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Grain Belt Express Awards $1.7B to U.S. Contractors Quanta and Kiewit to Build Largest Transmission Line in U.S. History – Invenergy

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Highest Capacity and First U.S. Transmission Line to Connect Four Grid Regions Builds on Domestic Energy Supply Chain and Manufacturing Investments

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Grain Belt Express, the largest electric transmission project in the U.S., today announced nearly $1.7 billion in combined U.S. contractor awards to Quanta Services (Quanta), a leader in specialized infrastructure solutions for the energy industry, and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. (Kiewit), one of America’s leading engineering, construction and procurement companies.

Grain Belt Express, an Invenergy project, is an 800-mile transmission line using state-of-the-art high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. It spans 4 states—Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana—that have all approved the line as a project in the public interest. The open-access transmission line will add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity. By unlocking market efficiencies, Grain Belt Express will provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years. Grain Belt Express Phase 1, the portion of the project connecting Kansas and Missouri, is targeting commencement of construction in 2026, which is estimated to create over 4,000 jobs.

“We’re pleased to partner with Quanta and Kiewit as we build the biggest transmission line in U.S. history. Grain Belt Express is a transformative project that delivers jobs and deepens America’s energy supply chain capabilities in innovative transmission technology,” said Michael Polsky, Founder & CEO of Invenergy. “Interregional transmission is key to unleashing American energy dominance to power our nation’s businesses and strengthen our national security.”

Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping. Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park and Lenexa, KS.

“Grain Belt Express is an important project that supports the country’s energy dominance priority, manufacturing reshoring, mission to lead the world in artificial intelligence and secure our grid. The entire Quanta team, including those at our Infrastructure Solutions Group in Kansas City, is ready and looks forward to helping modernize our electric infrastructure and bring much-needed relief to energy consumers across the Midwest,” said Duke Austin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quanta Services.

“We’re very pleased to be an integral part of the Grain Belt Express project, which is focused on delivering a significant transmission project that will help ensure reliable, secure power in the United States,” said Chad Jessen, Executive Vice President, Kiewit Energy Group Inc. “Our extensive EPC experience with complex power delivery projects suits us well, especially using this HVDC technology to connect grid regions to help reliably meet growing energy demand.”

Grain Belt Express will strengthen U.S. grid security and enhance reliability, enabling deliverability for both new-build generation and over eight gigawatts of existing dispatchable generation near the line’s connections with multiple regional grids. The line’s pro-market merchant business model brings together willing buyers and sellers of electricity, an alternative to central planning where ratepayers shoulder all costs for new transmission lines. Grain Belt Express will help states and regions meet rapidly growing electricity demand driven by data centers and manufacturing, while also powering economic prosperity with direct infrastructure investment in local economies.

“This announcement shows once again how much Missouri can contribute to big infrastructure projects like this transmission line, which will help bring energy savings and reliability to 39 municipal utilities across the state. It’s great to see Grain Belt Express continuing to invest in Missouri and support our workers, especially after their recent agreements with Hubbell Power Systems in Centralia and the Missouri Public Utility Alliance,” said Missouri Speaker of the House Jon Patterson.

“Grain Belt Express is a multi-billion-dollar investment in Kansas and an essential American infrastructure project. The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,” said Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson.

“Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that’s affordable and reliable, and that’s what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of the thousands of jobs and billions in investment that this project will bring to Kansas,” said Kansas Speaker of the House Daniel Hawkins.

The selection of Quanta and Kiewit adds to domestic energy supply chain investments and commercial commitments for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 as project execution advances toward construction:

Prysmian North America: Long-term supply and manufacturing agreement for advanced transmission conductors. Agreement supports a 50,000 square foot factory expansion nearing completion in Williamsport, PA that is set to double U.S. manufacturing capacity for certain advanced transmission conductors using U.S. aluminum.Hubbell: Equipment supply and manufacturing agreement for insulators and transmission assemblies. This agreement will continue to support American jobs across Hubbell’s manufacturing and distribution operation in Centralia, MO, where Hubbell is the largest employer, and its manufacturing facilities in Leeds, AL and Aiken, SC.Siemens Energy: Supply agreement for the HVDC transmission technology for Phase 1 of the project. Siemens Energy will support the engineering, procurement, construction, and final integrated design of the HVDC converter stations in Kansas and Missouri.Missouri Public Utility Alliance: Transmission service agreements to provide access to contractual energy cost savings for 39 Missouri municipal utilities.1,500 Landowner Agreements: Over $105 million in executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction. Easement agreements allow continued use of the land, and over 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete.

