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Moody’s Analytics Enhances Core CRE Platform With Hotel Data and Analytics

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Moody’s Analytics has enhanced its core commercial real estate (CRE) solution, the Moody’s Analytics REIS® platform, with data and analytics on hotel properties, bringing customers robust insight as that sector faces a tough test amid headwinds from COVID-19. Ongoing travel restrictions, consumer caution, and economic uncertainty cut output in the leisure and business travel sector by 47% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to last year, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Moody’s Analytics expects that hotels will benefit from a release in pent-up demand for vacations once an effective coronavirus vaccine is widely distributed and adopted, but business travel is unlikely to return to prior levels unless corporate travel budgets recover from the downturn. Hotel occupancy will likely lag the US economic recovery. Although the hotel occupancy rate climbed from 38% in the second quarter of 2020 to 43% in the third quarter, Moody’s Analytics does not expect it to exceed peak 2019 levels until 2026.

“The addition of hotel data is an important complement to our existing datasets and comes at a crucial time to support CRE market participants focused on the hospitality sector,” said Cristina Pieretti, Managing Director of CRE Solutions at Moody’s Analytics. “We are committed to evolving our CRE solutions with the most relevant data and tools from across the Moody’s organization, and from third parties, to help inform customers’ lending and investment decisions.”

Customers of the Moody’s Analytics REIS platform can now perform in-depth analysis of seasonal patterns and volatility in the hotel sector with access to data on 34,000 US hotels from the Kalibri Labs hotels database, as well as more than 20 years of relevant historical commercial mortgage-backed securities data from Moody’s Analytics. Macroeconomic forecast variables from the award-winning Moody’s Analytics economics team underpin six years of forecasts for key metrics such as revenue per available room, occupancy rates, and room rates provided by a dedicated CRE economics team.

“We are proud to offer more CRE market participants access to our database through this collaboration with Moody’s Analytics,” said Cindy Estis Green, CEO of Kalibri Labs. “Now more than ever, hotel owners, operators, and investors need advanced metrics and next-generation benchmarking that enable more effective commercial strategies.”

The REIS platform is a cornerstone of the growing suite of Moody’s Analytics technology-enabled CRE solutions for commercial lenders, real estate investors, brokers, and developers. Moody’s Analytics CRE solutions harness expansive data and analytical expertise from across the Moody’s organization to deliver integrated analysis of new and traditional metrics for better decision-making as the CRE marketplace evolves.

About Moody’s Analytics

Moody’s Analytics provides financial intelligence and analytical tools to help business leaders make better, faster decisions. Our deep risk expertise, expansive information resources, and innovative application of technology help our clients confidently navigate an evolving marketplace. We are known for our industry-leading and award-winning solutions, made up of research, data, software, and professional services, assembled to deliver a seamless customer experience. We create confidence in thousands of organizations worldwide, with our commitment to excellence, open mindset approach, and focus on meeting customer needs. For more information about Moody’s Analytics, visit our website or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Moody’s Analytics, Inc. is a subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO). Moody’s Corporation reported revenue of $4.8 billion in 2019, employs approximately 11,400 people worldwide and maintains a presence in more than 40 countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005868/en/

KATERINA SOUMILOVA

Moody’s Analytics Communications

+1.212.553.1177

Moody’s Analytics Media Relations

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WWE^® ThunderDome^™ Takes Over Tropicana Field

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
WWE will bring its world-class viewing experience, WWE ThunderDome, to Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay as it begins a new residency starting with SmackDown^® on Friday, December 11 at 8 PM ET on FOX.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005846/en/

The move to Tampa Bay marks the next iteration for WWE ThunderDome, which launched to critical acclaim in August as part of WWE’s first-ever residency at Amway Center in Orlando. Featuring a state-of-the-art set, video boards, pyrotechnics, lasers, cutting-edge graphics and drone cameras, WWE ThunderDome provides an immersive viewing atmosphere and virtually brings thousands of fans into the arena via live video, in conjunction with The Famous Group and its proprietary technology, for every Monday Night Raw^®, Friday Night SmackDown^® and WWE pay-per-view event. WWE ThunderDome recently received top honors at this year’s Sportel Awards for Best Virtual Fan Experience.

“The Tampa Bay Rays are excited to welcome WWE to Tropicana Field for this residency and shine a spotlight on the Tampa Bay area for WWE fans around the world,” said Matt Silverman, Tampa Bay Rays President. “The ballpark will be transformed to host the spectacle of WWE ThunderDome, allowing fans to enjoy this wildly popular experience virtually.”

