Connect with us

Technology

America Achieves Congratulates Local Coalitions Forming Regional Tech Hubs and Building Good Jobs Economies

Published

on

Out of hundreds of applicants to the bipartisan Tech Hubs program, 12 Tech Hubs to receive implementation grants totaling $504 million

America Achieves calls for additional appropriations, already authorized by Congress with bipartisan support, to meet local demand for Tech Hubs nationwide

NEW YORK, July 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — America Achieves congratulates the 12 regions winning Tech Hub implementation grants today. We are proud to have provided in-depth technical assistance to 6 of these 12 Tech Hubs. 

The Biden-Harris Administration announced grants today through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). This program was enabled by Congress’ bipartisan $10 billion authorization of the Tech Hubs program as part of the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 and an initial down payment of just over $500 million in appropriations. 

America Achieves is calling on Congress to appropriate an additional $2 billion this year – 20% of bipartisan authorization levels – to fully fund all 31 of the designated Tech Hubs and enable a second funding competition. Further appropriations would put Americans to work in hundreds of thousands of good jobs that grow local industries of the future and strengthen U.S. competitiveness and national security.

“In rapidly changing local economies, communities across America are investing in local businesses, good jobs, and quality training for their residents to solve problems, grow the economy, and advance national security and competitiveness,” said America Achieves CEO Jon Schnur. “Today’s announcement – funded by the bipartisan Tech Hubs program – responds to surging local interest and leadership aiming to build vibrant Tech Hubs and a ‘Good Jobs Economy’ that creates new, good jobs and ensures that local residents have fair access to good jobs.” 

Nearly 400 local coalitions submitted applications in the first round of the Tech Hubs competition last year. Of those applicants, 31 became designated Tech Hubs in October 2023. Today’s announcement provided a total of $504 million in funding to 12 of these Tech Hub designees. America Achieves also celebrates the incredible work of the 31 designated Tech Hubs that are poised to help communities compete globally, drive economic growth locally, and create good jobs; the EDA announced that all of them will receive significant benefits, regardless of whether they received federal funding this round.

The regions supported by America Achieves in their applications and receiving funds today include: The Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA) (Oklahoma); Headwaters Hub (Montana); the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub; the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub; and the Nevada Tech Hub

After working closely with these coalitions, America Achieves feels confident that the Tech Hubs grantees will deliver on their potential by using funds effectively and creating Good Jobs Economies in their communities – growing a local economy that equips local residents with the skills, pathways, and support to get and keep good jobs that deliver on the Tech Hub promise.

America Achieves was a trusted partner supporting our hub throughout this process,” said Wendy Harris, Regional Innovation Officer of the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub. “From their expertise in workforce and economic development to their hands-on assistance with our application, they helped us lay the foundation for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub and our work to come.” 

“Making Tulsa’s Tech Hub a reality was no small feat,” said Jennifer Hankins, managing director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, which led Tulsa’s Tech Hubs strategy, “and required contributions from partners across the country. America Achieves brought invaluable expertise and capacity to our team and was integral to developing a proposal that ultimately resulted in a historic investment to secure Tulsa’s economic future.”

A clear pathway toward fully funding the Tech Hubs program is essential to sustain the momentum that local leaders around the country have generated. In 2022, Congress provided bipartisan authorization for $10 billion to support the Tech Hub funding competition created by the CHIPS and Science Act and the Department of Commerce. To date, Congress has appropriated $541 million – just 5% – of this funding. This funding, while significant, is a first step that has only supported 3% of this first round of Tech Hubs applications. To fulfill the potential of this program and build Tech Hubs that create good jobs across the country, Congress must build on this down payment and appropriate the full amount authorized.

