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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

NAFA Announces Lineup for 2025 Indoor EV Test Track and Ride & Drive Experience at I&E

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) is excited to announce the lineup for two cutting-edge events at the 2025 Institute & Expo (I&E) that will highlight the latest advancements in fleet technology: the Indoor EV Test Track and the Ride & Drive Experience. These events, powered by Automotive Fleet, will provide attendees with unique opportunities to experience electric and alternative fuel vehicles, both in the passenger seat and behind the wheel. “The Indoor EV Test Track and Ride & Drive Experience are essential opportunities for fleet professionals to experience firsthand the cutting-edge technologies and innovations shaping the future of fleet management,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “Both events showcase the rapid advancement of the electric vehicle and alternative fuel industries, and we’re excited to bring these dynamic experiences to I&E 2025.” Indoor EV Test Track: A Ride-Along Experience with the Latest Electric Vehicles Tuesday, April 29: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 30: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Indoor EV Test Track invites attendees to step into the passenger seat for an exclusive ride-along experience featuring the newest electric vehicles in the industry. This event provides a rare opportunity to experience the performance and technology of EVs on an indoor track located in the Expo Hall. Participating manufacturers include: Ford Lucid Nissan PoleStar Rivian Volkswagen Volvo Inspiration Fleet, sponsor of the Indoor EV Test Track, will provide a viewing lounge near the check-in area. Outdoor Ride & Drive Experience: Get Behind the Wheel of the Latest Fleet Vehicles Wednesday, April 30: 3:00-5:00 p.m. The Ride & Drive Experience gives attendees the chance to get behind the wheel of some of the most innovative electric and alternative fuel vehicles on the market. Participants can drive vehicles from top manufacturers, including: Ford Lucid Mercedes Benz Nissan PoleStar Ram Professional Rivian Toyota UPower Volkswagen Volvo These are just two of the many exciting elements of I&E 2025, which will feature over 40 educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations and networking opportunities. This year’s 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 23, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

AGTONOMY’S 3RD GENERATION SOFTWARE PLATFORM REDEFINES REAL-WORLD AUTONOMY ACROSS AGRICULTURE AND TURF

Agtonomy

Agtonomy, a trusted provider of automation and AI solutions, today announced the release of its third-generation Agtonomy Platform™, the most advanced software platform for agriculture and land management. Formerly known as TeleFarmer™, the latest update introduces enhanced fleet intelligence powered by Physical AI, new equipment platform support for mixed fleets, expanded capabilities for diverse crops, turf and open-field operations, and a new name that reflects its growing range of real-world applications across industries. Unlike other autonomous solutions that rely on extensive infrastructure or operator oversight, Agtonomy’s platform delivers true turnkey autonomy—ready to perform from day one without pre-mapping or local base stations. By combining embedded connectivity with vision-based navigation and advanced AI, Agtonomy continues to raise the bar for practical automation in agriculture, enabling broad adoption faster. “There’s a big difference between testing autonomy in controlled environments and deploying it in the real world,” said Tim Bucher, co-founder and CEO of Agtonomy. “Permanent crop autonomy is one of the toughest challenges in agriculture. Our platform has been refined through years of experience navigating narrow rows with high value crops on either side and no margin for error. This latest update takes that expertise further—expanding application while maintaining our commitment to reliability and precision.” Key Features of the Third-Generation Platform 1. Infrastructure-Free Autonomy On the latest Agtonomy-Enabled platforms, integrated cellular and Starlink connectivity, combined with vision-based navigation, eliminates the need for local base stations or manually driven record-and-repeat paths. The result is true autonomous operation from day one, with simplified setup and reduced costs. Where 3D satellite imagery is available, site setup can be completed remotely, eliminating the need for an on-site visit and streamlining deployment. 2. Turf & Open-Field Automation The platform now supports autonomous mowing and task execution across diverse environments such as golf courses, sod farms, pastures, municipal green spaces, and open fields. Agtonomy-Enabled equipment executes these tasks with industry-leading precision, helping reduce labor costs while improving consistency and coverage. 3. Enhanced Fleet Intelligence with Physical AI Agtonomy’s Physical AI enables a single operator to manage 10+ tractors simultaneously—with no practical upper limit. As the system learns from real-world operations, fleet efficiency continues to improve. 4. Expanded Equipment Support The platform now supports mixed-fleet operations across various equipment types, including new equipment integrations like the factory-fit Bobcat CT4045 diesel tractor—a robust solution for demanding autonomous tasks. A Proven Platform for the Real World As Agtonomy enters this next phase of scale and adoption, the company remains focused on what matters most: making automation truly usable. Backed by years of field experience in the most unforgiving environments, the platform is not only smart and scalable, but deeply practical. “This update is all about removing barriers for operators,” said Nic Fischer, head of software at Agtonomy. “No base stations, no complicated mapping—just tap a few buttons and let your equipment do the work autonomously. Its practical autonomy for all operators day one.” With a flexible platform that adapts to different terrains, tasks, and equipment, Agtonomy is empowering operators to do more—with less effort, less complexity, and the precision today’s operations demand. About Agtonomy: Agtonomy is a software and AI services company bringing intelligent automation to agriculture, turf, and land maintenance. Its platform, embedded in commercial equipment through leading OEM partnerships, delivers real-world automation proven in the most complex operating environments. Agtonomy helps customers work more efficiently, safely, and sustainably—without sacrificing precision or control. Learn more or request a demo, visit www.agtonomy.com or follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Contact Details AgTech PR for Agtonomy Jennifer Goldston jennifer@agtechpr.com Company Website https://www.agtonomy.com/

