healthcare, Data Centers, and Logistics. Recognized by top-tier media, our expert team transforms complex market data into actionable strategies, helping clients anticipate trends, seize opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition.

Why Arizton?                                               

100% Customer Satisfaction                                               

24×7 availability – we are always there when you need us                                               

200+ Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton’s report                                               

80% of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry                                               

100% more data and analysis                                               

1500+ reports published till date                             

Post-Purchase Benefit                                           

1hr of free analyst discussion                                           10% off on customization                        

Contact Us                                   
Mail: enquiry@arizton.com
Contact Us: https://www.arizton.com/contact-us 
Website: https://www.arizton.com/
Call: +1 312-680-2940

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/personal-protective-equipment-market-to-reach-usd-34-22-billion-by-2031–3m-dupont-ansell-msa-and-37-key-players-profiled–arizton-302801501.html

New Organization Establishes a Strategic Platform for a Growing Portfolio of Healthcare 
Companies Designed to Improve Access, Outcomes, Innovation, and Healthcare Connectivity Across the United States and Globally

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and ATLANTA, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QC Healthcare today announced its official launch as a healthcare innovation holding company focused on building, funding, acquiring, and scaling digital health businesses that improve access to care, advance healthcare delivery, and create measurable improvements in patient outcomes.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with executive leadership and operations spanning Atlanta, Georgia, QC Healthcare has been established as the parent organization for a growing portfolio of healthtech companies operating across telehealth, specialty care, clinical research, pharmacy services, healthcare technology, health AI, healthcare analytics, population health, and healthcare innovation.

The company is led by healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and commercialization leader Eric Doherty, who serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of QC Healthcare. Doherty is widely recognized for his work in healthcare commercialization, business transformation, healthcare access initiatives, artificial intelligence in healthcare, population health, specialty pharmacy, and digital health innovation.

“Healthcare is entering one of the most transformational periods in its history,” said Doherty. “The convergence of telehealth, artificial intelligence, clinical research, healthcare analytics, pharmacy services, remote diagnostics, and population health is creating opportunities to fundamentally improve how care is delivered. QC Healthcare was established to bring these capabilities together under one strategic platform capable of creating meaningful improvements in access, outcomes, efficiency, and innovation.”

Building an Integrated Healthcare Ecosystem

Unlike traditional healthcare organizations focused on a single service line, QC Healthcare is a diversified holding company designed to support multiple sectors across the healthcare ecosystem.
The organization’s first operating company is My Pediatric Doctor, a national pediatric telehealth company dedicated to providing families with convenient access to board-certified pediatric healthcare services.

Building on that foundation, QC Healthcare is developing a family of interconnected healthcare brands designed to address patient care needs across multiple populations and clinical specialties. Planned and future healthcare platforms include:

My Adult DoctorMy VA DoctorMy Vet DoctorMy Oncology DoctorAdditional specialty-focused healthcare brands

The company’s vision is to create a unified healthcare ecosystem where patients can access specialized clinical care through technology-enabled care delivery models while benefiting from shared infrastructure, care coordination, healthcare analytics, and AI-driven support tools.

Supporting Veterans and Military Families

Among QC Healthcare’s planned initiatives is a dedicated healthcare platform focused on serving veterans, military families, reservists, National Guard members, active-duty personnel, and retired service members.

The company recognizes the unique healthcare challenges faced by veterans and military families, including continuity of care, chronic disease management, behavioral health support, specialty care access, and healthcare navigation.

QC Healthcare also intends to explore opportunities to support retired military personnel and veterans living internationally. Many veterans choose to reside abroad following military service, often creating challenges related to healthcare access and care coordination. Through telehealth, digital health technologies, and strategic partnerships, the organization hopes to create solutions that improve healthcare accessibility regardless of where veterans and their families reside.

Expanding Specialty-Based Healthcare Access

Beyond primary care and pediatric services, QC Healthcare plans to develop specialty-focused healthcare platforms addressing areas such as oncology, cardiology, chronic disease management, preventive care, women’s health, men’s health, and other high-demand clinical specialties. Technology-enabled specialty care can help reduce barriers to healthcare access while improving patient engagement, continuity of care, and long-term outcomes.

