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ESI Named ENR’s 2026 Intermountain Contractor of the Year

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BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When Engineering News-Record named Engineered Structures Inc. (ESI) its 2026 Contractor of the Year for the Intermountain region, the recognition reflected more than the scale of the company’s recent projects. It recognized a contractor that has spent decades building a reputation for complex work, strong customer relationships, employee development, and long-term investment in the communities where it operates.

The award covers ESI’s work across Idaho, Utah, and Montana—three states where the company has continued to grow while maintaining its roots in the Intermountain West.

For ESI, the recognition is ultimately a reflection of the people behind the projects.

A Regional Contractor with a Growing Reach

ESI’s evolution from a regional contractor into one of the nation’s larger construction firms has been built on a willingness to take on increasingly complex work without losing sight of the relationships that made that growth possible.

Today, ESI ranks among the nation’s largest contractors, placing No. 105 on Engineering News-Record’s 2026 Top 400 Contractors list. The company generated more than $850 million in Mountain States revenue in 2025, demonstrating the scale of its presence throughout the region.

That growth has come through a diverse portfolio spanning commercial, education, advanced technology, industrial, mission-critical, and other specialized environments.

But scale alone does not explain the Contractor of the Year recognition.

The award reflects ESI’s ability to bring that experience to projects that are helping shape the future of the communities where the company works.

Building Projects That Shape the Region

Some of ESI’s most visible recent work demonstrates the range and complexity of that responsibility.

In Boise, ESI is constructing office and parking structures as part of Micron’s global headquarters expansion—work connected to one of the largest economic and technological developments in Idaho. The company is also completing major higher-education projects for the College of Western Idaho, including the Health and Science Building, which opened in 2025.

Other projects, such as The Chancery in downtown Boise, demonstrate ESI’s role in transforming existing urban environments and contributing to the continued growth of the region’s communities. ENR specifically highlighted the Micron expansion, the College of Western Idaho Health and Science Building, and The Chancery among the projects contributing to this year’s recognition.

These projects are different in purpose, scale, and complexity. Together, however, they illustrate an important part of ESI’s approach: the ability to adapt its expertise to the needs of each customer and each community.

Whether building an educational facility, supporting advanced technology infrastructure, or helping transform a downtown neighborhood, the work carries consequences that extend well beyond the construction site.

Success Starts with People

Behind every project is a workforce capable of delivering it.

That has remained central to ESI’s identity as the company has grown. “Everyone Succeeds Together” is ESI’s stated purpose, reflecting a belief that long-term success depends on creating an environment where employees, customers, trade partners, and communities can succeed together.

That purpose becomes particularly important as construction projects become more sophisticated and the industry continues to face challenges around workforce development.

ESI has invested in developing employees at every stage of their careers, creating opportunities for people to gain experience in the field, grow into leadership roles, and build careers within the company.

The result is a culture where experience is passed from one generation of employees to the next—helping the company take on more complicated projects while maintaining the knowledge and relationships that have supported its growth.

The ENR recognition is therefore not simply a measure of what ESI has built in the past year. It is also a reflection of the people who have helped build the company itself.

Growing Without Losing Its Roots

As ESI’s geographic reach has expanded, its connection to the Intermountain West has remained an important part of its identity.

The company has continued to invest in the communities where its employees live and where its projects are built. That investment can be seen through its work in education, workforce development, charitable giving, and community partnerships.

The approach reflects a broader understanding of what it means to be a contractor in a growing
region.

Construction companies do more than construct buildings. They help create the schools where students learn, the facilities where businesses grow, the infrastructure communities rely on, and the places where people live and work.

ESI’s recent portfolio reflects that responsibility. Its projects are helping accommodate population growth, support emerging industries, expand educational opportunities, and create new economic activity across the region.

That combination of growth and investment has become an important part of ESI’s continued evolution. The company has grown dramatically from its early days, but its expansion has not changed the principles that have guided it throughout that journey: developing people, building strong relationships, delivering for customers, and investing in the communities it serves.

Being named ENR’s 2026 Intermountain Contractor of the Year is recognition of how those principles have translated into results.

From major developments in downtown Boise to new educational facilities and the expansion of one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, ESI is contributing to some of the most significant construction projects in the Intermountain West.

The buildings may be the most visible evidence of that work, but they are only part of the story.

Behind them is an organization capable of bringing together thousands of people, decades of experience, and a shared commitment to building something that lasts.

For ESI, being named ENR’s Intermountain Contractor of the Year is recognition of that work—and of the people and communities that make it possible.

Media Contact:

MONICA LELEA

DIRECTOR, MARKETING

(208-362-3040)

MonicaLelea@esiconstruction.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/esi-named-enrs-2026-intermountain-contractor-of-the-year-302864898.html

SOURCE Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI)

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APEC 2026 Host City Promotional Video Shenzhen: Where the Future Takes Shape Released Worldwide

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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2026 /CNW/ — Shenzhen: Where the Future Takes Shape, the official promotional video for the host city of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, was released worldwide on November 15, as APEC Economic Leaders’ Week got underway in Shenzhen.

