Month: July 2021

PHILADELPHIA, July 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Philadelphia’s first-and-only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel announces the appointment of Cornelia Samara, general manager. Samara joins the team from Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.

A true global citizen, Samara was born in Jerusalem as a German national with Palestinian roots and grew up immersed in the hospitality industry. Her family owned a travel agency and led tours of the Holy Land in Jerusalem and from an early age she remembers travelling to the airport to greet arriving guests and going to dinners with tour groups.

“Hospitality runs in my blood,” says Cornelia Samara, reflecting not only on her family history in the industry but also building a sense of community in and outside the hotel.  “A hotel is so much more than just a place to stay. It is an opportunity to create beautiful experiences and Four Seasons Hotel has done that for generations of Philadelphians. I’m proud to be joining a team that is tightly woven into the fabric of this community.”

A passionate art lover, the vast collections found at the Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia Museum of Artdrew her to the ‘City of Brotherly Love’. Samara used to enjoy oil painting and pottery, but with time now tight, she enjoys experiencing art by going to museums and galleries often. “Love for the arts is ingrained in me and I’m thrilled to have the masters at my fingertips. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to explore the multiple galleries throughout Philadelphia.”

A graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, the past ten years of her career as general manager have been focused on flagship properties. In 2018 she joined Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club as General Manager. In Philadelphia, she will oversee hundreds of hotel team members and looks forward to working with the award-winning team.

“It is my honor to connect with each of member of the Four Seasons Philadelphia family and build comradery among the team”. Samara is not a micro-manager; instead, she prefers to surround herself with “like-minded people” she can trust, and rely on their talent to carry out their roles. Though she was taken with the Hotel’s design, what impressed her the most is the warmth and authenticity of the team. “Those are always key for me,” she explains. “There are certain things a general manager can train, but true hospitality is not one of them. Here, it’s genuine, not practiced, and it comes from the heart.”

Samara has lived in or visited countries all over the world. One trip saw her circling the globe in a month with several stops in Southeast Asia, and she once spent a full year living in Singapore.

Her faithful travel companion is her Chihuahua, “I got her from a shelter called Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue,” she recalls with another laugh. “They’d rescued her from a kill shelter in Georgia and called her ‘Rosalynn Carter’. I just call her ‘Rosie’”. Samara and Rosie are ready to walk the Ben Franklin Parkway and discover all that Philadelphia has to offer.

CONTACT:
Melissa Quinones
Director of Public Relations
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
Voice & Text: 267-780-3393
melissa.quinones@fourseasons.com

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Hikvision’s revenue in overseas markets amounted to RMB 9.47 billion, with a YoY increase of 25.53%.

In the first half-year of 2021, Hikvision further expanded its investment in R&D, to RMB 3.88 billion, which accounted for 11.44% of the revenue.

Amid continuing uncertainties in the global environment, Hikvision remains focused on technological innovation and optimizing operations to maintain solid company development and value creation for its customers.

For the full 2021 first half-year financial report, please click here.

About Hikvision

Hikvision is an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency. Featuring an extensive and highly skilled R&D workforce, Hikvision manufactures a full suite of comprehensive products and solutions for a broad range of vertical markets. In addition to the security industry, Hikvision extends its reach to smart home tech, industrial automation, and automotive electronics industries to achieve its long-term vision. Hikvision products also provide powerful business intelligence for end users, which can enable more efficient operations and greater commercial success. Committed to the utmost quality and safety of its products, Hikvision encourages partners to take advantage of the many cybersecurity resources Hikvision offers, including the Hikvision Cybersecurity Centre. For more information, please visit us at www.hikvision.com.

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NINGDE, China, July 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) successfully held its first online launch event “Tech Zone” on July 29. Dr. Robin Zeng, chairman of CATL, unveiled the company’s first-generation sodium-ion battery, together with its AB battery pack solution – which is able to integrate sodium-ion cells and lithium-ion cells into one pack – at the event. As another milestone of CATL in the exploration of basic science and technology, sodium-ion batteries will provide a new solution for the use of clean energy and transportation electrification, thus promoting the early realization of the goal of carbon neutrality.

Breaking through the bottleneck of sodium-ion battery technology

As carbon neutrality has become a global consensus, the new energy industry has entered a complex and diversified development stage. The increasingly segmented markets have raised differentiated requirements for batteries. At the same time, the worldwide research and development of basic materials for batteries is accelerating, which opens a two-way window for the industrialization of sodium-ion batteries.

The sodium-ion battery has a similar working principle to the lithium-ion battery. Sodium ions also shuttle between the cathode and anode. However, compared with lithium ions, sodium ions have a larger volume and higher requirements regarding structural stability and the kinetic properties of materials. This has become a bottleneck for the industrialization of sodium-ion batteries.

CATL has been dedicated to the research and development of sodium-ion battery electrode materials for many years. In terms of cathode materials, CATL has applied Prussian white material with a higher specific capacity and redesigned the bulk structure of the material by rearranging the electrons, which solved the worldwide problem of rapid capacity fading upon material cycling. In terms of anode materials, CATL has developed a hard carbon material that features a unique porous structure, which enables the abundant storage and fast movement of sodium ions, and also an outstanding cycle performance.

