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Woolpert Acquires Bluesky International, UK’s Largest Commercial Aerial Survey Firm

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The acquisition adds over 100 survey and mapping professionals and expands Woolpert’s ability to mobilize quickly to collect geospatial data worldwide. 

DAYTON, Ohio, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Woolpert has acquired Bluesky International, the largest aerial survey firm in the United Kingdom and the U.K. government’s supplier of choice for aerial photography and height data. The private, multidisciplinary geospatial solutions firm specializes in aerial imaging, lidar, 3D modeling, vegetation, and renewables mapping. Bluesky is headquartered in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, and has a staff of over 130 across the U.K., Ireland, the United States, and India.

Woolpert is a global leader in geospatial services, collecting and processing imagery and lidar data from mountaintops to the seafloor. With the addition of Bluesky’s fleet of aircraft and sensors, world-class capabilities, and range of innovative data products, Woolpert further expands its industry leadership position across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Woolpert also will be able to leverage Bluesky’s Mapshop, a collection of high-resolution geospatial data and mapping products available for purchase online, to support a range of clients’ infrastructure and planning needs.

“Bluesky was an obvious choice to join the Woolpert family of companies, not just for its dedication to geospatial excellence, but also for its commitment to client satisfaction and workplace culture,” Woolpert President and CEO Neil Churman said. “With the addition of Bluesky to Woolpert’s trans-Atlantic team, together, we’ll be able to offer clients across Europe and North America a truly comprehensive set of geospatial services and products. We are beyond thrilled to embark upon the new opportunities that Bluesky and Woolpert will bring to each other and to our clients.”

Bluesky CEO Rachel Tidmarsh said that the Bluesky team is excited to join Woolpert’s global network of geospatial experts and resources.

“We’re looking forward to being part of a firm that shares our passion and excitement about geospatial data and analysis, and creating an impact for our clients and communities,” Tidmarsh said. “Woolpert’s extensive expertise in all things geospatial, as well as the addition of their architecture and engineering services, opens up a new realm of possibilities for our clients. We couldn’t be more excited about the ability to service our clients as a truly one-stop shop with this world-leading geospatial team.”

Churman added that this acquisition complements the capabilities of Murphy Geospatial, which joined Woolpert in 2024.

“Murphy Geospatial specializes in mobile and indoor mapping, asset monitoring, subsurface engineering, and 3D digital twin development across Ireland, the U.K. and into Europe,” Churman said. “We see a tremendous complement between the Murphy and Bluesky teams.”

About Bluesky International
Bluesky International is the leading aerial survey company in the UK and is the UK Government’s supplier of choice for national aerial photography and height data. Bluesky produces and maintains national aerial photography and height data of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland on regular update programmes. Bluesky also undertakes bespoke surveys, including LiDAR, for a range of public and private sector clients. Bluesky International operates a range of aircraft and sensors including three Ultracam Eagle Mark 3s, a TerrainMapper and two CityMappers which allow the simultaneous collection of vertical and oblique imagery, as well as LiDAR data. These systems put Bluesky International in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and cost-effective geospatial solutions. As well as being an established and respected aerial survey company, Bluesky International is highly innovative and continually strives to develop new products and services, embracing new technology and methods. This has resulted in the development of some unique products such as the National Tree Map™ (NTM™) and the National Hedgerow Map™ (NHM™). These datasets underpin long term contracts with local and central governments and many major blue-chip companies from a range of market sectors including financial services, utilities, telecoms, insurance, construction and environment. Bluesky International has offices in the UK, US, Republic of Ireland and two dedicated production centres in India. For more information, please visit www.bluesky-world.com

About Woolpert
Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private, and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is a Global Top 100 Geospatial Company, a Top 50 ENR Global Design firm, and has earned eight Great Place to Work certifications. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America’s fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. Woolpert has over 2,700 employees and more than 60 offices on five continents. For more, visit woolpert.com.