About Grain Belt Express
Grain Belt Express, an Invenergy project, is the biggest transmission project in U.S. history. An energy superhighway connecting four U.S. grid regions, Grain Belt Express can unleash all forms of American-made power to enhance energy reliability and strengthen U.S. security. No infrastructure project in development today delivers more cost savings to American consumers than Grain Belt Express. Learn more at https://grainbeltexpress.com/.

About Quanta Services
Quanta Services is an industry leader in providing specialized infrastructure solutions to the utility, renewable energy, technology, communications, pipeline, and energy industries. Quanta’s comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy, technology and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. For more information, visit www.quantaservices.com.

About Kiewit
Kiewit is one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations. With its roots dating back to 1884, the employee-owned organization operates through a network of subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Guam. Kiewit offers construction and engineering services in a variety of markets including power; transportation; water; oil, gas and chemical; marine; building; industrial and mining. Kiewit had 2024 revenues of $16.8 billion and employs 31,800 staff and craft employees.

Contact:
media@invenergy.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grain-belt-express-awards-1-7b-to-us-contractors-quanta-and-kiewit-to-build-largest-transmission-line-in-us-history—invenergy-302448664.html

SOURCE Invenergy

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HOUSING WORKS CHOSEN AS 2026 BENEFICIARY OF 45TH ANNUAL FRONT RUNNERS NEW YORK LGBTQ+ PRIDE RUN™ 4M

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JUNE 27 RACE IN CENTRAL PARK WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR HOUSING WORKS’ LIFESAVING SERVICES + ADVOCACY

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Housing Works is proud to announce that it was selected as the beneficiary of the 2026 Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run™ 4M hosted by the Front Runners New York and nonprofit New York Road Runners. The iconic 4-mile running event, which kicks off Pride Weekend in NYC, will be held on June 27, 2026, in Central Park.

Since its inception in 1982, the Pride Run has raised more than $300,000 for LGBTQ+ nonprofits as the world’s largest pride charity run. Housing Works was chosen as this year’s beneficiary in recognition of its 35-year history of providing lifesaving healthcare, housing, and justice initiatives for vulnerable New Yorkers. To support this partnership, Housing Works will have a team of over 20 board members, staff, and clients participating in the race under this year’s theme: “Hearts in Motion: United in Every Stride.”

Although the race is sold out, charity bibs are still available. Runners can apply to raise $500 in support of the 2026 Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run™4M beneficiary through Front Runners New York and receive a non-complimentary entry to the race.

“We deeply appreciate Front Runners New York in helping us with our fundraising efforts. In the early days, our evidence-based advocacy often met political resistance, making traditional donors hesitant to support our life-saving HIV/AIDS work. Nearly 40 years into the AIDS epidemic, we continue to face budget cuts and limited capital as government administrations shift,” said Matthew Bernardo, President of Housing Works, Inc. “However, the urgency of this fight drives us to innovate. Housing Works is proof that nonprofits can create real, measurable impact for those who need it most.”

“The Pride Run has always been a showing of the strength of our community. Supporting Housing Works this year feels especially meaningful at a time when unity is most needed. Together, every step adds to our shared momentum to support the incredible, lifesaving work that Housing Works provides to our community,” said J Solle, 2026 Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run™4M Director.

“When this race began 45 years ago, many of our members faced risks just by signing up to run openly. Today, standing with thousands of runners who sold out this event in hours, we see how far we’ve come,” said Ryan Hallett, President of Front Runners New York. “But progress requires constant action. By partnering with Housing Works, we are honoring our history of activism and ensuring that our strides in Central Park support lifesaving housing and healthcare for the most vulnerable members of our community.”