“We are proud to have reimagined the in-arena atmosphere and provide an interactive experience like nothing else in sports and entertainment with the launch of WWE ThunderDome,” said Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer & Chief, Global Television Production. “Our fans’ response and industrywide recognition are both humbling and further validation of the innovative spirit and passion that exist across the entire WWE organization.”

“Hollywood celebrities, WWE Legends and millions of fans from around the world have all enjoyed what the world-class WWE ThunderDome has to offer,” said Brian Flinn, WWE Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “This new residency will enable us to continue offering an unmatched live spectacle and would not have been possible without the strong support from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. We remain grateful for the hospitality provided by the Amway Center over the past four months.”

Fans can register for their virtual seat to be part of upcoming WWE shows via www.WWEThunderDome.com or at WWE’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.

Raw, SmackDown and pay-per-view programming will be produced at Tropicana Field on closed sets with only essential personnel in attendance. WWE will continue to administer its health and safety protocols for talent, crew and employees in conjunction with each production, including PCR testing for COVID-19, social distancing and wearing masks.

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG, family-friendly programming can be seen in more than 800 million homes worldwide in 28 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 180 countries. The Company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to: the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business, results of operations and financial condition; entering, maintaining and renewing major distribution agreements; a rapidly evolving media landscape; WWE Network (including the risk that we are unable to attract, retain and renew subscribers); our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; the possibility of a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent K. McMahon; possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and greater financial resources or marketplace presence of many of our competitors; uncertainties associated with international markets including possible disruptions and reputational risks; our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; potential substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including without limitation, claims alleging traumatic brain injury; large public events as well as travel to and from such events; our feature film business; our expansion into new or complementary businesses and/or strategic investments; our computer systems and online operations; privacy norms and regulations; a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; our accounts receivable; our indebtedness including our convertible notes; litigation; our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance, which could adversely affect our stock; Vincent K. McMahon exercises control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the volatility of our Class A common stock. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made and are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. For more information about risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005846/en/

Media Contact:

Adam Hopkins

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Investor Contact:

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WWE® THUNDERDOME™ TAKES OVER TROPICANA FIELD (Photo: Business Wire)

Del Taco Brings Back Del-icious Holiday Gift Card Bonus Program

Give Del and get Del when you buy Del Taco gift cards this holiday season

LAKE FOREST, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ:TACO), the nation’s second largest Mexican quick service restaurant¹, is launching its holiday gift card bonus program, inviting fans to earn free Del Taco menu items while checking off their holiday shopping lists.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005665/en/

“Del Taco gift cards make the perfect present or stocking stuffer for friends, family and co-workers alike,” said Tim Hackbardt, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The variety on our menu has something for everyone including our signature Epic Burritos, Beyond Meat burritos and tacos for vegans and plant-based fans, our new crispy chicken tacos and burritos, or The Del Taco, rated best fast food taco in America by Thrillist.”

Now, and into the New Year, when guests purchase Del Taco holiday gift cards in-store or online, they will earn FREE food for themselves. The holiday gift card bonus program includes the following offers:

1. In-Store Bonus Offers

Beginning November 19, 2020, through January 6, 2021, or while supplies last:

• Purchase $15 in gift cards and receive two FREE Grilled Chicken Tacos (and bonus offers)²
• Purchase $25 in gift cards and receive four FREE Grilled Chicken Tacos (and bonus offers)²

2. Two Days of Cyber Deals!

Beginning Cyber Monday, November 30, and running through Tuesday, December 1, 2020:

• For every $30 in gift cards purchased online, fans will receive two FREE Small Size Combo Meal coupons³
• For every $100 in gift cards purchased online, fans will receive eight FREE Small Size Combo Meal coupons³

3. Online eCard Bonus Offers

Beginning December 2, 2020, and running through January 6, 2021:

• For every $30 in gift cards purchased online, fans will receive one FREE Small Size Combo Meal coupon⁴
• For every $100 in gift cards purchased online, fans will receive four FREE Small Size Combo Meal coupons⁴

Those interested in redeeming a gift card offer can visit any of Del Taco’s nearly 600 locations nationwide or visit www.DelTacoGiftCards.com.

¹By number of units

²Free food given as coupon while coupon supplies last. Free food coupons valid on future visit. Price and participation may vary. Free Grilled Chicken Tacos coupon expires 3/7/21. Gift cards available in any whole dollar amount from $5 to $100. Cards have no value until loaded at register.