Media Contact
Lynn Rossi
312-837-2017

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Leading Vision Plans for Retirees (2026): VSP Vision Care Highlighted for Senior-Friendly Eye Care Benefits by Expert Consumers

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NEW YORK, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As more individuals transition into retirement, maintaining consistent access to vision care is becoming an important part of overall health planning. A recent report by Expert Consumers examines how individual vision insurance options are adapting to meet these needs, with VSP® Vision Care Individual Vision Plans identified as a structured option for retirees seeking predictable and accessible eye care coverage.

Vision Insurance for Seniors

VSP® Vision Care – individual vision plans offering routine eye exams, eyewear allowances, and predictable costs designed to support consistent, accessible eye care throughout retirement

The report notes that while many retirees prioritize medical insurance, vision care is often handled separately. Regular eye exams and updated prescriptions are important not only for maintaining clear vision but also for identifying early signs of certain health conditions. This has increased interest in standalone vision plans that provide defined benefits without relying on employer-sponsored coverage.

Access to Individual Vision Plans

Individual vision plans are designed to give retirees flexibility and independence when selecting coverage. Providers such as VSP Vision Care offer plans that can be purchased directly and tailored to different levels of care.

Common features include:

Multiple plan options with clearly outlined benefitsCoverage for routine eye care servicesTransparent pricing structures for easier budgeting

This approach allows retirees to continue receiving routine vision services without interruption after leaving the workforce.

Preventive Care Through Routine Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are a central component of many vision plans, including those offered by VSP Vision Care. These exams are typically available with fixed copays, helping reduce uncertainty around healthcare expenses.

Eye exams also play a role in preventive care and may help detect early signs of:

DiabetesHigh blood pressureAge-related vision conditions

Including regular exams as a core benefit supports ongoing monitoring of both eye health and general health.

Eyewear Coverage and Allowances

Coverage for eyewear is another key feature for retirees. Vision plans often include allowances that can be applied toward glasses or contact lenses on a recurring basis.

Typical benefits include:

Periodic allowances for frames or contact lensesCoverage for standard and progressive lensesReduced costs for lens enhancements like anti-glaire coating and scratch resistance

These features help individuals manage the recurring need for updated prescriptions and replacement eyewear.

Cost Transparency and Savings

Affordability remains an important consideration in retirement. Structured pricing models are designed to provide clarity and predictability in out-of-pocket expenses.

Common cost features include:

Set copays for routine services like eye examsDefined allowances for eyewear purchasesDiscounts on additional items beyond standard coverage

At this stage of the analysis, Expert Consumers highlights that predictable pricing and defined savings structures can help retirees better plan their spending over time.

Additional Benefits and Ongoing Value

Beyond core coverage, many vision plans include added features that extend their value. These may include savings on lens upgrades and a worry-free eyewear guarantee through participating Premier Edge locations.

Individual Vision Plans from VSP Vision Care also incorporate these types of benefits, supporting ongoing access to vision care while helping manage costs over time.

Such features provide flexibility for retirees who may require specialized eyewear or multiple pairs of glasses.

Key Considerations for Retirees

Selecting a vision plan in retirement involves evaluating several practical factors:

The balance between cost and coverageAccess to preventive and routine careOptions in eyewear benefits

Understanding how these elements work together can help retirees choose plans that support long-term vision care needs while remaining manageable in cost.

The Expert Consumers article notes that structured vision plans with clearly defined benefits and consistent pricing can support ongoing eye care needs. Individual vision plans,such as those offered by VSP Vision Care, reflect a model focused on preventive care and cost predictability for retirees managing their healthcare independently.

About VSP Vision Care

VSP Vision Care provides members access affordable eye care and eyewear through thousands of network providers. As the only national not-for-profit company in vision care, we reinvest our profits back into the communities we serve so that everyone can enjoy a lifetime of well-being.

