Latest news with #communityimpact
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
CYBER Express Wash Debuts in Alaska with a Bold Mission to Redefine Car Care -- and a Model Built to Scale
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CYBER Express Wash, the fast-rising disruptor in the $15B+ car wash industry, officially opened its premiere location this weekend in Anchorage, Alaska — unveiling a future-facing, hospitality-first model that reimagines modern car care. The grand opening welcomed community leaders, media, and investors, with Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance joining for a private ribbon-cutting and behind-the-scenes tour celebrating over 90 new jobs added to the local economy. The weekend celebration gave guests a front-row seat to the full CYBER experience including a first look at the brand's striking architectural design, seamless customer journey, and proprietary wash + express detail system engineered for speed, consistency, and scale. Proceeds from the day supported local youth mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, reinforcing CYBER's commitment to community impact. Outside, a curated car show showcased vintage Corvettes, Mustangs, and Porsches alongside fan-favorite SRTs and a show-stopping Mercedes-Maybach— honoring not just clean cars, but the connection, community, and culture that drive them. The Anchorage flagship marks more than just a grand opening, it sets the tone for a category-defining brand built with national expansion in mind. Built to withstand Alaska's extreme conditions, CYBER's complete operating model was designed to meet high consumer expectations in one of the most demanding environments in the country. "We launched in Alaska by choice, not chance," said Paul Horstkoetter, Founder and CEO. "Alaska forces you to solve for real-world conditions — extreme weather, demanding roads, high customer standards. If we can build something remarkable here, we can do it anywhere." With multiple sites already secured across Alaska, including one set to break ground this summer, CYBER is actively planning multi-location expansion and evaluating strategic growth markets beyond the state. "We didn't build CYBER to compete with the car wash down the street," said Paul Horstkoetter. "We built it to set a new national standard — one rooted in speed, sophistication, and service — and designed to scale." From proprietary software and custom equipment to optimized chemistry and next-gen detailing, every element of CYBER is intentionally engineered to elevate the guest experience and protect vehicle integrity — all while maintaining obsessive operational precision and environmental responsibility. Backed by a leadership team with deep expertise in development, infrastructure, operations, brand, and finance, CYBER is not just raising the bar— it's setting a new one. From repeatable systems and elevated service standards to local job creation and national scalability, CYBER is designed for lasting impact. The CYBER model: 3-minute, high-tech exterior wash with AI driven LPR Alaska's only 10-minute express detail center — no appointment needed Design-forward architecture and a concierge-inspired experience Exclusive Graphene coating delivering luxury-grade protection — the new standard Custom-engineered software & equipment for precision, efficiency, and performance Sustainability-first systems reclaiming 70–80 percent of wash water What makes CYBER different? A focus on hospitality as advanced as its tech. A consumer brand identity built more like luxury retail than auto service. A leadership team with deep expertise in brand strategy, development, and operational rigor. And a mission that centers local ownership, high-quality jobs, and long-term regional investment. The Anchorage location is already being recognized as the third-largest and most advanced express wash in the U.S., but it's only the beginning. The brand is actively fielding investor interest and partnership inquiries drawn to CYBER's fully integrated model to scale both regionally and nationally as it builds toward multi-location expansion, operational excellence, and high customer retention across new markets. "The response from the community and the industry at large has been overwhelming," said Stephanie Horstkoetter, Chief Brand Officer. "People don't just want clean cars anymore. They want a luxury experience they're proud to be a part of. We've built CYBER to deliver both." ABOUT CYBER EXPRESS WASHCYBER Express is a new category of car care — blending speed, sophistication, and hospitality into one elevated experience. Focused on elevated service, express interior detail, and state-of-the-art design, CYBER is Alaska's first hospitality-first express wash and the only express detail center in the state, a full-stack brand system designed to scale nationwide. Rooted in a deep respect for automotive culture and driven by a commitment to innovation, integrity, and sustainability, CYBER exists for those who expect more. Learn more at along for opening day teasers & behind-the-scenes updates at @cyberexpresswash Media + Investor Inquiries: pr@ + Video Assets Available Upon Request View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CYBER Express Wash Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille
CBS News
11 hours ago
- CBS News
Monroe County school leaders speak out after 3 teens die in 2 separate shooting incidents
Tight-knit communities in Monroe County are reeling after three teens died in separate incidents over the last week. On Tuesday, 16-year-olds Faith Hamilton and Landon Lafond were found dead outside a car in Raisinville Township. On June 14 in Bedford Township, 33-year-old Ryne Jacob Leist allegedly shot and killed 17-year-old Gwendolyn Fay Smith before dying by suicide. "It's been tragic. It's been a significant impact on our community," said Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough. Monroe County Intermediate School District Superintendent Dr. Stephen McNew says these situations have rocked the area, with the three students attending two of the largest schools in the district. "There's so many unanswered questions. It's tragic enough if a student is killed in a car accident or something like that, but when it's a situation like this," said McNew. Right now, little information is known about the relationship between Smith and Leist, with authorities saying the victim didn't believe there was anything romantic between her and the former school bowling coach. "We don't have any information to that fact, other than we know that five days prior to this incident, there was a communication that was being looked into," said Goodnough. Investigators say Hamilton and Lafond appeared to be dating, with officers finding writings inside Lafond's car indicating that he planned to take both of their lives. McNew says these cases, particularly of the young couple, highlight the concerns his district has over rising numbers of violence in all forms in the community. "Monroe County itself only has about 150,000 residents. So, whenever there's an incident in one of our school districts, it's obviously extremely impactful," said McNew. To combat that, McNew credits the district's mental health team, with 11 members spread out across the county to support students, faculty and staff as they navigate difficult situations. "If they see anything that's out of the ordinary, they report it, and we follow up on it. We try to be as proactive as we possibly can. I would not want to be reactive," said McNew. Hamilton and Lafond were students of Airport Community Schools. District Superintendent Ryan Duvall released a statement saying, "The Airport Community Schools family is mourning this unimaginable loss, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy." McNew says school and law enforcement leaders plan to maintain ongoing conversations as these investigations continue to ensure the community gets the support it needs.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Grange Insurance Honored with Corporate Citizenship Award
Recognition highlights Grange's commitment to community impact, volunteerism and associate engagement COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grange Insurance Company was honored with the Corporate Citizenship Award by Columbus Business First, recognizing a banner year of community impact in 2024 marked by record charitable giving, associate engagement and nonprofit leadership across the enterprise. The Corporate Citizenship Award program, launched in 2018 to replace the Corporate Caring Awards, highlights the generosity of Central Ohio companies and their employees. Grange was recognized in the large workplace category. "At Grange, our core values guide everything we do, and Do the Right Thing is at the heart of our community efforts," said Grange Insurance AVP, Inclusive Culture and Community Impact and Foundation President, Grange Enterprise Gives Carrie Maun-Smith. "Our associates are the driving force behind our community impact, whether they're donating, volunteering or lending their expertise as a nonprofit board member. Their dedication to serving others is what makes this work meaningful, and this recognition truly belongs to them." In 2024, Grange Insurance provided more than $2.3 million in financial support to over 500 nonprofit organizations. This total includes $500,000 from associate giving and contributions through its charitable arm, Grange Enterprise Gives. Thanks to new initiatives that made volunteering easier and more accessible, associate volunteer hours climbed to nearly 13,000 in 2024. Nearly 75% of company leaders served on nonprofit boards, and to further strengthen that impact, Grange offered board leadership training to help associates grow as effective community leaders. Grange joined other community leaders at the annual Corporate Citizenship Award reception on June 12. To read the full list of Corporate Citizenship honorees, click here. About Grange Insurance Grange Insurance Company, with $3.4 billion in assets and more than $1.59 billion in annual revenue, is an insurance provider based in Columbus, Ohio. Through its network of independent agents, Grange offers auto, home and business insurance protection. Established in 1935, the Grange Insurance Company and its affiliate Integrity Insurance Company serve policyholders in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Learn more about Grange Insurance. View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Newsroom Amy NicholsAVP, Brand and Corporate Communicationsnicholsa@ (614) 445-2682 Maggie HaddockPublic Relations Consultantmhaddock@ (414) 839-1941 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Sudbury police chief on opioid impact on community
