Connect with us

Technology

Batteries Plus Thousand Oaks Steps Up During Wildfires, Offers Essential Tips for Battery-Powered Protection

Published

on

Despite Outage, Local Franchise Store Goes Above and Beyond to Serve Community, Highlighting Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Powered off generators, Batteries Plus Thousand Oaks remained open to support community during wildfire emergencyFurthering commitment to the community, Batteries Plus Rosemead offered employee pricing for customers affected by wildfires and visited local Fire Departments to donate AA and AAA batteriesAdditionally, Batteries Plus Ventura remained open despite power outages to support the community, stocking power stations and solar panels in an attempt to help the community stay poweredSpecialty battery retailer highlights importance of backup power sources, offers essential tips for maintaining battery performance during extreme weather events

HARTLAND, Wis., Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As wildfires impacted Southern California, Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest specialty battery retailer, took proactive measures to support affected communities while educating consumers on critical battery protection strategies.

Powering the Local Community
In Thousand Oaks, Calif., the local Batteries Plus store emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the crisis. Despite losing power itself as the store sat just miles from the devastating Palisades Fire, the store powered up a generator to remain open, extending its hours well past closing time to assist community members in need.

“When our community faced a crisis like these devastating wildfires, Batteries Plus isn’t just a business—we’re a lifeline,” said Jeffrey Hirth, franchisee of Batteries Plus Thousand Oaks. “Our commitment goes beyond selling batteries; it’s about supporting our neighbors when they need us most. By staying open during power outages and providing critical battery services, we aimed to help residents stay connected, powered, and safe during these challenging times.”

This extraordinary commitment did not go unnoticed, with residents praising the store’s dedication.

“The customer service on a normal day is stellar, and they go above and beyond,” said “S. Richards” in a recent Google review. “I am not surprised that when the community is in a time of need—raging wildfires and power outages amidst the worst wind storm since 2011—that Batteries Plus stayed open past closing, even with no power, to help community members with any battery needs and to fix generators.”

Near the Eaton Fire, the Batteries Plus store in Rosemead recognized its community’s immediate need for power supplies. The franchise owners offered an employee discount for all its customers in need, as well as visiting the local Fire Departments to donate AA and AAA batteries.

In Ventura, the local Batteries Plus store remained open despite the power outages plaguing the community to help those in need. Specifically, the franchise owner stocked up on power stations and solar panels to keep the community powered.

Battery Protection Tips
As extreme weather events and natural disasters can strike with little warning, Batteries Plus emphasizes the importance of battery maintenance and emergency preparedness. The company offers the following tips to help consumers protect their batteries and stay powered during crises:

Regular Testing: Have car batteries tested, especially before extreme weather events in regions where temperatures can fluctuate, or where batteries are exposed to extended periods of hot and/or cold weatherProper Storage: Store batteries in cool, dry places to prevent damage from heat and moisture.Emergency Kits: Prepare kits with portable chargers, portable power stations, power banks, spare batteries, weather radios, and jump packs like the X2Power Lithium Jump PackProfessional Installation: Seek expert installation and anti-corrosion treatments to extend battery life for car, solar, and other harder to install batteriesStay Informed: Keep updated on local weather conditions and emergency protocols

For more information on Batteries Plus’s automotive products and services, please visit www.batteriesplus.com/automotive-center. More information on how to find the nearest Batteries Plus retailer store near you can be found at www.batteriesplus.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:
Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, ckoretos@fishmanpr.com or 847-331-1190

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/batteries-plus-thousand-oaks-steps-up-during-wildfires-offers-essential-tips-for-battery-powered-protection-302365449.html

SOURCE Batteries Plus

Continue Reading

Technology

BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

Published

on

By

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

Published

on

By

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3m-announces-collaboration-with-gseo-to-advance-expanded-beam-optical-manufacturing-and-development-302913170.html

SOURCE 3M Company

Continue Reading

Technology

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

Published

on

By

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Continue Reading

Trending