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SeaTrainTM Technology Appoints Katy Nierman as CFO Amid Rapid Maritime Industry Growth and Innovation

SeaTrain Technology

SeaTrain Technology, LLC, a trailblazer in sustainable maritime innovation, proudly announces the appointment of Katy Nierman as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Ms. Nierman brings over two decades of financial and operational leadership across diverse technology sectors in both domestic and international markets. A recognized leader in her field, she was named one of the Top 20 CFOs to watch by Washington Exec and one of the Top 5 Inspiring Women Government Executives in 2023. “Katy’s entrepreneurial growth mindset, strategic achievements and deep expertise in both government and commercial technology solutions make her a tremendous asset as we advance our long-term plan to revitalize the maritime industry.” claimed SeaTrain Technologies’ CEO Carleen Walker. In her role as CFO, Ms. Nierman will oversee finance, accounting, risk management and supply chain operations. Her leadership will be critical to supporting SeaTrain’s mission to revolutionize ocean shipping by delivering unmatched efficiency, profitability, reliability, and environmental sustainability. As SeaTrain’s patented technology continues development in collaboration with industry partners and maritime regulatory bodies, Ms. Nierman will provide a pivotal role in optimizing internal controls, ensuring operational efficiency, and securing strategic funding. “I’m honored to lead the financial strategy behind this transformative technology,” said Nierman. “This is a pivotal moment for the shipping industry, and I’m excited to work alongside a visionary team that’s redefining what’s possible in maritime innovation. Together, we are laying the foundation for a new standard in ship design, construction, and operation—one that advances both economic performance and environmental sustainability.” SeaTrain’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation position the company at the forefront of a rapidly changing maritime landscape. With Ms. Nierman joining the executive team, SeaTrain is poised to accelerate its growth and impact. For more information about SeaTrain Technology and its groundbreaking initiatives, please visit SeaTrain Technology. SeaTrain Technology, established in 2023 and headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, is on a mission to revolutionize the shipping, energy, and defense sectors through its patented submersible glider technology. The companyâs core valuesâinnovation, sustainability, efficiency, and safetyâare at the forefront of its operations, aiming to set new standards in performance and streamline shipbuilding and operations. Contact Details Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 Carleen@seatraintech.com

June 10, 2025 04:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kryton International Urges Durable Concrete Standards as Data Centers Face Mounting Infrastructure Risks

The Hoyt Organization

As the demand for high-performance data centers surges around the world, Kryton International, the global leader in waterproofing and durability solutions for concrete, is calling attention to a growing threat to uptime and asset longevity: concrete degradation. With operators increasingly adopting robotics and automation within their facilities, the need for ultra-durable, waterproof concrete is no longer optional — it’s critical. According to Forbes, the average cost of a data center outage has soared to over $9,000 per minute, with some incidents exceeding $1 million per hour. Seemingly minor infrastructure failures — such as a hairline crack in a concrete slab that leads to water ingress — can escalate rapidly, damaging sensitive servers and power infrastructure. Even small leaks that do not fully penetrate can corrode the internal steel rebar and trigger a full collapse of concrete walls, cable trays, raised floors, power conduits, or cooling lines. “Concrete is often treated as a static component of a data center, but in reality, it is a dynamic and vulnerable part of the facility,” said Kari Yuers, President & CEO of Kryton International. “Traditional concrete is prone to microcracking, water penetration, and abrasion — all of which can lead to costly damage, downtime, and reputational risk for operators.” This risk is amplified by the massive volumes of water used to cool today’s data centers. Many large facilities use millions of gallons of water daily to regulate temperature — Google alone reported using over 5 billion gallons of water across its U.S. data centers in 2022. As cooling systems circulate water through and around concrete infrastructure, the potential for seepage and structural degradation grows — especially when relying on outdated or inadequately treated concrete. Additionally, the implementation of robotics to handle racks within the facility – an increasingly more common practice within the data center industry – subjects the concrete to abrasion from wheeled traffic cycles. Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane™ (KIM®) and Hard-Cem® admixtures provide industry-leading protection by making concrete self-sealing, waterproof, and resistant to abrasion — even under the heavy loads and constant movement associated with robotic systems. “Data centers are expanding to handle the processing power of AI systems, and the modern, high-efficiency warehouses are increasingly being driven by robotics,” said Yuers. “That shift demands a new standard in concrete performance — one that resists not just time, but moisture and abrasion.” The need is growing as hyperscale and edge data centers expand into regions with high water tables, such as Texas and the Southern U.S.; seismic activity; or wide seasonal temperature swings — all of which increase the risk of concrete deterioration. Once a water leak occurs, not only is there potential damage to electronics, but entire operations may grind to a halt for remediation and equipment replacement. By integrating Kryton's innovative admixtures at the time of construction, operators can avoid costly shutdowns, eliminate reliance on external waterproofing membranes, and ensure long-term operational resilience. Key Advantages of Advanced Concrete Solutions in Data Centers: Moisture Protection: Waterproof concrete helps eliminate the risk of seepage and moisture migration through floors and below-grade walls, which is especially vital in facilities with raised floors or sensitive power and cooling infrastructure. Long-Term Integrity: Abrasion-resistant concrete stands up to the high traffic and mechanical wear caused by heavy equipment, maintenance operations, and cable tray installations—ensuring longevity without the need for frequent repairs. Energy and Cost Efficiency: By mitigating risks of structural damage, corrosion, and mold growth, advanced concrete formulations reduce the need for costly repairs, operational disruptions, and energy losses from compromised insulation systems. For more information about Kryton’s concrete durability solutions for mission-critical infrastructure, visit www.kryton.com. ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary KrystolÂ® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com Contact Details Kryton International Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://www.kryton.com/

