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Celebrate “Hats ON for the Hat Lady Month” in Honor of Anne Ballard

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PHOENIX, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Modern Storage Media (MSM) and Universal Storage Group (USG) are proud to announce July as “Hats ON for the Hat Lady Month” in anticipation of her retirement at the end of this year.

Join us in July for a month-long celebration dedicated to Anne Ballard, known fondly throughout the self-storage industry as “The Hat Lady.” As President of Marketing, Training, & Developmental Services at Universal Storage Group and a pivotal figure in the industry, Anne has been a beacon of innovation and leadership. With her retirement on the horizon at the end of 2024, Modern Storage Media and Universal Storage Group are excited to announce the kickoff of “Hats ON for the Hat Lady Month,” starting with her birthday on July 2nd.

Event Details:

Date: July 2nd to August 2nd

How to Participate:

Gather your team and choose some great hats.Take a high-resolution photo of your team donning these hats.Email your photo to Poppy@modernstoragemedia.com by no later than August 2nd.

Participants will have the chance to be featured on social media and in the November Special Edition of Messenger magazine, showcasing their unique tributes to Anne’s iconic style.

Anne Ballard, also known as The Hat Lady, has been a stalwart in the self-storage industry for over three decades. She is not only the co-founder of Universal Management Company/ Universal Storage Group, but also a past president of the Georgia Self Storage Association and has served on the SSA Board of Directors. Anne is recognized for her frequent contributions as a speaker at various state, national, and international conferences and is the author of numerous influential publications including The Hat Lady Speaks, as well as a veritable library of industry articles. Her work encompasses facility planning, feasibility studies, design, startups, operational consulting, and training.

Why Hats? Hats have been Anne’s trademark, each one telling a story of its own, reflecting her flair and dedication to the self-storage industry. As we celebrate Anne’s impactful career and forthcoming retirement, we invite you to tip your hats in honor of her legacy.

Join Us: Let’s make this a memorable celebration for a remarkable leader. We look forward to seeing the creative and fun hats your team comes up with to honor one of our industry’s greats.

Let’s send Anne Ballard out with a resounding hurrah and hats ON!

For further information, please contact Poppy Behrens at poppy@modernstoragemedia.com or Sarah Beth Johnson at sarahbeth@universalstoragegroup.com.

Let’s celebrate Anne Ballard, the Hat Lady, in style!

ABOUT MODERN STORAGE MEDIA (MSM)

Modern Storage Media (MSM) is the leading authority in the self-storage industry, providing the most comprehensive data, analysis, and expert insights. It is a single-source solution for the information that empowers self-storage professionals to make decisions that drive growth. Modern Storage Media (MSM) is a media company that produces self-storage-specific media and publications, including its flagship magazine Messenger and the annual Self-Storage Almanac, the industry’s most trusted source of data. Visit www.modernstoragemedia.com for breaking industry news and numerous educational resources.

About Universal Storage Group

Universal Storage Group provides award-winning full-service third-party management, operational consulting, comprehensive training programs, and self-storage start-up or conversion services including facility design, feasibility studies, remote management, and brand development. USG was founded in 2013 with over 200 combined years of self-storage industry experience and expertise. At Universal Storage Group, What We Do, We Do For U!

Contact:
Poppy Behrens
(602) 321-7708
poppy@modernstoragemedia.com
modernstorgemedia.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celebrate-hats-on-for-the-hat-lady-month-in-honor-of-anne-ballard-302187446.html

SOURCE Modern Storage Media

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Saramonic WiTalk9 X: Modular-Designed, Lightweight Wireless Intercom System Redefines Team Communication

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NEW YORK, April 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Saramonic, a leading brand in audio solutions, announced a 9-Person Modular Full-Duplex Wireless Intercom System WiTalk9 X and the WiTalk9 Base. WiTalk9 X builds upon the success of the WiTalk9 with a focus on lightweight comfort and modular adaptability, introducing unprecedented flexibility and scalability of modern production teams from small to large.

Industry-First Modular Design for Maximum Flexibility

The Saramonic WiTalk9 X sets a new standard for adaptability in wireless intercom systems. Its industry-first modular construction allows users to switch between single-ear, dual-ear, or helmet-ready models, accommodating the diverse needs of different crew roles.

Weighing just 172 grams (6 oz) with battery in its single ear configuration, the WiTalk9 X delivers all-day comfort for demanding production environments. The IPX4-rated, lightweight design allows professionals who wear headsets for extended periods during long shoots or live events to focus on their work.

Intelligible Voice Communication: Saramonic ClearTalk™2.0 Technology and AI Noise Cancellation

Saramonic ClearTalk™2.0 combines the dual-microphone array and Saramonic AI Noise Cancellation. The cardioid main microphone focuses on the speaker’s voice, and the omnidirectional secondary mic collects the noise as samples for Saramonic AI Noise cancellation to separate the vocal and noise, ensuring clear and stable voice communication.

