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Belize Tourism Board Launches Groundbreaking ‘No Barriers Reef’ Project in Celebration of World Ocean Day

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BELIZE CITY, Belize, June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud to announce the launch of ‘No Barriers Reef,’ a pioneering initiative designed to make the breathtaking natural wonders of Belize accessible to every Belizean. This innovative project, which went live on Saturday, June 8, in honor of World Ocean Day, is a testament to Belize’s commitment to the appreciation and preservation of our oceans and natural heritage.

In collaboration with The Zimmerman Agency, Belize introduced an innovative virtual reality (VR) experience this past March that immerses viewers in the stunning beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest living reef in the northern hemisphere. The primary goal of this initiative is to provide Belizeans, who may not have the ability or opportunity to explore this natural marvel firsthand, a unique opportunity to experience its splendor virtually. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef attracts millions of travelers from all over the world each year. Knowing, though, that there are locals who have never had the chance to lay eyes on one of the world’s greatest wonders, despite it being in their own backyard, was something BTB felt needed to change. 

Captured on camera, the awe and joy of Belizeans as they encountered the reef through VR for the first time was incomparable. Many expressed a profound sense of pride and wonder, underscoring the emotional and cultural significance of our natural heritage. This project vividly demonstrates that by overcoming barriers to experiencing the reef, we open up endless possibilities for making other natural wonders accessible to all. It also demonstrates the strides that have been made in the realm of technology to be able to bridge this gap. Without these advancements in virtual reality, a project like this would have never been achievable.

“Our natural heritage is an integral part of who we are as Belizeans,” said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. “The ‘No Barriers Reef’ project not only celebrates the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef, but also empowers every Belizean to connect with our incredible landscapes and history. We’ve seen firsthand the emotional and cultural impact it’s had on the locals that participated in the project, and we are thrilled to finally share it with the rest of our fellow Belizeans. This initiative marks a significant step forward in making our natural wonders accessible to everyone.”

A great first step, the 360° Belize Barrier Reef video, is only just the beginning. Belize has exciting plans to create more immersive VR experiences, including virtual adventures exploring the ancient wonders of the ATM caves, participating in a fly over the magnificent Great Blue Hole, and visiting the awe-inspiring Maya Temple sites. Everyone, including Belizeans and non-Belizeans alike, are invited to stay tuned for these upcoming VR films. These experiences will bring the wonders of Belize to life, allowing people to explore and appreciate them from anywhere in the world.

With the launch of No Barriers Reef and the announcement of plans to create even more VR videos in the future, BTB reaffirms their commitment to making Belize’s natural heritage accessible to all, ensuring that every Belizean can take pride in and connect with such a remarkable environment.

To view the No Barriers Reef campaign, head to travelbelize.org/no-barriers-reef. To learn more about the beautiful country of Belize, visit travelbelize.org.

About Belize Tourism Board
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Belize Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and it is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The BTB works in conjunction with members of the private sector – including the Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association and Belize National Tour Operators Association – and is dedicated to building tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of its responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize as a premier tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. Among its outreach to the international travel market, the BTB markets the country’s unique attractions to travelers, members of the travel trade industry and media outlets in key markets. The BTB is also dedicated to developing and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instill high quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.travelbelize.org.  

Contact:
Brooke Youngblood
byoungblood@zimmerman.com

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SOURCE Belize Tourism Board

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Airspace Link Launches the Operations Center in AirHub® Portal to Deliver Complete Situational Awareness for Drone Operations

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DETROIT, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Airspace Link, a leading FAA-approved UAS (Drone) Service Supplier of B4UFLY and LAANC, today announced the official launch of the Operations Center in its flagship product AirHub® Portal. Designed to give organizations real-time operational oversight, the Operations Center enables strategic insight, situational awareness, and live tracking of drone and crewed aircraft activity — all in one powerful system.

“The Operations Center transforms AirHub® Portal into a true command center for organizations managing drone operations at scale,” said Tyler Dicks, Head of Product at Airspace Link. “From public safety teams and federal agencies to state and local governments and commercial enterprises, we’re helping a wide range of users gain the operational clarity they need to deliver safer, smarter, and more coordinated drone operations.”

