Fee-Based and Fully Online, FlexFund Gives Consumers What They Ask For: Flexible, Reusable Access to Funds

GREENVILLE, S.C., July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A January 2026 Advance America consumer survey found that “no hidden costs or surprises” ranks among the top reasons borrowers trust a lender. Today, the company is putting that finding into practice with the launch of FlexFund, a fee-based line of credit built around upfront costs, flexible access, and no interest charges.

The survey, which included 3,119 respondents across active customers, inactive customers, and prospective borrowers, also found that 56% of prospects prefer to engage with a lender through a mobile app or website. FlexFund is available exclusively online, with no store visit required.

Built around what borrowers need

The research identified flexibility as a key driver of borrowing decisions — specifically, the ability to access funds in varying amounts, repay on a workable schedule, and return for more without starting over. Advance America’s FlexFund was designed to address exactly that.

Approved customers receive a set credit limit they can draw from, repay, and draw from again without reapplying. Customers choose how much to borrow up to their approved amount. They can borrow as little as $50 or the full available amount. Two fees apply: an Advance Fee charged when funds are requested, and a Statement Fee based on the outstanding balance at the end of each billing cycle. There is no traditional interest rate.

As customers pay down their balance, their Statement Fee decreases in the next billing cycle. Available funds replenish as they repay, giving them ongoing access without the friction of a new application.

‘No surprises’ is the point

In the same survey, 38% of prospective borrowers said “fast access to cash with no surprises” was among the most appealing messages a lender could offer. FlexFund’s fee structure is disclosed upfront, before a customer draws funds, so they know exactly what they’re paying before they commit.

“Borrowers consistently told us they want a lender with no surprises. That’s not a marketing message; it’s a design requirement,” said Travis Gonzalez, Chief Product Officer at Advance America. “Every part of FlexFund, from the fee structure to the way access replenishes, was built around that insight.”

Where FlexFund is available

FlexFund is currently available online in seven states: Alabama, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Advance America plans to expand access to additional states.

About Advance America

Advance America is a licensed and regulated lender providing convenient loan options online and in store.

Since 1997, we’ve helped millions of families navigate life’s financial moments. We believe borrowing money should be simple, fast, and free from judgment — with clear terms and real human support when it matters most.

Making it work looks different for everyone. For us, it means backing you up with simple, honest money solutions that keep you moving forward.

Media Contact: mediarequest@teampurpose.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/advance-america-answers-consumer-demand-with-flexfund-line-of-credit-302840049.html

SOURCE Advance America

Organization appoints new Governance Board members, names Advisory Board Co-Chairs, honors Cheryl Ambrose’s legacy, and previews the launch of its inaugural Student Advisory Board.

NEW YORK, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Be Strong, the national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the mental, emotional, and relational health of young people, today announced a new chapter in its leadership with the appointment of new Governance Board members, new Advisory Board Co-Chairs, and the upcoming launch of its inaugural Student Advisory Board.

The leadership announcements reflect more than organizational growth. They represent more than a decade of intentionally building a leadership model where experience, lived perspective, and servant leadership work together to strengthen Be Strong’s future while ensuring the voices of young people continue to help shape its mission.

“Organizations don’t become stronger because of one leader—they become stronger because people choose, generation after generation, to carry the mission forward,” said Ashleigh Cromer, CEO and Chair of the Be Strong Governance Board. “For more than a decade, we’ve intentionally invested in leaders who bring diverse experience, compassionate hearts, and a shared belief that every person deserves access to hope, help, and healing. This next chapter honors those who helped build Be Strong, welcomes new leaders prepared to guide our future, and creates even more opportunities for young people to shape the work designed to support them. That is how lasting impact is created. That is legacy.”

This transition also reflects years of intentional succession planning led by Jonica Armstrong, a founding member of the Be Strong Advisory Board, whose vision helped establish an Advisory Board designed to grow. From its inception, Armstrong believed the Board should continually develop new leaders prepared to strengthen the mission for years to come. Her stewardship laid the foundation for the appointments announced today and reflects Be Strong’s long-standing commitment to leadership that is intentionally cultivated, shared, and sustained.

As part of this transition, Be Strong has appointed Erika J. Davis, CRP, Manager of Inclusion at JM Family Enterprises, and Dr. Pamela Morris Perez, Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University, to its Governance Board following their distinguished service on the organization’s Advisory Board. Together, they bring nationally recognized expertise in corporate leadership, inclusion, adolescent mental health, prevention science, and organizational strategy that will help guide Be Strong’s continued growth and impact.

The Governance Board also chose to recognize Cheryl Ambrose as a Legacy Board Member, honoring the Governance Board appointment she proudly accepted before her passing in July 2026. Cheryl dedicated nearly three decades to advancing occupational safety and health while becoming a nationally respected advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and worker well-being throughout the construction industry. Her influence extended well beyond her profession and deeply impacted Be Strong’s mission.

