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Disney Parks and RICE Bring Diverse Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs to Walt Disney World Resort as part of Innovative New Supply Chain Program

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Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Sponsors Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) Supply Chain Accelerator Program focused on transforming diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — 10-year-old Zoe Oli of Atlanta arrived at Walt Disney World for the first time a few days ago, not on vacation but as CEO of her start-up business, Beautiful Curly Me, aimed at creating dolls who look like her.

Oli and 58 other Black entrepreneurs got a two-day peek behind the Disney curtain as part of their journey with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs’ (RICE) Supply Chain Accelerator Program sponsored by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. RICE, a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, is a business generator designed to inspire and support Black entrepreneurs.

Throughout the two days of workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions led by Disney, RICE stakeholders learned best practices from various Disney leaders and the Disney Institute about how to grow their businesses. Participants engaged in sessions focused on storytelling, leadership, customer service, and supplier diversity.

“Disney understands the importance of diversity in business and is helping us create and accelerate opportunities for Black business owners – expanding the possibilities during a time when equitable opportunities have never been more important,” said Jay Bailey, President and CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs.

The Supply Chain Accelerator Program delivers an immersive learning experience aimed at preparing and positioning diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses for long-term success. The pilot includes 35 companies owned by Black entrepreneurs, 66% of whom are women-owned and featured companies from industries such as consulting, food and beverage, IT and software, media, transportation and retail.

In Oli’s case, her company, Beautiful Curly Me, started when she was six years old. “I did not like my hair and I wished it was straight like my classmates. I found a need for black dolls that looked like me. When we went to the stores and couldn’t find any, I decided I wanted to make my own business and do something about it,” shared Oli.

Oli is proud to say that Beautiful Curly Me is a brand on a mission to empower and inspire young black and brown girls to love and be confident in who they are, and for every doll purchased, one is given to an underserved girl. About her experience at Walt Disney World, Oli stated, “Walt’s vision has shown me the power of teamwork and one dream,” shared Oli. “If Walt can do it, I can too.” 

M-T Strickland, co-founder and CEO of Metric Mate, also is part of RICE’s Supply Accelerator program. “The magic that you feel at Walt Disney World is energizing, and having a group of 60 entrepreneurs here that share that energy just magnified it,” shared Strickland, co-founder and CEO of Metric Mate. “Beyond the curriculum and relationships we built, being able to take a little piece of the magic back home is going to be amazing. Without a shadow of a doubt, every conversation I have from now on will have that twinkling of Disney in the back of my mind letting me know that I can achieve and I can do what I believe.” 

Disney’s sponsorship of RICE’s program is part of its commitment to invest in communities by sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In fiscal year 2021, Disney set a goal to spend at least $1 billion annually with diverse suppliers by 2024, placing the company among the top in spending with diverse suppliers and impacting the communities by creating jobs and opportunities.

“We recognize that supporting suppliers of all backgrounds, sizes and industries makes a profound impact in the community,” said Ralph Sagaille, Director, Supplier Diversity and Sustainability, The Walt Disney Company. “We believe in the power of possibilities and the collaboration with RICE is part of our commitment to invest in supplier diversity while encouraging entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to dream.”

The second year of the program will expand to 50 participating businesses and an enhanced curriculum. We look forward to continuing to share more stories about our work with RICE. To learn more about Disney’s Supplier Diversity efforts, visit https://supplierdiversity.disney.com/.

Additional Resources:
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About Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)
RICE is a business generator serving metro Atlanta, created to support Black entrepreneurs in overcoming the unique barriers they face in building thriving businesses. At 54,000 square feet, RICE is the largest center of its kind in the United States. Our BIG IDEAS model meets every business owner where they are on their journey, fortifying them with a community of support, increasing access and exposure, focused on transformational change. RICE honors the legacy and visionary leadership of one the greatest entrepreneurs the city of Atlanta ever produced, the late great Herman J. Russell

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises — including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic — into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with five ships and plans for two more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai’i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships and consumer products — including books, games and merchandise.

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Ampace Spotlights AI-Ready Battery Solutions for Gigascale Infrastructure at DCW Washington 2026

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ampace, a global leader in advanced lithium-ion battery technology, is participating in Data Center World 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Booth 206), where active visitor engagement reflected growing industry focus on how power infrastructure must evolve for the AI era.