³Cyber Monday promotional offer valid online only at DelTacoGiftCards.com from 11/30/20 -12/1/20. Free Food expires 3/7/21. Free Combo Meal provided as coupon valid on future visit at participating Del Taco locations only. Free Combo Meal coupons delivered electronically via email after purchase. Free Combo Meals limited to small size, #1 – 10 combo meals, Crispy Chicken Taco combo meals, or Beyond Taco combo meals (not valid with Platos or Fiesta Packs). Additional Charge for Medium or Macho size. Gift Card offer in restaurants may vary. Free USPS First Class Shipping (no tracking) available on first 4 cards purchased. Additional shipping fees for more than 4 cards or expedited shipping options.

⁴Promotional offer valid online only at DelTacoGiftCards.com from 12/2/20 – 1/6/21. Free Food expires 3/7/21. Free Combo Meal provided as coupon valid on future visit at participating Del Taco locations only. Free Combo Meal coupons delivered electronically via email after purchase. Free Combo Meals limited to small size, #1 – 10 combo meals, Crispy Chicken Taco combo meals, or Beyond Taco combo meals (not valid with Platos or Fiesta Packs). Additional Charge for Medium or Macho size. Gift Card offer in restaurants may vary. Free USPS First Class Shipping (no tracking) available on first 4 cards purchased. Additional shipping fees for more than 4 cards or expedited shipping options.

About Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.

Del Taco (NASDAQ:TACO) offers a unique variety of both Mexican and American favorites such as burritos and fries, prepared fresh in every restaurant’s working kitchen with the value and convenience of a drive-thru. Del Taco’s menu items taste better because they are made with quality ingredients like fresh grilled chicken and carne asada steak, sliced avocado, freshly grated cheddar cheese, slow-cooked beans made from scratch, and creamy Queso Blanco.

Founded in 1964, today Del Taco serves more than three million guests each week at its approximately 600 restaurants across 16 states. Del Taco’s commitment to providing guests with the best quality and value for their money originates from cooking, chopping, shredding and grilling menu items from scratch. For more information, visit www.deltaco.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005665/en/

Julie Colman

Largemouth Communications

919-459-6459

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: California United States North America

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Del Taco is launching its holiday gift card bonus program, inviting fans to earn free menu items while checking off their holiday shopping lists. (Photo: Business Wire)

Bank of America Expands the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell

Adds 30,000 Seats and Develops Spanish Language Curriculum

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
As part of Bank of America’s $1 billion, four-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, today – Women’s Entrepreneurship Day – the company announced a further expansion of the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell. Due to the program’s success, Bank of America will add 30,000 seats – bringing the total enrollment of small business owners to 50,000 – and will work with Cornell to develop a Spanish language curriculum and hire Spanish-speaking teaching assistants to more effectively support Hispanic-Latino entrepreneurs.

The Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell is the only Ivy League program offering a certificate in women’s entrepreneurship, and at no cost. Since its launch in 2018, the institute has enrolled more than 20,000 individuals, primarily women, of whom 86% identify as women of color. Registration is open to anyone worldwide, regardless of gender, educational background or business stage.

As part of the program expansion, Bank of America will partner with several nonprofits, including the National Urban League, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders and Prospera, to create more enrollment opportunities for Black and Hispanic-Latino entrepreneurs.

The challenges that women entrepreneurs face have multiplied over recent months. According to a recent McKinsey study, while women made up 46% of U.S. employment pre-coronavirus, they account for 54% of overall job losses year to date – with women of color the hardest hit.

“With women bearing much of the economic brunt of the pandemic – and particularly women of color – our further investment in the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell has never felt more important,” said Anne Finucane, vice chairman at Bank of America. “Amid the unforeseen challenges and events this year, we must continue to invest in women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth, because when women-owned businesses thrive, our communities flourish.”

“We at Cornell are extremely proud of the impact the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship is having on aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Martha E. Pollack, president of Cornell University. “The institute builds on Cornell’s commitment to the public good and on the strength of our faculty in providing practical, focused, accessible education.”

Through coursework that draws on curricula from across Cornell’s schools, the instructor-led classes and limited class size provide women the opportunity to learn new skills, connect with a vibrant network of entrepreneurs and social innovators, and access the resources they need to manage and scale a successful business. These courses include Creating Your Venture; Laying the Legal Building Blocks; Assessing and Obtaining Financial Resources; Growth Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs; Product Development and Digital Marketing; and Communication, Negotiation and Persuasiveness.

