Core Insights - The Alkaline Water Company is expanding its distribution into the Midwest by placing its products at Woodman's Markets, a well-regarded independent grocery retailer [1][3] - The flagship product, Alkaline88 one-gallon bottles, will be available in Woodman's Markets' 24-hour superstores, providing access to a large customer base [2][5] - This expansion follows a recent placement in Southern California, indicating the company's commitment to strategic growth across the United States [4] Company Overview - The Alkaline Water Company, Inc. is recognized as a leader in the premium beverage industry, focusing on clean and pure hydration solutions [6] - The Alkaline88 brand is known for its 8.8 pH balance and clean ingredient profile, crafted through a proprietary electrolysis process [6] - The company is led by co-founder Ricky Wright, who is implementing strategies for operational improvements and market expansion [6]

Company Overview - Edible Garden AG Incorporated is a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), focusing on locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce and products [4] - The company operates state-of-the-art vertically integrated greenhouses and processing facilities in New Jersey and Michigan, along with a network of contract growers [5] - Edible Garden has been recognized as a FoodTech 500 company and is a member of Walmart's Project Gigaton sustainability initiative [5] Product Launch - The Kick. Sports Nutrition product line is now available at a major Midwest big-box retailer, marking a significant step in the brand's omnichannel go-to-market strategy [1][3] - The product line includes clean-label, functional products such as plant-based and whey protein powders, with plans to expand into pre-workout, post-workout, and hydration formulations [2] Market Potential - The global sports nutrition market is projected to grow from $54.8 billion in 2023 to $103.3 billion by 2032, indicating a strong demand for natural and effective health solutions [3] - Edible Garden's omnichannel approach aims to meet this demand by providing convenience, value, and clean ingredients through both retail and online channels [3] Strategic Partnerships - The company is preparing for an e-commerce launch on Amazon, collaborating with Pirawna, a Verified Amazon Partner, to enhance its online distribution strategy [3] - This integrated distribution strategy combines the reach of physical retail with the scale of e-commerce, improving brand visibility and consumer accessibility [3]

Core Insights - Greystone has provided $15.4 million in Fannie Mae DUS financing to refinance two multifamily properties totaling 253 units in Wisconsin and Illinois [1][2] - The financing includes non-recourse, fixed-rate loans with a seven-year term and a 30-year amortization schedule, featuring interest-only payments for the entire loan term [2] - The properties financed are Geneva Meadows Apartments (108 units) in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Antioch Manor Apartments (145 units) in Antioch, Illinois, each receiving $7.7 million [4] Company Overview - Greystone is a national commercial real estate finance company recognized as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, ranking as a top lender for FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac [3] - The company operates through various affiliates, including Greystone Servicing Company LLC and Greystone Funding Company LLC [3]

Core Insights - BranchOut Food Inc. is experiencing significant growth through the expansion of its Bell Pepper Crisps product across multiple regions, including a new $600,000+ order from the Midwest [2][4] - The company's GentleDry™ dehydration technology is a key factor in its ability to deliver high-quality, nutrient-rich snacks, contributing to its strong market presence [3][8] - The expansion strategy includes a multi-product approach, moving away from a traditional single-product model, which is expected to drive record-breaking revenue [4][6] Expansion and Product Launches - The Bell Pepper Crisps have expanded to four regions, including the Midwest, Bay Area, and Texas, following a successful launch in Southern California [2][6] - BranchOut's Pineapple Chips have returned to Southeast Clubs, achieving nearly $900K in reorders, indicating strong consumer demand [6] - Organic Chewy Banana Bites are set to launch in Southern California and Hawaii with a $400K+ order, further diversifying the product lineup [6] Production Capacity and Efficiency - The new 50,000-square-foot facility in Peru is the largest GentleDry™ production hub globally, with an annual production capacity exceeding $40 million [7] - The Peru facility operates three production lines efficiently, allowing the company to meet increasing demand from major retailers [7][8] - The commitment to maintaining exceptional quality while scaling production is emphasized by the company's leadership [8]

Core Insights - Mercury Public Affairs is merging with Serafin & Associates to enhance public affairs and strategic communications capabilities in the Midwest and nationally [1][3][4] Company Overview - Serafin & Associates, founded by Thom Serafin, has been a leader in public affairs communications for nearly 40 years, serving various clients across Illinois and the nation [2] - Mercury's Illinois team is led by Cheri Bustos, a former Congresswoman, who will work alongside Thom Serafin as co-Chair for Mercury in Illinois [2] Strategic Implications - The partnership aims to provide strategic reach and resources throughout North America, enhancing capabilities in the Midwest and expanding Mercury's national reach [3] - Mercury-Illinois is positioning itself as a premier public affairs firm in the Midwest, with the merger expected to accelerate this growth [4] Client Services - The collaboration will offer full-service public affairs solutions, addressing complex governmental, business, and organizational challenges for clients [4] - Mercury provides a comprehensive suite of services, including federal government relations, international affairs, and media strategy, with over 20 offices nationwide [5]