Northern Ontario Watch Sudbury Police Chief Sara Cunningham gives statistics on the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in the community and on the front line.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Axiad Institutes Axiad Foundation Philanthropy Program to Support Communities and Empower Employees
Identity Security Leader's New Initiative Focuses on Giving Back to its Community and People Through Volunteering, Charitable Giving, Education, Leadership, Health and Wellness, and More SAN JOSE, Calif., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Axiad, a global identity security leader, today announced the formation of the Axiad Foundation, a new program dedicated to enriching the lives of both people and communities through philanthropy, education and personal growth that drive real impact. The Axiad Foundation is a formalization of the company's commitment to both community impact and employee development by providing meaningful opportunities to give back and improve self-development. The foundation has two distinct focus areas: giving back to the community and providing growth opportunities for its employees. Giving Back to the Community Volunteerism and Community Engagement – Axiad actively encourages employees to participate in volunteer initiatives that both support and make a positive difference in the local community, helping to strengthen community ties and create a greater sense of purpose. Charitable Giving and In-kind Support – Through an employer donation matching program, the foundation empowers employees to support non-profit charities of their choice to diversify the company's impact across causes. Foster Education in the Next Generation of Leaders – Internship opportunities connect young professionals with Axiad's experienced leadership team to guide their personal and professional development, preparing the next generation of talent for future roles in the field. Growth Opportunities for Axiad's People Leadership and Coaching – In line with the #OneAxiad approach, all innovations, decisions and successes begin with its people, leading to meaningful impact. Axiad empowers the #OneAxiad leadership paths through mentorship and coaching to promote personal development and growth. Ownership of Personal Growth – Axiad team members are encouraged to take charge of their leadership and growth development journey. By investing in its team members' continuous learning opportunities, Axiad not only enhances their individual capabilities but also strengthens the organization's collective expertise and innovation. Health and Wellness – Axiad nurtures a growth mindset through its health and wellness initiatives, encouraging team members to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks and continuously strive for improvement in both personal and professional spheres. "The Axiad Foundation represents the company's commitment to our local communities and employee development by fostering a greater sense of purpose through meaningful experiences of both giving back and personal development," said Ivy Tan, vice president of human resources at Axiad. "By aligning employee growth with community engagement, we're further enriching our #OneAxiad culture, which encompasses innovation, service and leadership." As part of the foundation, Axiad volunteered and fundraised for the San Jose Half Marathon & 8K, which was held on June 1, 2025. Additionally, on August 6, 2025, Axiad is co-sponsoring a blood drive with Hudson Pacific Properties. For more information about the Axiad Foundation, visit: To join the Axiad team, view open job openings here: About AxiadAxiad is an identity security company tackling the critical threats posed by compromised credentials, which account for more than 70% of enterprise breaches. As human and non-human identities multiply across disparate systems, traditional IAM tools fall short, leaving organizations with fragmented visibility and significant security gaps. Axiad bridges this divide by uncovering hidden identity risks and credential vulnerabilities, providing actionable insights to strengthen security—without requiring a complete system overhaul. Axiad's solutions integrate seamlessly with existing IAM infrastructures, enabling organizations to shrink their attack surface and adopt phishing-resistant, strong authentication methods. Trusted identity. At the speed of now. Discover more at or follow Axiad on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Axiad IDS, Inc. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
