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Zum EV Program Manager Pallav Prakash Named 2024 School Transportation News Innovator of the Year

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Company’s Clean Energy Expert Honored for Implementing Electric School Bus Conversion with Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Pallav Prakash, EV Program Manager for Zūm, has been named the 2024 Innovator of the Year by Student Transportation News (STN).

This prestigious annual award, which “recognizes an individual who has made significant, tangible contributions to the industry” honors Prakash for his exceptional leadership and pioneering work to electrify Zum’s school bus fleets and deploy revolutionary vehicle-to-grid technology that is leading student transportation into the green era.

“The key to innovative success is having the right team, and I share this award with my outstanding colleagues and partners who have helped improve the lives of children and communities through student transportation,” said Prakash. “I am tremendously grateful to STN for this honor, and I am proud to dedicate my career to driving the clean energy sector forward.”

Prakash, a renowned expert in sustainable technology and clean energy infrastructure, led the team to launch the first major U.S. school district to have an all-electric school bus fleet with groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology at Oakland Unified School District in California.

“Dr. Prakash’s unmatched expertise and commitment to advancing sustainable practices makes him an integral part of Zum’s team – and an influential voice for our industry,” said Zum Founder and CEO Ritu Narayan. “His work promotes equitable clean energy access, improves environmental health, and creates safer student transportation. We are so proud that he has been named STN Innovator of the Year. It is a high honor for our leadership team in a landmark year for the company.”

With a distinguished academic background and 20+ years of leadership experience, Prakash’s role at Zum includes coordinating with educational institutions, local utilities, community stakeholders and regulators. His team’s project in Oakland set a new industry benchmark by successfully navigating the local utility permit process and completing the construction phase in record time.

In May, Zum announced that Oakland Unified School District will be the first major school district in the U.S. to transition to a 100% electrified school bus system. Additionally, the buses will be enabled with bidirectional charging that will send energy back to the grid. Among the many supporters of Zum’s mission is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has awarded Zum $58 million in 2024 to deploy electric school buses in school districts nationwide.

“It is with great honor that we announce Dr. Prakash as the recipient of the 2024 STN Innovator of the Year award,” said Tony Corpin, President and Publisher of STN Media Group. “Dr. Prakash’s visionary work in deploying electric school buses equipped with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology across the USA stands as a testament to his outstanding commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions. His efforts not only enhance the operational efficiency of school transportation but also significantly contribute to environmental sustainability.”

Prakash will receive his award at STN’s Green Bus Summit on July 14 in Reno, Nevada.

Zum manages and operates student transportation for school districts in 14 states, including California, Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland, Texas, Illinois, Tennessee, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, and Missouri. To learn more about how Zum works with thousands of schools nationwide to deliver safe, reliable, equitable, and sustainable student transportation, please visit Zum’s website.

About Zum
Zum has modernized student transportation, the nation’s largest mass transit system, and developed sustainable ways to charge the grid. Zum’s robust operations and integrated end-to-end cloud-based platform provides a modern student transportation service for school districts purpose-built around the needs of kids and the expectations of modern families. Zum provides one seamless, real-time interface for parents, drivers, schools, districts, administrators, and operators to transport children safely and with increased visibility and personalized care. Always investing in the wellbeing of communities, Zum is also the only carbon neutral student transportation provider in the nation with plans to go Net Zero with its transition to EV electric buses. Zum is available nationwide, serving more than 4,000 schools across the U.S. Learn more at www.ridezum.com.

CONTACT:
press@ridezum.com

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SOURCE Zūm

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Haloid Solutions Expands Access to Radio Equipment by Offering Flexible Financing and Leasing Solutions Named HaloidFLEX

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NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As part of Haloid Solutions’ long-term commitment to helping businesses and municipalities acquire critical communications equipment despite budgetary constraints, Haloid now offers specialized financing and leasing programs through its HaloidFLEX program.

Designed to ensure that companies and governments have the equipment they need without costly capital expenditures outlays, HaloidFLEX offers financing for equipment purchased directly from manufacturers or local radio dealers. HaloidFLEX financing offers zero percent and low-interest options as well as predictable monthly payments for qualified buyers. HaloidFLEX clients can even opt to incorporate extended support services and protections into their financing to prepare for accidents, theft, or equipment losses. This gives companies peace of mind with one low monthly payment.

For organizations that don’t want or need to own equipment long-term, the HaloidFLEX leasing program offers similar benefits with potential tax advantages. Companies can lease brand new equipment and upgrade or return it at lease-end as needed. For companies seeking flexible options – or those that are interested in upgrading to the latest technology as it becomes available – leasing makes perfect sense.

One of the added benefits of each program is that HaloidFLEX allows clients to bundle services and protections that would normally be billed separately. Accidental damage, theft, and loss protections can be put in place, so that there’s never a lapse in communication if a radio fails. Extended warranties are also available upon request, so companies can customize their financing and protection to fit their budget and safeguard their equipment simultaneously.

According to a Haloid Solutions spokesperson, “Bundling expenses simply makes sense. It reduces the need for multiple policies and flexes with organizations to ensure critical communication equipment is available when needed while guaranteeing that the company’s investment is protected for the life of the equipment.”

HaloidFLEX financing and leasing programs are available to qualified businesses and municipalities nationwide. To learn more or request a customized quote, visit HaloidSolutions.com.

About Haloid Solutions

Haloid Solutions is the go-to resource for U.S. businesses and municipalities in search of financing and leasing for two-way radios, walkie talkies, communications equipment, accessories, and services. Focused on reliability, affordability, and performance, Haloid strives to equip professionals in all communication-based industries with the resources they need most.

For more information about Haloid Solutions, or details about the HaloidFLEX financing or leasing programs, please visit  https://haloidsolutions.com/collections/lmr-radio-financing-and-leasing-and-subscription-low-cost-payment-options-for-2-way-radio-equipment or contact us on our website.

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SOURCE HALOID SOLUTIONS

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CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

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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/

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SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.

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Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

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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/.

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SOURCE Vipboss

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