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OMNIA Partners Adds 10 New Suppliers to its E-Commerce Platform and Surpasses 8 Million Products Available for Online Purchase

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Nearly 40,000 public sector employees are now using OPUS, the OMNIA Partners member portal, to find and buy goods and services instantly using industry leading cooperative contracts.

FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OMNIA Partners, the nation’s largest and most experienced cooperative purchasing organization for the public and private sectors, today announced the latest expansion of OPUS, its free member portal, which includes the first ever e-commerce platform that allows public sector agencies and nonprofits to buy from multiple suppliers with one online shopping cart using publicly solicited and competitively bid cooperative contracts.

Ten new, nationally recognized suppliers have made their products available for purchase in OPUS, bringing total available SKUs to more than 8 million. OMNIA Partners members can now instantly purchase products across nearly 200 categories with their free member account.

New suppliers who have made online purchasing available to OMNIA Partners members include: SHI, Graybar, BradyPLUS, Fisher Scientific, Insight Public Sector, School Specialty, Johnson-Lancaster & Associates, Vari, Mediatechnologies and E-Z-GO/Cushman.

This new class of OPUS suppliers spans IT solutions, scientific and laboratory products, foodservice, facility maintenance, education, workplace furnishings, electrical infrastructure, and fleet management.

“Our continued investment in technology is centered on one goal: making it easier for public agencies and nonprofits to access the contracts, suppliers, and resources they need to serve their communities,” said Todd Abner, President and CEO of OMNIA Partners. “People expect purchasing to be fast, intuitive, and seamless in every part of their lives. We’re bringing that same level of simplicity to public procurement by combining an expanding portfolio of trusted agreements with technology that helps our members buy what they need more efficiently, stay compliant, and focus on serving their communities.”

Since launching in April 2024, OMNIA Partners’ member portal has fundamentally changed how government agencies, school systems and nonprofits take advantage of the benefits of cooperative purchasing. What once required days of manual research, supplier outreach, pricing comparison, and compliance verification now takes minutes. Every transaction on OPUS is completed using the same publicly solicited, competitively bid contracts used by every OMNIA Partners member – meeting the compliance requirements of most public sector organizations, dramatically reducing administrative burden. Today, nearly 40,000 public sector procurement professionals are using the platform to make purchases from more than 650 different suppliers in the OMNIA Partners network.

“OPUS has had a huge impact on making sure that we know we’re in compliance. It’s been one of the best decisions that we decided to take as a college in procurement,” said Mandy Hall, Procurement Accountant at Northwest Shoals Community College, highlighting the platform’s impact on day-to-day procurement operations.

The new suppliers that Hall and nearly 40,000 other OPUS users can purchase from directly include:

BradyPLUS – A leading specialized distributor of janitorial, sanitation, foodservice, industrial packaging, and facility maintenance products; BradyPLUS sells supplies OMNIA Partners members need to maintain cleaner, safer, and more efficient facilities. E-Z-GO/Cushman – Delivers globally recognized commercial and utility vehicles built for durability and versatility, offering material handling, personnel transport, and food and beverage solutions with flexible gas and lithium electric power options. E‑Z‑GO/Cushman provides reliable mobility and fleet solutions for campuses, municipalities, parks, and other public sector environments.Fisher Scientific – A premier supplier of laboratory equipment, scientific instruments, chemicals, diagnostics, and research consumables, Fisher Scientific expands online purchasing offerings for public sector laboratory, research, and educational institutions seeking trusted scientific products and solutions.Graybar – A leading distributor of electrical, industrial, automation and connectivity products, Graybar delivers critical infrastructure solutions that help organizations build, maintain, and modernize their facilities and technology networks.Insight Public Sector – A division of Insight Enterprises, a Fortune 500 Solutions Integrator, that helps federal, state, and local government agencies and educational institutions solve complex technology challenges. By combining the right hardware, software, and services, Insight delivers secure, end-to-end IT solutions at scale through its global network of over 6,000 technology partners.Johnson-Lancaster & Associates – A nationwide provider of foodservice equipment, supplies, and commercial kitchen project solutions, Johnson-Lancaster & Associates brings its product portfolio to the portal along with specialized expertise in commercial kitchen design, procurement, and operational support for schools and government organizations.Mediatechnologies – A manufacturer of educational and workplace furniture solutions, including casework, library furnishings, and collaborative learning environments, Mediatechnologies helps public sector buyers create functional, durable spaces tailored to their users’ needs.School Specialty – A trusted provider of educational supplies, classroom resources, learning environments, physical education, sensory and adapted learning materials, School Specialty broadens OMNIA Partners’ e-commerce catalog to give buyers access to comprehensive solutions designed to support student success and enhance educational environments.SHI – A leading IT solutions provider specializing in hardware, software, cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and technology lifecycle management, SHI brings OMNIA Partners members access to comprehensive technology solutions, including software licensing expertise and public sector-focused IT procurement support.Vari – A leading workplace furnishings and office solutions provider known for the original VariDesk®, height-adjustable standing desks, premium office seating, and other flexible workspace solutions. Buyers can quickly create productive, modern work environments with thoughtfully designed products that support employee well-being and collaboration.

In addition to adding new suppliers and products, the company has released a comprehensive suite of new platform capabilities to make purchasing goods and services faster, more intuitive, and easier to manage at scale. 

The latest OPUS release brings a redesigned user experience, and a powerful set of new capabilities built around how public sector buyers actually work. Feature enhancements include an improved search experience, seamless contract access, a centralized supplier W9 library, integrated chat support, shareable product lists among co-workers, and robust admin and approval tools.

“Our members, the people buying goods and services to keep government agencies, schools, universities and nonprofits running efficiently, are being asked to do more with less every single day,” said Josh Raymond, EVP of Marketing at OMNIA Partners. “We built our OPUS member portal to meet that challenge head-on. Adding 10 best-in-class suppliers and delivering new features and functionality requested by our members means the organizations that serve our communities can find what they need and move forward faster while meeting their regulatory requirements.”

About OPUS 

OPUS is OMNIA Partners’ free member portal, a first-of-its-kind e-commerce procurement platform available to all government agencies, school systems, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in the United States. The platform allows members to manage their OMNIA Partners account, search the company’s network of 1,200+ nationally trusted suppliers, and instantly purchase more than 8 million products — all backed by OMNIA Partners’ publicly solicited, competitively bid cooperative contracts that deliver preferred pricing, payment terms, and service levels while meeting the compliance requirements of most public sector organizations. There is no implementation or subscription cost. Learn more at omniapartners.com/solutions/opus.

About OMNIA Partners

OMNIA Partners is the nation’s largest and most experienced cooperative purchasing organization, serving public sector organizations and commercial businesses across the country. With more than $35 billion in purchasing managed each year, 600,000+ member buyers, and 1,200+ competitively awarded contracts, OMNIA Partners delivers unmatched purchasing power and strategic guidance to help organizations efficiently buy what they need. Learn more at omniapartners.com.

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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Axon Announces Body 5: Next-Generation Camera Built for the AI Era

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Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power of earlier-generation cameras, with upgraded connectivity, audio and battery life to support real-time situational awareness in the field

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technology, today announced Axon Body 5, its newest body-worn camera designed to bring more powerful intelligence, connectivity and real-time support directly to officers in the field.

For years, Axon body cameras have helped agencies capture critical evidence and create greater transparency. Body 5 is built to help officers during the call, with information, assistance and backup on the spot.

“Officers shouldn’t have to choose between getting information and watching the scene. With Axon Body 5, they don’t,” said Rick Smith, Axon Founder and CEO. “They capture a license or document with the camera, keep their hands free and eyes up, and get information faster than writing it down and calling it in by radio. An officer fully engaged with the person in front of them, not down at a notepad, is a safer officer and a better-served community.”

Axon Body 5: Built for the AI Era

Built from the ground up for the AI era, Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power than earlier generation Axon body cameras, alongside advancements in connectivity, audio, video and battery life. Together, these upgrades give the camera the physical power to run smarter AI features — both today and as new AI tools are developed in the future — while also making it more dependable for officers to use every day. 

For the first time, Axon is also introducing two versions of its latest flagship camera: Axon Body 5 and Axon Body 5 Pro.

Both models feature several key advancements, including:

25x more processing power for AI: A powerful new computing architecture creates the capacity to support current and future AI features directly on the body camera.Enhanced video: Improved video captures clearer evidence across challenging environments, including better low-light performance.Improved connectivity: Seamless connectivity in urban and remote environments – and more precise location capability – helps officers, cameras and remote support teams stay connected when timely information matters most.Longer battery life: 20% more battery life than the previous generation helps keep the camera ready and connected throughout an officer’s shift.

The Axon Body 5 Pro will continue to gain new AI capabilities as they become available, growing along with the AI Era Plan. Additionally, new hardware features include:

A near-focus camera: An additional dedicated camera lens lets officers scan driver’s licenses to check status and search for wants or warrants in seconds, without returning to the patrol vehicle, with relevant information sent to Axon Fusus to support real-time operations.Front-facing speakers: Four additional speakers project even more powerful audio toward the person an officer is speaking with, helping real-time translations from Axon Assistant carry more clearly over heavy traffic or crowd noise. Additional memory: Extra space lets the camera run several AI tools at once, helping officers stay better informed and work faster.

Bringing More of Axon’s AI Era Into the Field

Axon Body 5 helps officers get more out of the Axon AI Era Plan by bringing smart tools right to the scene. Axon’s portfolio already supports public safety professionals across a growing range of tasks. For example, Draft One helps officers turn body-camera audio into high-quality report drafts and Axon Assistant provides voice-based information access and real-time translation.

Increasingly, Axon is also bringing AI into real-time operations.

Axon Guardian is a new category of AI features within the AI Era Plan that was specifically created to work with an officer’s field-based devices – starting with body cameras and in-car cameras – to improve safety. Guardian is designed to flag potential risks as situations unfold and create alerts when additional attention may be needed. Two of the first features include:

Escalation Detection: When an Axon Body 4 or Axon Body 5 camera is activated and recording, Guardian has the ability to detect potential conflicts in real time and create an alert in Axon Fusus. A human reviews the livestream and decides if additional support or action is needed.Approach Alert: When active on Axon Fleet 3, Guardian can detect if the door of a stopped vehicle opens and alert the officer through the in-car display and their body-worn camera.

Combined, Axon Body 5 and the expanding AI Era portfolio demonstrate the importance of AI as a critical resource to assist public safety professionals before, during and after an incident — reducing administrative burden, improving situational awareness and helping protect more lives.

Innovating Responsibly

Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework guides the development of all of its products. Designed with this in mind, Axon Body 5 and Guardian prioritize human oversight and maintain agency control over data. As a key part of the responsible innovation process, Axon’s independent Ethics and Equity Advisory Council was created to help responsibly develop and deploy new technologies with transparency, while aligning with community expectations.

General availability dates for Axon Body 5 and Axon Guardian will be announced soon. Product features and capabilities vary by configuration. For more information on Axon’s current products and services: Axon Product Catalog – Axon.com.

About Axon
Axon (Nasdaq: AXON) is the global leader in public safety technology supporting state, local, federal and international public safety agencies with technology designed to Protect Life. Complementing its mission, Axon’s growing Enterprise market focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and frontline workers across multiple industries including corporate security, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Founder-led since 1993, Axon builds products with transparency and responsibility. From TASER energy devices to today’s connected network of hardware – including cameras, drones, and robotics – cloud software, sensors, and AI-tools, the Axon ecosystem helps seamlessly protect people and places when it matters most. To ensure these technologies align with community expectations, Axon’s independent Ethics & Equity Advisory Council guides the ethical, inclusive, and accountable design of its products and services. Learn more about the EEAC and Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework at Axon Responsibility. 

Non-Axon trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Axon, TASER and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Please visit https://investor.axon.com and https://www.axon.com/newsroom for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate MacKinnon
Vice President, Communications
press@axon.com

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

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The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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