Saramonic AI Noise Cancellation is trained by over 700,000 noise samples across 20,000+ hours. Compared to traditional environmental noise cancellation that only handles ambient sounds, it identifies and separates noise in real-time to keep voice clear and stable within team communication, even when multiple crews speak at once in a complex environment.

Efficient Team Work with Dual-Antenna Design and Saramonic WiTalk Wireless Intercom Ecosystem

The WiTalk9 X features both internal and external antennas to continuously monitor signal quality and select the stronger signal. It operates on the 1.9 GHz DECT Technology and offers up to 12 hours battery life with a spare rechargeable lithium battery for quick replacement, enables teams to stay connected within 1,300 ft (400m) – ideal for events, film shoots, and live performances.

Saramonic WiTalk9 X supports a 9-person system without a hub, and can be easily scaled up to 64 users via WiTalk Base, enabling group cascading and remote collaboration with an industry-leading range of up to 700 meters.

Pricing and Availability

The Saramonic WiTalk9 X is available through official stores. For detailed pricing and configuration options, please contact your local Saramonic representative or visit www.saramonic.com.

Contact: marketing@saramonic.com 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2959888/9x__________1_1.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/saramonic-witalk9-x-modular-designed-lightweight-wireless-intercom-system-redefines-team-communication-302746569.html

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Siemon Releases 2026 ESG Report and Progress Update Report

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WATERTOWN, Conn., April 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Siemon Company, a global leader in high‑performance network infrastructure solutions for data centers and smart buildings, is proud to announce the release of its 2026 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, showcasing accelerated climate action, third‑party‑verified performance, and continued leadership in transparent, responsible business practices. The report highlights Siemon’s strongest ESG results to date, including early achievement of science‑based climate targets, expanded renewable energy adoption, increased product transparency, and a people‑first culture that supports accountability, equity, and long‑term value creation.

Sustainability is not a side initiative; it’s embedded in how we operate, how we innovate, and how we lead. This year’s report reflects disciplined execution across our Sustainable Development Goals, our value chain, and our workforce.

Key Highlights from the 2026 ESG Report:

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Achieved a 69% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from a 2021 baseline, surpassing the company’s 2031 SBTi‑validated target four years ahead of schedule.Reduced Scope 3 emissions intensity by 23.1%, while maintaining essentially flat absolute emissions despite business growth.

Energy, Water & Waste

Increased renewable energy usage to 90% of global operations, achieving Scope 2 carbon neutrality at major U.S. and China facilities.Reduced water usage by 30%, exceeding the company’s long‑term reduction goal.Delivered a 17.1% absolute reduction in waste, supported by expanded recycling and sustainable packaging initiatives.

Product Transparency & Customer Enablement

Expanded Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) coverage to 41% of sales and Health Product Declaration (HPD) coverage to 49% of sales, supporting green building and material health requirements to a screening threshold of 100 ppm.Launched an online compliance portal providing on‑demand regulatory and standards assurance for 99% of finished goods, including RoHS, REACH, PFAS, and conflict minerals.

People & Social Impact

Certified™ by Great Place To Work® in the U.S. for the third consecutive year, with 90.4% of employees globally affirming Siemon as a great place to work.We have made a commitment to ensure that 100% of our employees are paid at or above the living wage. Contributed 2,600+ volunteer hours and over $160,000 in charitable giving, supporting education, community, and conservation initiatives worldwide.

Governance & Transparency

Advanced alignment with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), completing a third‑party‑reviewed Double Materiality Assessment and Limited Assurance Audit.Maintained 100% employee training on the Company Code of Conduct, aligned with the UN Global Compact and Responsible Business Alliance principles.

“Sustainability is not a side initiative; it’s embedded in how we operate, how we innovate, and how we lead. This year’s report reflects disciplined execution across our Sustainable Development Goals, our value chain, and our workforce. We’re focused on delivering measurable progress today while building the systems and governance needed for the future.”

– John Siemon, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Siemon

In a unique effort to bridge corporate reporting with tangible action, Siemon has integrated an interactive giving component into the digital publication. Within the executive summary and each primary pillar – Environmental, Social, and Governance -readers will find a dedicated link to unlock a corporate donation. This initiative empowers stakeholders to personally direct Siemon to fund toward one of five global non-profit partners: Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders, Engineers Without Borders, One Tree Planted, or Oceana.

The full 2026 ESG Report is available for download at www.siemon.com/esg.

About Siemon

Siemon is a global market leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance connectivity solutions for data centers and smart buildings. We empower our customers to connect faster, scale smarter and deploy with confidence. Founded in 1903, our legacy of customer-driven innovation, engineering excellence, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability has made us the benchmark for quality and reliability. We deliver precision-built copper, fiber and high-speed connectivity solutions that perform at scale, with the flexibility, speed, and support our customers rely on. With operations in over 100 countries, Siemon has one of the industry’s broadest solution portfolios and is the trusted partner behind the networks that connect the world. Find out more at www.siemon.com.