June 10, 2025 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Clarion Partners Welcomes MEI Industrial Solutions to the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center

Clarion Partners

New York, NY – May 29, 2025 – Clarion Partners, LLC, a leading real estate investment manager, welcomes MEI Industrial Solutions (“MEI”) to 500 Denmark Drive, a newly constructed 322,000-square-foot Class A building located within the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (“TRIC”). MEI Industrial Solutions (formerly MEI Rigging & Crating) is a leading provider of rigging, machinery moving, industrial storage, millwrighting, crating, export packing services, and specialized transportation services across the nation. The company has leased 161,200 sq. ft. of space, representing approximately half of the building. 500 Denmark is part of a larger development of over 1 million square feet of Class A warehouses at the TRIC, considered to be one of the largest industrial parks in the world. “We’re pleased that MEI Industrial Solutions has chosen to include 500 Denmark Drive as part of its regional West Coast logistics expansion,” said Clarion Partners Managing Director Jason Glasser. “As a high-growth and desirable submarket conveniently located near major transportation routes, Reno continues to offer industrial users like MEI a compelling value proposition.” The new facility significantly expands MEI’s operational footprint in Northern Nevada and enhances MEI’s service capacity with secured indoor and outdoor storage space, joining MEI’s nationwide network of 50+ facilities across 24 states. In addition, the facility is well positioned to serve the company’s data center and manufacturing customer base nearby. Clarion Partners acquired 500 Denmark Drive on behalf of a commingled fund in July 2024. Surrounded by numerous data centers as well as national tech, big box, and e-retailer tenants, the acquisition expanded Clarion’s existing Reno-area industrial footprint of over 1.7 million sq. ft. It also marked Clarion’s first entry into Sparks, NV - one of Reno’s most active submarkets and an active Federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zone (“QOZ”). Clarion is currently invested in 170 properties (nearly $8 billion in GRE) in areas designated as QOZs and owns an additional 560 properties (over $30 billion in GRE) in submarkets neighboring QOZs. 1 Clarion Partners, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser with FCA-authorized and FINRA member affiliates, has been a leading U.S. real estate investment manager for more than 40 years. Headquartered in New York, the Firm maintains strategically located offices across the United States and Europe. With $73.1 billion in total real estate and debt assets under management, Clarion Partners offers a broad range of real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to approximately 500 institutional investors across the globe. Clarion is scaled in all major property types and was an early entrant into the Industrial sector. The Firm’s global industrial team manages a ~1,000 property portfolio in the U.S. and Europe consisting of more than 250 million square feet. Clarion Partners is an independently operated specialist investment manager of Franklin Templeton. More information about the firm is available at www.clarionpartners.com. Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of April 30, 2025. Contact Details Chris Sullivan +1 917-902-0617 chris@craftandcapital.com Company Website https://www.clarionpartners.com

