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OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE UNVEILS BOLD CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT RESIDENTS

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State calls on Dallas residents to “swipe right” on settling down in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a daring move that challenges traditional marketing, Oklahoma is infiltrating the digital dating scene with an innovative campaign concept to entice Dallas residents to “swipe right” on settling down in Oklahoma. That’s right – Oklahoma is popping up where you least expect it on Hinge and Bumble, ready to steal your heart and your zip code.

The campaign, developed by The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce), boasts an audacious strategy to leverage popular dating apps and showcase the unique charms of Oklahoma. The initiative, known as “Date Oklahoma,” sets out to persuade Dallas residents to consider Oklahoma as their new home.

And here’s the kicker – these aren’t your typical paid ads. These dating cards are legit. Imagine swiping right on your favorite dating app, and instead of another dinner date, you find a whole new future.

“We’re not just crashing the dating scene with this campaign, we’re also addressing a critical need in our economy,” Commerce Director of Marketing and Communications Becky Samples said. “While Oklahoma has a historical track record of low unemployment rates, our workforce still has more than 29,000 open roles across various industries to sustain and enhance the state’s robust economic growth. This initiative is about supporting Oklahoma businesses by inviting those who can make a significant impact on our workforce to settle down in our extraordinary and vibrant state.”

The campaign is designed to resonate with young adults on the cusp of significant life decisions — those eager for a mix of opportunity, affordability and vibrant living. Targeting young professionals and former Oklahomans considering a return home, the initiative finds its audience on popular dating apps like Bumble and Hinge, where settling down is a shared aspiration.

Through male and female profiles resembling typical dating cards, the initiative showcases the state’s impressive low cost of living, scenic views and more that contribute to increased quality of life. And rest assured, these profiles aren’t a catfishing attempt, but rather a transparent invitation to explore the possibility of starting the next chapter in Oklahoma.

Offering the nation’s ninth-shortest average commute to work, the state is leading in sectors like aerospace, film, energy and biotech, providing a wide array of career opportunities. In 2021 and 2022, interstate migration reached a decade-high, with nearly eight million people relocating. Oklahoma ranks ninth in the nation for net migration, indicating increased popularity in the ongoing urban sprawl. The “Date Oklahoma” initiative goes on to showcase the abundance of opportunities associated with “swiping right” and deciding to settle down in the Sooner State.

Oklahoma is a place of growth and opportunity where innovation means tradition, where progress thrives alongside heritage and where everyone is welcome,” Samples continued. “There are so many reasons why Oklahoma is a great place to live. Not only do we have more affordable rent and housing prices than most of the country, but we also offer entertainment, career opportunities and so much more. With this out-of-the-box campaign, we will reach young Dallas individuals ready to settle down in our wonderful state.”

The campaign invites people to “Live the Flyover Life” and embrace the endless opportunities waiting for them in Oklahoma. The state is home to more than 500 museums, including the First Americans Museum, the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and the Philbrook Museum of Art. For outdoor lovers, there are adventures in every corner, from Turner Falls to Robbers Cave State Park and more.

Oklahoma is ready to welcome new residents with open arms,” Samples added. “We’re excited for Dallas residents to swipe right on Oklahoma and discover the rich fulfilling life that awaits them here. We encourage anyone that sees us on their dating app to take a screenshot and let us know on social media.”

For more information, visit LiveInOkla.com or follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is the primary economic development entity in the state. The organization is responsible for supporting local communities, stimulating growth of the existing businesses, attracting new business, and promoting the development and availability of a skilled workforce. Commerce also works to foster an entrepreneurial culture and infrastructure in Oklahoma to encourage the start-up of new businesses and partner with communities to ensure existing businesses grow and prosper.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oklahoma-department-of-commerce-unveils-bold-campaign-to-attract-residents-302062062.html

SOURCE Oklahoma Department of Commerce

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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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