About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-vision-plans-for-retirees-2026-vsp-vision-care-highlighted-for-senior-friendly-eye-care-benefits-by-expert-consumers-302760333.html

SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org

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Asian American Engineer of the Year Award and Conference Announces First Phase of 2025-2026 Awardees

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian American Engineer of the Year Award (AAEOY) Executive Committee announces the AAEOY 2025-2026 first phase awardees as follows:

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel Corporation

Distinguished Leadership in Science and Technology Award

Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University

Executive of the Year Award

Dr. Xiaodong Che, Chief Technology Officer, Western DigitalDr. Sam Heidari, CEO, LumotiveDr. Jungwon Lee, Corporate Executive Vice President, Samsung ElectronicsDr. Liu Ren, Vice President & Chief Scientist, Bosch ResearchMr. Brandon Wang, Vice President, Synopsys

Engineer of the Year Award

Ms. Vivian Ye, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T

Most Promising Engineer of the Year Award

Mr. Max Fang, Director of Architecture, AmbarellaMr. Johnny Ho, CSO & Co-founder, Perplexity AI

The AAEOY Award has been presented annually since 2002 as a cornerstone of the National Engineers Week program, honoring distinguished Asian American professionals across academia, public service, and industry. Since its inception, the AAEOY has recognized over 300 honorees — including nine Nobel Laureates, pioneering scholars, prominent corporate executives, and an astronaut — serving as a beacon of inspiration for the global STEM community. After a series of impactful ceremonies nationwide, the 2025-2026 AAEOY Award and Conference returns to the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 18-19, 2026.

For more information regarding the AAEOY program, awardees, and event registration, please visit www.aaeoy.org.

The Chinese Institute of Engineers in USA (CIE-USA), founded in 1917, is a nonprofit professional organization that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); supports professional advancement and leadership development; and recognizes the achievements of Asian American professionals through flagship programs such as the Asian American Engineer of the Year (AAEOY) Awards. One of the oldest and most prestigious Chinese American engineering associations in the United States, CIE-USA has seven regional chapters nationwide and hosts events throughout the year.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-american-engineer-of-the-year-award-and-conference-announces-first-phase-of-2025-2026-awardees-302760569.html

SOURCE AAEOY

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Larry Kellerman, Fermi’s Chief Power Officer and Architect of Its 17 GW Energy Infrastructure, Accepts Board Nomination

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DALLAS, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and largest shareholder of Fermi America (NASDAQ & LSE: FRMI), today announced that he has nominated Larry Kellerman to join the Fermi Board of Directors. Kellerman, who serves as Chief Power Officer at Fermi America, is the architect of the Company’s 17-gigawatt powered data center campus in Amarillo, Texas — the largest private energy grid in America.

Kellerman is co-founder and Managing Partner of Twenty First Century Utilities and brings more than four decades of power industry and finance expertise to the role. His career spans senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, El Paso Corporation, and I Squared Capital. Kellerman said he was honored by the nomination and would be pleased to serve if approved by the Board.

“I appreciate everything that Toby has manifested in Fermi and know that no other human could have created the enterprise and its many thoughtfully interconnected elements as quickly, as effectively, and in as value-accretive a manner as Toby’s leadership has been able to deliver.”
— Larry Kellerman, Chief Power Officer and Board Nominee, Fermi America

For Neugebauer, the choice was crystal clear. Kellerman, who has worked alongside Neugebauer since the earliest days of Project Matador knows Fermi’s power story better than anyone.

“When I came up with the idea of Project Matador, I knew that Larry Kellerman was the one person I needed to convert a really great idea into a really great reality. His knowledge of power and the future of powering data centers is unmatched. Larry is uniquely qualified to steward Fermi as a Board member, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his willingness to serve.”
— Toby Neugebauer, Co-Founder, Fermi America

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/larry-kellerman-fermis-chief-power-officer-and-architect-of-its-17-gw-energy-infrastructure-accepts-board-nomination-302760575.html

SOURCE Toby Neugebauer

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