June 09, 2025 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SeaTrain Technology Launched at National Maritime Week in DC

SeaTrain Technology

SeaTrain TM Technology, LLC, a pioneer in sustainable maritime solutions, announced the launch of its patented technology to revitalize the US maritime industry. The design, construction, and application of the SeaTrain TM approach solves shipbuilding challenges, mariner shortages, weather impacts and more. The announcement was made at the “Revitalizing the US Maritime Industry” event during National Maritime Week in Washington, DC. SeaTrain TM 's gliders are innovative, modular submersible cargo vessels powered by a patented variable buoyancy propulsion technology for commercial, energy and defense applications. This unique system allows gliders to move quietly underwater without engines, fuel, or emissions. Their autonomous, unmanned operation eliminates crew costs and enhances safety. The modular nature enables automotive-style mass production in shipyards, allowing rapid scaling to fulfill national strategic objectives. This innovative technology, currently under review at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its New Technology Qualification (NTQ), aims to transform ocean freight transportation by offering unparalleled efficiency, profitability, reliability, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, it has extensive applications in the energy and defense industries. Randy M. Durst, Founder and Chairman of SeaTrain Technology, commented, “ As we embark on this journey to redefine maritime shipbuilding and cargo transportation, we are encouraged by the attention and interest we have received from commercial interests as well as our defense colleagues. This technology is a game-changer for maritime interests ”. “The political and strategic implications of this technology cannot be overstated,” claimed SeaTrain Technology CEO Carleen Lyden Walker. “The maritime agenda is critical to our nation’s future prosperity. SeaTrain gliders are the solution for shipyard modernization, global innovation, mariner shortages and reallocation, and economic security. This is how we are going to restore America’s maritime dominance.” SeaTrain Technology, established in 2023 and headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, is on a mission to revolutionize the shipping, energy, and defense sectors through its patented submersible glider technology. The company’s core values—innovation, sustainability, efficiency, and safety—are at the forefront of its operations, aiming to set new standards in performance and streamline shipbuilding and operations. For more information about SeaTrain Technology and its groundbreaking initiatives, please visit SeaTrain Technology. Contact Details SeaTrain Technology Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-260-0480 Carleen@seatraintech.com

May 20, 2025 11:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NAFA’s 2025 Institute & Expo: Propelling Fleets Into the Future with Innovation and Sustainability