With the new Operate tab activated in AirHub® Portal, users can visualize:

Active and planned drone operations for the dayLive crewed aircraft traffic and uncrewed drone activity, with supporting sensor partner integrationCurrent weather conditions across mission areasB4UFLY airspace briefings[Coming Soon] Real-time telemetry from user organizations’ own connected drone flights

Airspace Link’s new Operations Center in AirHub® Portal delivers a single-pane-of-glass solution for organizations that require coordinated, real-time airspace oversight. Built for flight operations managers, public safety agencies, airfield managers, and state and local authorities, the Operations Center offers a unified, interactive map display that provides a complete common operational picture of all active and planned missions, ensuring safer, more informed, and more efficient decision-making.

Also designed to meet the needs of IT leaders and security professionals, the Operations Center includes robust post-mission analytics, audit trails, and automatic reporting to support regulatory compliance, internal governance, and continuous operational improvement. Critically, Airspace Link safeguards its technology with enterprise-grade security and privacy protocols, backed by SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications — ensuring sensitive operational data is protected by industry-leading standards and rigorous best practices.

At the core of the Operations Center is its open platform architecture, which integrates with a range of airspace awareness data sources, including crewed aircraft ADS-B detection systems from industry leader uAvionix.

“We’re proud to partner with Airspace Link in delivering high integrity live aircraft traffic data for the Operations Center,” said Cyriel Kronenburg, Vice President for UAS and Aviation Networks from uAvionix, Airspace Link’s trusted sensor partner. “This integration ensures organizations have access to a high quality and accurate view of their surrounding airspace on a single pane of glass — a critical component for safe and effective drone operations.”

Now available for AirHub® Portal organization accounts, the Operations Center joins Airspace Link’s full suite of capabilities – from preflight planning and LAANC authorization to internal operation approvals, crew and asset management, and flight logging. Together, these tools form a comprehensive Drone Operations Management System (DOMS) purpose-built for the needs of modern, connected drone programs.

“Whether you’re overseeing a city-wide drone program or scaling enterprise operations, the Operations Center delivers the situational awareness and accountability today’s teams demand,” Dicks added. “It’s about empowering diverse stakeholders with the tools to operate smarter, safer, and with total confidence.”

As both an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier of LAANC and B4UFLY, and a provider of advanced drone operations software, Airspace Link offers one of the only fully integrated Drone Operations Management Systems in the market, eliminating the need to manage multiple systems or vendors.

See It Live at XPONENTIAL 2025

Airspace Link will be exhibiting at XPONENTIAL 2025 in Houston. Visit us at Booth #4320 for a live demonstration of the Operations Center and to explore how AirHub® Portal can elevate your organization’s drone operations.

Learn more and book your personalized demo here: https://airspacelink.com/xponential2025

About Airspace Link

Founded in Detroit in 2018, Airspace Link is a leading FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier of LAANC and B4UFLY, creating the digital infrastructure for the safe integration of drones into the national airspace and local communities. As SOC 2 compliant and ISO 27001-certified, Airspace Link’s drone operations management system, AirHub® Portal, empowers government entities, commercial fleets, certified drone pilots, and the broader drone industry with the tools needed to enable safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations. For more information about Airspace Link and AirHub® Portal, visit www.airspacelink.com

Media Contact
Rich Fahle
Rich.fahle@airspacelink.com

Sam Stewart Gacaferi
Sam.stewart@airspacelink.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/airspace-link-launches-the-operations-center-in-airhub-portal-to-deliver-complete-situational-awareness-for-drone-operations-302455539.html

SOURCE Airspace Link

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EcoFlow Expands U.S. Brick and Mortar Presence with Costco Collaboration

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New RIVER 3 Plus Wireless power station arrives at around 500 U.S. Costco locations, marking company’s largest in-store rollout

SEATTLE, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EcoFlow, a leading provider of eco-friendly portable power solutions, today announced a major in-store collaboration with Costco Whole Corporation (Costco) as part of the company’s effort to make its products available in more places its customers shop. The rollout brings the new EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Wireless, an ultra-portable, expandable power station for adventure and everyday living, to around 500 Costco stores across the U.S.