Investing in women

Bank of America’s investment in women as they make meaningful contributions within the company and in communities around the world includes a focus on being a great place to work for its female employees, improving the financial lives of female clients, and advancing women’s economic empowerment worldwide. The company has several long-standing partnerships, through which it has helped more than 30,000 women from 85 countries grow their businesses, including:

• Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program: Since 2014, Bank of America has committed $100 million in capital to the Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program, helping women business owners gain access to affordable loans. To date, more than 3,400 women have received nearly $57 million in loans through community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to help them grow their businesses.
• Global Ambassadors Program: A partnership between Bank of America and Vital Voices, the Global Ambassadors Program pairs women entrepreneurs with senior women executives for a week of one-on-one mentorship and workshops designed to build business acumen. To date, the program has impacted more than 400 women from 85 countries – helping mentees grow their businesses and organizations through more than 8,000 hours of training and mentorship.
• Cherie Blair Foundation: Since 2013, Bank of America has partnered with the Cherie Blair Foundation on its Mentoring Women in Business program, which has matched more than 2,700 women in developing and emerging countries to online mentors, including more than 500 mentors from Bank of America.
• Kiva: Through a partnership with Kiva, Bank of America has committed more than $2 million in funds to women business owners, assisting more than 17,200 women entrepreneurs from 45 countries.

Recent Bank of America announcements focused on racial equality, diversity and inclusion, and economic opportunity include:

• Ten Completed Equity Investments in Minority Depository Institutions and Community Development Financial Institution Banks
• $2 Billion Equality Progress Sustainability Bond
• Universal ESG Reporting; International Business Council of World Economic Forum
• Recognition as Top Global Bank on Fortune’s “Change the World” List
• $300 Million of Its $1 Billion, Four-Year Commitment to Advance Racial Equality and Economic Opportunity
• Support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America With $1 Million Grant to Support Educational Programs
• Bank of America Commits $100,000 to Athena Alliance to Support Underrepresented Women
• $1 Billion/Four-Year Commitment to Support Economic Opportunity Initiatives
• $250 Million in Capital and $10 Million in Philanthropic Grants to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

Bank of America Environmental, Social and Governance

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005524/en/

Eliza Murphy, Bank of America

Phone: 1.347.603.6845

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Quidel Corporation Hosts Upcoming Webinar to Help Health Professionals Distinguish Lyme Disease, Flu and COVID-19 During Frightening Respiratory Season

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
With the common symptoms of flu, COVID-19 and Lyme disease all converging to form a frightening respiratory season, health care professionals nationwide will converge themselves to join an important webinar on Dec. 3 focused on how to correctly diagnose and treat these look-alike conditions. The webinar is being sponsored by Quidel, the California-based diagnostic health care manufacturer known for successfully developing rapid diagnostic health solutions.

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the trio of Lyme disease, flu and COVID-19 share the common symptoms of fever/chills, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches. That makes it both challenging and critical for health care professionals to properly distinguish one from the other so that they can correctly treat their patients for the corresponding ailment.

“In particular, physicians need to have their radar up for Lyme disease, which is known as ‘The Great Imitator’ because its symptoms often mimic those of flu and, most recently, COVID-19 infections,” said Roxanne Carfora, D.O., who will be conducting the webinar. “Early diagnosis of Lyme disease is critical because if not caught early or if misdiagnosed, Lyme disease can have long-term debilitating consequences. With Lyme disease afflicting as many as 400,000 Americans each year, we view this as an epidemic within the pandemic.”

A recovering Lyme disease patient herself, Dr. Carfora is board certified in anti-aging and functional medicine and has been practicing family medicine on Long Island for more than 25 years. She is the founder of New York-based Ageless MD, which combines family medicine, anti-aging medicine and aesthetics in one patient-friendly environment. Dr. Carfora is a graduate of New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, host of the radio program “Getting You Healthy, Naturally” and co-author of “Ageless Adventures,” which provides tips on how to live a more active, healthy lifestyle.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread when people are bitten by an infected deer tick. It can strike anyone at any age and can lead to a number of serious, life-threatening problems if not caught early. Leading the way in Lyme disease testing is Quidel’s innovative Sofia® 2 Lyme FIA test. This test provides a patient as well as his or her physician with indicative results within minutes as opposed to days, which has historically been the norm. Performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office or local clinic, it is also the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, most people with Lyme disease recover completely; but the key is catching it early, and that means not hesitating to get tested.

