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Renaissance Ranks #24 on Fast Company List of 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators

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Company also recognized as a finalist on the Women Innovators and US lists, a further testament to its uniquely innovative culture

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Renaissance, a global leader in pre-K–12 education technology resources and insights, is pleased to announce its inclusion on Fast Company’s sixth annual list of 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators. This prestigious list recognizes organizations and businesses that demonstrate an inspiring commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels to best meet their customers’ needs.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by Fast Company for our approach to creating impactful edtech solutions,” said Chris Bauleke, Chief Executive Officer at Renaissance. “We pride ourselves on our thoughtful approach to product innovation, supported by decades of data insights on student learning. Because of this, Renaissance has a unique company culture driven by innovation and a desire to empower educators and accelerate learning for all.”

Innovative new product: Renaissance Next

The strategic growth and integration strategy has culminated in the launch of a powerful new teacher experience: Renaissance Next. This integrated platform combines assessment, instruction, and practice to support teachers in adjusting to a wide range of student needs in real time. A team representing departments from across the company developed Renaissance Next in close coordination, with frequent teacher feedback.

“The ability to work through problems, tackle them together, and communicate so frequently with stakeholders adds exciting new facets to our jobs,” said Storey Sitwala, Senior Director of Product Management at Renaissance, who led the development of Renaissance Next.

Part of what makes Renaissance Next possible is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the semantic search to find similarities across Renaissance offerings and locate the just-right resource for each student. This AI-enabled search function combines lessons and practice activities to supplement core instruction while operating on a secure, closed loop. It also illustrates how Renaissance engages with innovative new tech tools with a tempered approach that prioritizes security, with humans in the loop at every stage of the process.

A company culture that uniquely fosters innovation

Renaissance fosters innovation through programs and processes in every corner of the company, ensuring that new tools like AI are used responsibly and that employees have a safe and supportive environment to explore and train on the latest technology.

Efforts include:

The Renaissance AI Center of Excellence, which combines multiple departments to share new information on policy and ethics, as well as expand AI development, integration, and augmentation.The Shark Tank, an annual leadership-sponsored, company-wide innovation competition that invites employees to showcase new ideas.AI training, which gives employees opportunities to upskill in the responsible use of generative AI through events like “AI Palooza.”The Renaissance AI Governance team, a cross-functional team of privacy, information security, legal, and learning science leaders, including individuals who hold AI Governance Professional certifications by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).RAIign, an internal tool leveraging generative AI, which automatically maps assessment and instructional content to reading and math skills and state standards, for alignment experts to review.

Welcoming diverse perspectives to drive innovation

Renaissance also continues to build an inclusive workplace culture that empowers all employees to be innovative so that diverse voices and perspectives are reflected. For example, the company actively seeks employee input to shape its benefits packages. This approach has led to comprehensive support benefits, including a generous parental leave policy for both birth and non-birth parents, along with fertility support resources.

“At Renaissance, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and the impact that is possible when all employees are included in the conversation,” said Sarah DiFrancesco, Chief Marketing Officer at Renaissance and executive sponsor of the Women of Renaissance employee resource group (ERG). “Fostering positive employee experiences drives the creativity we need for cutting-edge innovation, so I am especially pleased by our position as a finalist on Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Women Innovators list.”

As a testament to its commitment to inclusivity, Fortune and the Great Place to Work Institute previously recognized the company as a 2023 Best Workplace for Women

The Fast Company 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list ranks 100 winners from a variety of industries. To earn recognition, companies must complete an application addressing questions about projects, investment, company-wide programs, and workplace culture. To see the complete list of honorees, go to fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list.

About Renaissance

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

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SOURCE Renaissance

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SPEYSIDE COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF GSC

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Transaction enables Speyside to fuel the company’s next growth phase.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Speyside Equity Advisers (“Speyside”) announced that it has completed the acquisition of GSC Technologies, Inc. (“GSC”). The transaction will allow Speyside’s continued investment in GSC and fuel the company’s next growth phase. GSC is a leading manufacturer of plastic goods in North America.