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) wrapped up its successful 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E) in Long Beach, California, bringing together fleet professionals from across the globe to explore the future of fleet management. Themed “Propel Your Fleet,” this year’s event focused on innovation, sustainability and the evolving landscape of fleet management, providing attendees with actionable insights and solutions to drive the future of their operations. “NAFA I&E continues to be an unparalleled gathering that brings together the best and brightest in fleet management,” said Maria Neve, NAFA Board President and VP – eFMC Services, Inspiration Fleet. “As the industry evolves, our commitment to innovation and sustainability strengthens, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many of our members energized and ready to drive the future of fleet management.” Key Highlights of I&E 2025: Keynote addresses, led by AI expert Timothy Papandreou and leadership coach Jack Becker. Papandreou’s keynote, “AI: The Most Powerful Technology That Is Changing Your World Forever,” explored the revolutionary role of AI in fleet management. Becker’s keynote, “Supersonic Success,” provided actionable leadership strategies from the world of elite military aviators to optimize performance and drive continual improvement. “Driving the Future of Fleet,” an Industry Update with Stellantis’ Jeffrey Kommor who shared insights on the future of fleet operations and the innovations shaping the industry. During the opening session on Monday, NAFA also honored fleet professionals who earned their Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation. The ever-popular OEM Panel Discussion featured leaders from GM Envolve, Stellantis, Ford Pro and Nissan. The panelists shared valuable insights on their fleet strategies for 2025, including electrification and connected technologies. The Fleet Emergency Preparedness: Best Practices and Case Studies Food for Thought Luncheon highlighted real-world case studies on managing extreme weather events. Attendees gained actionable strategies for improving fleet resilience and response to unforeseen emergencies. More than 45 educational sessions were held throughout I&E 2025, with many sessions reaching standing-room-only capacity. This year’s education tracks addressed emerging technologies, sustainability, safety, legislative advocacy, operations management and more, providing attendees with timely insights into the most pressing challenges and innovations in fleet management. The specialized Technician Training Program, provided valuable educational content and networking opportunities tailored to technicians and service professionals. The Expo hosted more than 225+ exhibitors, each presenting the latest advancements in fleet products and services. The Innovations Showcase offered an immersive experience on the Expo floor, where attendees had the chance to discover cutting-edge products and updates from exhibitors. Geotab was awarded the People’s Choice Award for their groundbreaking product, Geotab Vitality. The Ride & Drive made its highly anticipated return this year, allowing attendees to get behind the wheel of the latest electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Additionally, NAFA introduced the new Indoor EV Test Track in the Expo Hall, providing a unique ride-along experience where participants could experience firsthand the advancements in electric vehicle technology. Both events were key highlights, offering fleet professionals the chance to engage directly with innovative vehicles and technologies. The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas for 2025 were crowned, with the following winners honored for their outstanding achievements in fleet management: Best Public Fleet: Palm Beach County, FL Sheriff’s Office Best Commercial Fleet: Charge, Inc. Fleet Professional of the Year: Tom Keyser, CAFM, Spire Energy Fleet Technician of the Year: Roger Davis, City of Roanoke, VA Additionally, the inaugural Tom Johnson Award was presented to Patti Earley, CAFM, Fleet Fuel Manager at Florida Power & Light, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the fleet industry. CAFM Live, a peer-to-peer educational event accelerated Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) candidates’ preparation for examination and certification. NAFA brought back Media Day for a third year, providing nearly a dozen companies the opportunity to present their breaking news and announcements to reporters in back-to-back press conferences. NAFA extends its gratitude for the generous support of its 2025 I&E sponsors: Automotive Fleet, Enterprise Fleet Management, FASTER Asset Solutions, Fleetio, Fleetworthy, Geotab, Holman, Honda, Hyundai Motor America, Inspiration Fleet, IntelliShift, LEGEND, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Motive, Penske Transportation Solutions, Ram Professional, Reindeer Logistics, LLC, Rexel Energy, RTA: The Fleet Success Company, Samsara, Voyager Mastercard, and Wheels, Inc. NAFA also extends its appreciation to its media partners for their continued support: Autosphere Media, Automotive Fleet, Fleet Management Weekly, Modern WorkTruck Solutions, Utility Fleet Professional, Service Truck Magazine and Electrathon. Next year’s I&E will take place in Cleveland, OH on April 13-15, 2026. To learn more about NAFA, visit: https://www.nafa.org/ NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

May 01, 2025 02:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Rising Water Tables in the Southern U.S. Spotlight Need for Sustainable, Waterproof Concrete Solutions

The Hoyt Organization

May 1, 2025 - With rising water tables and an uptick in extreme weather events across the Southern United States, engineers, builders, and municipalities are turning to Smart Concrete as a long-term, sustainable solution to fortify critical infrastructure against flood risks, abrasion, corrosion and climate-related damage. Recent studies have shown that groundwater levels across states like Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Georgia are increasing due to a combination of sea level rise, heavy rainfall patterns, and overburdened drainage systems. Consequently, there are higher likelihoods of flooding not just along coasts, but inland as well, putting foundations, stormwater systems, and essential infrastructure at increasing risk of failure. According to First Street’s 2025 National Risk Assessment, which projects a nearly $1.5 trillion dollar drop in property values from climate-related migration patterns, the nation’s most risky markets for climate-related property loss are all in Texas, including the metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston – all of which have experienced recent population surges amid increasing insurance costs associated with extreme weather. Smaller markets have been less resilient to these economic and environmental threats. For instance, in Jefferson County, Ala., the damage has already been done, triggering a 9.4 percent spike in climate-related insurance costs and a subsequent 25 percent plunge in population, the report found. Key infrastructure such as highways, airports and large-capacity garages are increasingly vulnerable to water-related corrosion in the South and that durable concrete is a viable long-term solution to those challenges, according to Patrick Kelly, Territory Manager – Central U.S. for Kryton International, a leading manufacturer of high-performance concrete. “It’s largely a threat from below,” Kelly said of the South’s rising water tables and increasing flood risks. “Traditional concrete structures can deteriorate rapidly when exposed to persistent water pressure, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical ingress. Our waterproof concrete technology is designed to combat these exact challenges while reducing the need for costly maintenance and repair.” Waterproof Concrete: A Sustainable Advantage Unlike surface coatings or short-term sealants, waterproof concrete is engineered at the mix level with crystalline admixtures that resist moisture intrusion from the inside out. When compared to traditional concrete, this internal waterproofing not only prolongs structural life but also contributes to sustainability goals by: Reducing carbon-generating material waste from repairs and replacements Improving lifecycle performance with lower initial carbon footprint Enhancing climate resilience in transportation, utility, and commercial infrastructure Waterproof concrete is increasingly being adopted in: Underground parking structures and basements Tunnels, culverts, and stormwater management systems Coastal and low-lying public works projects High-performance industrial facilities in flood-prone regions “With even more extreme weather on the horizon, future-ready construction starts with resilient materials,” said Kryton International’s Vice President for Product Development, Kevin Yuers. “Waterproof concrete isn’t just a product — it’s a strategy for climate adaptation.” ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary KrystolÂ® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com Contact Details Kryton International, Inc. Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://www.kryton.com/