“Cheryl never looked for recognition, only opportunities to serve,” Cromer said. “She believed deeply that every person mattered and deserved to know they were never alone. That wasn’t simply something she supported through Be Strong. It was how she lived. Upholding her appointment recognizes not only her leadership, but the extraordinary legacy of compassion, humility, and service she leaves behind.”

Reflecting on Cheryl’s legacy, her husband, Jeff Ambrose, shared:

“Cheryl’s determination to help others came from what she had seen and experienced throughout her life. She understood the challenges people were facing, from addiction and mental health struggles to the pressures people carry quietly every day, and when she saw an opportunity to help, she never hesitated to step in.

When Cheryl talked about becoming part of the Be Strong family, her eyes would light up. It brought together so much of what mattered to her: helping others, creating safer and stronger communities, and making sure people knew they did not have to face difficult things alone. No matter how busy she was, she always found time to participate when asked.

Her faith wasn’t something she simply talked about. You saw it in how she lived, how she served, and how she showed up for people.”

The organization also announced the appointment of Jesula Jeannot and Mike Pepperman as Co-Chairs of the Be Strong Advisory Board, marking another important milestone in the organization’s leadership evolution.

For Jeannot, the appointment represents a remarkable full-circle journey. Nearly a decade ago, she joined Be Strong as one of its very first Student Representatives. Since then, she has served as an intern, speaker, staff member, and national advocate before now assuming leadership of the Advisory Board.

“Every opportunity to lead is really an opportunity to serve,” said Jeannot. “I’m incredibly honored to step into the role of Co-Chair of the Be Strong Advisory Board. What makes this moment even more meaningful is knowing that my journey with Be Strong began as one of its very first Student Representatives. To now have the opportunity to help lead the Advisory Board is a full-circle reminder that when you serve with purpose, every chapter prepares you for the next.

“Be Strong has always represented more than a mission to me. It represents the belief that when we invest in people, empower young leaders, and create communities rooted in compassion, connection, and kindness, we build spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and less alone. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue advancing this work alongside such passionate individuals and excited to contribute to bold ideas, meaningful collaboration, and a future that inspires others to lead with heart and create lasting impact.”

Pepperman, a longtime supporter of Be Strong and father of three daughters, said the organization’s work resonates with him on both a personal and professional level.

“As the father of three daughters, Be Strong’s mission to strengthen the mental, emotional, and relational health of young people isn’t just something I believe in, it’s personal,” Pepperman said. “Be Strong’s grassroots, peer-to-peer model meets young people where they are and empowers them to show up for one another in ways that create lasting impact. I’m genuinely excited to partner with and learn from Jesula and the entire Be Strong organization as we further tap into their extensive expertise and roll up our sleeves to continue expanding Be Strong’s awareness and reach.”

Looking ahead, Be Strong also previewed the launch of its inaugural Student Advisory Board, a new initiative designed to ensure young people have a formal voice in helping shape the organization’s future. Building upon the insight and leadership of thousands of Student Representatives nationwide, The Student Advisory Board will provide direct insight into the issues young people are navigating today while helping shape national awareness campaigns, program development, peer engagement, and strategic priorities. The initiative reinforces Be Strong’s belief that the people closest to today’s challenges should have a meaningful voice in designing tomorrow’s solutions.

These appointments also mark several transitions within Be Strong’s Advisory Board. Christine Ackerson, Patrick Chapman, Sameer Hinduja, and Amy Stevenson concluded their service on the Advisory Board after contributing their time, expertise, and commitment to strengthening the organization’s mission. Be Strong extends its sincere gratitude for their dedicated leadership and meaningful contributions.

The organization’s leadership now includes Ashleigh Cromer as CEO and Chair of the Governance Board, joined by Governance Board Members Dr. Francine Baugh-Stewart, Erika J. Davis, CRP, Elias Janetis, Dr. Pamela Morris Perez, Dr. Mike Rozenblum, William “Will” Weyrowski, and Cheryl Ambrose, recognized as a Legacy Board Member. The Advisory Board is led by Co-Chairs Jesula Jeannot and Mike Pepperman, alongside Jonica Armstrong, Erin Chin, Torarie Durden, Sneha Jogi, Michael Steven Levine, Fire Chief Jeffrey Levy, Ambrosia Long, Nicole Oropesa, Margy Stevens, and Joshua A. Aparicio Swain.

The appointments announced today represent more than new leadership roles. They reflect Be Strong’s belief that leadership is measured not by titles, but by service. From Jonica Armstrong’s vision to build an Advisory Board designed for future generations, to Cheryl Ambrose’s enduring example of compassion, to Jesula Jeannot’s journey from Student Representative to Advisory Board Co-Chair, and to the students who will soon help shape the organization’s future, each leader reflects the same enduring truth: when people choose to invest in others, lives are changed, hope grows stronger, and lasting legacies are created.

As Be Strong enters its next chapter, its mission remains unchanged: ensuring every person knows help is here, hope is possible, and they are never alone.

ABOUT BE STRONG

Be Strong is a national charity dedicated to strengthening mental, emotional, and relational health by increasing access to help, support, and care. Through the Be Strong App, peer-to-peer leadership programs, resilience education, crisis support resources, and innovative care partnerships, Be Strong equips individuals and communities with practical tools that ensure help is available when it is needed most.

For donations, media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to learn more, visit BeStrong.org

Media Contact: media@bestrong.global

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/be-strong-announces-new-leadership-and-the-next-chapter-of-its-legacy-302839687.html

SOURCE Be Strong

BEIJING, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recon Technology, Ltd (NASDAQ: RCON) (“Recon” or the “Company”), a China-based independent solutions integrator in the oilfield service and environmental protection, electric power and coal chemical industries, today announced that it has entered into an At-the-Market (“ATM”) Issuance Sales Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated July 28, 2026, under which the Company may, from time to time during the term of the Agreement, offer and sell the Company’s Class A ordinary shares (the “Shares”), par value $0.0001 per share, having an aggregate value of up to $100 million, to or through Pacific Century Securities, LLC (the “Sales Agent”) as the Company’s exclusive sales agent or principal.

Sales of Shares, if any, will be made at or related to then-prevailing market prices and, as a result, prices may vary. The volume and timing of sales under the ATM Program (the “ATM Program”) will be determined at the Company’s discretion. The Company expects to use any proceeds from the ATM Program for general corporate purposes, which include working capital, operating expenses, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions, business development activities, and other strategic initiatives in line with the Company’s growth plans.

Pacific Century Securities, LLC is serving as the exclusive sales agent for the ATM Program. Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. is acting as U.S. counsel to the Company. McCarter & English, LLP is acting as U.S. counsel to the Sales Agent.

Under the Agreement, the Sales Agent may sell the Shares as the Company’s exclusive sales agent or principal and by methods deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The maximum offering amount in the ATM Program will be $100 million or the maximum offering dollar amount permitted under the Company’s then current shelf registration capacity on the effective Registration Statement (defined below), whichever is lesser. In no event shall the aggregate number of Shares sold in the ATM Program exceed the number of the Company’s authorized but unissued Class A ordinary shares.

The Shares will be offered under the Company’s existing effective shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-292540) (the “Registration Statement”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A prospectus supplement dated July 28, 2026 related to the offering has been filed with the SEC. Any offer, solicitation or sale will be made only by means of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Electronic copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by contacting Pacific Century Securities, LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, 747 3rd Ave, STE 2101, New York, NY 10017, by email at francis@pcsecurities.us. Current and potential investors should read the prospectus in the registration statement, and the prospectus supplement relating to the ATM Program and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in such prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which provide more complete information about the Company and the ATM Program.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor may there be any sale of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities law of any state or jurisdiction.

About Recon Technology, Ltd (“RCON”)

Recon Technology, Ltd (NASDAQ: RCON) is the People’s Republic of China’s first NASDAQ-listed non-state owned oil and gas field service company. Recon supplies China’s largest oil exploration companies, with advanced automated technologies, efficient gathering and transportation equipment and reservoir stimulation measure for increasing petroleum extraction levels, reducing impurities and lowering production costs. Through the years, RCON has taken leading positions within several segmented markets of the oil and gas field service industry. RCON also has developed stable long-term cooperation relationship with its major clients. For additional information please visit: http://www.recon.cn/. 

Forward-Looking Statements

Recon includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws throughout this press release. A reader can identify forward-looking statements because they are not limited to historical fact or they use words such as “scheduled,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “objective,” “committed,” “intend,” “continue,” or “will likely result,” and similar expressions that concern Recon’s strategy, plans, intentions or beliefs about future occurrences or results. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may change at any time and may cause actual results to differ materially from those that Recon expected. Many of these statements are derived from Recon’s operating budgets and forecasts, which are based on many detailed assumptions that Recon believes are reasonable, or are based on various assumptions about certain plans, activities or events which we expect will or may occur in the future. However, it is very difficult to predict the effect of known factors, and Recon cannot anticipate all factors that could affect actual results that may be important to an investor. All forward-looking information should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those factors disclosed under “Risk Factors” in Recon’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and any subsequent half-year financial filings on Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements that Recon makes from time to time in its SEC filings and public communications. Recon cannot assure the reader that it will realize the results or developments Recon anticipates, or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect Recon or its operations in the way Recon expects. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Recon undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they were made, except as otherwise required by law. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, Recon.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/recon-technology-ltd-announces-100-million-at-the-market-equity-offering-program-302840063.html

SOURCE Recon Technology, Ltd