“We are very excited about the GSC acquisition,” said Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside. “GSC is similar to a great deal we did in a prior fund, with similar opportunities. GSC has a great growth and value-creation plan that we look forward to facilitating.”

GSC CEO Dave Barrow noted, “My team and I look forward to working with the Speyside team to execute our strategic plan. Speyside has a strong operational background that clearly differentiates it from other investment groups. The new capitalization structure and value-creation system that Speyside brings will help us achieve our vision and drive results.”

Nick Lardo, Managing Director at Speyside, noted, “GSC is our second closed deal in Speyside Equity Fund II. We are gaining strong momentum in the fund based on increased staff, AUM, and deal activity. We see 2025 as a year full of great opportunity.”

About Speyside
Speyside is a Detroit-based private equity firm. The firm invests in middle-market, buyout transactions in the manufacturing and value-added distribution sectors. Targeted portfolio companies often possess balance sheet, legal, environmental, labor, or transactional complexity. Speyside Equity focuses on creative transaction structures and is comfortable investing in carveouts of large multinational companies, industry consolidations, family-owned businesses, bankruptcies, workouts, and other special situations. Speyside takes an operational approach to creating value in these situations. Speyside has completed 37 investments. For more information, please visit speysideequity.com.

About GSC Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1982 with a single plastic molding machine, GSC Technologies Inc. is a leading and groundbreaking manufacturer of plastic goods in North America focused on environmentally aware plastic solutions for organizing daily life today and in the future. Based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec/Canada), GSC designs and manufactures attractive, practical storage and organization lifestyle products for better modern living. With manufacturing plants that use contemporary equipment and technology and distribution facilities in the US, Canada, and China, GSC uses global testing and quality standards to ensure the best value, highest quality products. For more information, please visit gsctechnology.com.

Honigman LLP acted as Speyside’s legal advisor.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/speyside-completes-acquisition-of-gsc-302347022.html

SOURCE Speyside Equity

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Batteries Plus’s Strategic Partnerships Drive Nearly 130% Sales Increase

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Transformative Collaborations Fuels Record-Breaking Sales Growth for Batteries Plus FranchiseePartnerships Elevate Customer Experience, Expand Service OfferingsNew Jersey Franchisee’s Store Emerges as Top Repair Destination in Network

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the world’s leading specialty battery franchise, has achieved remarkable success through strategic partnerships with industry leaders in device protection and insurance. These collaborations have led to significant growth for franchisees over the last two years, as exemplified by Angel Cartagena’s store in Springfield, NJ.

Enhanced Customer Experience
By combining Batteries Plus’s extensive retail network and repair expertise with advanced mobile device protection programs from industry partners, Batteries Plus stores are equipped to handle subscribers’ phone protection needs, covering lost or damaged devices. This comprehensive approach has paved the way for improved customer satisfaction, ultimately increasing revenue for franchisees and strengthening brand loyalty overall.

“We’re not just fixing phones; we’re creating opportunities for customers to discover additional products and services they didn’t know they needed, from car batteries to key fobs,” Cartagena said. “This has contributed to increased ticket counts and higher margins across our business.”

Growth and Expansion
After serving with the U.S. Air Force for 37 years, Cartagena began franchising with Batteries Plus in 2008. In the 18 years since, his store has grown to become the top-performing location for repairs in the entire Batteries Plus network, with repair volumes nearly 50% higher than other stores.

Since implementing these strategic partnerships, Cartagena’s Batteries Plus location has experienced unprecedented growth:

217.7% increase in device repair sales year-over-year128.6% increase in total business sales year-over-year147.8% increase in average ticket value year-over-year10.6% increase in gross profit year-over-year

The success of these partnerships has led to significant expansion for Cartagena’s store, necessitating the hiring of three additional team members to help manage the increased volume.