About Some of the Regions Supported by America Achieves

The Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA) will transform the Tulsa, OK region into a globally competitive hub for the development, testing, manufacturing, and deployment of cyber-secure autonomous systems, such as drones. Tech Hubs funding will create up to 56,000 new jobs, with half these jobs going to Tulsans who have been historically underrepresented and excluded from the benefits of regional economic growth. THETA will build on Tulsa’s legacy of aerospace manufacturing, significant investments in the local drone industry and nationally unique testing facilities to build the Tulsa Tech Hub. In addition, THETA includes partnerships with Tribal nations and Black Tech Street to meaningfully engage underrepresented communities in advanced technologies and expand economic opportunity to these communities.
 The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub aims to draw on Wisconsin’s storied manufacturing history to position the state as a global leader in personalized medicine, an emerging healthcare approach that tailors tests, treatments, and therapies informed by a patient’s unique genetic code, medical record, and environment. 
 Headwaters Hub seeks to establish Montana as a global leader in the development and production of “smart photonic sensors” – primarily optical and laser technologies – and ways that local businesses and workers can ensure cutting-edge technology, in combination with artificial intelligence and machine learning, can be applied to self-driving vehicles, emissions tracking, and farm and wildfire management, among other applications. Montana’s proposal centers rural and tribal communities and seeks to ensure that these communities help lead Hub projects and share in their expected benefits, particularly with regard to job creation.
 The South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub – a consortium led by Miami-Dade County – will advance gains that the region has already been making in sustainable climate technology and filling local jobs engaged in high tech efforts.
 The Nevada Tech Hub will put local residents to work by drawing on the region’s rich sources of lithium and materials needed for electrification, to further establish the state as an international hub for the processing and recycling of self-sustaining batteries that can power electrical vehicles, among other uses.

About America Achieves

America Achieves is a nonprofit organization that partners with local communities to support a blend of economic growth and economic mobility – creating Good Jobs Economies that create good jobs in high-growth sectors and ensuring that participation in those jobs much more closely reflects the diversity of local communities than it does today. For more than a decade, America Achieves has incubated high-performing initiatives, launched new nonprofit organizations, and partnered with local leaders focused on making their communities better places to live, learn, work, and raise a family. In recent years, our nonprofit organization has helped design, shape, and secure federal funding for a series of new programs and policies supporting place-based economic and workforce development. America Achieves helped regional coalitions that applied for this funding, with a combined success rate more than four times greater than the national average.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/america-achieves-congratulates-local-coalitions-forming-regional-tech-hubs-and-building-good-jobs-economies-302188275.html

SOURCE America Achieves

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Where the World Smiles Together: Honouring Hospitality on April 24

Published

on

By

International Hospitality Council and IIHM Lead Global Tribute to Hospitality’s Human Touch

LONDON and KOLKATA, India, April 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hospitality is an industry of hope and growth. It spans snow-capped mountains, sunny beaches, forests, and deserts—where dreamers, innovators, and doers work every day to deliver comfort and happiness.

On April 24, International Hospitality Day (IHD) 2025 was celebrated globally by professionals and institutions across over 60 countries. The virtual programme was hosted by the International Hospitality Council (UK) and the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), India’s largest and premier multi-campus institute for hospitality education.

“I realised there’s a day for every profession – except for one dedicated to those whose mission is to bring joy to others: the hospitality industry. And so, International Hospitality Day was born on April 24,” said Dr Suborno Bose, Creator of IHD, Chairman of IHC, and Chairman of IIHM & Indismart Group, Worldwide.

Established in 2016 by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and IIHM, IHD was born out of a shared vision between Prof. David Foskett, OBE, Chairman of IHC London, and Dr Suborno Bose. It unites hospitality, travel, and tourism professionals to exchange ideas, promote excellence, and build a spirit of global solidarity.

The IHC continues to champion the hospitality sector worldwide by encouraging collaboration, shaping forward-thinking policy, and promoting education and employment. As in previous years, this year’s celebration featured the Virtual Global Hospitality Summit, where industry leaders reflected on challenges, shared insights, and honoured hospitality’s human essence.

“There was a day for everyone,” Dr Bose reiterated, “but none for hospitality. We created that day.”
“IHD stands on three pillars: Promote, Educate, Celebrate.”

He also underscored IHC and IIHM’s commitment to sustainability, youth enterprise, and initiatives like Young Chef India, which identifies and supports the country’s top culinary student to represent India at the Young Chef Olympiad, the world’s largest gathering of student chefs.

Prof. David Foskett, OBE, echoed the spirit of IHD:

“Hospitality is simple. Speak from the heart. Make people happy. Create careers and contribute to the economy. Most importantly, say thank you – especially to our students.”
“A country without hospitality is barren. A country with hospitality is fertile.”

Two key panel discussions were held during the summit:

Hospitality in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Moderated by Prof. Neil Rippington (International Director, IIHM), with speakers:Ms Riya Mittal, Product Manager and MSc Engineering Management, USCMr Michael Grove, CEO – HotstatsMs Alexandra Janosek, Instructional Designer, Worldwide Curriculum DesignProf. Sandip Mukherjee, Professor Emeritus – IIHM

While technology is revolutionising efficiency and guest experience, the panel agreed that the essence of hospitality—its heart and human touch—remains irreplaceable.

Hospitality: India’s New Growth Story
Moderated by Diwan Gautam Anand, President of the IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows, the panel featured:Mr K Mohan Chandran, Sr Vice President Operations, Taj HotelsMichelin-starred Chef Chris GalvinMr Yogendra Agnihotri, Sr Regional Director (North and East), Radisson HotelsMs Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC & President, TAAIMr Rajiv Kapoor, GM, Fairmont Mumbai

The consensus: India is setting a global example by listening, innovating, and serving from the heart—because, as noted, “an unhappy customer doesn’t complain, she simply leaves.”

The celebration paused for a moment of silence in memory of those lost in the Pahalgam tragedy.

Diwan Gautam Anand, iconic hospitality leader and President of FIIHM, closed the summit with a poignant message:

“Thank you for being present on such a landmark day. It is dedicated to all of us who know that time doesn’t erase, it transforms.”

This year’s IHD also witnessed the induction of 65 new Esteemed Fellows into the IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows (FIIHM). Guided by the motto Fiat Lux (Let there be light), FIIHM is committed to mentoring and shaping future hospitality leaders.

The selection panel included:

Prof. David Foskett, OBE, Chairman – IHC LondonDr Suborno Bose, Chairman – IHC & IIHMMr Ron Scott FIH, International Director, Indismart Group; Director/Secretary, IHC Foundation; Director, APIU Global Limited, UKMr Nakul Anand, Former Executive Director, ITC LtdDiwan Gautam Anand, President, IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows

Special awards were presented to honour excellence and dedication in the industry. Icons from around the globe extended their wishes.

“This is to express gratitude to Suborno Bose for coining today as International Hospitality Day,” said Mr Puneet Baijal, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad (FIIHM). “IIHM has become an integral part of the industry, and its students are among the best.”

Mr K Mohan Chandran, Sr Vice President Operations, IHCL (FIIHM 2025), stated, “This day honours the global fraternity of hospitality professionals and acknowledges the dedication of team members who make guests feel at home.”

Chef Garry Mclean, the first National Chef of Scotland (FIIHM), added, “Let’s raise a glass to the dedication and resilience of those who make this industry what it is – from chefs to servers to housekeeping staff.”

The World’s Warmest Industry truly had its day. But hospitality is not just about one day—it’s about every day. IHD has become one of the largest global celebrations of unity and inclusivity – a tribute to the human spirit in a world that needs many helpings of kindness to be satiated and at peace.

Contact: Mr. Sujay Gupta, +91 9923057937

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2673903/World_Smiles_Together.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/where-the-world-smiles-together-honouring-hospitality-on-april-24-302438943.html

Continue Reading

Technology

ARBOR Technology to Showcase Latest Automation Solutions at Automate 2025, Powering Machine Vision, AMR, and Smart Retail Applications

Published

on

By

DETROIT, April 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ARBOR Technology, a leading provider of industrial-grade embedded computing solutions, is excited to announce its participation in Automate 2025, taking place in Detroit, USA, from May 12–15. Located in Hall E, Booth #9126.

Engineered for advanced automation tasks, the FPC-5211 supports powerful edge computing for real-time data processing and AI inference. Ideal for machine vision and smart city applications, it handles data from multiple sources—LiDAR, industrial cameras, traffic sensors—with low latency and high efficiency. This platform recently earned the Best in Show award from Embedded Computing Design at Embedded World 2025.

Designed for flexible industrial deployment, the ARES-1983H series features a din-rail mount and EzIO modular I/O system, allowing customers to easily customize configurations for factory automation, process control, and machine interfacing.

ARBOR introduces the ARTS-1670 and SB-244-RPLU for autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and automated guided vehicles (AGV). Engineered for performance and durability, these systems meet the rigorous demands of real-time navigation, sensor integration, and operational control in dynamic environments.

Built for real-time video and language model (VLM) applications, the AEC-6100 delivers top-tier AI performance at the edge. Ideal for smart surveillance, automated inspection, and robotics, it reduces latency and enhances on-site processing without compromising security.

Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, the IEC-3714 delivers 34 TOPS of AI performance in NUC size. It supports real-time video analytics for age, gender, and object recognition, enabling automated decision-making for promotions, restocking, and customer engagement.