April 16, 2025 09:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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SeaTrain Technology Receives Patent Approval for Revolutionary Approach to Meeting Needs of Shipping and Shipbuilding

Morgan Marketing & Communications

SeaTrain Technology, LLC, a pioneer in sustainable maritime solutions, received its patent approval today for its revolutionary application for shipping and shipbuilding. This will be particularly important to ship and shipbuilding enterprises interested in revitalizing their sectors. The company’s mission is to introduce its groundbreaking remote-controlled, and now patented, modular submersible glider technology to the global maritime community. This innovative technology transforms ocean freight transportation by offering unparalleled efficiency, profitability, reliability, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, it has extensive applications to the energy and defense industries. The design offered by SeaTrain lends itself to “series building” in shipyards of varying sizes due to its replicability. Stated SeaTrain Technology Founder and Chairman, Randy M. Durst: “With this patent, SeaTrain isn’t just innovating—we’re revolutionizing. SeaTrain is here to redefine maritime history. With this breakthrough, we’re setting the course for a new era of remote controlled, zero-emission ocean transport. The age of clean, safe, intelligent maritime movement is no longer a vision, it’s a reality.” SeaTrain Technology, established in 2023 and headquartered in Delray 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 environmental responsibility. “Sea Train’s patented technology is a game-changer for the maritime industry. Our modular, autonomous submersible system offers a scalable, cost-efficient solution that challenges the limits of traditional maritime logistics” declares Malia Van Horn, Chief Engineering Officer. “This is more than just an innovation— it’s a step toward a smarter, more resilient global supply chain.” ‘Our nation, and our world, are going through a period of massive disruption with the maritime industry right in the thick of it” observes SeaTrain Technology CEO Carleen Lyden Walker. “We need to demonstrate leadership, efficiency, and productivity in our ship designs and their construction. This leadership is not demonstrated by stamping out existing ship designs, but rather by producing a new design at scale that meets the needs of today into the decades to come. This is what SeaTrain provides.” For more information about SeaTrain Technology and its groundbreaking initiatives, please visit SeaTrain Technology. Photo: Carleen Lyden Walker, CEO Sea Train Technology Contact Details Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-255-4686 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com Company Website https://seatraintech.com/

April 01, 2025 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SeaTrain Technology Appoints Maritime Industry Leader Carleen Lyden Walker as Chief Executive Officer