EcoFlow products will now be available in more than 90% of all Costco locations, covering around 95% of states nationwide.

Weighing just over 10lbs., the RIVER 3 Plus Wireless offers 600W of output and includes a detachable EcoFlow RAPID power bank (5000mAh) for ultimate versatility. The unit’s 286Wh storage capacity can also be more than doubled or tripled with optional expansion batteries providing premium flexibility for every power need.

Exclusive to Costco is the RIVER 3 Plus Wireless Boost Combo, a value-packed bundle with an extra RAPID power bank included, offering added convenience for seamless swapping, extended use, and easy sharing on the go.

Powering Up with Costco: A Milestone in Offline Reach

Since first teaming up in 2021, EcoFlow’s relationship with Costco U.S. has steadily expanded with the growing popularity of cutting-edge portable power solutions with Americans. EcoFlow today offers at least twice as many product offerings at Costco compared to any other portable power brands.

“Our partnership with Costco has been instrumental in expanding our reach to households across the U.S., and we’re committed to deepening that relationship,” said Brian Essenmacher, head of North American business development at EcoFlow. “We chose RIVER 3 Plus Wireless for this milestone rollout based on the incredible momentum behind the RIVER 3 series, especially among those new to portable power solutions. It embodies what our customers value most and what this partnership is all about: bringing powerful, flexible, portable energy solutions to more people, easier than ever.”

Meet the RIVER 3 Plus Wireless: A Proven Fan Favorite

RIVER 3 Plus Wireless is part of EcoFlow’s popular entry-level RIVER 3 series, known for combining pro-grade performance with grab-and-go portability. The new wireless model builds on that foundation and introduces enhanced flexibility with a top-docking RAPID power bank. Once attached, RIVER 3 Plus Wireless automatically charges the power bank via pogo pin technology — no cables required. RAPID also features Qi2 wireless charging that can charge mobile devices while docked on top.

RIVER 3 Plus’ 10ms switchover capability also allows it to be used as a UPS, ensuring a seamless experience during unexpected power outages.

By April 2025, EcoFlow RIVER 3 series is sustaining an average monthly growth rate of more than 10%, reflecting sustained demand in the compact, entry-level portable power market. With enhanced flexibility and pro-grade performance, RIVER 3 Plus Wireless is built to reinforce the lineup’s reputation as a dependable solution for versatile daily use, from critical backup to outdoor experiences.

Availability

Through August 17, the RIVER 3 Plus Wireless Boost Combo will be available in nearly 500 Costco offline stores for $279.99. To find and experience it at a Costco near you, please visit Costco’s website here.

About Costco

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make members’ shopping experience a pleasurable one.

About EcoFlow:

EcoFlow is a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions, committed to powering a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has aimed to be the FIRST in power solutions — Flexible, Innovative, Reliable, Simple, and Thorough — for individuals and families, whether at home, outdoors or on the go. With a smart manufacturing center in China, and headquarters in the USA, Germany and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered over 5 million users in 140 markets worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.ecoflow.com/us.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ecoflow-expands-us-brick-and-mortar-presence-with-costco-collaboration-302454879.html

SOURCE EcoFlow Technology Inc.

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Sproutr Raises Seed Round to Help MGAs/MGUs, Program Administrators, and Carriers Launch Innovative P&C Products and Programs Faster and More Efficiently

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InsurTech Startup Supports Over 35 Customers and has Successfully Launched More Than 60 Innovative Products and Programs in Just Two and a Half Years

SOLEBURY, Pa., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sproutr, a boutique insurance product design and build firm, today announced the close of its seed round led by Altai Ventures, one of the leading specialist fintech venture capital firms.

Built by insurance operators, Sproutr exists to bridge one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the gap between innovation and execution. By helping MGAs/MGUs, program administrators, and carriers navigate complex regulatory processes and internal structures, Sproutr empowers them to launch new P&C products and programs faster, smarter, and more efficiently — seizing market opportunities before they’re lost.