Presented by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and produced by Shenzhen Media Group, the video takes “Where the Future Takes Shape” as its central theme.

It brings together Shenzhen’s pioneering reforms, its achievements in building a modern, people-centered city, and the theme of 2026 APEC “China Year,” “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” Through the story of Shenzhen, the video offers international audiences a vivid look at Chinese modernization in practice, while extending a warm welcome to guests from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. It also reflects the host city’s commitment to openness and its vision of working with regional partners to create a better future.

Shenzhen itself takes center stage in the video. Through six dimensions — innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally advanced, and smart — the production captures the city’s character during this landmark year and showcases its vitality and appeal to audiences worldwide.

The Chinese- and English-language versions premiered simultaneously across Shenzhen Media Group’s platforms, including Shenzhen TV’s 4K Ultra HD channel, its international channel, and the international social media network of “Shenzhen Channel”.

Featuring more than 260 shots, 99% of them newly filmed in 2026, this six-minute film brings Shenzhen to life–from cutting-edge innovation and vibrant urban spaces to stunning natural landscapes and cultural diversity.

Discover a city where the future is already taking shape, and where people from across the Asia-Pacific are invited to come together, share opportunities, and build a brighter, more prosperous future.

At this moment, Shenzhen is at its best.

As the video’s closing narration declares:

In 2026, the world gathers in Shenzhen to write a new chapter in building an Asia-Pacific Community to prosper together.

Gather in Shenzhen.

Witness miracles.

Together, let’s create a brighter future!

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apec-2026-host-city-promotional-video-shenzhen-where-the-future-takes-shape-released-worldwide-302939610.html

SOURCE Shenzhen Media Group

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IP GUANGDONG debuts at the Media Center of APEC Economic Leaders’ Week

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GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South.

The media center for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week opened on November 11 in the host city of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, southern China.

Located in Hall 2 of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District, the APEC media center spans around 15,000 square meters. It will offer services including meeting updates, radio and television broadcast feeds, press briefings, and smart news gathering and production tools for nearly 5000 Chinese and international journalists.

IP GUANGDONG, a community open to anyone who wants to share Guangdong’s stories with the world, has set up a themed space called “A Home for Asia-Pacific Friends” at the APEC media center. The space offers Chinese and international journalists a friendly, homelike atmosphere and has been a popular photo spot since opening day.

What unique experiences does IP GUANGDONG offer at the APEC media center? Here is a first look.

Bringing Guangdong’s hospitality to the front lines of reporting

Openness, innovation and cooperation are the three priorities for the APEC China 2026, and they also reflect Guangdong’s approach to welcoming guests. Through “A Home for Asia-Pacific Friends,” IP GUANGDONG is using the occasion to build friendships and offer thoughtful, welcoming services to journalists from around the world. Reporters coming to Shenzhen may be unfamiliar with the city, find it hard to source material, have little space to film on camera or lack equipment, so IP GUANGDONG has set up a range of support services in the themed space.

IP GUANGDONG is a shared platform for Guangdong’s international image, and its library holds more than 50,000 high-quality images and videos from and about the province. Its “Visual Content Station,” located within the themed space, allows Chinese and international journalists to quickly purchase and license high-quality images and footage of Guangdong, providing a one-stop solution to difficulties in sourcing content and uncertainty over usage rights.

In the age of new media, news production moves at almost lightning speed. With a Pocket camera in one hand and a microphone in the other, a single reporter can gather and edit news right at the scene.

To support this way of working, IP GUANGDONG has teamed up with its partner DJI to set up a dedicated DJI service station, where Chinese and international journalists can borrow Osmo Pocket 4 cameras. Reporters can register on site with valid media credentials and borrow a camera for their reporting. During breaks, they can also capture the beauty and variety of Shenzhen, sharing their images with the world through IP GUANGDONG.

Discovering and sharing stories behind Guangdong products

Guangdong goods have continued to attract attention online and offline this year. Their global reach is underpinned not only by Guangdong’s strength in smart manufacturing, but also by the cultural appeal embedded in its products. Every Guangdong product has a story worth telling. Drawing on this rich source of news stories, IP GUANGDONG has teamed up with its partners to display a diverse selection of finely crafted Guangdong products at the themed space’s service counter, giving journalists a place to discover local creations and find inspiration.

Reflecting the current boom in designer collectible toys, IP GUANGDONG is showcasing a range of representative designer toy brands and characters from Guangdong. Highlights include dolls featuring Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, the mascots of the 15th National Games, who have just turned two. Also on display are 3D metal puzzles from Piececool and original characters Laura and the panda Mr. PA from ToyCity. Both companies behind these two brands are based in Dongguan, known as China’s designer toy capital. Also featured are Guangdong’s “three teas”: Yingde black tea, Chaozhou Dancong tea and Zijin cicada tea. Rich in positive symbolism, they offer a vivid introduction to Lingnan culture.

By introducing the products on display in this compact showcase, IP GUANGDONG will work with visiting journalists to explore the stories behind them and share with the world the message that “Guangdong products make the world better.”