Morgan Marketing & Communications

SeaTrain Technology, LLC, a pioneer in sustainable maritime solutions, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Carleen Lyden Walker as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ms. Lyden Walker brings over four decades of maritime industry expertise, underscoring SeaTrain’s commitment to revolutionizing global shipping through innovation and environmental stewardship. Ms. Lyden Walker’s distinguished career encompasses significant roles such as Co-Founder and CEO of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), CEO of Morgan Marketing & Communications, and Chief Evolution Officer (CEO) of SHIPPINGInsight. Her dedication to marine environmental protection and sustainable shipping practices has been recognized globally, including her appointment as a Goodwill Maritime Ambassador by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2015. In her new role at SeaTrain Technology, Ms. Lyden Walker will spearhead the company’s mission to introduce its groundbreaking remote-controlled modular submersible glider technology to the world. This innovative technology aims to transform ocean freight transportation by offering unparalleled efficiency, profitability, reliability, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, it has extensive applications to the energy and defense industries. Expressing her enthusiasm about joining SeaTrain, Ms. Walker stated, “I am honored to lead SeaTrain Technology at this pivotal moment in maritime history. SeaTrain’s innovative approach aligns perfectly with my lifelong commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the shipping industry. I look forward to working with the talented team at SeaTrain to bring this transformative technology to the domestic and global markets.” Randy M. Durst, Founder and Chairman of SeaTrain Technology, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Carleen as our CEO. Her extensive experience and visionary leadership in the maritime sector are invaluable assets as we embark on this journey to redefine maritime shipbuilding and transportation”. 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 environmental responsibility. For more information about SeaTrain Technology and its groundbreaking initiatives, please visit SeaTrain Technology. Contact Details Morgan Marketing & Communications Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-255-4686 c.walker@morganmarketcomm.com Company Website https://morganmarketcomm.com/

March 30, 2025 12:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Spring Bird Welcomes Thomas Hoskins as New Director of Operations

Spring Bird

Spring Bird, a leading provider of innovative transit solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Hoskins as its new Director of Operations. With more than two decades of experience in transit operations, fleet management, and manufacturing process improvement, Thomas will play a critical role in optimizing Spring Bird’s operational strategy and driving continued growth. Thomas brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having served eight years as Director of Operations at Complete Coach Works, where he led fleet modernization efforts and oversaw large-scale production improvements. His career also includes 13 years as an Operations Manager at Motor Coach Industries, where he gained extensive experience managing complex transit manufacturing and service operations. “Spring Bird is growing rapidly, and having an experienced, forward-thinking leader like Thomas at the helm of our operations is part of our long-term growth strategy,” said Elliott Carson, CEO and Founder of Spring Bird. “Tom’s history of driving efficiency and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to provide safe, high-quality transit solutions. We are excited for his leadership and enhance will drive our operational excellence and benefit our customers.” In his new role, Thomas will oversee production processes, fleet operations, and strategic planning, ensuring that Spring Bird continues to meet and exceed industry standards. His leadership will support the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its offerings, enhance efficiency, and deliver reliable, sustainable transit solutions. “I am honored to join Spring Bird at such a pivotal time in its growth,” said Thomas Hoskins, Director of Operations. “The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with the team to refine processes, improve efficiency, and continue delivering exceptional transit solutions that keep our customers moving.” Spring Bird, founded in 2020, builds upon the Carson family’s decades-long legacy in the transit industry, offering a wide range of heavy-duty transit buses and rehabilitation services. The company services the industry's top operators, providing buses for sale and lease, and specializes in minor repairs, major overhauls, and operational maintenance solutions. With Thomas at the helm of operations, Spring Bird is well-positioned to continue its expansion and commitment to excellence in transit solutions. 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

March 12, 2025 09:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Select Sector SPDR ETFs: Strategic Investment with Sector-Specific Allocations