“Within virtually every entity that sells insurance products lies a team that is often not spoken about – a department responsible for developing policy language, drafting endorsements, and by doing so, one that defines the very promises that insurers make to their policyholders and without which they would not be able to operate,” explained Oleg Ilichev, Managing Partner, Altai Ventures. “Developing effective product language comes from program management experience. Leading with outcome-based insurance insights, Sproutr has built a method that enhances these existing workflows and offerings by combining the best insurance product experts with modern technology to design insurance products and programs in a more efficient and strategic manner,” said Ilichev.

Sproutr addresses a critical industry challenge, which is the gap between insurance innovation and execution. For new and existing MGAs/MGUs and program administrators, translating early-stage ideas into viable, carrier-backed programs involves navigating complex regulatory processes, internal carrier structures, and uncertain timelines. All of these factors can hinder innovation.

On the carrier side, rigid workflows and siloed responsibilities can also slow down decision-making, leading to missed market opportunities by launching products too late or chasing ill-defined business cases.

Sproutr’s mission is to redefine the standards in insurance program and product design by simplifying the process of bringing regulated products to market. Sproutr achieves this through its tech-forward approach, proprietary frameworks & processes, and deep industry expertise, helping new and established MGAs/MGUs, program administrators, and others capitalize on market opportunities and avoid missteps.

Sproutr is comprised of experienced insurance operators who have successfully launched and scaled insurance programs across the P&C spectrum. The firm delivers end-to-end advisory, authoring, and execution support across all stages of development, including:

Market ValidationUnderwriting GuidelinesForm & Rate DevelopmentRegulatory FilingsCarrier Paper StrategyPost Launch Audits and More

“At Accelerant, we pride ourselves on helping our Members move with agility and purpose,” said Mike McAuliffe, President at Accelerant Underwriting Managers. “Sproutr has been instrumental in delivering on this promise, sharing our Member-centric worldview and helping them build products and programs that meet real market needs,” noted McAuliffe.

Sproutr’s team of insurance professionals (CUOs, Product Managers, Compliance Experts, etc.) has over 300 years of combined experience building products and programs. Currently, the firm supports over 35 customers and has successfully launched over 60 products and programs in just 2.5 years. Some of the customers that trust Sproutr include: Accelerant, Blitz Insurance, Boost, District Cover, Everspan, MGT Insurance Company, and Sertis, among others.

“Having built, launched, and managed programs at AIG, Hippo, Hanover, and Attune, I know firsthand how hard it is to bring new insurance products to market even when you have access to the required parts (paper, capacity, & product), ” said JoAnne Artesani, CEO & Founder, Sproutr. “I founded Sproutr to direct my experience towards building a practice dedicated to propelling founders and program writers in executing their visions using smart, cost-effective, and pragmatic approaches. At Sproutr, we call this “Seeing Beyond”. Today, we operate these principles at scale with a technology-driven, customer first approach and a growing team of incredible talent, which drove my decision to bring strategic capital into Sproutr,” explained Artesani.

Sproutr, a profitable insurtech startup with over 35 customers, plans to use its funding to create more value for its growing customer base by accelerating the firm’s execution of its technology roadmap and scaling its growing team. The firm is a proud partner program member of AAIS and an approved service provider of TMPAA. For more information about Sproutr, visit: https://www.sproutr.com/ 

About Sproutr
Sproutr is an insurance product design & build firm. Moving beyond advisory services, Sproutr exists to support start-up and legacy insurance providers in leading core insurance functions to validate, design, and author new or expanding product launch efforts. Their team has deep experience and credibility in leading underwriting, process, and product design and implementation within Fortune 500 companies and unicorn insurtechs. Choosing Sproutr means gaining the strength and credibility of a multi-disciplinary team that has navigated real industry obstacles. 

About Altai Ventures
Altai Ventures is a specialist venture capital firm with a focus on backing and incubating early-stage startups in financial services. Altai’s mission is to empower extraordinary founders to reinvent financial services by using its operating expertise, deep industry knowledge, and strategic LPs to drive immediate, meaningful value creation.

Media Contact:
JoAnne Artesani
info@sproutr.com
215-867-9277

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sproutr-raises-seed-round-to-help-mgasmgus-program-administrators-and-carriers-launch-innovative-pc-products-and-programs-faster-and-more-efficiently-302456025.html

SOURCE Sproutr Holdings LLC

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