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BNI® Reopens U.S. Franchise Opportunities, Fueling Small Business Growth

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in nearly ten years, BNI® (Business Network International)—the world’s largest business referral network—is bringing franchise opportunities back to the U.S., creating new pathways for entrepreneurial success and small business growth.

“This is an exciting moment for entrepreneurs who want to make a real impact in their communities.”

For 40 years, BNI has helped business owners expand through its proven networking system, fostering referral-driven success in communities around the world. In the past 12 months alone, BNI Members have exchanged 16.8 million referrals, generating a record-breaking $25.4 billion USD in business revenue1—a milestone that underscores the power of structured networking.

“This is an exciting moment for entrepreneurs who want to make a real impact in their communities,” said Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI. “With franchise opportunities returning to the U.S., business leaders now have the chance to take charge of their future, build thriving professional networks, and drive lasting economic success. BNI is more than a business—it’s a movement of shared success and community-driven progress.”

BNI franchise ownership provides entrepreneurs and business leaders with access to a globally recognized brand, a time-tested business model, and comprehensive training, coaching, and marketing support. This is more than just a business investment—it’s an opportunity to achieve financial independence while making a lasting impact on local businesses and economies.

BNI’s leadership team is comprised of highly experienced franchise professionals dedicated to the success of its franchisees. The U.S. team includes Dr. Lisa Renz, President of BNI US; Michael Walchonski, Chief Development Officer; Adam Petersen, VP of Franchise Development; and Dave Collins, Chief Operating Officer—each bringing extensive expertise in business growth and franchise excellence.

BNI is led by CEO Mary Kennedy Thompson, a distinguished franchise leader with a proven track record of success. As the 2025 Chair of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Mary is recognized as an influential voice in the franchising industry. She previously served as the COO of Neighborly®, a global franchisor of home service brands, and was herself a successful franchisee of Cookies by Design.

Mary and the U.S. team bring invaluable insight and leadership to BNI’s franchise expansion, ensuring that franchisees have the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.

With BNI’s structured referral system and global support network, franchise owners gain the tools to expand their influence, foster meaningful business relationships, and build a foundation for long-term success.

This announcement comes at an exciting time for BNI, as the organization continues to expand its impact after 40 years of empowering entrepreneurs through referral networking. Additionally, the upcoming BNI US & Canada National Conference, taking place April 2-4, 2025, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, will provide an opportunity for business leaders and entrepreneurs to connect, gain insights, and celebrate the growth of BNI’s global network.

Take the Next Step Now is the time to seize this opportunity. Discover how BNI franchise ownership can help you grow a thriving business while transforming your community. Contact the BNI Franchise Development Team at franchise@bni.com or visit our website at www.bnifranchise.com today.

1. This information is based on historical BNI Member self-reported data as of March 4, 2025, and represents collective results from BNI Members worldwide over the last 12 months. Errors in the self-reporting of data or in subsequent analysis are possible. Therefore, the information herein should only be viewed as representative in nature.

About BNI®
BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest and most successful business networking organization. Today, BNI has over 335,000+ Member-businesses participating in over 11,200+ BNI Chapters that meet in-person, online, or in a hybrid format each week in 76 countries around the globe. Since inception in 1985, BNI has proudly helped 2.2 million businesses garner over $215 billion USD in revenue2. To learn more about BNI and how you can visit a Chapter, go to www.bni.com.

2. The information is based on BNI Member self-reported data as of December 24, 2024, and represents the collective results from BNI Members worldwide since its inception January 8, 1985. Errors in the self-reporting data or in subsequent analysis are possible. Therefore, the information herein should only be viewed as a representative nature.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bni-reopens-us-franchise-opportunities-fueling-small-business-growth-302412422.html

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LG EXPANDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR NCAA FINAL FOUR HOST SCHOOLS WITH NAMI PARTNERSHIP

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LG continues its commitment to supporting mental health awareness, providing resources and support for students

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., April 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics USA, an Official NCAA Corporate Partner, is building on its commitment to supporting student well-being by partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide support to the host schools of the 2025 NCAA Final Four Men’s and Women’s Tournaments. This year, LG is awarding University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and University of South Florida (USF) $10,000 each to bolster their local NAMI on Campus clubs and enhance mental health resources for students.