May 01, 2025 10:19 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Spring Bird Delivers Transit Buses to MTR for Use in Major Construction Shuttle Operations

Spring Bird

Spring Bird has delivered six heavy-duty New Flyer D40LF transit buses to MTR, providing dedicated shuttle support for a large-scale semiconductor fabrication plant construction site. The buses will be used to safely and efficiently transport construction workers across the expansive site, reflecting the growing demand for durable, high-capacity shuttle solutions in complex infrastructure projects. The multi-bus order, fulfilled over the past year through several transactions, underscores Spring Bird’s rising role as a trusted supplier of transit buses for industrial and operational shuttle services. According to Spring Bird founder Elliott Carson, the deal came together due to “competitive pricing, fast turnaround, and strong warranty support,” all of which aligned with MTR’s high standards and tight project timelines. “This partnership with MTR is a great example of what happens when two teams are aligned in purpose and professionalism,” said Carson. “MTR had a clear vision, high standards, and a fast-moving project — and we were proud to meet that challenge. Supporting their shuttle operations with dependable, work-ready transit buses is exactly what Spring Bird is built to do.” The buses underwent standard make-ready servicing and were delivered ready for immediate deployment. While not retrofitted with low-emission or advanced telematics systems in this case, the New Flyer D40LF platform offers reliable performance, ample standing room, and durability that outperforms most traditional coach or cutaway vehicles under demanding, repetitive shuttle conditions. “Transit buses are built for this kind of work,” said Thomas Hoskins, Director of Operations at Spring Bird. “You’re moving large numbers of people, constantly, in stop-and-go patterns, sometimes on rough or temporary roads. These vehicles are designed for all-day, every-day use. They can load quickly, handle tough environments, and just keep going.” Spring Bird’s Construction Shuttle Service program highlights several key benefits of using heavy-duty transit buses in worksite transportation: Dual-door boarding allows faster loading and unloading compared to coach buses or vans. Low-floor designs increase accessibility and reduce boarding times. Higher standing capacity allows more flexible loading based on shift schedules. Cost-efficiency comes from needing fewer buses and drivers to move more people in less time. For MTR, choosing Spring Bird also meant working with a team that understands the complexity of operational logistics. “We’re proud to support partners like MTR who are helping to build the future—literally,” said Carson. “Whether it’s a long-term city transit solution or a short-term industrial project, our goal is always the same: safe, smart, dependable transportation.” The deal also adds another chapter to the Carson family’s eight-decade history in the transit industry. Spring Bird, founded by Elliott Carson in 2020, is built on a legacy that dates back to 1943 when Dean Carson began providing local transit in Los Angeles. Today, that commitment to innovation, service, and reliability lives on in Spring Bird’s growing footprint across public and private transportation sectors. About Spring Bird Spring Bird is a premier provider of transportation solutions, specializing in the sale, leasing, and service of heavy-duty transit buses and motor coaches. Drawing from the rich Carson family legacy in the transportation industry, Spring Bird offers an inventory of high-quality buses from leading manufacturers and provides customized rehabilitation services, including minor repairs, major overhauls, and technological retrofitting. Dedicated to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Spring Bird addresses the unique needs of cities, transit agencies, and private operators, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation solutions. Media Contact: For more information, visit https://springbirdbus.com or contact us at press@springbirdbus.com. ### About Spring BirdSpring Bird is a premier provider of transportation solutions specializing in the sale, leasing, and service of heavy-duty transit buses and motor coaches. Drawing from the rich Carson family legacy in the transportation industry, Spring Bird offers an inventory of high-quality buses from leading manufacturers and provides customized rehabilitation services, including minor repairs, major overhauls, and technological retrofitting. Dedicated to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Spring Bird addresses the unique needs of cities, transit agencies, and private operators, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation solutions. Contact Details Media Contact press@springbirdbus.com Company Website https://springbirdbus.com

