Technology

VINFAST AND DURANGO DRIVERS’ UNION SIGN STRATEGIC MOU ON GREEN TRANSITION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN MEXICO

Published

1 year ago

November 4, 2024

HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VinFast and the Durango Drivers’ Union in Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the green transition of public transport, including the potential purchase of 3,000 VF 5 electric cars and 300 electric buses by Durango Driver’s Union for operation in Mexico. This strategic partnership underscores the growing global interest in VinFast’s electric vehicles, highlighting their ability to meet the evolving needs of diverse markets.

Under the agreement, both parties will negotiate the sale of VF 5 electric vehicles and electric buses to the Union of Drivers and Related Workers of Durango, a member of the Confederation of Mexico Workers (CTM) for public passenger transport in Durango City, replacing the current gasoline-powered fleet.

Additionally, VinFast and its affiliate, V-Green, and CTM will collaborate in studying, setting up, installing, and/or operating charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and electric buses in Durango, creating a convenient and extensive charging network to meet the needs of both personal and public transport vehicles.

This cooperation will contribute to the greening of transportation and the development of the EV ecosystem in Durango City and across Mexico. Replacing the gasoline fleet with electric vehicles will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, while also helping the Durango Drivers’ Union save on operating costs and create new jobs through the installation and operation of the charging system.

A subsidiary of Vingroup, the leading private conglomerate in Vietnam, VinFast offers a full range of electric vehicles, from cars and buses to scooters and bikes. Their compact e-SUV VF 5 is a popular choice for both individual drivers and taxi fleets due to its good value, reliability, nice design, smart technologies. VinFast’s electric buses are designed with versatile capacities and options, prioritizing safety with the latest technology. These vehicles, along with others in VinFast’s lineup, have been adopted by various transportation companies throughout Vietnam, playing a crucial role in familiarizing the public with EVs and promoting a greener transportation landscape.

Ms. Pham Thuy Linh, Deputy CEO at VinFast, stated: “We are impressed by the State of Durango and CTM’s strong commitment to a green transition. This shared vision for a sustainable future aligns perfectly with VinFast’s core values. With our high-quality electric vehicles and our affiliates’ s expertise in taxi operation and charging infrastructure, we are confident in our ability to support the State of Durango in realizing their vision, creating a lasting impact on the state and the broader Mexican landscape.”

Mr. Juan Erik Mercado Rangel, on behalf of Mr. Ricardo Fidel Pacheco Rodríguez, General Secretary, and Mr. Juan Pedro Mercado Gallegos, Deputy General Secretary of the Durango Drivers’ Union, remarked: “We are thrilled to collaborate with VinFast, a global EV brand. Their vehicles, their green mobility eco-system, as well as their grand vision and spirit of partnership have truly impressed us. CTM believes that this collaboration not only paves the way for enhanced transportation services but also positions us at the forefront of the global shift toward sustainable mobility.”

While still at an early stage, Mexico’s electric vehicle market is experiencing a rapid uptick. The country’s potential for EV adoption is significant, and the Mexican government is exploring incentives to further stimulate the sector.

As a global electric vehicle brand, VinFast is at the forefront of solutions and collaborations aimed at promoting the greening of transportation worldwide. Recently, in September 2024, VinFast marked a significant milestone by becoming the first EV car brand to top sales in Vietnam, establishing its presence with a diverse range of EV models in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.com/vn_en

About CTM
The Union of Drivers and Workers of the CTM in Durango, founded on August 8, 1932, is one of the city’s key players in public transportation. Currently, it operates around 65% of the transportation concessions, with a fleet exceeding 300 buses and 5,000 taxis, along with additional services such as personnel, school, and tourist transportation, thus meeting a wide range of mobility needs within the region. As a member of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), the country’s largest labor organization, the Union is dedicated to securing workers’ rights and promoting fair working conditions within the transport sector.

The Union is developing an innovative business model aimed at acquiring 100% electric vehicles for fleet renewal. This project seeks to modernize the service, reduce carbon emissions, and support Durango’s environmental commitment, aligning with global trends toward the electrification of transportation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vinfast-and-durango-drivers-union-sign-strategic-mou-on-green-transition-of-public-transport-in-mexico-302295005.html

SOURCE Vinfast Auto LLC

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

8 hours ago

April 24, 2026

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-colleen-reilly-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-inner-circle-of-excellence-302753052.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

8 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-contributor-kianga-moore-to-host-executive-media-roundtable-on-ais-transformational-impact-in-retail-302753148.html

SOURCE Vendormint

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

9 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairway-home-mortgage-earns-prestigious-usa-today-top-workplaces-award-for-6th-consecutive-year-302753183.html

SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage