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Former NASA Chief Astronaut Patrick Forrester Retires

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WASHINGTON, July 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NASA astronaut Patrick G. Forrester retired June 29, after a career spanning 31 years of service and three spaceflights. He went on to become chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, and most recently served as an advisor to the associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Forrester joined the agency in 1993 as an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and was selected to become an astronaut in 1996. He dedicated his early career to the assembly of the International Space Station, spending 40 days in space and completing four spacewalks totaling 25 hours and 30 minutes.

“Pat’s dedication and commitment to the advancement of human space exploration over the past three decades has been an inspiration, not just to the Johnson workforce, but the Artemis generation as well,” said NASA’s Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Pat for his outstanding contributions. His legacy will continue to impact the agency and the next generation of explorers for many years to come. Many congratulations to Pat; I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Forrester launched to the space station for the first time in August 2001 aboard space shuttle Discovery in support of STS-105. Forrester was the mission’s prime robotics operator, helping to install the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module that would help deliver 2.7 metric tons of supplies to the station. He flew again with STS-117 in June 2007 aboard space shuttle Atlantis, delivering the orbiting laboratory’s second starboard truss and its third set of solar arrays. His final spaceflight, STS-128 aboard Discovery, launched in August 2009. As prime robotics officer, Forrester again installed Leonardo and the crew transferred 18,000 pounds of supplies.

Forrester continued to support the astronaut corps through numerous leadership positions, serving as technical assistant to the director of Flight Crew Operations. He was a crew representative of robotics development on the space station and shuttle training and onboard crew procedures. Forrester also held the role of spacecraft communicator, or CAPCOM, for both station and shuttle missions.

In 2017, Forrester became chief of the Astronaut Office, overseeing the first flights of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and helping develop the initial architecture for the agency’s Artemis campaign. In 2020, he stepped down from his chief position, handing over to NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman.

“Pat’s leadership was instrumental during a time where NASA was just starting to launch our astronauts from American soil again,” said Norm Knight, director of flight operations at NASA Johnson. “I admire his courage, his tenacity, and his character during such a dynamic time in our history, and I thank him for laying a strong foundation, not just in his role as chief astronaut, but through his career in human spaceflight. To me, he is a mentor and a friend, and I wish him all the best.”

At the time of his retirement, Forrester supported the Space Operations Mission Directorate, serving as the director of the Cross-Directorate Technical Integration Office and an adviser to the directorate’s associate administrator and fellow NASA astronaut Ken Bowersox.

“Pat is an incredible leader who has provided invaluable service to NASA’s astronaut corps and human spaceflight during his career,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for space operations at NASA. “In the Space Operations Mission Directorate, his influence will be felt long after his departure as we continue to work every day in low Earth orbit and prepare for the future near Earth, at the Moon, Mars and into the solar system.”

An El Paso, Texas, native, Forrester earned a bachelor of science degree in applied sciences and engineering from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, and a master of science in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. A retired colonel in the U.S. Army, Forrester logged more than 5,300 hours of flight time in over 50 different aircraft as an operational aviator and test pilot, retiring in 2005.

“It has been an honor to serve our nation as a member of the NASA family. Many of the stories I will tell for the rest of my life will be related to my experiences here,” said Forrester. “I look forward to watching my friends and colleagues circle the Moon and eventually land on its surface – with the help of all those serving faithfully on the ground. I am forever grateful.”

Read Forrester’s full biography at:

https://go.nasa.gov/45NnfUA

NASA Johnson Space Center news releases and other information are available automatically by sending an Internet electronic mail message to listserv@listserver.jsc.nasa.gov.  In the body of the message (not the subject line) users should type “subscribe hsfnews” (no quotes). This will add the email address that sent the subscribe message to the news release distribution list. The system will reply with a confirmation via E-mail of each subscription.  Once you have subscribed you will receive future news releases via e-mail.

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SOURCE NASA

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Cangzhou Forum Seeks to Deepen Ties Between Chinese and Central/Eastern European SMEs

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November 10, 2024

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The 6th China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum Launches

CANGZHOU, China, Nov. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – A news report by Xinhuanet:

On November 7, the 6th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum commenced in Cangzhou, Hebei Province. The forum was jointly hosted by the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development (ProSME) of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Hebei Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, and Cangzhou Municipal People’s Government. Supporting organizations include the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs (CICASME) and the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee. The event was co-organized by the China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Zone and the Cangzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology.

This year’s forum, themed “Deepening Cooperation and Sharing Opportunities,” combines both offline and online formats, with a primary focus on in-person engagement. Key activities include the Opening Ceremony and Keynote Forum, the Zero-Carbon Energy and Green Industry Innovation Forum, the International Forum on Remanufacturing Industry, the International Forum on Aviation Industry and Low Altitude Economy, and the SMEs’ Cross-border Collaboration and Matchmaking Meeting, and the European Segment of the 2024 International SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Throughout the forum, leading experts and dignitaries from around the world delivered speeches under the theme ‘New Path for Pragmatic Cooperation between SMEs of China and CEECs.’ They emphasized the critical roles of sustainable energy, the digital economy, and trade and logistics in strengthening ties between China and Central and Eastern European countries. In parallel, the event featured a range of innovative activities aimed at building an international platform to foster industrial cooperation and exchanges among SMEs from the participating nations.

At the Zero-Carbon Energy and Green Industry Innovation Forum, participating specialists and researchers engaged in discussions on developing a zero-carbon economy. They explored new opportunities, technologies, models, and challenges associated with lithium, hydrogen, and energy storage, with the aim of collaboratively advancing the green economy.

By attracting leading European innovation projects, the European division of the 2024 International SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition has successfully transformed a number of innovative ideas into real-world applications, enhancing the collaborative development of new technologies between Chinese and European SMEs.

The China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum, now in its sixth year, has emerged as Hebei Province’s leading foreign affairs initiative. The forum has drawn high-profile participants from Slovakia, Serbia, Germany, Finland, and neighboring countries, as well as ambassadors to China, and executives from leading Chinese and international industry associations and businesses. It has also spurred numerous collaborative projects between China and Central and Eastern European countries, enhancing cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and technology transfers.  

Cangzhou is positioning the forum as a premier, open platform designed to be engaging, impactful, and competitive. The city’s objective is to significantly improve and sustain high-level interactions and collaborations between China and Central and Eastern European countries across the manufacturing, technology, investment and trade sectors.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552716/IMG_5336.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cangzhou-forum-seeks-to-deepen-ties-between-chinese-and-centraleastern-european-smes-302300630.html

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ZURU backed BONKERS and Millie Moon brands achieve extraordinary recognition at the US 2024 Target Vendor Summit

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November 10, 2024

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The ZURU-Backed Pet Treat and Nappy Companies Both Continue Record-Breaking Growth in the US Market

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —  ZURU Edge brands, BONKERS and Millie Moon, are proud to announce that they have been recognized for Demand Generation at Target’s 2024 Essentials and Beauty Vendor Summit. The Target Vendor Summit honors a select group of vendors and partners who have demonstrated outstanding performance in driving traffic to Target stores. These brands are recognized for strong brand, content, and media strategies, packaging, and a consumer experience that drives repeat sales through product superiority.

Target is one of the largest retail chains in the United States, boasting over 1,900 stores across the country and generating approximately USD $100 billion in annual revenue. Known for its wide range of affordable products, from groceries and clothing to electronics and home goods, it caters to millions of American shoppers each week. An alternative to Walmart, Target has a distinct brand image, known for its clean stores, trendy merchandise, and iconic red bullseye logo.

This recognition is particularly special as New Zealand’s ZURU Edge brands were represented in 2 out of the 5 categories within consumables, and BONKERS was the only national, non-exclusive-to-Target brand to win across all categories.

Millie Moon Nappies are exclusive to Target in the US, and since launching in 2021, they have sold over 6.7 million packs, quickly becoming Target’s fastest-growing nappy brand. Millie Moon is the #1 most productive nappy brand at Target retailers, in both dollars and unit sales. Parents are passionate about Millie Moon nappies, as reflected in the 16,000+ 5-star reviews on Target.com, and best-in-class repeat purchase rates – In a Numerator study, Millie Moon holds the top spot for trip frequency within nappies, above Target’s other leading nappy brands.

BONKERS launched in October 2022 in response to the growing share of Millennial and Gen Z pet owners. The brand is part of the ZURU owned Rhodes Pet Science portfolio of brands and was built first-and-foremost to foster the bond between pets and their people, based on the insight that new generation pet parents expect more from their petcare brands. In just over 2 years, it has grown from a non-existent brand to one sitting on shelves in 13,500 stores across 3 countries with distribution points growing at 50% year-over-year. Within 1 week, it became the most-liked pet treats brand on TikTok globally, with over 80 million views on the BONKERS page and over 700 community posts under the #betterwhenitsBONKERS hashtag. The BONKERS award-winning marketing campaigns, matched with products that deliver on quality and affordable pricing have driven tremendous growth: 19% of total US industry cat treat growth last year with just 1.6% of shelf space. The momentum continues, with viral product BONKERS Purrpops hitting 8 of the top 25 emerging Google search terms against the topic ‘cat treat’ in the US. 

About Rhodes Pet Science:

Rhodes Pet Science is reimagining the future of pet care by engineering products that completely redefine what is possible. Its mission is to build a new generation of brands to better serve modern consumers: brands loved by pets and their people. Rhodes Pet Science’s portfolio of brands include: BONKERS, NOOD, Goodlands, Smart Box and Business Litter. Right now, Rhodes Pet Science is the fastest-growing pet food company in the world.

Rhodes Pet Science is proudly part of the ZURU Group. One of the fastest-growing consumer goods companies in the world, ZURU has established brands in 120+ markets worldwide, with a team of 5000+ employees based out of 26 global offices.

For more on Rhodes Pet Science, please visit: www.rhodespetscience.com  

About Millie Moon

Millie Moon launched in 2021 exclusively at Target in the US and expanded to Loblaws in Canada in 2023. The brand has made it their mission to provide a range of luxury nappies and sensitive wipes that are expertly crafted, luxuriously soft and designed to perform, all at an affordable price. They are passionate in their belief that every child deserves the best. Their award-winning products are available in over 2,000 stores in the US and Canada. As a company, they are also proud to support Reach Out and Read, an early literacy nonprofit helping children on their reading journey. 

For more on Millie Moon, please visit: https://mymilliemoon.com/

About ZURU

From its origins in toys, ZURU Group has grown to six consumer vertical brands, operating out of 26 offices worldwide, with products sold in 120+ markets.

ZURU is on a mission to disrupt across industries, challenge the status quo and catalyze change through radical innovation and automation advances. This is evident in different pillars of the company: ZURU Toys are reimagining what it means to play; ZURU Tech is reimagining the future of housing by leading the next building revolution; ZURU Edge is reimaging new generation FMCG brands to better serve modern household consumers. 

For more on ZURU, please visit: https://zuru.com/

For More Information:
Nicole Daley / Daley Public Relations
nicole@daleypr.com / 415.408.8664

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SOURCE ZURU Edge

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PropXP Launches, Redefining Prop Trading with Global Access

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6 hours ago

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November 10, 2024

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PropXP Launches Global Prop Trading Platform, Empowering Traders with Flexible Challenges and Comprehensive Resources

HONG KONG, Nov. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — PropXP, a new proprietary trading firm, is excited to announce its official launch on November 5, 2024, offering traders worldwide a unique and accessible approach to prop trading. With a focus on providing traders of all experience levels with attainable challenges and unparalleled resources, PropXP aims to reshape the prop trading landscape.

At PropXP, we’re breaking down barriers in prop trading to give every trader—from beginners to seasoned pros—the opportunity to succeed on their own terms. We’re here to empower and elevate the global trading community.

PropXP’s lineup includes both One-Step and Two-Step challenges, allowing traders to select a path that best aligns with their goals. Challenge prices range from just $30 for a $3,000 account up to $499 for a $100,000 account, making it possible for more traders to participate and advance their careers. Distinguishing itself from competitors, PropXP does not enforce a high watermark, a feature that allows traders to keep their focus on consistent growth without restrictive conditions.

“As we launch PropXP, our mission is clear: we aim to be the new gold standard for prop trading and open the doors for more traders than ever before to achieve their trading goals,” said Giorgos Piskopianos, CEO of PropXP. “Our accessible challenges, supportive trading resources, and commitment to providing realistic opportunities are at the heart of PropXP. We want to empower traders to reach new heights in their careers.”

In addition to its flexible challenge parameters, PropXP offers a comprehensive trading academy filled with educational resources, including in-depth tutorials and guides. With a commitment to accessibility, PropXP is poised to serve as a valuable platform for traders looking to refine their skills and achieve sustainable success in the financial markets.

About PropXP

PropXP is a global proprietary trading firm based in Limassol, Cyprus. Designed to support traders of all levels, PropXP provides accessible challenges, competitive trading conditions, and extensive educational resources. With a dedication to advancing prop trading, PropXP aims to empower traders worldwide.

For more information, please visit https://propxp.com

Media Contact

Giorgos Piskopianos, PropXP, 44 7789874973, social@propxp.com, https://propxp.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

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SOURCE PropXP

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