Based on a series of innovations in the chemistry system, CATL’s first generation of sodium-ion batteries has the advantages of high-energy density, fast-charging capability, excellent thermal stability, great low-temperature performance and high-integration efficiency, among others. The energy density of CATL’s sodium-ion battery cell can achieve up to 160Wh/kg, and the battery can charge in 15 minutes to 80% SOC at room temperature. Moreover, in a low- temperature environment of -20°C, the sodium-ion battery has a capacity retention rate of more than 90%, and its system integration efficiency can reach more than 80%. The sodium-ion batteries’ thermal stability exceeds the national safety requirements for traction batteries. The first generation of sodium-ion batteries can be used in various transportation electrification scenarios, especially in regions with extremely low temperatures, where its outstanding advantages become obvious. Also, it can be flexibly adapted to the application needs of all scenarios in the energy storage field.

Four-pillar innovation system in support of three strategic development directions

CATL has always been committed to being a global premier innovative technology corporation and delivering excellent contributions to the green energy resolution for mankind as its vision. To achieve its vision, CATL is making unremitting efforts in three strategic development directions. The first development direction is to replace stationary fossil energy with renewable energy generation and energy storage; the second is to replace mobile fossil energy by using EV batteries to accelerate the development of E-mobility; the third is to promote the integration innovation of market applications leveraging electrification plus intelligence to accelerate the drive towards new energy applications in different fields. To support sustainable development in these three development directions, CATL has established a four-pillar innovation system, namely in the chemistry system, structure system, manufacturing system and business models, to build a rapid transformation capability from fundamental research to industrial application, and then to large-scale commercialization.

The fundamental research of material and the chemistry system is of great importance. Dr. Robin Zeng, chairman of CATL, has said that some people believe that the battery chemistry system will hardly see any more breakthroughs, and that only improvements can be made in the physical structure system. But we believe that the world of electrochemistry is like the Energy Cube, where there are still a lot of unknowns for us to discover. We never get tired of exploring its mysteries. By using a high-throughput calculation platform and simulation technology, based on our deep understanding of principles combined with the application of advanced algorithms and computing capacity, we engage in an in-depth exploration to develop a chemistry system that is most suitable for sodium-ion batteries, enable them to enter the fast track to industrialization, and continuously evolve. The next generation of sodium-ion batteries’ energy density development target is to exceed 200Wh/kg.

In terms of battery system innovation, CATL has made another breakthrough in battery system integration and developed an AB battery system solution, which is to mix and match sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries in a certain proportion and integrate them into one battery system, and control the different battery systems through the BMS precision algorithm. The AB battery system solution can compensate for the current energy-density shortage of the sodium-ion battery, and also expand its advantages of high power and performance in low temperatures. Thanks to this innovative structure system, application scenarios for the lithium-sodium battery system are expanded.

Multi-dimensional deployment to promote the industrialization of sodium-ion batteries

At the event, Dr. Qisen Huang, deputy dean of the CATL Research Institute, said that sodium-ion battery manufacturing is perfectly compatible with the lithium-ion battery production equipment and processes, and the production lines can be rapidly switched to achieve a high-production capacity. As of now, CATL has started its industrial deployment of sodium-ion batteries, and plans to form a basic industrial chain by 2023. CATL invites upstream suppliers and downstream customers, as well as research institutions to jointly accelerate the promotion and development of sodium-ion batteries.

Dr. Robin Zeng said that carbon neutrality has spawned a demand for TWh-scale batteries and has promoted the vigorous development of the new energy industry. The continued emergence of application demands has given an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of different technologies. Diversified technical routes will also assure the stability of the industry’s long-term development.

About CATL

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is a global leader in new energy technology innovation, committed to providing premier solutions and services for new energy applications worldwide. In June 2018, the company went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange with stock code 300750. According to SNE Research, in the year 2020, CATL’s EV battery consumption volume ranked No.1 in the world for four consecutive years. CATL also enjoys wide recognition by global OEM partners. To achieve the goal of realizing fossil fuel replacement in stationary and mobile energy systems with highly efficient electrical power systems that are generated through advanced batteries and renewable energy, and promote the integrated innovation of market applications with electrification and intelligentization, CATL maintains continuous innovation in four dimensions including battery chemistry system, structure system, manufacturing system and business models.

For more information, please visit http://www.catl.com

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Inspired by the grand power of nature, God is a Woman is composed of 91% naturally derived clean ingredients, a first for the accomplished Ariana Grande Fragrance franchise, and is 100% vegan and cruelty free. In the two weeks following the launch of God is a Woman, a contribution from every qualifying purchase of the fragrance will be donated to ocean clean up initiatives – globally.

