Atlanta Housing (AH) has announced the release of its Bankhead Reimagined Request for Ideas (RFI), aiming to gather innovative proposals from community members, philanthropic and non-profit organizations, and commercial entities for the redevelopment of the 35-acre former Bankhead Courts public housing site in Northwest Atlanta. This initiative seeks to ensure broad community engagement and inclusion in the redevelopment process, using the ideas submitted to shape the future of the site and guide the selection of a development partner.

Terri M. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Housing, emphasized the importance of community input in this endeavor. "At Atlanta Housing, we believe that true change comes from empowering the voices of our residents and the surrounding community. The Bankhead Reimagined RFI reflects our commitment to greater transparency and engagement as we move forward to determine the best use of the former Bankhead Courts site," she stated. Lee highlighted that this call for ideas is a crucial step in creating a vibrant future for Bankhead and the Donald Lee Hollowell corridor.

Bankhead Courts, originally spanning 45 acres, was developed between 1968 and 1970. The site housed 500 public housing units in townhouse-style buildings, similar to the contemporary developments of Hollywood Courts and Englewood Manor. Designed by local architects as a HUD development, Bankhead Courts was divided by Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, a significant commercial corridor. In 2011, the site was cleared and demolished, and the northern portion has since been allocated to Atlanta Public Schools for a bus maintenance facility, currently under construction. The RFI pertains to the remaining 35-acre portion south of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.

Larry Stewart, Chairman of the Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners, expressed enthusiasm for the RFI’s potential to foster innovative solutions. "The Bankhead Reimagined RFI will allow us to explore creative solutions for how new development can contribute to our mission of benefitting Atlanta's families and its neighborhoods' health and vitality," Stewart remarked. He looks forward to evaluating options that support the creation of a dynamic, inclusive vision for a revitalized Westside.

AH will evaluate ideas based on feasibility, potential to catalyze Westside revitalization, and alignment with the agency's mission of providing affordable, high-quality housing. The proposals should also support the transition of low-income families to self-sufficiency by offering educational, health, social, and economic opportunities. Respondents are encouraged to submit detailed concepts, visualizations, business models, and other relevant information.

Terri M. Lee, leading The Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), oversees the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. As one of the 139 Moving to Work (MTW) public housing authorities in America, AH is at the forefront of providing affordable housing resources to nearly 27,000 low-income households, encompassing approximately 45,000 people. AH’s portfolio includes AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based vouchers, supportive housing, and down payment assistance programs, all funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The RFI is a key component of AH's strategy to involve the community in shaping the future of the former Bankhead Courts site. By soliciting ideas from a diverse group of stakeholders, AH aims to create a redevelopment plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. This approach underscores AH's commitment to transparency, engagement, and inclusivity.

The Bankhead Reimagined initiative is part of a broader effort by AH to revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for residents. By focusing on the redevelopment of the Bankhead Courts site, AH seeks to create a model for how public housing sites can be transformed into vibrant, inclusive communities. The input gathered through the RFI will be instrumental in shaping the future of the site and ensuring that the redevelopment meets the needs of the community.

In addition to providing affordable housing, AH is committed to supporting the economic and social mobility of its residents. The redevelopment of the Bankhead Courts site presents an opportunity to integrate services and amenities that promote self-sufficiency and enhance the overall well-being of residents. By incorporating educational, health, social, and economic opportunities into the redevelopment plan, AH aims to create a community that supports the holistic development of its residents.

The Bankhead Reimagined RFI also reflects AH’s commitment to innovation. By soliciting ideas from a wide range of stakeholders, AH hopes to uncover creative and forward-thinking solutions for the redevelopment of the site. This inclusive approach ensures that the redevelopment plan benefits from diverse perspectives and ideas.

AH’s proactive approach to community engagement is evident in its efforts to involve residents and stakeholders in the redevelopment process. By providing a platform for community input, AH ensures that the redevelopment plan is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the community. This approach not only enhances the quality of the redevelopment plan but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

As the process moves forward, AH will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders to refine the redevelopment plan. The ideas and feedback gathered through the RFI will be critical in shaping the future of the Bankhead Courts site. Through this collaborative process, AH aims to create a vibrant, inclusive community that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

The 2024 Disability Matters North America Awards were announced during the conference held on Thursday and Friday, April 4 and 5. The event took place in-person in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was simultaneously live-streamed to a wider audience. These prestigious awards celebrate companies that have implemented innovative programs to successfully engage, recruit, and retain candidates, employees, and customers with disabilities.

The awards spotlight companies that have made exceptional strides in disability inclusion, highlighting those that have successfully integrated people with disabilities into their workforce, workplace, and marketplace. The honorees of the Disability Matters Awards represent the pinnacle of commitment to disability inclusion, demonstrating how businesses can thrive by embracing diversity.

Springboard Consulting, LLC, the organizer of the annual event, produces the Disability Matters Awards in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Recognized globally as an expert in corporate disability inclusion, Springboard Consulting has become a trusted partner for businesses seeking to improve their disability initiatives. The company’s expertise spans across various industries, helping organizations to effectively integrate and support people with disabilities.

This year's event saw sponsorship and attendance from numerous companies. Host sponsors included Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and ManpowerGroup. The welcome reception was sponsored by Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Workday, Inc. provided captioning services. Ruby-level sponsor UPMC, silver sponsors Barilla America, FIS Global, and Victoria's Secret & Co., and bronze sponsors such as the American Institutes for Research, Bank of America, The Cigna Group, Crum & Forster, HSBC Bank N.A., Jackson Lewis P.C., and The Dow Chemical Company also contributed to the event. Media support was provided by Diversity MBA Media, among others.

The 2024 North America Disability Matters Honorees were recognized in various categories, reflecting their outstanding contributions to disability inclusion in the marketplace, workforce, workplace, small business sector, and as individual champions.

The Marketplace Award was presented to:

- Capella University

- JPMorgan Chase & Co.

- Victoria's Secret & Co.

- Disney Experiences

These companies have excelled in creating accessible and inclusive products and services for consumers with disabilities, setting a high standard for marketplace inclusion.

The Workforce Award recognized:

- American Institutes for Research

- CAI

- Maximus

These organizations have demonstrated exceptional efforts in recruiting, hiring, and supporting employees with disabilities, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The Workplace Award honored:

- HSBC Bank

- MillerKnoll

- Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division

These companies have created inclusive workplace environments that support the needs of employees with disabilities, fostering a culture of accessibility and support.

The Small Business Award was given to Prairie Grass Cafe, a small business that has shown remarkable dedication to disability inclusion, proving that businesses of all sizes can make a significant impact.

The Everyday Hero Award went to Diveheart, an organization that provides innovative programs to support and empower individuals with disabilities through scuba diving.

The Disability Champion award recognized:

- Steven K. Cosgrove, Training Specialist at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division

- Wendy Dasgupta, Corporate Business Operations Supervisor at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division

These individuals have made significant contributions to disability inclusion within their organizations, championing the rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Springboard Consulting, founded in 2005, has established itself as a leading authority on mainstreaming disability in the global workforce, workplace, and marketplace. The company serves corporations and organizations across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, providing expert guidance and support for disability initiatives. Each year, Springboard honors outstanding organizations through the Disability Matters Awards, celebrating those that excel in the outreach, support, and engagement of people with disabilities as employees and consumers.

The Disability Matters Awards not only recognize the achievements of individual companies but also serve as an inspiration for other organizations to prioritize disability inclusion. By showcasing the successes of the honorees, Springboard Consulting highlights the tangible benefits of creating inclusive environments, from enhanced employee satisfaction and retention to broader market reach and customer loyalty.

As the 2024 Disability Matters North America Awards come to a close, the impact of these honorees' work continues to resonate. Their dedication to disability inclusion sets a benchmark for others to follow, demonstrating that true innovation and success come from embracing diversity and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to contribute and thrive. For more information about Springboard Consulting and its initiatives, visit consultspringboard.com.

Goodwill Industries International (GII) and Goodwill of Southern California are highlighting sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity at this year's Coachella festival by empowering art and design activities in partnership with Los Angeles-based Scene Creative. The festival, which took place from April 12-21, 2024, provided a platform for festivalgoers to tap into their inner artist and fashion designer at The Coachella Art Studios.

The Coachella Art Studios

At The Coachella Art Studios, festivalgoers could engage in a variety of cost-free and creative activities, including jewelry making, upcycling inspirations using thrifted clothing, live drawing, decorating tote bags, and interacting with designers and artists. The studios were designed to provide an immersive space for festivalgoers to explore their creativity and transform their Coachella experience.

Sustainability and Inclusivity

Goodwill's presence at Coachella celebrated the thrill of expressing one's individuality through unique and affordable distinctive or vintage items, while shopping sustainably. The Coachella Art Studios, produced by Scene Creative, have been a highly popular feature of the music festival for the last decade.

James Fauntleroy's Conversation

On April 20, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter James Fauntleroy was on-site hosting a conversation focused on the Art of the Craft. Fauntleroy, a Goodwill aficionado and avid thrifter, provided insight into his career and work in empowering individuals to reimagine their world by adding new ideas to old items. James and Goodwill representatives discussed their partnership, past projects, and upcoming music initiatives.

The Impact of Thrifting

Thrifting at Goodwill is a way to find distinctive and one-of-a-kind items that truly express your personality and unique style. For many, Goodwill plays an important role in their creative process. From a t-shirt to a vintage vase, every item in our store can be transformed and given a second life. It's in the hands of the shopper to show us another way to imagine its use.

Goodwill's Mission

Goodwill's mission is to provide skills training and other human service programs to help thousands of people receive employment. Goodwill employment centers provide free and convenient access to tools, technology, training, and support for those looking for work in a variety of industries. In 2022, more than 129,000 people were placed into jobs with that support.

The Environmental Impact

Goodwill stores also help extend the life of usable items. Last year alone, Goodwill prevented more than 4 billion pounds of unwanted items from ending up in landfills. To find your local Goodwill store or donation center, visit goodwill.org/locator.

In conclusion, Goodwill's presence at Coachella celebrated the thrill of expressing one's individuality through unique and affordable distinctive or vintage items, while shopping sustainably. The Coachella Art Studios provided an immersive space for festivalgoers to explore their creativity and transform their Coachella experience. Goodwill's mission to provide skills training and other human service programs to help thousands of people receive employment was also highlighted. Goodwill stores also help extend the life of usable items. Last year alone, Goodwill prevented more than 4 billion pounds of unwanted items from ending up in landfills. To find your local Goodwill store or donation center, visit goodwill.org/locator

The American College of Radiology (ACR) recently designated TGH Imaging, located on Parsons Avenue in Brandon, Florida, as a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center (CBIC). It is the second TGH Imaging Center to receive this elite designation, representing facilities accredited in all ACR breast imaging accreditation programs and modules offering access to advanced breast cancer testing combined with a top quality patient experience.

ACR Accreditation requires the imaging team to have the appropriate experience and qualifications, perform quality control tests established by the ACR and equipment manufacturer, and submit images for quality review, all with a renewal process every three years. For patients needing breast imaging, accreditation is an indicator that the imaging facility maintains excellence in operations and patient care and strives to assure the highest level of medical image quality and safety.

The TGH Imaging team on Parsons Avenue earned all required ACR accreditations in Mammography, Stereotactic-Guided Breast Biopsy, Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy, Breast Ultrasound and Breast MRI to become a CBIC. This designation reflects the facility's capability to optimize early diagnoses for patients.

"We are honored to receive this designation by the ACR," said Sherri Lewman, senior vice president of Enterprise Imaging at Tampa General Hospital. "It is a testament to our team's unwavering dedication to excellence in breast imaging and our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients. We understand the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis in the fight against breast cancer," Lewman said. "This accreditation reaffirms our position as a leader in breast imaging and aligns with our mission to improve patient outcomes through early detection and personalized care."

The address for TGH Imaging Parsons is 427 S. Parsons Ave., Suite 100 in Brandon. The address for TGH Imaging Northside, the first in the network to be designated as a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center, is 2716 University Square Drive, Tampa.

Established in 1994, TGH Imaging, formerly known as Tower Radiology, is one of the largest outpatient radiology practices in West Central Florida, with 21 locations in four counties. The new name marks Tampa General Hospital's complete purchase of Tower Radiology, expanding its statewide outpatient sites, including primary care, urgent care, rehabilitation, cancer care, surgery and imaging. After decades of working closely, the purchase officially combines industry expertise and the drive to deliver world-class care through innovation to enhance the quality and coordination of outpatient care while achieving the optimal patient experience. TGH Imaging is accredited by the American College of Radiology in all imaging modalities, earning designations as a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center and Lung Cancer Screening Center. The centers offer specialized services in modalities such as 3D mammography, MRI, CT, PET/CT, breast biopsy, ultrasound, DEXA, X-ray and nuclear medicine. All exam interpretations are by board-certified radiologists who hold additional certifications in imaging-focused subspecialties and participate in the academic missions of research and teaching by serving as faculty and staff for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Radiology. TGH Imaging's mission is to provide the highest-quality screening and diagnostic radiology services to patients and providers in the community within a safe, compassionate, professional and technologically advanced environment. For more information about TGH Imaging Parsons and its comprehensive breast imaging services, go to TGHimaging.com.

Tampa General Hospital, a 981-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospitals, with six specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and top 25 in Florida in the 2023 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit of approximately $240.3 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes TGH North which is comprised of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties, 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Outpatient Center, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to tgh.org.

Kia announced pricing for the new 2025 K5 midsize sedan, which features a new-for-K5 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine, updated design cues inside and out, drivetrain refinements and numerous tech upgrades across four trim levels: LXS, GT-Line (in front- or all-wheel drive), EX and the hot-blooded turbocharged GT.

For the 2025 model year, subtle refinements highlight more standard features across the lineup with a focus on the popular EX trim. Standard items for the EX include a Bose2 Premium Audio System with Active Sound Design, a 10-way powered driver's seat includes two-way lumbar support. Digital Key 2.03, heated steering wheel, and power folding mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are also all standard on the EX.

More updates can be found inside. Front and center to the driver is a new available single-pane curved display that houses the 12-inch instrument screen and a new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation unit. Complementing the new display is wireless Apple CarPlay4 and Android Auto5 which is now standard across the K5 line. Kia's new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system processes faster and in higher fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls available with a swipe on the screen. Over The Air (OTA)6 updates are now available, enhancing the ownership experience.

Spearheading the enhancements under the hood is a new 2.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that drive the front wheels. Found in LXS, EX and GT-Line, power for the new engine is increased by 11 horsepower over the previous 1.6-liter turbo. Torque comes in at a robust 181 lb.-ft. For those who live where the weather can be adverse, all-wheel drive is available on the GT-Line.

The GT's powertrain for 2025 remains unchanged. Producing 290 horsepower and a stout 311 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.

United® Real Estate (United) grew faster than nearly all U.S. real estate companies within the past five years, as revealed by the 2024 RealTrends Verified ranking. And this is the fourth consecutive year it ranked among the top 10 of the 500 largest real estate companies in America.

Landing at No. 3 in the Five-Year Top Mover ranking by sales volume and transactions, United Real Estate and its affiliated brokerages experienced a surge in sales between 2019 and 2023. The network's five-year growth was in excess of 725%, with an increase of $14.96 billion in volume and 36,279 transactions. Driving United's steep growth curve during the period were organic growth, franchise expansion and merger activity.

In contrast to others on the Five-Year Top Mover list whose growth slowed appreciably in 2023, and despite the nationwide decline in real estate agents, United grew its agent count 13% year over year, welcoming more agents to its network than almost every competitor. Notably, as announced in March, Premiere Plus Realty and its 1,500 agents joined United, becoming one of the largest brokerages ever to affiliate with another real estate company. United's growth is featured in "Learning from a New Generation of Brokerages," published in March 2024 by real estate strategist and author Mike DelPrete.

"You would have to be literally living under a rock to be unaware of the once-in-a-lifetime, intense changes that have been happening in the U.S. real estate market. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work with companies and within sectors that span pretty much all of the U.S. economy, from technology, consumer products, financial services, automotive, energy exploration and production to core agriculture (yes, pig farming). I have never observed, in any window of time or sector, as much change affected upon a sector of our economy. There are fierce internal and external competitive pressures, massive changes in technology, a volatile regulatory environment and capital market upheaval," said Dan Duffy United Real Estate Group Chief Executive Officer. "Our continued growth and market share capture is a testament to the professionalism of each and every one of our affiliated agents, brokers, auctioneers and the exceptional dedicated team that delivers our value proposition daily. Paradoxically, we believe that we have just begun to hit our stride, and the best is before us," added Duffy.

"All the credit for our growth continues to go to our agents, employees and the hundreds of thousands of loyal clients we serve. We know that we have the proper business model, but our success happens with the passionate execution of hundreds of employees and thousands of agents. They continuously bring the company's values to market each day, and the exciting part is we are increasing our velocity of growth," noted United Real Estate President Rick Haase.

Other brokerages under United's umbrella include Charles Rutenberg Realty Fort Lauderdale, Pearson Smith Realty, Leading Edge Real Estate Group, Platinum Realty, Virtual Properties Realty, Benchmark Realty and Texas United Realty.

About RealTrends

RealTrends has collected and verified brokerage and agent performance for more than 30 years. Formerly RealTrends 500, RealTrends Verified is a dual-verified, fully transparent and search-engine optimized real estate sales performance platform that brings historical relevance and benchmarking to professionals and consumers.

To learn more about United Real Estate, brokerage succession planning, brokerage valuation and sale or franchising opportunities, visit GrowWithUnited.com or call 888-960-0606. Agents interested in learning about career opportunities with United Real Estate can visit JoinUnitedRealEstate.com.

About United Real Estate

United Real Estate (United) – a division of United Real Estate Group – was founded with the purpose of offering solutions to real estate brokers and agents in the rapidly changing real estate brokerage industry. United provides the latest training, marketing and technology tools to agents and brokers under a flat-fee, transaction-based agent commission model. By leveraging the company's proprietary cloud-based Bullseye™ Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, United delivers a more profitable outcome for agents and brokers. United Real Estate operates in 32 states with 156 offices and more than 20,400 agents. The company produced over 70,000 transactions and $27.8 billion in sales volume in 2023.

About United Real Estate Group

United Real Estate Group (UREG) operates United Real Estate and United Country Real Estate, addressing the unique market needs of suburban, major metropolitan urban and rural markets. Utilizing the cloud-based Bullseye™ Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, UREG offers the latest training, marketing and technology tools producing a significant competitive advantage. The platform realizes a decade-long investment in virtual agent and brokerage technology services and is powered by a 2.6 million listings data warehouse generating over 3 million monthly visitors and 30,000+ leads per year. Together, the United Real Estate Group supports more than 590 offices and over 23,100 real estate and auction professionals across four continents. United Real Estate Group produced more than 89,000 transactions and $35.2 billion in sales volume in 2023. Through its in-house advertising agency, UREG offers differentiating marketing support and collateral for specialized lifestyle property websites as well as access to a 800,000+ opt-in buyer database. For more information about United Real Estate or United Country Real Estate, please visit UnitedRealEstate.com or UnitedCountry.com.

Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced that five-time GRAMMY® award-winner and country music icon Wynonna Judd will perform the national anthem at this year's Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The Kentucky native will help kick off the historic 150th Run for the Roses® at Churchill Downs. The performance will take place just after 5:00 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live as part of NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage, expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.

"Wynonna Judd is a multigenerational talent who has helped shape country music over the years, and a Kentucky native, making her the perfect artist to set the stage for this once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky Derby," said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "We're excited for Wynonna to bring her powerful voice back to Louisville to convey the wide range of emotion for which this landmark occasion calls."

Wynonna rose to fame as one-half of "The Judds" with her mother Naomi, and the two are recognized as one of the greatest duos in country music history. As part of The Judds, Wynonna earned five GRAMMY® awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The Kentucky crooner has continued her success as a solo artist, releasing eight studio albums over the years, and recently embarked on a nationwide tour called "Back to Wy" to pay tribute to her first two solo albums.

"I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions," said Wynonna Judd. "The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special."

Wynonna joins a roster of accomplished artists to perform The Star-Spangled Banner at the Run for the Roses®. Past artists who have performed include Carly Pearce (2023), Brittney Spencer (2022), Tori Kelly (2021), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady A (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), Mary J. Blige (2012), Jordin Sparks (2011), Rascal Flatts (2010), and Leann Rimes (2009).

This year's Riders Up announcer will be lifestyle innovator and entrepreneur Martha Stewart. Martha will command all jockeys to mount their horses for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Longines Kentucky Oaks

Ahead of the milestone 150th Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Racetrack will host the Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3, 2024. At 5:00 p.m. EDT, emerging country star Lana Scott will perform the national anthem. A top eight finalist on Season 21 of NBC's The Voice and was chosen by Opry Entertainment as one of the "Top 10 Emerging Artists" in country music in 2023, prior to her national anthem rendition, Lana will perform two special original songs live during the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade at 3:15 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 3. The parade is a moving tradition that celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting their cancer battle with a march on Churchill Downs' historic racetrack prior to the running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The 16th Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade will honor the 150 survivors and fighters who have been selected.

Additionally, shortly after the national anthem, Riders Up for the Kentucky Oaks will be called by powerhouse female athlete Sonny Choi, a breakdancing star and the first American woman to qualify for breakdancing at the 2024 Olympics, which will be the first Olympics to have the sport.

Wynonna Judd

With the release of her 1992 self-titled solo debut, Wynonna emerged as a singular force in American music. Beyond the five Grammy Awards, the multi-platinum albums and sold-out tours, the country/soul vocalist built on the Appalachian traditionalism that defined The Judds to create a world where Top 5 dance/club hits were as possible as being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Having practically grown up as America's favorite musical daughter, Wynonna matured into a woman who embraced how life is filled with peaks and valleys, great thrills, and heavy disappointment. Those realities influenced her 5-times platinum Wynonna and nearing 3-times platinum Tell Me Why, the albums that gave voice to every human being emerging into their own adulthood with joy in their heart.

Beyond the groundbreaking music she and her mother created as The Judds, Wynonna has grown into her once-in-a-generation vocal prowess with an ease that made people drawn to her. "No One Else On Earth," "Tell Me Why," "She Is His Only Need," "Girls With Guitars," and "I Saw The Light" set the next chapter in motion for the girl from Ashland, Kentucky who became a global superstar.

About the Kentucky Derby

The $5 million Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Inaugurated in 1875, the legendary 1 1/4-mile race for three-year-olds is the longest continually-held major sporting event in North America and the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown series. Also known as, "The Run for the Roses®" and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®," the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horserace in the nation. This year, the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 4, 2024. For more information, please visit KentuckyDerby.com.

About Churchill Downs Racetrack

Churchill Downs Racetrack ("CDRT"), the world's most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility and Race and Sports Book. ChurchillDowns.com.

Amtech, LLC ("Amtech"), a leading industrial software solutions provider to the packaging industry, has completed its acquisition of Label Traxx and its leading software suite for the label printing and flexible packaging segments. The combination further solidifies Amtech's position as a sought-after industrial software platform to the packaging industry. The combined Company will provide software solutions to more than 750 customers and 1,200 manufacturing sites spanning packaging end markets across the globe, including in North America, Latin America and Europe.

Label Traxx provides a comprehensive software suite with end-to-end capabilities including ERP, MES, MIS, CRM, and other solutions that are complementary to Amtech. The company serves a diverse, global customer base spanning more than 500 manufacturing sites that supply a wide variety of end markets.

"Together, Amtech and Label Traxx form a highly differentiated, premier software platform within the packaging industry," said Chuck Schneider, CEO of Amtech. "The combined company will offer best-in-class, end-to-end solutions to meet our customers' packaging and labeling needs across the world, while optimizing their operations at both the enterprise and plant-level."

"We are thrilled to invest in the combination of the Amtech and Label Traxx," said Preston Thomas, Managing Director of Peak Rock Capital. "We're excited about the value the combined platform will provide to all customers and the significant growth momentum of the business going forward."

Pete Leibman, Managing Director of Peak Rock Capital, added, "Over the last several years, Amtech has experienced transformative growth, spurred by investments in R&D, new product offerings, and strategic acquisitions. The Company is well positioned to continue its growth trajectory through continuing new customer wins and additional acquisitions."

Founded in 1981, Amtech Software is a leading provider of manufacturing ERP and MES software and technology solutions to the packaging industry. Amtech's fully-integrated, end-to-end product suite provides mission-critical solutions and a compelling value proposition to the full spectrum of manufacturers. Amtech's software solutions serve over 250 customers at over 700 manufacturing plants in North America, Europe, and Latin America. The Company is headquartered in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

Label Traxx is a business management software provider for the label printing and flexible packaging segments of the packaging industry. With over 30 years of expertise, Label Traxx is recognized as a proven partner in helping customers improve efficiency and accelerate growth. Label Traxx's MIS and ERP solutions serve as the backbone of data for enterprise and plant-level management, and provides mission-critical functionalities including estimating, order management, inventory management, job costing, reporting, and many others. The Company's B2B and B2C customer portals and CRM sales portal products provide e-commerce and sales organization management solutions, and its MES products provide production planning, automated scheduling, and performance monitoring capabilities for its customers.

Peak Rock Capital is a leading middle-market private investment firm that makes equity and debt investments in companies in North America and Europe. Peak Rock's equity investment platform focuses on opportunities where it can support senior management to drive rapid growth and performance improvement, with expertise in partnering with families and founders seeking first-time institutional capital and corporate carve-outs. Peak Rock's credit platform invests across capital structures, with a broad mandate to provide flexible, tailored capital solutions to middle-market and growth-oriented businesses. Peak Rock's real estate platform makes equity and debt investments in small to mid-sized real estate assets in attractive, growing geographies. For further information about Peak Rock Capital, please visit peakrockcapital.com.

Outside Interactive Inc, the world's leading creator of outdoor content, services, events, and experiences, along with Brooks Running, a global leader in performance run footwear and apparel, join forces to bring local, personalized content to active lifestyle enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers across the United States.

Your Local Running Drop is a customized newsletter that will offer U.S.-based subscribers an all-inclusive view of outdoor activities in their area. From information on local trails and events to educational content and more, the newsletter promises to be a one-stop-shop for run enthusiasts seeking to explore their surroundings.

To provide this comprehensive guide, the newsletter draws upon Outside's extensive network of content, including video, digital learning resources, long-form stories, and podcasts, alongside an extensive database featuring over 10 million local trails and routes via Trailforks and Gaia GPS, as well as an events database through athleteReg.

"We believe that delivering content tailored to subscribers' locations and interests enhances engagement and fosters a sense of community among like-minded individuals," said Robin Thurston, CEO and Founder at Outside Interactive. "By integrating external content such as local news stories, government resources for camping reservations, and weather updates, we aim to provide a holistic experience for our readers."

The newsletter will feature a plethora of engaging content, including nearby trail runs, events at local retail stores, learning opportunities, weather updates, gear tips, and more. The newsletter will also be supplemented by Brooks-sponsored content, including in-depth looks at new product launches and brand initiatives, local events, and recommendations on community retailers.

"We're excited to partner with Outside to provide valuable resources and insights to runners across the country," said Ryan Ngo, VP of North America Marketing and Ecommerce at Brooks Running. "This purpose-built newsletter aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire people to run their path and be active."

The collaborative effort between Outside and Brooks aims to inform, inspire, and connect readers with their local running community, one personalized email at a time. By leveraging the extensive reach of the Outside Network and Brooks' expert runner insights, to integrating valuable external content, the partners aim to facilitate meaningful connections and get more people outside.

About Outside

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and reward. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its network of 25 media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside's mission is to get everyone outside, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Outside's subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, and more. Learn more at OutsideOnline.com.

About Brooks Running

Brooks Running creates market-leading performance running footwear, apparel, sports bras, and accessories distributed worldwide. Brooks' purpose is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating the best gear, tools, and experiences. Founded in 1914, the company continues to deliver accelerated product innovation and engagement with runners, walkers, and everyone who is active. Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Visit brooksrunning.com

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. have announced actions to simplify its North America windows operations by closing its Vista, California, and Hawkins, Wisconsin, manufacturing facilities. This is a further step in JELD-WEN's transformation journey to strengthen the foundation of the company and position itself for long term, profitable growth. In connection with these site closures, the company expects to incur one-time costs of approximately $45 million and generate annual pre-tax income improvements of at least $11 million.

The Vista, California, site manufactures composite windows (marketed and sold under the brand name Auraline) and has approximately 110 associates. Multiple market factors have made it prohibitive to competitively sustain the composite windows product line and it will be discontinued. As a result, JELD-WEN plans to close the Vista composite windows facility. Orders placed within 90 days of April 11, 2024, will be accepted and fulfilled under currently stated lead times.

JELD-WEN expects to incur one-time costs in 2024 of approximately $21 million related to the Vista closure and after project completion, recognize an annual pre-tax income improvement of at least $4 million.

The Hawkins, Wisconsin, site manufactures wood windows and employs approximately 340 associates. JELD-WEN will consolidate production from Hawkins into its wood windows manufacturing facility in Rantoul, Illinois. One-time costs related to this site consolidation are estimated at approximately $24 million, most of which should be incurred in 2024. Annual pre-tax income improvement, after completion of these activities, is expected to be at least $7 million.

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE: JELD) is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance interior and exterior doors, windows, and related building products serving the new construction and repair and remodeling sectors. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company operates facilities in 15 countries in North America and Europe and employs approximately 18,000 associates dedicated to bringing beauty and security to the spaces that touch our lives. The JELD-WEN family of brands includes JELD-WEN® worldwide, LaCantina® and VPI™ in North America, and Swedoor® and DANA® in Europe. For more information, visit  JELD-WEN.com