With its MediaTek MT8781 processor and Android 14 OS, the Ruby 10 is built for mobility, featuring Wi-Fi 6E, 4G connectivity, and hot-swappable batteries for 24/7 operation. Designed for retail and logistics, it supports NFC payments, and has IP65 and 1.2m drop certifications for dependable performance in harsh environments.

ARBOR will also unveil its latest Computer-on-Module solution, offering exceptional computing scalability based on Intel’s Core Ultra and Arrow Lake platforms. These modules are optimized for embedded applications requiring compact, high-performance solutions with broad customization options.

Stanley, General Manager of ARBOR Solution, commented: “We are proud to return to Automate 2025 with a strong lineup of automation-focused solutions. Our innovations not only address the needs of traditional industrial applications but also support emerging technologies like AI and edge computing.”

Automate 2025
Detroit, Huntington Place
May 12-15
Hall E – #9126

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arbor-technology-to-showcase-latest-automation-solutions-at-automate-2025-powering-machine-vision-amr-and-smart-retail-applications-302438945.html

SOURCE ARBOR Technology

Continue Reading

Technology

Yiwugo App Sees Overseas Downloads Surge as Hiking Poles and Fitness Equipment Sales Skyrocket

Published

on

By

YIWU, China, April 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. Since April 14, 2025, the downloads of the Yiwugo app has surged by 200% in the Trending and Top Free charts of Google Play, driven by international tariff policy adjustments. The app has climbed into the top 30—and even top 10—download rankings across shopping app lists in countries such as the U.S., France, and Malaysia. Many merchants on the platform have reported a notable increase in direct inquiries from international buyers.

According to the Yiwu Index, the outdoor and leisure product sales in Yiwu market exceeded 2 billion yuan in 2024, maintaining an annual growth rate of approximately 9%, underscoring significant market potential. As an emerging sector, outdoor sports equipment has demonstrated robust performance in both domestic and international markets.

Big data analysis conducted by Yiwugo also reveals that transaction volumes for hiking poles doubled year-on-year between January 1 and April 1, 2025. Growing enthusiasm for mountaineering, hiking, and skiing has fueled domestic demand, while markets in Europe, the U.S., Russia, and Malaysia have also driven a spike in orders. Additionally, the National Health Commission’s advocacy for balanced diets and weight management has sparked a wave of purchases for fitness and weight-loss equipment across China.

Zhu Jinming, owner of Haoyang Outdoor Articles Firm which has specialized in mid-to-high-end hiking poles for over two decades, noted a steady rise in orders from clients in Russia and Brazil since 2021. One long-term Russian client, purchasing from Haoyang since 2007, now places annual orders exceeding 1 million yuan. The durable materials and reliable after-sales service of the company keep clients returning, even after trying other suppliers.

Similarly, Haoyang also performs well in the domestic market, with an average of around 500 cases per scenic spot  during peak tourist seasons like “May Day” at destinations such us Mount Huangshan and Mount Sanqingshan.

Yan Peng, founder of Linuo Vanguard Sport, has been a stalwart in Yiwu for over two decades, serving clients primarily from Europe, North America, and beyond. The company’s flagship products—dumbbells, barbells, and exercise bikes—have become synonymous with quality. By investing hundreds of yuan more per ton in chrome plating to ensure rust resistance, or adding an extra inner cloth layer to sandbags to prevent leakage, Linuo has cemented clients’ trust over 20 years. This dedication has also drawn growing recognition through the Yiwugo platform and word-of-mouth referrals.

One Spanish client family spanning two generations has collaborated with Yan for nearly eight years. Since partnering with Linuo, their order volume has doubled, with each shipment now amounting to at least one container.

Domestically, Yan notes a clear surge in sales of home fitness equipment like dumbbells, barbells, and competition bikes, driven by China’s national push for fitness and weight management. “Purchasing trends are shifting toward more professional-grade gear,” he observes.

The philosophy of embracing nature and prioritizing health has transcended elite circles, evolving into a lifestyle embraced by billions worldwide. As transaction figures pulse on the Yiwugo platform in early 2025, they may well hint at the blueprint of the next global trend.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yiwugo-app-sees-overseas-downloads-surge-as-hiking-poles-and-fitness-equipment-sales-skyrocket-302438179.html

SOURCE Yiwugo.com

Continue Reading

Trending