Exploring Guangdong without leaving the venue

The IP GUANGDONG themed space also invites visitors to enjoy interactive experiences. Between assignments, journalists can relax and take away their own memories of Guangdong from the APEC China 2026.

At the center of the space, IP GUANGDONG has installed a photo booth where journalists can create personalized postcards featuring Guangdong’s landmarks and scenery. Visitors simply step inside, have their photo taken and choose their favorite Guangdong backdrop. Their custom postcard is generated on the spot, taking them on a virtual tour of the province without leaving the venue.

All 16 landmark images were captured by IP GUANGDONG creators. They include Zhao Junhui’s photograph of the Shenzhen International Exchange Center, the main APEC meeting venue; Liu Shihui’s image of Danxiashan in Shaoguan; Luo Jinping’s view of the “Sea of Pineapples” in Zhanjiang; and Qiu Xuqing’s photograph of the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion in Shantou Small Park. Each image reveals a different facet of Lingnan’s beauty and reflects the platform’s vision: “Everyone creates, everyone showcases, everyone shares.”

IP GUANGDONG has also prepared 2,000 surprise gift bags for Chinese and international journalists. The bags contain Guangdong specialty snacks, everyday essentials, small cultural and creative gifts, and postcards from the “Snacks of Guangdong” series illustrated by guest contributor XiaoLin Comics. These gifts bring an element of surprise and fun to journalists’ day.

A space to connect: Say “Hello, friend!”

The APEC media center is both a place for Chinese and international journalists to work efficiently and a setting for face-to-face conversation and for sharing observations and experiences. The IP GUANGDONG themed space includes a dedicated area for interviews, discussions and cultural exchanges.

As visitors enter, they are greeted by the words “Hello, friend!” in 12 major languages used across APEC member economies.

On the columns flanking the space, IP GUANGDONG and Chinese tech brand HONOR present “Home Through the Lenses of Asia-Pacific Creators,” a collection of photographs created collaboratively by contributors from around the world. Images from across the Asia-Pacific are displayed alongside scenes of Lingnan, bringing different cultures into conversation through photography.

On the way from the work area to the dining area, journalists can enjoy a calming visual interlude at “Asia-Pacific Perspectives: Impressions of Guangdong,” an illustration exhibition jointly produced by IP GUANGDONG and China Daily. It features 40 selected works by illustrators from APEC member economies, including China, the US, Russia, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. Guangdong’s streets and lanes, natural landscapes and the warmth of the Asia-Pacific family come to life in their illustrations. Journalists are invited to slow down, glimpse one another’s lives in familiar scenes, unwind and feel a little closer.

Don’t miss out! It’s giveaway time!

How to claim your IP GUANGDONG surprise gift bag

Dates and times: November 11–19, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:00–6:00 p.m.

How to claim: Scan the QR codes to follow IP GUANGDONG’s WeChat Official Account and WeChat Channels account. Then scan the registration QR code to join the platform and upload your first snapshot to receive a surprise gift bag.

Availability: Limited to 200 bags per day, on a first-come, first-served basis.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ip-guangdong-debuts-at-the-media-center-of-apec-economic-leaders-week-302939601.html

SOURCE South

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The First Cartridge-Free Smart Waterless Diffuser Is Here. What Would You Fill It With?

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Lephrone set out to solve a frustration for customers who want smart control over their home fragrance and the freedom to choose their own oils. The H300 is the first waterless diffuser to combine cartridge-free refills, Wi-Fi app control, smart home integration, and an in-app fragrance oil library with scanning and personal notes. Customers can use their favorite compatible oils, create their own blends, and use the app to set a scenting schedule and track how much oil is left.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — “There are thousands of fragrance oils out there, so why lock yourself into just one brand?” said a Lephrone developer.

“Lephrone took the best of the diffuser world and left the worst behind.”

We wanted to make a device for people who need a ritual to unwind and want more control over their surroundings. There’s a whole world of sensory experiences out there, and our goal was to bring the way you manage scent at home into the digital world.

With the H300 lephrone diffuser, we kept what we liked about smart cartridge-based diffusers: Wi-Fi connectivity, lephrone app, voice control, and the ability to recognize oils and track how much is left. We made sure it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. We also did away with what frustrated us most: never-ending subscriptions, cartridges that run out too quickly, and limits on which oils you can use. With the H300, you get to choose the oils you want and create blends you love.

We also added support for multiple users and multiple diffusers, so everyone in the household can control the devices and set schedules. The H300 can run even when it’s offline.

We’re releasing our own fragrances, too. In the app, you can scan them into your personal fragrance library and write down how a scent made you feel, whether you liked it, and what others at home thought of it. That matters because after trying a few oils, it’s easy to forget which one you loved most or which one everyone else kept asking for.

We’re rolling this out to more Lephrone models next. Stay tuned.

Media Contact

Elina, Lephrone, 1 6463844148, info@lephrone.com, Lephrone

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-first-cartridge-free-smart-waterless-diffuser-is-here-what-would-you-fill-it-with-302939367.html

SOURCE Lephrone

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