“Creating a supportive environment for mental health and well-being is paramount,” said Chris Jung, CEO of LG Electronics North America. “Through our partnership with NAMI and support for these universities, we aim to provide tangible resources that will foster students’ mental wellness.”

The donation will enable each university’s NAMI on Campus club to expand its programming, increase awareness of mental health resources and provide peer support for students facing challenges. In addition, each university will receive LG’s innovative Counter-Depth MAX™ refrigerator with Zero Clearance™ for their student meeting spaces.

“As a former college athlete, I know how powerful it is to have a community that’s got your back—on and off the court,” said Dan Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI. “That’s why I’m so grateful for LG’s continued partnership and their deep commitment to student mental health. With their support, we’re helping launch NAMI On Campus clubs in tournament host cities—creating space for students and student athletes to connect, learn, and lean on one another. Moments like the Final Four remind us that mental health is a team effort—and with LG on our team, we’re building something that lasts far beyond the game.”

“UTSA is committed to providing students with the resources they need to overcome barriers to their personal and professional success,” said LT Robinson, Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at UTSA. “LG’s support will be a game-changer in our efforts to ensure that all students receive well-being support throughout their academic journey.”

“We’re so grateful for LG’s commitment to mental health,” said Dr. Kevin Milligan, Director of Behavioral Health Services at UIW. “This will help us create a more supportive campus community and bring greater awareness to mental health and the resources available to students.”

The initiative strengthens LG’s ongoing dedication to championing mental health awareness and resources for student-athletes and the broader campus community.

“Mental health is a vital part of overall health. In fact, mental health is a health, safety and performance strategic priority of the NCAA, endorsed by the NCAA Board of Governors,” added Dr. Deena Casiero, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA. “The NCAA Mental Health Best Practices, which provide member schools with guidance for supporting student-athlete mental health, highlight the importance of creating healthy environments that promote well-being.  This collaboration between LG and NAMI will support NCAA member school efforts to foster mental health promoting environments.  We are grateful to LG and NAMI for their commitment to student-athlete mental health.”

In 2024, LG demonstrated this commitment through its creation of the LG Life’s Good Coaches Award, which recognized NCAA coaches who foster mental health awareness and created supportive environments for their student-athletes. Inaugural recipients included University of Washington women’s rowing coach Yasmin Farooq and Oklahoma Christian University men’s golf coach David Lynn, who were honored for their dedication to their athletes’ well-being. In addition to the recognition, LG provided cash and product donations to the coaches’ respective universities, further supporting mental health initiatives on campus. Nominations for the 2025 LG Life’s Good Coaches Award will begin later this month. For more information, visit www.lg.com/ncaa.

Additionally, LG’s Transparent Conversations podcast series, which launched in 2022, has provided a platform for candid discussions about student-athlete mental health challenges and practical coping tools. To learn more about LG’s partnership with the NCAA or listen to the Transparent Conversation podcast, visit  www.lg.com/us/transparent-conversations.

About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $60-billion-plus global innovator in technology and manufacturing. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems, energy solutions and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com.

About the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Learn more at www.nami.org.

About NAMI On Campus
NAMI On Campus clubs work to end the stigma that makes it hard for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. Clubs hold creative meetings, innovative awareness events, and offer signature NAMI programs through partnerships with NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates across the nation.