Select Sector SPDR

In the ever-evolving world of financial markets, Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer sector-specific allocations designed to help investors align their portfolios with specific economic areas. By dissecting the expansive S&P 500 into key sectors, Select Sector SPDR ETFs provide a streamlined approach for both individual and institutional investors to craft targeted and strategic investment portfolios. An Era of Focused Investing With the volatility and rapid shifts in today's markets, investors are increasingly seeking ways to refine their strategies and enhance their portfolios. Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a practical solution by breaking down the broad landscape of the S&P 500 into accessible segments. This sector-focused strategy not only accommodates varied investment goals but also aligns with specific risk tolerances and market perspectives. Explore the Holdings of Select Sector SPDR ETFs The Select Sector SPDR ETFs cover a wide array of economic sectors, each designed to target specific areas of interest. Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC): Focuses on telecommunications and media, capturing the innovations in digital communication. Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY): Encompasses companies involved in non-essential goods and services, including luxury items and entertainment. Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP): Targets essential consumer goods and services, offering stability amidst market fluctuations. Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE): Covers the dynamic energy sector, from traditional oil and gas to renewable energies. Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF): Includes banking, investment, and insurance industries, essential for economic infrastructure. Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV): Dedicated to pharmaceuticals, healthcare equipment, and services, addressing global health challenges. Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI): Focuses on manufacturing, construction, and aerospace sectors. Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB): Encompasses mining, construction materials, and packaging industries. Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE): Targets commercial real estate services and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK): Capitalizes on innovation in information technology, semiconductors, and electronics. Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU): Centers on electricity and natural gas sectors, ensuring the flow of essential services. Strategic Investment for a Dynamic Market Select Sector SPDR ETFs not only provide a transparent and straightforward method to navigate sector-specific investments, but also offer a powerful tool for strategic portfolio management. As market conditions continue to evolve, these ETFs enable investors to adapt their strategies, ensuring robust and adaptive portfolios that cater to diverse needs. By offering a detailed lens into specific sectors, Select Sector SPDR ETFs stand as a testament to the power of targeted investment. Through dedicated sector analysis and exposure, investors are equipped to thrive amidst the ebb and flow of market dynamics. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL008271 EXP 5/31/25 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

March 12, 2025 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Bacula Systems Announces Direct Integration with ZFS for Enhanced Backup and Recovery Performance

Bacula Systems

Bacula Systems, a global leader in high-security, high-performance backup and recovery solutions, today announced its latest Use Case: native integration and interoperability with the ZFS file system. This latest enhancement empowers organizations with seamless, high-performance backup and recovery capabilities specifically optimized for ZFS-based infrastructures. The integration of ZFS into Bacula Enterprise enables enterprises and high-performance computing (HPC) environments to take full advantage of ZFS’s advanced storage management features while leveraging Bacula’s robust, scalable, and highly secure backup and disaster recovery capabilities. “Bacula continues to set the standard for reliability, security, and exceptionally high performance in backup and recovery, and our new native ZFS integration further expands our customers’ ability to protect and manage their data in the most efficient way possible. By enabling seamless, high-speed backup and reliable restore operations for ZFS environments, Bacula helps organizations reduce complexity, improve storage efficiency, and maintain strict security and compliance requirements. This is one of a series of important announcements we are making in the high performance file systems space” said Frank Barker, CEO of Bacula Systems. Key Benefits of Bacula’s ZFS Integration: Snapshot-Based Backups: Bacula leverages ZFS snapshots to enable efficient, low-latency backups without impacting system performance. Speed: Bacula’s ZFS capabilities include a fast incremental accelerator for massive file systems and big data volume - all done automatically. Workload Efficiency: Bacula integrates with ZFS's diff feature to quickly backup only necessary/modified files, without needing to scan the entire file system. Advanced Data Protection: Bacula complements its ZFS capabilities with configurable compression, checksum verification, advanced encryption technology, comprehensive ransomware protection, air-gapped architectures, highly flexible immutable storage options and many other highly customizable data protection features for compliance-driven industries. Seamless Scalability: Optimized for large-scale environments, Bacula’s ZFS integration provides ultra-fast backup of snapshot differences of massive datasets. Cost-Efficiency: Organizations can significantly lower their storage costs by leveraging Bacula’s advanced deduplication and compression capabilities in conjunction with Bacula’s efficient data management features. Bacula Systems continues to expand its leadership in providing powerful, customizable, and highly secure backup and recovery solutions tailored for enterprises and HPC environments. The addition of built-in ZFS interoperability underscores Bacula’s commitment to delivering high-performance, flexible, and cost-effective data protection for IT teams managing large and complex workloads. Bacula Systems customers include NASA, Navisite, Texas A&M University, Sky PLC, Warner Bros Discovery, Locaweb and many more. For more information about Bacula’s ZFS integration and enterprise backup solutions, visit www.baculasystems.com. About Bacula Systems: Bacula Enterprise is an exceptionally secure, highly scalable backup and recovery software for large organizations, data centers and MSPs. www.baculasystems.com Contact Details Rob Morrison rob.morrison@baculasystems.com +41 21 641 60 80 rob.morrison@baculasystems.com Company Website https://www.baculasystems.com/

March 05, 2025 07:11 AM Eastern Standard Time

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