April 30, 2025 10:41 AM Central Daylight Time

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NAFA’s 2025 Institute & Expo Highlights Fleet Innovation and Strategy with Key Industry Insights

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) today wrapped up the highly anticipated General Session at its 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E) in Long Beach, featuring an insightful industry update from Jeffrey Kommor, Senior Vice President of US Sales at Stellantis North America, followed by a dynamic OEM Panel Discussion with fleet leaders from GM Envolve, Stellantis, Ford Pro, and Nissan. “Today’s General Session provided invaluable perspectives for fleet professionals navigating the rapidly evolving industry,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “The discussions, from Jeffrey Kommor’s keynote to the engaging OEM Panel, offered attendees critical insights into building strong relationships, mitigating risks, tariffs and the future of electrification. I&E 2025 continues to prove its importance as a key event for those looking to stay at the forefront of the fleet industry.” In his keynote address titled "An Industry Update: Driving the Future of Fleet," Kommor offered attendees valuable insights on the importance of fostering strong relationships—encouraging fleets to connect with their OEM representatives to explore how they can support operational goals. He emphasized learning from past failures, building on core strengths, and maintaining a clear focus on long-term objectives. According to Kommor, resilience and focus are more critical now than ever. Following Kommor’s keynote, NAFA hosted an engaging OEM Panel Discussion featuring leaders from GM Envolve, Stellantis, Ford Pro, and Nissan. The panel, moderated by Chris Brown, Associate Publisher of Automotive Fleet, explored fleet strategies, priorities and challenges for 2025 and beyond. Panelists discussed key industry developments, including mitigating risk by developing deeper partnerships, tariff updates, and EV adoption. The panel featured: Gabriel Slack, Sales Enablement Manager – Fleet Management Companies, GM Envolve Eric Swanson, Vice President, Commercial Sales, East Region, Stellantis Greg Wood, Commercial & Government Sales General Manager, Ford Pro Jerry Zielinski, Senior Manager of Fleet & Commercial Sales, Nissan Attendees left today’s General Session feeling reassured, energized and equipped with actionable insights and strategies to enhance their fleet operations. This session, along with the entire I&E schedule, highlights NAFA’s ongoing commitment to creating efficient, sustainable, and safe fleets. For more information about NAFA and upcoming events, please visit www.nafa.org. The 2025 I&E sponsors include Automotive Fleet, Enterprise Fleet Management, FASTER Asset Solutions, Fleetio, Fleetworthy, Geotab, Holman, Honda, Hyundai Motor America, Inspiration Fleet, IntelliShift, LEGEND, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Motive, Penske Transportation Solutions, Ram Professional, Reindeer Logistics, LLC, Rexel, RTA The Fleet Success Company, Samsara, Voyager Mastercard, and Wheels, Inc. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

April 29, 2025 07:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time

NAFA’s 2025 Media Day Highlights Groundbreaking Innovations and Industry Advances