Among those expected to attend the free Dec. 3 webinar are physicians; allied health professionals; health researchers; and representatives of physician offices, laboratories, urgent care centers and others interested in the subject. The webinar, titled, “Doctor, I’m exhausted and have a fever. Do I have COVID? Could it be the flu or even Lyme disease?” will take place from noon-1 p.m. (EDT). To register, visit quidel.com/webinars.

About Quidel Corporation

Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care, delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first FDA-cleared point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names, Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005505/en/

Jim Yeager

424.644.0225 (office)

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Pennsylvania American Water Systems Recognized for 20 Consecutive Years of Excellent Tap Water

Company has received more awards than any water utility in the nation – demonstrating outstanding commitment to delivering high quality drinking water

MECHANICSBURG, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Customers of Pennsylvania American Water can rest assured of the quality of their tap water, as 18 of the company’s water treatment plants were recently recognized with 20-Year Directors Awards from the Partnership for Safe Water for 20 consecutive years of water quality excellence. The national awards, which honor efforts to continuously optimize water treatment plant and distribution system operation and performance, were announced by the American Water Works Association.

“Safe, clean, and reliable tap water is critical to our customers and communities, which is why Pennsylvania American Water holds ourselves to high standards and is a proud and longstanding member of the Partnership for Safe Water,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. “We remind our customers that the next time they turn on their tap, please remember there’s a team in your community dedicated to delivering tap water that is safe, clean, reliable, and that meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards.”

This year, 18 Pennsylvania American Water treatment plants from around the Commonwealth received this prestigious award. A full list of the company’s awards can be viewed here. The company recently released a video recognizing its award-winning drinking water facilities featuring several of the employees who play a vital role in the company’s water quality success.

“We’re proud of our incredible team of expert scientists, treatment plant operators and engineers that support our water systems,” Doran continued. “This impressive award demonstrates their dedication and commitment to protecting the health and safety of our customers over the past 20 years and beyond.”

The following Pennsylvania American Water treatment plants were recognized this year for maintaining the Phase III Directors Award status for 20 years:

• Aldrich Water Treatment Plant (Washington County)
• Bangor Water Treatment Plant (Northampton County)
• Brownell Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
• Butler/Oneida Valley WTP (Butler County)
• Ceasetown Water Treatment Plant (Luzerne County)
• Ellwood Water Treatment Plant (Lawrence County)
• Fallbrook Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
• Forest City Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
• Hays Mine Water Treatment Plant (Allegheny County)
• Hershey/Gerald C. Smith WTP (Dauphin County)
• Indiana (Two Lick Creek) WTP (Indiana County)
• Kittanning Water Treatment Plant (Armstrong County)
• Milton Filter Plant (Northumberland County)
• Montrose Water Treatment Plant (Susquehanna County)
• Nesbitt Water Purification Plant (Lackawanna County)
• New Castle Water Treatment Plant (Lawrence County)
• Philipsburg Water Treatment Plant (Centre County)
• Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant (Cumberland County)

Nationally, just over 400 surface water treatment plants are part of the Partnership for Safe Water Program, a voluntary effort that is designed to increase protection against microbial contamination through treatment optimization.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005408/en/

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Gary Lobaugh

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Eastern Pennsylvania

Susan Turcmanovich

External Affairs Manager

570-351-0120

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Purpose-driven Toy Brand Melissa & Doug and ViacomCBS Announce Landmark Global Licensing Partnership

Co-Branded Product Line Slated to Hit Retail Fall 2021

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) and Melissa & Doug, the purpose-driven global toy brand, have signed an exclusive licensing partnership to deliver PAW Patrol® and Blue’s Clues & You! co-branded toy product lines for Fall 2021. The toys will be designed to educate and empower preschoolers through active engagement with a focus on problem solving and creative thinking.

This global partnership with ViacomCBS is the largest licensing agreement Melissa & Doug has ever signed, marking a major milestone for the company. Through the partnership, Melissa & Doug will bring innovative and imaginative toys to retail that will span multiple categories focused on learning and education.

“Melissa & Doug has been at the forefront of children’s toys for over 30 years. We are thrilled to collaborate with them to create products based on the beloved PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! IP that continue to inspire imagination and hugely impact children’s growth and learning,” said Dion Vlachos, Executive Vice President, Licensing & Retail, ViacomCBS.