“For more than 40 years, New York Road Runners has teamed up with Front Runners New York to host the LGBTQ+ Pride Run in celebration of this incredible community,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “Now a marquee event during Pride weekend in New York City, we’re excited to unite the running community once again and help raise awareness and funds for Housing Works’s critical work.”

What: The 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Run

When: Saturday, June 27, 2026
            Race Start | 8AM

Where: Central Park

Website: https://frny.org/pride-run

For more information about Housing Works, visit housingworks.org. Follow Housing Works on Facebook and Instagram

About Housing Works:
For more than three decades, Housing Works has been at the forefront of the movement to end AIDS and homelessness and fight for the rights and dignity of some of the most marginalized populations. Housing Works was founded in 1990 as the housing committee of ACT UP and is now a leading provider of housing and lifesaving services to low-income individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, including LGBTQ+ youth, the transgender community, immigrants, people experiencing substance use, and formerly incarcerated New Yorkers. Housing Works’ integrated healthcare, supportive housing portfolio, wraparound services, and relentless advocacy are supported by innovative social enterprise: nine Thrift Shops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, its iconic Bookstore & Cafe in Soho, and most recently, New York’s first adult-use dispensary. In the year ahead, amid challenging headwinds from the federal government, Housing Works continues to expand its services and fight for what is right for those who need our help the most, bridging communities in building a more compassionate and equitable world.

About Front Runners New York:
Front Runners New York (FRNY) is New York City’s LGBTQ+ running club. The club was founded in 1979 and has grown to over 1100 members annually. FRNY’s mission is to provide encouragement and support to LGBTQ+ adults and their supporters who are interested in running and running-related activities. FRNY has created a social running community focused on health and fitness that is welcoming to all New Yorkers. FRNY offers a robust, inclusive membership experience. FRNY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of New York. For more information, visit frny.org.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR):
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running—serving more than half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/housing-works-chosen-as-2026-beneficiary-of-45th-annual-front-runners-new-york-lgbtq-pride-run-4m-302749363.html

SOURCE Housing Works

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City of Bradenton Launches Accela ePermitHub Digital Plan Room, Advancing Integrated Digital Plan Review

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SAN RAMON, Calif., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Bradenton, FL has launched the Accela® ePermitHub Digital Plan Room™, marking an important milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to modernize plan review and streamline the permitting process for both staff and applicants.

This launch represents a significant shift for Bradenton, which previously relied on a plan review approach that required staff to navigate multiple systems and complete several manual steps to accomplish a single task. With Accela’s ePermitHub Digital Plan Room, the City now benefits from a fully integrated digital plan review experience, bringing plan review directly into Accela and simplifying workflows for both staff and applicants.

“After our previous experience, we were looking for a solution that truly worked with our permitting system—not alongside it,” said Dana Winters, Building Manager for the City of Bradenton. “With Accela’s ePermitHub, plan review is part of the same system our teams already use every day. It reduces extra steps, eliminates duplicate work, and makes the process much easier for staff to understand and manage.”

Under the City’s prior setup, staff often had to move between systems, log in separately, and repeat actions to keep plan review and permitting records aligned. Accela’s ePermitHub replaces that fragmented experience with a single, streamlined workflow—automating previously manual steps and improving reliability across the review process.

Bradenton serves a population of approximately 58,000 residents and is an active permitting jurisdiction across building and planning disciplines. The transition to ePermitHub was also well received by applicants, who benefit from a simpler, more consistent submission and review experience.

“This launch reflects the progress agencies are making toward more connected, end‑to‑end digital permitting,” said Maykel Martin, Vice President, Technology Product Management, Accela. “By adopting a plan review solution that is native to Accela, Bradenton is improving efficiency for staff while delivering a more consistent experience for applicants.”