NAFA Fleet Management Association

Media Day returned for its third year at NAFA Fleet Management Association’s annual Institute & Expo in Long Beach, California. The event provided a dynamic platform for nearly a dozen leading companies to share breaking news, innovations and important announcements with industry reporters. Participants showcased a range of industry advancements in AI, data analytics, education, safety and more. "Media Day continues to be a cornerstone of NAFA’s Institute & Expo, providing an invaluable opportunity for industry leaders to showcase their latest innovations and engage directly with the media," said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. "The exciting announcements and groundbreaking solutions shared today highlight the fleet industry’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of fleet management." Below is a look at the breaking news presented during NAFA’s I&E Media Day 2025: RoadFlex (Booth #1535) Presented by Rush Akin, Chief Revenue Officer RoadFlex and E.J. Ward Inc. announced a groundbreaking partnership to revolutionize fleet fuel management. By integrating RoadFlex’s advanced fuel card data into SimplyFuel Solutions' industry-leading platform, fleet managers can now access all fuel transactions—both retail and on-premises—within a single dashboard. This innovative approach overcomes the limitations of legacy fuel cards, offering real-time transaction visibility and proactive control over all transactions before they take place. Bluedot (Booth #1730) Presented by Selinay Parlak, Co-founder & COO Bluedot launched Shared Private Chargers, unlocking access to previously off-limits depot chargers through its partner network. Fleets can now charge where they actually park—no new infrastructure required. It’s the first platform unifying public, home and depot charging to boost uptime and streamline operations. Fleetio (Booth #1539) Presented by Kayleigh O'Malley, Fleetio's Product Marketing Manager, Reporting & Analytics, and Melissa Cox, Fleetio's Product Manager, Reporting & Analytics Fleetio shared a preview of Advanced Analytics, an interactive, in-depth reporting tool that prioritizes fleet data. This tool enhances data analysis, providing key metrics to improve performance and uncover additional cost savings. With these intuitive insights, fleets can make more knowledgeable, data-driven decisions to impact business strategy. The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) (Booth #1654) Presented by Susan Hipp, NETS' Executive Director NETS announced an update to its Cost of Motor Vehicle Crashes to Employers report and Cost of Crashes Calculator—coming this October—to show how driver safety investments protect employees, cut fleet costs and deliver measurable ROI—all critical insights in a challenging economy. Connex2X, LLC (Booth #1232) Presented by Paul Porrini, Co-Founder Connex2X announced its collaboration with SoundHound AI to revolutionize mobile food ordering. Combining Connex2X's NEXi fleet optimization platform with SoundHound's voice technology, drivers can effortlessly place orders, make payments and navigate to pick-up locations hands-free at thousands of restaurants. This collaboration delivers unmatched convenience and efficiency in mobile commerce, transforming the way drivers order food on the go. Chevin Fleet Solutions (Booth #1630) Presented by Richard Clark, Global Head of Product Chevin Fleet Solutions launched Smart Integrate – a powerful, user-friendly integration platform for FleetWave. Users can build and manage API connections with ease using a visual interface, connect systems in real time, and take full control of their fleet data for smarter, faster decisions. Slate (Booth #1921) Presented by Jeremy Snyder, Chief Commercial Officer Slate is a new American company established in 2022 focused on delivering radically affordable, personalizable and reliable electric vehicles. Slate presented its innovative truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV. Slate also unveiled its fleet reservation program and strategy. Purpose Auto (Booth #1626) Presented by Jason Rascoe, Creator Purpose Auto unveiled its Virtual Reality - Automotive Repair Mechanic Training Courses and Hiring Gauge—offering immersive, ASE-aligned courses and pre-hire assessments that help schools, fleets, and shops train and hire techs faster, safer, and smarter—while cutting training and hiring costs. Queclink (Booth #1807) Presented by Manny Hernandez, Vice President of North America Queclink introduced its next-gen AI-driven telematics solution, predicting vehicle failures, optimizing driver performance, and preventing accidents before they occur. Powered by advanced machine learning, the solution enables real-time data visibility and brings road safety to the next level. IntelliShift (Booth #1731) Presented by Ryan Wilkinson, COO IntelliShift announced a new partnership with Netradyne to integrate AI-powered Driver•i cameras into its fleet platform, enhancing safety, reducing risk, and boosting performance. With install services and unified tech, IntelliShift helps fleets streamline ops and optimize their tech stacks in 2025 and beyond. For more information about NAFA and upcoming events, please visit www.nafa.org. The 2025 I&E sponsors include Automotive Fleet, Enterprise Fleet Management, FASTER Asset Solutions, Fleetio, Fleetworthy, Geotab, Holman, Honda, Hyundai Motor America, Inspiration Fleet, IntelliShift, LEGEND, Merchants Fleet, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Motive, Penske Transportation Solutions, Ram Professional, Reindeer Logistics, LLC, Rexel Energy, RTA The Fleet Success Company, Samsara, Voyager Mastercard, and Wheels, Inc. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

April 28, 2025 04:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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