“These strategic partnerships have been transformative for our business,” said Cartagena. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in customer traffic and sales, particularly in our device repair services. These collaborations have not only boosted our bottom line but also enhanced our ability to serve our community with top-notch repair solutions. It’s been great for business, allowing us to expand our team and offer more comprehensive services to our customers.”

Batteries Plus has become a global leader in supplying the battery needs of its customers for cars, boats, phones, key fobs and more. With over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide, Batteries Plus has also carved out a unique niche in the industry with its ‘plus’ services – including cell phone repair and key fob replacement. Positioned for the battery-powered future, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times Top 400 list, coming in at #130. Plus, for the 30th year in a row, the brand ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, climbing 53 spots over last year’s rank and even becoming one of only 49 franchise brands to be inducted into Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, ckoretos@fishmanpr.com or 847-331-1190

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SOURCE Batteries Plus

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MobileX Partners with Ethika to Launch ‘ethikaX,’ Merging Style with Mobile Connectivity

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 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today at CES, MobileX, the most customizable wireless service designed to save consumers money, and Ethika, a leading lifestyle brand driven by personal identity, announced an exciting new collaboration. Together, the two companies will be launching “ethikaX” – a collection that seamlessly merges mobile-friendly design with bold self-expression and dynamic style. This partnership represents a groundbreaking moment where mobile meets fashion, blending cutting-edge technology with style and originality.

The ethikaX line will debut in Q1 2025, featuring a range of apparel and accessories tailored for the modern, mobile lifestyle. The initial collection will include hoodies and t-shirts with phone-friendly pockets, phone cases, and even a limited-edition set of ethikaX-branded headphones.

“At MobileX, we’re passionate about empowering our customers to live untethered, connected lives,” said Peter Adderton, CEO of MobileX. “By partnering with Ethika, we’re able to bring that vision to life through thoughtfully designed apparel that embraces uniqueness and creativity while seamlessly integrating with our mobile services.”

Ethika’s commitment to celebrating individuality and self-expression across diverse cultures including motorsports, BMX, music, art and fashion aligns perfectly with MobileX’s mission to empower consumers through customizable, user-focused mobile service that ensures they only pay for what they use. The ethikaX collection will be available for purchase through the MobileX app and website, as well as select Ethika retail partners. Customers can also sign up for MobileX at these retail locations by purchasing a SIM Kit or scanning a QR code and activating with eSIM.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the innovative team at MobileX to redefine the intersection of mobile and fashion,” said Matt Cook, CEO of Ethika. “This collaboration allows us to extend the Ethika brand into new territories while continuing to celebrate those who stand out from the crowd and share our core values of quality, style and originality.”

Stay tuned for updates on ethikaX’s launch in Q1 2025 here.

 About MobileX
Headquartered in Orange County, California, MobileX is the world’s most customizable mobile carrier delivering the ultimate in choice and cost control. MobileX is a unique service that uses artificial intelligence to predict how much data customers need, dramatically reducing costs while ensuring reliable speed and service. MobileX was founded by Peter Adderton, who also founded both Boost Mobile and Digital Turbine. For more information, please visit mymobilex.com.

 About Ethika
Ethika is a leading lifestyle brand which started in San Clemente, CA and is now based in Lake Forest. Since the inception of the brand, Ethika and its team have been determined to live life, innovate, and deliver quality products, while staying true to the brand’s biggest asset – the FAMILIE. Ethika employees, friends, athletes, artists and customers are the core of the brand and the reason Ethika exists. More Ethika news, photos, and videos can be found on X (@ethika), Instagram (@ethika), and online at www.ethika.com.

Press contact:
Illume PR for MobileX
mobilex@illumepr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mobilex-partners-with-ethika-to-launch-ethikax-merging-style-with-mobile-connectivity-302346661.html

SOURCE Mobile X Global, Inc.

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