The City’s project team was led by Theresa Armstrong (IT), Dana Winters (Building) and Jamie Schindewolf (Planning), who partnered closely with Accela throughout the implementation, bringing a shared focus on delivering the best outcomes for their customers and achieving a smooth, successful deployment.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Media@accela.com

About Accela®

Accela® is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions, empowering local and state governments to drive efficiency and modernization. Accela offers both a configurable platform and out-of-the-box civic applications for core processes including permitting, licensing, and code enforcement. Accela assists agencies in streamlining workflows, reducing manual tasks, and improving service delivery. With a commitment to end-to-end support, Accela is a trusted partner to over 600 agencies and jurisdictions worldwide. For more information, please visit www.accela.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-bradenton-launches-accela-epermithub-digital-plan-room-advancing-integrated-digital-plan-review-302749920.html

SOURCE Accela

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Axonic Insurance Annuities, Built for Banks, Broker-Dealers and RIAs, Now Available through WealthVest.

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Financial professionals can now secure a competitive 3-year fixed annuity rate and crediting strategies from Deutsche Bank, S&P Global, and Nasdaq through their WealthVest wholesaler and Axonic Insurance.

BOZEMAN, Mont., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WealthVest, a leading wholesaler of annuities to financial professionals, has announced a strategic distribution partnership today with Axonic Insurance (AXI), a global annuity and insurance platform. WealthVest will begin offering a suite of curated, highly competitive annuity products from Axonic Insurance to their network of banks, credit unions, broker-dealers and registered investment advisers across the United States.

“We’re excited to align with a team that shares our commitment to delivering differentiated solutions and supporting financial professionals with the tools and opportunities they need to better serve their clients,” said Les Sutherland, Chief Distribution Officer at Axonic Insurance.

“We’re excited to bring the Axonic Insurance suite of solutions to the marketplace,” said Matt Hamann, National Sales Manager at WealthVest. “By combining the strength of our distribution team with AXI’s competitive offerings, we’re well positioned to drive growth and expand access across banks, broker-dealers, and RIAs. Through our education-first approach, we’re committed to supporting financial professionals with practical solutions that help their clients navigate retirement with confidence.”

Through the partnership, Axonic Insurance aims to better support financial advisors and investment adviser representatives in building a solid foundation of protection and growth for their clients’ retirement. WealthVest will align their well-regarded, client-first coaching and wholesaling model with Axonic Insurance’s highly competitive annuities to help financial professionals stay up to date on market trends and determine the best annuity to address their clients’ retirement needs.

“Partnering with WealthVest marks an important step forward in expanding AXI’s reach across the bank, broker-dealer, and RIA channels,” said Les Sutherland, Chief Distribution Officer at Axonic Insurance. “We’re excited to align with a team that shares our commitment to delivering differentiated solutions and supporting financial professionals with the tools and opportunities they need to better serve their clients.”

The suite of annuities is designed specifically for advisors and IARs to help them deliver competitive guaranteed rates of return across 2-, 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-year surrender period options; strong marketing participation; 100% principal protection and systematic income withdrawals to their clients. The annuities are available in forty-three states and the District of Columbia, and include the:

Incline MYGA: Featuring 5.25% Guaranteed for 3-Years with Initial Premiums of $100,000 or Greater1HighLine FIA: Offering 1- and 2-year point-to-point cap, participation, and fixed rate crediting strategiesHighLine FIA PLUS: Includes a 9% Premium Bonus Rider on the 5-Year2

WealthVest’s team of dedicated wholesalers and annuity case managers will serve as the main point of contact for financial advisors and IARs interested in Axonic Insurance’s annuities across 5 US regions. The team has partnered with thousands of advisors, providing annuity planning technology, retirement income planning, practice management, market and industry trends and annuity case management.

Launched in 2024, Axonic Insurance is an annuity and insurance platform delivering institutionally managed retirement products through a fully integrated model spanning product design, distribution, issuance, and servicing. Axonic Insurance is supported by Axonic Capital, an investment management firm with $8 billion in assets under management specializing in structured credit and commercial and residential real estate debt and equity. Axonic Insurance’s suite of annuities is issued by AmFirst Insurance Company (“AmFirst”), an A- (Excellent) financial strength rated company by AM Best3.

Advisors and IARs interested in learning more about Axonic Insurance and their suite of annuities can connect with their wholesaler at www.wealthvest.com/axonic-insurance or call the WealthVest Sales Desk at 1-833-299-8750.

1 Rate shown is effective March 27, 2026 and subject to change. Rate only applies to the Incline MYGA 3-year plan with initial premiums of $100,000 or greater, issued by AmFirst Insurance Company (“AmFirst”) and offered by Axonic Insurance Services LLC (“Axonic”). Additional rates available.

2 At the time of issuance, the Premium Bonus is credited to your Account Value, providing immediate access to additional funds to allocate into the various crediting strategies. The Premium Bonus is calculated as a percentage of the initial premium and becomes a permanent component of the annuity’s Accumulation Value. All Premium Bonuses are subject to a Vesting Schedule, under which the Contract Value and the Cash Surrender Value increase annually as the bonus amount vests over time. Please refer to the HighLine FIA Rate Sheet for Premium Bonus amounts and Contract details.

3 AM Best affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “A-” (Excellent) of AmFirst Insurance Company on August 29, 2025.

ABOUT WEALTHVEST

WealthVest is a leading wholesaler of fixed, fixed-indexed, and registered index-linked annuities to financial professionals. We’re a partner to thousands of advisors by providing annuity planning technology, retirement income planning, practice management, market and industry trends and annuity case management. Their team of dedicated wholesalers and annuity case managers helps advisors provide the best annuity outcomes. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or visit wealthvest.com.

ABOUT AXONIC INSURANCE

Axonic Insurance (AXI) is a fast-growing annuity and insurance platform delivering institutionally managed retirement products through a fully integrated model spanning product design, distribution, issuance, and servicing. AXI combines modern insurance capabilities with disciplined asset management and rigorous risk oversight to drive scalable, sustainable growth. AXI’s suite of annuities includes Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) and Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), distributed through IMOs, Banks, Broker-Dealers, and Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs), while strengthening profitability through operational efficiency, pricing discipline, and balance sheet resilience. AXI’s strategy prioritizes durability — balancing growth, capital strength, and earnings to support long-term value creation and financial stability.

ABOUT AXONIC CAPITAL

Founded in 2010, Axonic Capital is a New York-based alternative investment manager with $8 billion in assets under management. The firm has deep expertise in structured credit, commercial and residential real estate debt and equity, and systematic fixed income. Axonic’s flexible capital base includes private limited partnerships, separate accounts, insurance company mandates, and publicly listed fund structures. For additional information, visit axoniccap.com.

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

Since 1896, S&P DJI have provided innovative index solutions backed by robust methodologies and strong governance. Today, S&P Dow Jones Indices is the world’s largest provider of financial market indices, offering iconic solutions and unparalleled expertise across asset classes and geographies. With more exchange partnerships and more assets invested in products based on our indices than any other index provider, S&P DJI is a critical link in capital markets and the global financial ecosystem.

ABOUT NASDAQ GLOBAL INDEXES

Nasdaq Global Indexes has been creating innovative, market-leading, transparent indexes since 1971. Today, our index offering spans geographies and asset classes and includes diverse families. We continuously offer new opportunities for financial product sponsors across a wide spectrum of investable products and for asset managers to measure risk and performance. Nasdaq also provides exchange listing, custom index, and design solutions to financial organizations worldwide. 

ABOUT DEUTSCHE BANK

Deutsche Bank provides retail and private banking, corporate and transaction banking, lending, asset and wealth management products and services as well as focused investment banking to private individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporations, governments and institutional investors. Deutsche Bank is the leading bank in Germany with strong European roots and a global network. Deutsche Bank’s FIG Structuring & Solutions business structures and arranges bespoke capital and financing transactions for its global FIG client base.

Media Contact

Jackson Bolstad, WealthVest, 1 406-272-3759, jbolstad@wealthvest.com, www.wealthvest.com

Les Sutherland, Axonic Insurance, lsutherland@axonicinsurance.com, https://axonicinsurance.com/

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View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/axonic-insurance-annuities-built-for-banks-broker-dealers-and-rias-now-available-through-wealthvest-302750101.html

SOURCE WealthVest

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