From its beginning, Melissa & Doug has been a purpose-driven company committed to providing a launch pad to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose. Recently, Melissa & Doug announced their alliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics to champion the health benefits of open-ended play and provide tools and resources for parents to make it an essential part of children’s everyday lives.

“We’re excited to work with a company as iconic as Nickelodeon, one that shares in our mission to make the world a more playful place through thoughtfully researched and designed products and content,” said David Henderson, Chief Commercial Officer of Melissa & Doug. “The characters of PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! will help us introduce our hands-on, skill-building toys to an even greater number of children.”

PAW Patrol is one of the most popular preschool shows on television in the U.S. The CGI-animated series, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, follows a pack of heroic rescue pups—Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker—who are led by a tech-savvy boy named Ryder. Together, they work hard to show the people of Adventure Bay that “no job is too big, no pup is too small!” The series features a curriculum that focuses on citizenship, social skills and problem solving.

A remake of the groundbreaking, curriculum-driven interactive series Blue’s Clues, Blue’s Clues & You! has a new generation of preschoolers searching for clues with beloved puppy Blue, fellow pup Magenta, and new live-action host Josh (Josh Dela Cruz). The series features new CG-animation for Blue and Magenta, brand-new elements and refreshed iconic items from the original series including an updated Handy Dandy Notebook equipped with smartphone technology and the return of fan-favorite characters.

About Melissa & Doug

From classic wooden toys to crafts and pretend play, Melissa & Doug products provide a launch pad to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose. Recently, Melissa & Doug announced it is proudly partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics to foster early brain development and to champion the health benefits of open-ended play through their joint Power of Play alliance.

About ViacomCBS Consumer Products

ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) oversees all licensing and merchandising for ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, VCP’s portfolio includes a diverse slate of brands and content from BET, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and Showtime. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, VCP is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. Additionally, VCP oversees the online direct-to-consumer business for CBS and Showtime programming merchandise, as well as standalone branded ecommerce websites for Star Trek, SpongeBob, South Park, and MTV.

About Spin Master Corp.:

Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children’s entertainment company creating exceptional play experiences through a diverse portfolio of innovative toys, entertainment franchises and digital toys and games. Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Bakugan®, Kinetic Sand®, Air Hogs®, Hatchimals® and GUND®, and is the toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, stories and endearing characters through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool success PAW Patrol and 10 other television series, which are distributed in more than 160 countries. The Company has an established digital presence anchored by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, which combined have more than 25 million monthly active users. With over 1,800 employees in 28 offices globally, Spin Master distributes products in more than 100 countries. For more information visit spinmaster.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @spinmaster.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005407/en/

Rachel Sandler

[email protected]

Jennifer Halperin

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: New York United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Online Retail Entertainment Retail Other Retail TV and Radio Specialty Licensing (Entertainment)

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Huron Recognized as 2020 ‘Best Firm to Work For’ by Consulting Magazine for Tenth Consecutive Year

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Global professional services firm Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) today announced that it has been named one of Consulting magazine’s ‘Best Firms to Work For’ in 2020. This is the 10th consecutive year Huron has been recognized by Consulting magazine.

“Being recognized by Consulting magazine 10 years in a row is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Huron team as they help our clients address their most complex issues,” said James H. Roth, chief executive officer of Huron. “Our collaborative and inclusive culture continues to shine during this challenging time as we demonstrate our agility, innovation and resilience in supporting our clients, our company and each other.”

The annual Consulting magazine survey was completed by more than 11,000 consultants from 300 firms across the country. Firms were rated by their teams in six areas of employee satisfaction, including culture, compensation and benefits, work-life balance, client engagement, career development and firm leadership.

Huron is a highly collaborative, values-driven organization that is committed to fostering an inviting and inclusive work environment where everyone belongs and embraces each other’s differences. The Huron team draws on the strength of its diversity to bring new perspectives to help our clients address their evolving needs.

The rankings were announced during a virtual ‘Best Firms to Work For’ awards ceremony on Nov. 12, 2020.

Learn more about careers at Huron here.

ABOUT HURON

Huron is a global consultancy that collaborates with clients to drive strategic growth, ignite innovation and navigate constant change. Through a combination of strategy, expertise and creativity, we help clients accelerate operational, digital and cultural transformation, enabling the change they need to own their future. By embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging new ideas and challenging the status quo, we create sustainable results for the organizations we serve. Learn more at www.huronconsultinggroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201119005353/en/

Allie Bovis

312-212-6714

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Illinois United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Professional Services Consulting

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