Media Contacts:

LG Electronics USA
Chris De Maria
christopher.demaria@lge.com
908-548-4515

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-expands-mental-health-support-for-ncaa-final-four-host-schools-with-nami-partnership-302421480.html

SOURCE LG Electronics USA

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Powerful new features confirm VideoPress as the leader in media processing

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VideoPress, the company’s flagship product, continues to set new industry standards with its expanded analysis capabilities. Unlike traditional metadata-driven solutions, VideoPress performs comprehensive baseband video material analysis, automatically creating source analysis data, determining optimal processing paths and correcting common video issues. These new features create a product that can be used for QC to gain insight into the state of any size library of media assets.

DENVER, April 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bitpress, a pioneering leader in media automation, today announced groundbreaking product updates designed to transform media asset quality control workflows through intelligent automation and cloud-scale processing.

“Our mission is to revolutionize post-production through intelligent automation,” said Julia Jones, Founding Partner. “The new features in VideoPress demonstrate our commitment to saving time, reducing costs, and elevating content quality across all platforms.”

VideoPress, the company’s flagship product, continues to set new industry standards with its expanded analysis capabilities. Unlike traditional metadata-driven solutions, VideoPress performs comprehensive baseband video material analysis, automatically creating source analysis data, determining optimal processing paths and correcting common video issues. These new features create a product that can be used for QC to gain insight into the state of any size library of media assets.

Key features of VideoPress include:

Automatic content event logging (Program Start/End, Ad Breaks, Slates, Bumpers, Production Cards, Bars and Tone)AWS-powered processing, completing hundreds of jobs per hourAdvanced picture fidelity improvement techniquesOptimum ad break placement

Breakthrough Product Enhancements

Content Matching Library

A revolutionary feature that uses advanced machine learning to Identify bumpers, production cards and animated logos automatically and mark precise cue points for later removal or replacement.

Custom Edit Outputs

Create separate P2P, textless elements or promo file deliveries from a single source. Automated head and tail trim is a quick and efficient way to create custom distribution from a mezz file without requiring an intermediary transcode.

Media Insight tools

Accurate audio waveform timeline embedded with cue point milestone markers. Snapshot of media analysis information highlighting important elements such as ; sound fields, aspect ratio, channel layout. Detailed source analysis reporting, providing a comprehensive view into the exact specifications of your media assets, including cue points, frame rate, aspect ratio, ad breaks, resolution, and other detailed technical metadata.

Customized Post-Processing with DLS

Create bespoke scripts to support unique workflow requirements and provide unprecedented flexibility in content management.

Enhanced Reporting Capabilities

Batch job details include bulk download and comprehensive job reports with expanded metadata. Asset metadata reports detail technical metadata extraction for multiple assets.

Advanced Bars & Tone Detection

An adaptive learning process calibrated to handle diverse frequency variations and transmission feed complexities.

More about VideoPress:

VideoPress transforms video analysis and normalization for optimal quality media assets ready for digital distribution. It is part of a suite of products that automate the process of creating digital masters. VideoPress uses advanced content event detection and precise audio normalization to ensure consistent and high-quality outputs. The data generated is useful in analyzing large library assets. It is the fastest and most inexpensive way to ready media content for digital monetization.

About Bitpress

Bitpress has a singular mission: To revolutionize post production with automation tools that quickly and seamlessly transform content libraries into distribution-ready assets for any platform. Our automated workflows not only save significant time and money, but also elevate quality standards. Harnessing the power of intelligent automation, machine learning, and massive cloud scale, our cutting-edge workflows enable rapid and efficient monetization of content. Our clients use our tools to rapidly monetize their content by automating traditionally laborious processes. We understand the challenge and cost of manipulating media and have a history of innovation through automation for the largest and most respected post production and media companies in the world. We’ve authored many patents and engineered workflows for every major studio and the largest streaming service providers.