“I’m beyond thrilled to celebrate the release of our first ever clean fragrance,” says Grande. “We have, of course, been cruelty free but taking this next step moving into clean, with responsibly sourced materials and vegan ingredients, is something we are all very proud of. I really adore this fragrance and hope it makes everyone wearing it feel beautiful and empowered.”

“God is a Woman is a true representation of Ariana’s powerful message to her fans. The alluring fragrance and brand marks an evolution of the franchise into Clean Beauty,” explains Noreen Dodge, Chief Marketing Officer of LUXE Brands. “The brand has always been cruelty free and uses the highest quality ingredients however, we are looking to transition our packaging across the entire line to more sustainable materials. Industry leaders across many categories are thoughtfully and intentionally taking these steps and you will continue to see exciting changes over time across the franchise.”

Crafted by Robertet’s Jerome Epinette, the perfumer and artisan behind Byredo and Atelier Cologne, God is a Woman is an unexpected combination of luxurious, natural ingredients that will envelop you from head to toe. “God is a Woman presents an unprecedented duality in fragrance – an incredibly simple perfume structure built around some of the most coveted and exquisite natural materials available to me as a perfumer – specifically ambrette and orris.  The way we crafted the scent represents what I feel is the future of perfumes;  simplicity and luxury anchored to nature,”  says Jerome Epinette, Vice President & Master Perfumer, Robertet Inc.

Grande launched her first fragrance in 2015. Since then, Grande’s global success in fragrance has been unprecedented with retail sales upwards of $750 million since launch. The award winning franchise boasts nominations for Fragrance of the Year, Media Campaign of the Year and Consumer Choice with the launch of Thank U Next in 2019, and exciting wins for 2020 Fragrance of the Year for ‘Cloud’ and 2021 Fragrance of the Year with R.E.M.

“I continue to be impressed by Ariana’s close relationship with her fans, and her hands-on approach in developing unique scents they will love and authentic campaigns they will gravitate toward,” says Tony Bajaj, Chief Executive Officer of LUXE Brands. “From the fragrance notes to the sustainably sourced materials used in the packaging, Ariana was at the helm of the creative process behind God is a Woman. LUXE Brands is honored to once again partner with such an influential icon.”

THE PACKAGING
The God is a Woman packaging design creates a truly bold statement in a simple way. The translucent lavender glass is a tall, elevated form, thin and elegant with a timeless purity, sealed with a creamy white cap. The bottle is set inside an amazing stone-like holder creating a divine combination that is unmistakable.

The secondary package paints the scene, showing Ariana wrapped in beautiful florals, almost as if she is one with nature, creating a fantasy of transcendence.

THE FRAGRANCE NOTES
Top:
Ambrette & Juicy Pear

Heart:
Orris & Turkish Rose Petals

Drydown:
Madagascar Vanilla & Creamy Cedarwood

PRICING

Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 FL OZ/100 mL                        $65.00
Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 FL OZ/50 mL                          $55.00
Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.0 FL OZ/30 mL                          $45.00

All prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices in US dollars.

The brand will roll out globally to additional prestige retailers late fall, including

• Canada: Shoppers Drug Mart
• Europe: Douglas
• UK: Boots, Superdrug, The Perfume Shop and The Fragrance Shop
• Australia: My Chemist

ABOUT ARIANA GRANDE
Grammy winning, multi-platinum recording artist and international superstar, Ariana Grande, is the first artist to hold the top three Billboard Hot 100 spots since The Beatles in 1964 with “7 Rings,” “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored,” and “Thank U, Next.”  In 2020, she became the first and only artist to have 5 singles debut at #1 in the charts history. In 2021, Grande made history as the first artist to simultaneously hold three top 10 spots on Billboard Pop Airplay and Mediabase Top 40 Charts with “positions,” “34+34” and “pov.” At age 27, she has delivered five platinum-selling albums and surpassed 35 billion streams – she’s Spotify’s most streamed female artist of the past decade – while rapidly becoming one of the biggest pop stars of our generation with her powerhouse vocals and unmatched presence both on stage and with her fans. In 2019, Grande embarked on the Sweetener World Tour and performed over 100 shows throughout the year, including headliner sets at Lollapalooza and Coachella – where she was the youngest headliner in the festival’s history. In 2021, Grande was announced to join NBC’s THE VOICE as a coach. She can also be seen in the upcoming Adam McKay film DON’T LOOK UP opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, for Netflix.

ABOUT LUXE BRANDS
LUXE Brands, Inc. is a global, prestige beauty company dedicated to developing world-class beauty brands that inspire consumers around the world. The company’s innovative approach to design, marketing and building-brands with a digital first ethos has earned numerous awards around the world. LUXE Brands was awarded Fragrance of the Year in 2019 on behalf of Cloud by Ariana Grande. The full portfolio includes Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Eau de Juice by Cosmopolitan and a licensing partnership with General Motors on the Hummer brand.

Ariana Grande Fragrance Press Contacts:
The Lede Company
Sarah Cramer
Sarah.Cramer@LedeCompany.com

Devi Kinkhabwala
Devi.Kinkhabwala@LedeCompany.com

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