Core Viewpoint - DT Midstream, Inc. has announced a $1.2 billion acquisition of three FERC-regulated natural gas transmission pipelines from ONEOK, Inc., enhancing its portfolio in the Midwest market with a total capacity exceeding 3.7 Bcf/d [1][6] Transaction Details - The acquisition includes 100% operating ownership of Guardian Pipeline, Midwestern Gas Transmission, and Viking Gas Transmission [2][3] - The transaction consideration is $1.2 billion in cash, with a transaction multiple of approximately 10.5x 2025 Adjusted EBITDA [5] - Financing for the transaction will consist of about $900 million in debt and approximately $300 million in common equity [5] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with DT Midstream's strategy of owning natural gas assets that connect supply basins with demand centers, supported by take-or-pay contracts with creditworthy customers [6] - The pipeline segment is expected to contribute approximately 70% of Adjusted EBITDA in 2025, increasing the backlog of organic growth projects [6] Pipeline Details - Guardian Pipeline is a 260-mile interstate pipeline interconnected to DT Midstream's Vector Pipeline and serves key demand centers in Wisconsin [2] - Midwestern Gas Transmission is a 400-mile bi-directional pipeline connecting Appalachia supply to the Midwest market [3] - Viking Gas Transmission is a 675-mile pipeline linking utility customers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota to Canadian supply [3] Closing Details - The transaction has been approved by DT Midstream's Board of Directors and is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025, pending regulatory approvals [7] Company Overview - DT Midstream is involved in the ownership, operation, and development of natural gas pipelines and related facilities, aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 [10]

Core Viewpoint - DT Midstream, Inc. has announced an agreement to acquire three FERC-regulated natural gas transmission pipelines from ONEOK, Inc. for $1.2 billion, enhancing its portfolio in the Midwest market with a total capacity exceeding 3.7 Bcf/d [1][5] Transaction Details - The acquisition includes 100% operating ownership of Guardian Pipeline, Midwestern Gas Transmission, and Viking Gas Transmission [2][3] - The transaction consideration is $1.2 billion in cash, with a transaction multiple of approximately 10.5x 2025 Adjusted EBITDA [5] - Financing for the transaction will consist of approximately $900 million in debt and $300 million in common equity [5] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with DT Midstream's strategy of owning natural gas assets that connect supply basins with demand centers, supported by take-or-pay contracts with creditworthy customers [6] - The pipeline segment is expected to contribute approximately 70% of Adjusted EBITDA in 2025, increasing the backlog of organic growth projects [6] - The acquired portfolio has a demand-pull customer base of about 90%, with approximately 85% of revenues coming from investment-grade customers [6] Closing Details - The transaction has been approved by DT Midstream's Board of Directors and is anticipated to close in late 2024 or early 2025, pending regulatory approvals [7] Company Overview - DT Midstream is involved in the ownership, operation, and development of natural gas pipelines and related facilities, focusing on transporting clean natural gas across the U.S. and Canada [11]

Group 1 - Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. has renewed its partnership with Operation Warm to provide winter coats and shoes to children in need, marking the fourth year of collaboration [1][2] - Since the partnership began in 2021, Ferrellgas has distributed over 10,000 new winter coats to children across various schools in Missouri and Iowa [2] - The mission of Operation Warm is to provide warmth, confidence, and hope to children through new clothing, with Ferrellgas playing a crucial role in expanding this impact [3][4] Group 2 - Ferrellgas President and CEO Tamria Zertuche emphasized the alignment of the partnership with the company's mission, as propane powers furnaces that keep families warm during winter [4] - The collaboration is part of the Ferrellgas Century Project, which focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, aiming to give back to communities through 2039 [4] - Ferrellgas serves propane customers in all 50 states and has a significant employee ownership structure, with 1.1 million Class A Units held by employees [5]

Company Overview - Greene Concepts, Inc. is focused on providing high-quality, healthy beverage choices, with its flagship product being BE WATER, a premium artesian bottled water sourced from the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina [5]. Partnership Opportunity - Greene Concepts is in discussions with a major Midwest grocery chain that operates over 2,000 retail locations, which could significantly enhance the availability of BE WATER to consumers in the region [1][2]. - The grocery chain has requested pricing and proposal details from Greene Concepts, which are currently under review [2]. Market Context - The U.S. bottled water market is experiencing significant growth, with annual sales exceeding $94 billion, driven by consumer demand for healthier beverage options [3]. - BE WATER is positioned as an eco-conscious choice, appealing to consumers seeking natural hydration [3]. CEO Insights - CEO Lenny Greene expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, stating it aligns with the company's vision to make BE WATER a household name and expand its reach [3][4]. - Greene noted that the inquiry from the grocery chain reflects growing recognition of BE WATER's quality and consumer appeal [4]. Production and Demand - Greene Concepts is focused on strengthening its production capabilities and customer satisfaction, with recent successes in partnerships with retailers like Walmart and Camping World [4].

Kirkland, Washington, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ziply® Fiber today announced that its “Northern Link Route” – a 400 Gig, low-latency, high-capacity long-haul transport route connecting Hillsboro, Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Missoula, Billings, Minneapolis, Chicago and dozens of other major cities in between – is ready for service along the western half of the route, with full service to and from Chicago launching by the end of the year. The route, which Ziply Fiber expects will offer the lowest late ...