Media Contact

Brian Baum, Siemon, 1 8609454200, brian_baum@siemon.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/siemon-releases-2026-esg-report-and-progress-update-report-302746314.html

SOURCE Siemon

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Quickplay’s Triple Play of New Customers, Products and Partnerships Set to Dominate NAB 2026

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LAS VEGAS, April 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — (2026 NAB Show) – Quickplay, the Content to Value Operating System, today unveiled a broad array of company news including: an AI-enriched solution that identifies social signals and trending topics, and connects them to relevant content within minutes; transformative customer deployments; and powerful industry research and partnerships.

Debuting at NAB, Social Signals is a new technology within Quickplay AI Studio that identifies trending cultural moments and matches them with high-value content assets to automatically generate social-ready clips and posts. By combining external trend data with performance insights from owned channels, Social Signals enables content teams to move from insight to publishing in minutes, rather than days.

Social Signals is a key part of Quickplay’s AI Studio Solution, which includes metadata enrichment, moment detection, smart verticalization and multi-platform publishing. Its Smart Verticalizer uses multimodal AI and action tracking to intelligently reframe video –preserving key visual elements such as faces, gameplay and on-screen graphics – to maintain broadcast-quality standards across short-form formats. The company has also partnered with Visible Things, the creator-driven platform to deploy the first implementation of Social Signals across the Visible Things infrastructure.

Quickplay further announced it has gone live with Gray Media (NYSE: GTN)’s new streaming experience, which included consolidating 1,300 digital touchpoint, including 163 websites, 326 mobile apps and 815 CTV apps onto a single data-driven platform powered by Quickplay and Google Cloud (NASDAQ: GOOGL). The system now manages 269 live channels and 123 FAST channels across Amazon Prime Video, Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU), Samsung TV Plus, Vizio and Fire TV, delivering hyper-local content to 37% of U.S. TV households.

Quickplay also announced the cloud-native transformation of Television New Zealand’s streaming platform, TVNZ+. Completed in 12 months, Quickplay replaced a fragmented ecosystem of six+ vendors across UI/UX, content management, video processing, advertising and analytics with a single, unified platform. The team at TVNZ also named Amazon Web Services (NASDAQ: AMZN) as its preferred cloud platform for the transformation, further increasing efficiencies and lowering costs by consolidating onto a single cloud vendor. The technology overhaul will drive unprecedented innovation and efficiency for TVNZ, New Zealand’s state-owned broadcaster, which reaches over two million New Zealanders daily.

“Broadcasters don’t need another point solution. They need an AI-enabled operating system that turns content into measurable outcomes,” said Paul Pastor, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Quickplay. “At NAB, we’re showing how to bring cultural moments, content catalogs and distribution workflows together to create engaging and revenue opportunities in real time.”

In partnership with Caretta Research, Quickplay will also release new research, “The Broadcaster Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” highlighting a critical bottleneck in the industry: North American broadcasters spend approximately 75% of their time on technical workflows, leaving only 25% for content creation. The report outlines how automated workflows and unified operations can help broadcasters meet the growing demand for short-form video while maintaining editorial quality and accelerating monetization.

Additionally, Quickplay has joined NAB PILOT, a coalition of innovators, educators and advocates dedicated to advancing broadcast technologies and cultivating new media opportunities. As a part of this group, Quickplay is expanding its collaboration with broadcasters to redefine how value is derived from content.

Quickplay at NAB 2026:

Paul Pastor, Jordan Bartow, and Peter Tanner of Quickplay, and Albert Lai of Google Cloud will be on a panel: An Audience of One: How Gray Media + Google Cloud + Quickplay are Using AI and Cloud OTT to Personalize Local News, Enable User-Generated Content, Engage Younger Viewers, and Unlock New Revenue for Broadcasters. Central Hall Stage, Monday, April 20 at 4:15p PTAt the NAB Streaming Summit TVNZ’s Chief Digital Officer, Rob Hutchinson, will present “How TVNZ+ Built a Co-Viewing Product” on Tuesday, April 21 at 11:30 AM PT.Live Demonstrations: See Quickplay technology in action at AWS, GCP, TwelveLabs and the Encore. To book a meeting, email hello@quickplay.com

About Quickplay:
Quickplay is the Content to Value Operating System for media and entertainment, connecting every stage of the content lifecycle, from creation to monetization. By applying intelligence where it drives measurable impact, Quickplay enables broadcasters, sports operators, streamers, and creators to turn their catalogs into revenue. Quickplay powers 2.5 billion streaming minutes per month, with 5 billion ad impressions served and 99.999% streaming uptime. 

Quickplay was founded by four innovators with deep media and entertainment technology experience from AT&T, McKinsey and Company, The Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Headquartered in Toronto, the company has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chennai, and throughout Europe. For more information, visit quickplay.com.

Media Contact:
Breakaway Communications for Quickplay
quickplaypr@breakawaycom.com
+1 917-731-5734

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quickplays-triple-play-of-new-customers-products-and-partnerships-set-to-dominate-nab-2026-302746637.html

SOURCE Quickplay

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