This year, Ampace is showcasing how battery systems are becoming an increasingly important enabler of gigascale AI infrastructure. From cell-level technologies to system-level deployment, spanning applications from commercial and industrial energy storage to UPS systems, Ampace is presenting solutions designed to help data centers manage rising power volatility, improve resilience, and scale more efficiently.

At the center of the showcase is the PU Series, Ampace’s AI-ready battery platform engineered for the increasingly dynamic conditions of modern compute environments. As AI clusters drive 100kW+ rack densities, millisecond-level load spikes, and frequent workload transitions, conventional backup systems are being asked to do far more than emergency support. Ampace’s PU Series is designed to absorb rapid fluctuations, maintain stable output, and support uninterrupted operation under highly variable AI workloads.

A key highlight of Ampace’s presence this week will be its featured TECH TALK session with Eaton on April 22, from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM (Room 209ABC), titled Powering Gigascale AI: How Advanced Batteries Stabilize Extreme Training Loads.

The session will bring together shared industry perspectives from Aaron Schott, UPS Sales Manager at Ampace, and Jon Hymel, Product Manager at Eaton, two professionals working closely with hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, and mission-critical customers navigating the next wave of AI infrastructure growth.

Together, the speakers will explore how established UPS architectures and advanced lithium battery systems are increasingly working in tandem to meet the operational realities of AI data centers. The discussion will examine how battery technologies can support real-time load balancing, improve reliability, and help operators prepare for the transition from megawatt-scale campuses to gigawatt-scale compute ecosystems.

Their joint appearance reflects a growing alignment across the power infrastructure ecosystem: scalable AI requires not only more electricity, but smarter coordination between UPS systems, energy storage, and facility operations. As data centers evolve, battery-enabled continuity is becoming a shared priority across technology providers, operators, and infrastructure partners.

Built for demanding AI applications, Ampace’s platform is engineered to respond rapidly during ramp-up and ramp-down events, while maintaining stable operation under continuous partial-load cycling. Its semi-solid cell technology further enhances intrinsic safety by reducing leakage risk and lowering thermal runaway gas generation, while cabinet-level validation under UL 9540A standards reinforces readiness for mission-critical deployments.

At Ampace’s booth, visitors have been exploring how advanced battery systems can help reduce infrastructure oversizing, relieve pressure on grid connections, and improve continuity in facilities originally designed for steady-state demand. The strong response reflects a broader market shift: batteries are no longer viewed only as standby assets, but as active components of modern AI power architecture.

Visit Booth 206 to meet the Ampace team, experience the PU Series on site, and join in-depth discussions on how advanced battery solutions are helping build a more resilient, scalable, and efficient AI infrastructure. On-site specialists are available throughout the show for live demonstrations, technical briefings, and media inquiries.

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TÜV Rheinland Opens Advanced Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar, Haryana

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Empowering automotive industry capabilities through precision testing, international compliance, and innovative solutions for next-generation mobility.

MANESAR, India, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing, inspection and certification services, today announced the opening of its state-of-the-art Automotive Component Testing Laboratory (ACT Lab) in Manesar, Haryana. The ACT Lab will support manufacturers in meeting evolving regulatory requirements, adopting emerging technologies, and accelerating time-to-market.

As the world’s third-largest mobility market, India is developing rapidly, and demand for trustworthy, globally recognized testing services continues to rise. TÜV Rheinland’s ACT Lab supports the development of safer and high-performance automotive products.

Strategically located in Manesar, the facility is well-positioned to unlock growth opportunities within India’s automotive and electric mobility ecosystem, while advancing next-generation transport solutions.

Technological Excellence and Advanced Capabilities

The ACT Lab is equipped with advanced testing systems from leading international manufacturers, ensuring precision, reliability, and global acceptance of results.

Its capabilities include structural testing, corrosion and durability assessments, and environmental simulation under extreme conditions. The facility also offers fatigue and lifecycle testing for critical automotive components, alongside comprehensive material analysis for metals and polymers, delivering deep insights into performance under real-world conditions.

By providing end-to-end testing, inspection, and certification solutions under one roof, the lab distinguishes itself through its ability to replicate operational environments, meet global and OEM standards, and deliver highly reliable, traceable results.

Platform for Collaboration, Innovation, and Trust

Commenting on the inauguration, Dr. Matthias Schubert, Executive Vice President Mobility at TÜV Rheinland Group, said: “Our investment in the Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar reflects TÜV Rheinland’s long-term strategic commitment to India as a key growth market. As the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation, this facility enables us to support manufacturers with advanced testing capabilities that not only ensure compliance but also drive innovation, safety, and global competitiveness.”

Highlighting the broader strategic intent, Thomas Quernheim, Senior Vice President Mobility, TÜV Rheinland Group, said, “India represents one of the most dynamic opportunities within our global mobility portfolio. This investment reflects our vision to build resilient, future-oriented capabilities that not only respond to market evolution but also shape the standards of tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem.”

Rajendra Kisanrao Bandal, Vice President, Mobility at TÜV Rheinland India, added: “This facility goes beyond a conventional testing laboratory – it is a platform for collaboration and innovation. Combining global expertise with local insight, it enables manufacturers to enhance quality, reliability, and performance, while strengthening India’s position in the global mobility landscape.”

About TÜV Rheinland:

TÜV Rheinland is a leading provider of testing and inspection services worldwide. For over 150 years, the company has helped make the world a safer place. Today, more than 28,000 employees test, inspect and certify products, plants and processes, while also providing training for people in a wide range of professions. Operating from 500 locations in more than 50 countries, TÜV Rheinland helps safeguard key areas of business and everyday life. Headquartered in Cologne and generating annual revenue of close to €3 billion, the company plays a key role in quality assurance worldwide. TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2006, demonstrating its commitment to anti-corruption and sustainability.

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Media Contact:

Samrat Sinha
Communications & PR
TÜV Rheinland
Email: Samrat.Sinha@ind.tuv.com

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EZVIZ joins the United Nations Global Compact, starting a new chapter of its unwavering journey to long-term sustainability and further expanding its contribution to key environmental issues

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HOOFDDORP, Netherlands, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EZVIZ, an advocate for greener smart homes, is proud to announce its participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development on this Earth Day. As a smart home pioneer joining the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, EZVIZ will align its award-winning EZVIZ Green initiative with the UNGC’s Ten Principles, making a transformative impact through responsible business in environmental protection.

The UN Global Compact is a call to companies to adopt ten universal principles in human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 25,000 participants across 167 countries, the UNGC is keeping the earth green and clean with its growing influence.

Though new to the initiative, EZVIZ has been implementing SDGs in its development, operations and management, including establishing an ESG committee directed by the Board. On April 10, the company published its 2025 ESG report under its commitment “Our Planet. Our Actions” for transparency and awareness. Over the past year, EZVIZ has received international recognition like the European Green Awards, the SEAL Sustainability Business Awards, and the Indigo Design Award with the “Design for Social Change” honor.

To safeguard a green planet, EZVIZ has addressed land degradation, global warming, plastic recycling, community empowerment and more. Partnering with Treedom, EZVIZ has planted 4,190 trees with local farmers, reducing approximately 738.2 tons of CO2. Together with Plastic Bank, EZVIZ has prevented over 1,000,000 plastic bottles from polluting vulnerable environments. The partnerships are reinforced by internally recycling plastics and minimizing waste. In 2025, EZVIZ incorporated over 30 tons of recycled materials into its RE7 Edge robot vacuum’s design and reduced CO2 emissions by 73.1 tons through greener packaging.

“Becoming part of the UNGC is a significant milestone for us. It means our efforts in building a better planet, have been recognized globally,” said Jingwen Cao, EZVIZ Board Secretary and Director of the ESG Committee. “This participation provides us the confidence to further expand our environmental protection, as well as to set stricter boundaries to avoid sacrificing the environment for commercial gain.”

With green in its brand gene, the company has also developed green technology with a low carbon footprint. The AOV low-energy consumption tech, and the ColorFULL low-light night vision mode help reduce energy consumption and light pollution resulted from 24/7 home security. Firstly embedding self-patented wild animal detection in outdoor cameras, EZVIZ continues to implement responsible AI to balance human safety and wildlife protection, according to Sophie Zhang, EZVIZ Global Brand Director.

“We believe in the power of technology and always strive to benefit not only our users, but also everyone and every life,” said Zhang. “Alongside other industry leaders in the UNGC, EZVIZ is motivated to contribute to a better future for generations to come.”

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