Advancing Animal Health Innovation

QC Healthcare also sees significant opportunities within animal health. Planned initiatives will explore innovative approaches to veterinary telehealth, preventive care, wellness programs, specialist access, rural veterinary support, livestock health initiatives, and technology-enabled animal healthcare services — applying the same innovation principles transforming human healthcare to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes across animal health markets.

Clinical Research, Pharmacy, and Healthcare Innovation

QC Healthcare is evaluating opportunities to establish businesses focused on clinical research, decentralized clinical trials, patient recruitment, healthcare outcomes analysis, and real-world evidence generation. Technology-enabled research models can improve patient participation, accelerate innovation, and create more representative research populations.

QC Healthcare is also exploring future pharmacy ventures that may include specialty pharmacy services, medication adherence programs, patient support services, care coordination, and innovative medication management solutions designed to improve patient outcomes and treatment compliance. These initiatives complement the company’s broader mission of connecting care delivery, research, technology, and patient engagement across the healthcare continuum.

Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Population Health

A core pillar of QC Healthcare’s strategy involves leveraging health AI and healthcare data to improve decision-making and patient outcomes. Areas of strategic interest include:

Predictive healthcare analyticsPopulation health managementHealthcare intelligence platformsClinical decision supportRemote patient monitoringOutcomes measurementDisease management analyticsCare gap identificationAI-enabled workflow optimizationHealthcare interoperability solutions

“Artificial intelligence should empower healthcare professionals, not replace them,” Doherty said. “The goal is to provide better insights, improve clinical decision-making, strengthen patient engagement, and help health systems operate more effectively.”

Commitment to Rural Health and Underserved Communities

A cornerstone of QC Healthcare’s mission is improving healthcare access for underserved populations. The company intends to pursue partnerships and programs focused on supporting: 

Rural communitiesMedically underserved populationsNative American and Tribal communitiesVeterans and military familiesInternational populations with limited healthcare accessCommunities experiencing provider shortages

Potential initiatives may include telehealth expansion, remote diagnostics, healthcare workforce support, school-based healthcare programs, community partnerships, and advanced connectivity solutions designed to bring healthcare services to regions where access remains limited. QC Healthcare also recognizes the growing role of emerging technologies — including satellite-based connectivity and remote healthcare infrastructure — in addressing healthcare disparities in rural and underserved regions.

National and International Vision

While initially focused on the United States, QC Healthcare has been established with a global vision. The organization plans to explore international opportunities involving telehealth, healthcare technology deployment, clinical research collaborations, healthcare workforce development, healthcare analytics, population health programs, and innovative healthcare delivery models.

The company expects to collaborate with healthcare systems, hospitals, physician groups, employers, life sciences organizations, academic institutions, technology companies, and public-private partnerships that share a commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes. QC Healthcare also plans to engage with stakeholders involved in healthcare modernization, workforce development, rural health initiatives, and public health efforts — including potential collaborations with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and strategic healthcare partners.

“Our vision is significantly larger than telehealth alone,” Doherty concluded. “We are building a healthcare platform that connects patients, providers, researchers, healthcare systems, employers, life sciences organizations, government stakeholders, and innovators through integrated healthcare solutions. Whether through virtual care, clinical research, pharmacy services, artificial intelligence, healthcare analytics, specialty care, population health, or future healthcare technologies, our mission is to improve lives and help shape the future of healthcare.”

As QC Healthcare expands its portfolio, the company expects to announce additional operating companies, strategic partnerships, healthcare technology initiatives, acquisitions, research collaborations, and growth investments throughout the coming year.

About QC Healthcare
QC Healthcare is a healthcare innovation holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with executive leadership and operations spanning Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on building, funding, acquiring, and scaling healthtech businesses across telehealth, specialty care, clinical research, pharmacy services, artificial intelligence, healthcare analytics, population health, healthcare technology, and digital health. Through its growing portfolio of healthcare companies, QC Healthcare is committed to improving healthcare access, affordability, outcomes, innovation, and connectivity for patients, providers, health systems, employers, researchers, and communities worldwide.

For more information, visit QC Healthcare and My Pediatric Doctor 

For Press Inquiries:  Contact@MyPediatricDoctor.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qc-healthcare-launches-as-a-healthcare-innovation-holding-company-focused-on-telehealth-clinical-research-pharmacy-services-artificial-intelligence-healthcare-analytics-and-population-health-302800863.html

SOURCE QC Healthcare