Media Contact

Julia Jones, Bitpress, 1 310-795-2912, jjones@bitpress.com, www.bitpress.com

LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/powerful-new-features-confirm-videopress-as-the-leader-in-media-processing-302420545.html

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Real-World STEM Learning: Students Engage with Their Schools’ Energy Data in Cufflink Quizzes

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Mountain Vector Energy launches Cufflink Quizzes, an interactive STEM tool that lets students explore real-time energy, water, and air quality data from their own schools. By using the same platform as facilities teams, students gain hands-on experience with data literacy, resource management, and future STEM careers.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Mountain Vector Energy is excited to announce Cufflink Quizzes, a new interactive STEM experience that allows students to engage directly with their schools’ energy, water, air quality, and renewable system performance.

“By increasing accessibility to modern software tools, we hope to inspire careers in energy and water management. This is a new path to engage our future plumbers, electricians, building automation specialists, and HVAC technicians.”

For the first time, students can step into the role of an energy manager, using the same platform their facilities directors rely on—filtering graphs, running reports, and answering quiz questions that build data literacy and critical thinking skills. By making energy data accessible, Cufflink Quizzes help students connect classroom learning to real-world STEM applications and future career paths.

From Data to Discovery

With real-time data at their fingertips, students hone critical thinking skills, uncover insights, and experience the power of data-driven decision-making—just like STEM professionals. As they analyze meaningful data, they see firsthand how energy optimization and strategic choices directly impact their schools’ learning environments.

✔ Ready-to-Go Learning – Designed to assist busy teachers, the quizzes function as stand-alone assignments in a web-based platform, allowing easy access in the classroom with no extra prep required. Quizzes are available for elementary, middle school, high school, and college-level students.

✔ Hands-On STEM Experience – Students interact with live data, analyzing energy trends and seeing firsthand how energy management works in their own school.

✔ Appreciation for School Leadership – Students gain insight into the critical roles of facilities directors and school district leaders, learning how resource management affects their learning experience.

✔ Career Exploration – Students discover how professionals in data science, engineering, licensed trades, and operations drive meaningful change. By interacting with their schools’ data, they gain insight into the impact of STEM careers and leadership roles, inspiring them to explore future pathways in these fields.

By gaining a deeper understanding of resource management, students will begin to see the world around them in a new way—recognizing the impact of STEM in their daily lives.

“With Cufflink Quizzes, we’re giving students an inside look at how data drives outcome-based learning in the real world,” says Steve Kiziuk, CEO of Mountain Vector Energy. “By increasing accessibility to modern software tools, we hope to inspire careers in energy and water management. This is a new path to engage our future plumbers, electricians, building automation specialists, and HVAC technicians.”

Supporting STEM Education

For over a decade, Mountain Vector Energy has been dedicated to advancing STEM education by empowering students to become data-driven problem solvers and future STEM leaders. Through the Cufflink platform, students take an active role in managing their schools’ energy use—analyzing real-time data and making informed decisions.

Cufflink Quizzes build on this initiative by offering self-guided learning experiences for students nationwide. These interactive modules bring real-world applications into the classroom, allowing students to see, measure, and engage with energy data in a dynamic digital environment.

Now Available – Live Demo at CGCS Conference in Charlotte

Cufflink Quizzes are available to all schools using the Cufflink platform for their energy management. This launch coincides with the Council of the Great City Schools Conference for Chief Operating Officers, Directors of Facilities, Child Nutrition, Safety & Security, and Transportation in Charlotte, NC (April 8-11, 2025).

About Mountain Vector Energy

Mountain Vector Energy is a leader in energy and water optimization, enabling organizations to cut costs, streamline operations, and meet ambitious sustainability goals. Through their patented energy management system, Cufflink, they provide the cutting-edge tools organizations need to navigate complex energy landscapes with confidence. Mountain Vector Energy is dedicated to helping organizations use their data to achieve real, measurable results. For more information, visit mountainvector.com

For a hands-on demonstration, visit Mountain Vector Energy’s booth at CGCS or contact:

Yovanna Araujo

505-549-7680

yovanna@mountainvector.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/real-world-stem-learning-students-engage-with-their-schools-energy-data-in-cufflink-quizzes-302420602.html

SOURCE Mountain Vector Energy

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