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Discover Inland Empire Partners with GuideGeek to Launch New AI Travel Genius, ‘Joshua’

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INLAND EMPIRE, Calif., Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Travelers planning a trip to California’s Inland Empire, which includes Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, among other popular destinations, can now rely on “Joshua,” an AI travel genius that provides instant answers to any travel or tourism questions about the area. Joshua leverages GuideGeek artificial intelligence technology from Matador Network.

“The Inland Empire is really having a moment right now — it’s one of those underrated gems that more and more travelers are starting to discover,” says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. “From epic stargazing at Joshua Tree to world-class wineries and Route 66, the region offers such a cool mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back California culture, with a growing focus on wellness and sustainability. Joshua makes it easy for travelers to find their perfect experience, whether they’re into off-roading, glamping or just looking to relax and explore.”

Travelers can prompt Joshua to plan a full itinerary or answer specific questions about outdoor activities, local restaurants, historical landmarks and more. The personalized, real-time responses are generated by AI trained on extensive data from DiscoverIE.com, coupled with over 1,000 integrations for travel information from GuideGeek’s award-winning technology.

“As soon as it launched, we noticed people using Joshua for general information — questions like, ‘What are the must-see attractions in San Bernardino?’ — but then exploring deeper and finding hidden gems like glamping sites or boutique hotels,” says Freddy Bi, CEO and president of Discover Inland Empire. “Joshua knows every inch of our stretch of Route 66 and is the perfect companion for an EV road trip, no matter which of the 59 cities and towns in the region you decide to explore.”

By adopting this technology, Discover Inland Empire joins the ranks of other destination marketing organizations (DMOs or tourism boards) around the world, including those in Aruba, Greece and Reno/Lake Tahoe, further elevating the Inland Empire’s appeal to modern travelers. The launch of Joshua marks a key initiative to position the region as a standout destination in Southern California. To access the AI genius, travelers can use WhatsApp or visit DiscoverIE.com and click the chat icon in the bottom right corner.

About Discover Inland Empire

Established in 1988, Discover Inland Empire is the official destination marketing organization for California’s San Bernardino County and Riverside County, the most diverse destination in the United States. It is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit global marketing organization dedicated to promoting overnight stays to the international and large-scale event sectors which will create a sustainable tourism economy within the Inland Empire. Discover Inland Empire is recognized by the State as the destination marketing organization for the Inland Empire region. More information is available at www.DiscoverIE.com. Follow @nowDiscoverIE on Facebook, Instagram and X.

About Matador Network

Matador Network is the world’s No. 1 media brand for modern adventurers and creator of the free AI travel genius GuideGeek. With more than 16 million followers across social media, Matador has become a leading travel brand through its production of article features, city guides, creator-first content and original videos. Matador is the top-ranking travel brand on TikTok and its videos are viewed more than 140 million times per month. It has content distribution deals with American Airlines, Hearst Media and GSTV, and works with brands like Ford, REI, Samsung, YETI, Southwest Airlines, Visit California and Microsoft. matadornetwork.com.

Media Contact:
Jason Simms
860-526-1555
388205@email4pr.com

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IdentityIQ Expands Access to Identity Protection and Financial Wellness Tools with New Spanish-Language Experience

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New Spanish-language version brings identity protection, credit monitoring and financial health resources to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the U.S.

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IdentityIQ, a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, today announced the launch of new plans now in Spanish, expanding access to comprehensive identity and credit protection to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the United States.

The new Spanish-language experience gives consumers the ability to enroll, access their member dashboard and manage their financial health entirely in Spanish. The launch also supports B2B partners serving Spanish-speaking customers with a localized partner experience.

“Financial protection shouldn’t depend on language,” said Rick Eggleton, chief revenue officer for IDIQ, which operates the IdentityIQ brand. “Our Spanish-language offering gives millions of consumers greater access to the tools they need to protect their identity, credit and financial health.”

The Spanish-language plans include IdentityIQ’s most comprehensive suite of identity protection and financial wellness tools, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity theft alerts, credit score tracking, optional rent and utility payment reporting, credit education and other financial health resources.

The launch addresses a significant gap in the financial services marketplace, where language barriers can limit access to tools that help consumers monitor their credit, detect potential identity theft and build stronger financial profiles.

“This is more than translating a product,” Eggleton said. “It’s about making identity protection and financial wellness easier to understand, easier to access and more relevant to Spanish-speaking consumers.”

The launch reflects IdentityIQ’s broader commitment to making identity protection and financial wellness more accessible to underserved communities. By offering its core services in Spanish, IdentityIQ is helping remove language barriers that can make it more difficult for consumers to understand and actively manage their credit and financial health.

The Spanish-language launch also expands opportunities for IdentityIQ’s B2B partners to provide identity protection and financial wellness benefits to Spanish-speaking customers and employees.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to understand and take control of their financial wellness,” Eggleton said. “Expanding our premium plan in Spanish is an important step toward making that possible for millions of consumers.”

For more information on IdentityIQ’s Spanish-language plans and its comprehensive identity protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, visit https://www.identityiq.com.

About IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ®, offered by IDIQ®, is a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions. IdentityIQ helps consumers monitor and protect their identities, credit and personal information through comprehensive monitoring, alerts and recovery support services.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/identityiq-expands-access-to-identity-protection-and-financial-wellness-tools-with-new-spanish-language-experience-302866626.html

SOURCE IDIQ

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BKF Appoints Andrew Esposito Chief Financial Officer

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People-focused AEC industry veteran appointed to support strategic growth

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BKF, the premier AEC firm in the Western United States, today announced the appointment of Andrew Esposito as Chief Financial Officer, a strategic addition to its executive leadership team as the firm continues to invest in growth, expand its market presence, and pursue new opportunities across the region.

A proven financial and operational leader, Esposito brings extensive experience guiding organizations through periods of expansion while maintaining a strong focus on culture, performance, and long-term value creation. As CFO, Esposito will lead BKF’s financial strategy and operations, helping position the firm for its next chapter of growth while supporting the company’s commitment to employees, clients, and strategic partners.

“Andrew brings a rare combination of financial acumen, operational insight, and people-centered leadership to BKF,” said CEO Darren Riegler. “He understands that the most successful organizations are built on a foundation of trust, shared values, and disciplined growth. His experience and perspective will help us continue expanding our impact, strengthening our partnerships, and creating long-term value for our people and our partners.”

Most recently, Esposito served as CFO at WSP USA, where he had end-to-end responsibility for the finance operations of an approximately $8 billion business. During his tenure, he helped scale the finance organization through a threefold increase in revenue and headcount. He also played a senior role in more than a dozen acquisitions and carve-outs totaling approximately $5 billion in transaction value.

“Strong financial performance and strong organizations are built together,” said Esposito. “From the beginning, I was drawn to BKF’s culture, energy, and strong sense of purpose, as well as its reputation for innovation, client focus, and sustained growth. I’m excited to work alongside the leadership team to build on that momentum, support the firm’s long-term success, and help advance our shared vision of becoming the preeminent infrastructure firm in the Western U.S.”

The appointment comes as BKF continues to execute its growth strategy, building on the successful merger with MNS and acquisition of Lotus Water to expand its capabilities and deliver greater value across the full project lifecycle.

About BKF

For more than 110 years, BKF has partnered with public and private clients to plan, design, and deliver infrastructure projects that strengthens communities throughout the Western United States. With more than 800 people across 20 offices, BKF provides planning, engineering, surveying, program and construction management, and consulting services for transportation, water, government, and land development projects.

Our mission is simple: Do great work, grow a thriving business, and delight our clients. We believe great infrastructure starts with strong relationships, collaboration, and a shared vision for building a better future. Together with our clients, BKF tackles the region’s most complex challenges and creates lasting impact in the communities where we work.

For more information, visit bkf.com

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The World Is Invited: Edison Awards Opens Nominations for Its 40th Anniversary Year

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A Global Icon of Innovation Marks Four Decades — And Calls On Innovators Everywhere to Step Forward

FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forty years ago, a handful of bold ideas changed how the world lives, works, and moves. Today, the Edison Awards, one of the world’s most recognized names in innovation, throws open its doors for its landmark 40th anniversary, inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, and enterprises on every continent to put their breakthroughs on the world stage.

“We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards.

Starting September 1, 2026, nominations open for the 2027 Edison Best New Product Awards™. Whether it’s a five-person startup team working out of a garage or a Fortune 500 R&D powerhouse, the invitation is the same: bring the innovation you’re proudest of and let the world see it. Nominations close December 15, 2026, with winners revealed in March 2027.

“Forty years ago, the Edison Awards set out to celebrate the innovators bold enough to reimagine what’s possible and that mission has only grown more urgent, and more global, with every passing year,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards. “This anniversary year is shaping up to be our most exciting yet. We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together.”

Four Decades of Naming What’s Next

Since 1987, the Edison Awards has celebrated the products and ideas that went on to define entire industries in health, sustainability, mobility, and technology. Forty years in, the program isn’t slowing down: it’s expanding, honoring nominees from startups to global enterprises, from every corner of the map.

Two New Awards Built for a Global Stage

Two new honors join the program: The Global Excellence Award, for the best innovation across five regions North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific and The Innovation at Scale Award, honoring standout innovation from Startup/Emerging (under 10 employees) to Global Enterprise (5,000+ employees).

2027 Award Categories

Commercial Technology, Consumer Solutions, Critical Human Infrastructure, Cultural Impact & Education, Energy & Climate Resiliency, Engineering & Robotics, Health, Medical & Biotech, Lifestyle, Entertainment & Design, Manufacturing & Logistics, Materials Science, Public Safety, Security & Digital Integrity, Software Solutions, Transportation, Aerospace & Flight, and Water, Food & Agriculture.

The Call Is Open — Here’s How to Answer It

Early Bird: September 1 – October 15, 2026. General: October 16 – December 15, 2026.

Eligible products launched January 2025–January 2027, judged on Concept, Value, and Impact.

Be counted among them. Submit your nomination at www.edisonawards.com.

About The Edison Awards: Established in 1987, the Edison Best New Product Awards™ honor excellence in product and service innovation transforming how we live, work, and play. Inspired by Thomas Edison’s legacy, the program recognizes game-changing solutions worldwide, offering global recognition, credibility, and connections that drive growth.

Media Contact

Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards, 1 7732305744, fbonafilia@edisonawards.com, https://edisonawards.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-world-is-invited-edison-awards-opens-nominations-for-its-40th-anniversary-year-302864733.html

SOURCE Edison Awards

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