general_news

Bristol, England – September 09, 2026 -- Zellis, the UK and Ireland's leading provider of HR, Workforce Management, Payroll and benefits solutions, has confirmed futurist and bestselling author Ravin Jesuthasan, CFA, FRSA, as headline speaker for its flagship Zellis Connect 2026 event, set for 23 September 2026 at Kings Place, London.

Jesuthasan will map a practical roadmap for AI-driven workforce change

Jesuthasan, global leader of Mercer's Transformation Services business, will address HR, workforce and pay professionals on the operating models replacing traditional organisational structures, the rise of future skills, and the governance needed to integrate AI and digital agents into daily operations. Zellis frames the session as action-oriented, aimed at giving attendees concrete steps against a backdrop of rising labour costs and accelerating workplace AI adoption.

Sharjah – September 09, 2026 -- The Sharjah Government has opened global applications for the 13th edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award, with a submission deadline of September 22, 2026, and a new focus on artificial intelligence in public messaging.

Award expands to more than 35 categories spanning public and private sectors

The program, run by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, covers entries from government bodies, international organizations and private companies, alongside individual achievement and smart communication competitions. Jury and partner awards round out the more than 35 categories on offer this cycle.

Bochum – – September 09, 2026 -- GLS Bank board member Aysel Osmanoglu has issued a public statement following an unexpectedly strong result for the far-right AfD in Saxony-Anhalt's state election, warning that the outcome puts fundamental societal achievements and democracy itself at risk.

GLS Bank says an AfD-led state government would pressure its civil-society client base

Osmanoglu, who sits on the board of the Bochum-based socio-ecological GLS Gemeinschaftsbank, said the bank counts many organizations from civil society among its customers and that an AfD-led regional administration would place these clients under direct pressure.

Executive links open, diverse society to a resilient economic future

"The free and diverse society is the foundation for a good life and a future-proof economy," Osmanoglu said, arguing that democratic values and economic viability are directly connected rather than separate policy tracks.

Shenzhen – September 09, 2026 -- Shenzhen Media Group has launched a media cooperation initiative titled "Gather in Shenzhen, Create a Better Asia-Pacific" at the opening of the Asia-Pacific Media Forum, inviting media organizations across the region to join three long-term programs.

Initiative targets three areas of media collaboration

The program centers on technology sharing, content co-creation, and talent development among Asia-Pacific media partners. Shenzhen Media Group positioned the city's transformation from a fishing village into an international metropolis over four decades as a case study for regional media outlets seeking to document China's development.

Guangzhou – September 09, 2026 -- More than 1,500 food and beverage exhibitors from China and abroad gathered at the 2026 SIAL West Asia International Food Exhibition, which opened September 3 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo and spans 60,000 square meters.

Exhibition positions Guangzhou as gateway between China and ASEAN markets

Co-organized by Comexposium, Beijing Aibo SIAL Exhibition Co., Ltd., Guangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Group, and Beijing SIAL Exhibition Co., Ltd., the event is branded the "First Stop for Entering the Bay Area and Going Global." It operates as a flagship event under Guangdong province's "Trade Nationwide" and "Trade Global" initiatives, running through September 5 across 14 specialized zones covering imported foods, snacks, dairy, beverages, seasonings, and fresh products.

Astana – September 09, 2026 -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec") joined Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy, the International Cooperation Organization for Technological Innovation in CCUS (ICTO), and the Institute of New Materials and Energy Technologies at Nazarbayev University to launch a Low-Carbon Energy Development Cooperation Initiative at the 2026 International CCUS Technology Conference in Astana on September 1-2.

Initiative targets closer coordination on CCUS technology and standards

Frederick, Md. – September 09, 2026 -- Kate Layman, founder of commercial real estate firm M.C. Layman, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Woodsboro Bank and the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association, marking the company's two-year anniversary with an expanded community presence in Frederick County, Maryland.

Layman brings commercial real estate expertise to a local community bank

The Woodsboro Bank appointment places Layman's background in commercial real estate, property management and business operations on the board of a community bank with longstanding roots in Frederick County.

Second board seat extends Layman's focus to mental health services

Layman's appointment to the Mental Health Association Board of Directors applies the same community-oriented perspective from her real estate work to an organization addressing regional mental health needs.

Washington – September 09, 2026 -- Arizona State University has been named one of eight universities to lead the Foundry School, a U.S. Department of State initiative run in partnership with the Department of Labor to train the next generation of American manufacturing workers.

Vice President Vance unveils national manufacturing education program

The Foundry School was announced by Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington, D.C., alongside Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and university presidents, including ASU President Michael Crow. Students from ASU's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering were invited to the announcement.

"This is about universities and industry working together to accelerate all things associated with enhancing workforce preparation, enhancement and competitiveness," said Crow.

Dallas – September 09, 2026 -- TGI Fridays has signed a development agreement with Devolli Group to build 10 restaurants across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, marking the American casual dining chain's first entry into the Balkans.

Devolli Group secures exclusive sub-franchise rights across three Balkan markets

Under the agreement, Devolli Group will develop the 10 units and holds exclusive rights to sub-franchise the TGI Fridays brand throughout the territory, creating a platform for further expansion across Southeast Europe.

Reno, Nev. – September 09, 2026 -- Woodland Direct is opening a 47,000-square-foot distribution center in Reno, Nevada this month, its second facility alongside the company's Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters and distribution hub.

New Reno facility targets faster shipping for West Coast fire product customers

The Reno site is designed to cut shipping times for customers on the West Coast, a strategic gap the e-commerce fire products retailer identified after evaluating expansion options west of the Rocky Mountains. "We already ship all around the country. By opening the Reno distribution center, we're able to serve our West Coast customers more quickly and efficiently," said President and Founder Andrew Ingram.