IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HighGround Restoration Group, INC., is pleased the to announce its new name and logo. The company was initially formed in February of 2020 with the platform acquisition of Dry Force LLC, a Texas based water restoration and reconstruction leader with locations in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. After a successful year in 2021 of adding five best-in-market brands to create a national platform, the company launched the HighGround brand in 2022. HighGround serves as the umbrella for the entire group while each individual company retains its brand equity in the market.

Ben Balsley, HighGround’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Our vision is to build a company where great brands thrive and elevate to next-level performance. We will do this by serving our employees, customers, and partners and creating opportunities to leverage national scale for local execution. I couldn’t be more excited about our brand teams and HighGround platform and the growth opportunities in front of us.”

In addition to its initial investment in Dry Force, HighGround has also partnered with the following restoration brands: Cleanup & Total Restoration (CTR), Power Dry, MoreFloods, Dririte, and Northeast Power Dry. These brands represent every region of the US and HighGround is actively seeking to add brands and partner with leaders that share its focus on service and growth. If you are interested in learning more or joining the HighGround family of brands, reach out at information@highgroundnow.com or visit www.highgroundnow.com.

About HighGround:

No one’s ever prepared for the chaos that comes with water, mold, fire, or smoke damage. And some contractors only make it worse. The property owner needs help from someone who knows what they’re doing – and who genuinely cares. And that’s why our family of brands come to work every day.

HighGround brands help customers who have suffered water or fire damage by providing 24/7/365 drying and clean up services coupled with reconstruction contracting, all while engaging with the customer’s insurance company to ensure seamless claims processing. Our brands have developed a robust referral program with residential and commercial partners by offering services such as hosted education and training, reporting and analytics, and competitive incentive compensation. This comprehensive approach allows HighGround to stay top of mind with these key referral relationships.

Contacts

Brian McNeal
Email: brian.mcneal@highground.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Armstrong Fluid Technology announced a bold initiative in 2018, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among its global customer base by 2 million tons, targeting completion by the year 2022.

The company recently announced that they had reached and surpassed that lofty goal. In the process they have also helped customers save 2.5 billion kWh of electricity usage, resulting in more than $300 million in cost savings. Achieving this goal is the equivalent of taking 600,000 cars off the road for a year, or off-setting the average annual CO2 emissions generated by 100,000 people.

“Since June 2018, when the initiative was first announced, Armstrong has worked collaboratively with our customers and partners to implement our innovative Design Envelope technology in building mechanical plants, worldwide. The application of this technology converts existing and new installations into ultra-efficient and sustainable systems,” said Todd Rief, Armstrong CEO.

“We have now boosted Design Envelope Technology with our innovative Active Performance Management architecture. This 3-layer architecture adds the power of Digital Twins, Edge and Cloud computing to intelligent Design Envelope equipment. The application of Active Performance Management brings performance resilience and transparency to system design and operations. This helps our partners and our customers extract carbon from every stage of the lifecycle of a building. They can design a much smaller plant with lower construction carbon footprint, and dramatically reduce their carbon emission from operations. All this while using predictive maintenance to preserve building performance without adding cost.

“At the same time, we recognize that the work in this area is not yet done. Buildings worldwide continue to be some of the biggest contributors of GHG. Through our core competencies of Fluid Flow, Energy Transfer, Demand Based Control and Digitalization, we aim to bring a step change to the performance of buildings through their entire lifecycle.”

To monitor the results, Armstrong launched a global validation effort in 2018 across a wide range of customer types and applications. The results were validated by Bureau Veritas, and made available as a set of case histories.

Contacts

Roger Halligan

H+A International, Inc.

312-332-4650 Ext. 22

rhalligan@h-a-intl.com

In addition to the preservation and creation of affordable units, and decarbonization plans, Dream has also unveiled new free resident programming.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dream Unlimited Corp. “Dream Unlimited” (TSX: DRM), Dream Impact Trust “Dream Impact” (TSX: MPCT.UN) and Dream Impact Fund, collectively referred to as “Dream”, today announced it successfully secured insured financing under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (“CMHC”) new MLI Select insurance product through TD Bank. The $153 million insured loan through TD will finance Dream’s plans to preserve and increase the number of affordable units from 52 to 189 at the Residence at Weston apartment complex – representing 40 percent of all units. The affordable units will not exceed 30 per cent of Toronto’s median renter income. Dream will also decrease energy consumption by a minimum of 15 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 25 per cent.

Through collaborative engagement, Dream supported CMHC as they designed this innovative multi-unit insurance product. Launched earlier this month, MLI Select uses a points-based system that offers increasing insurance incentives based on a borrower’s commitments to social and climate related outcomes, including affordability, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

“We’re so pleased to work with Dream and TD to bring more affordable housing to Toronto. The introduction of MLI Select is another important tool that will help transform existing supply into sustainable and affordable housing across the country,” says Romy Bowers, President and CEO of CMHC.

The project financing was achievable through collaboration with TD as the lender, leveraging their experience and expertise throughout the process. This is an example of financial institutions, the federal government, and private entities working collaboratively to address pressing societal and environmental issues. The new MLI Select product will allow building owners, including asset managers and non-profits, to transform their buildings into resilient, affordable, and accessible homes working with their approved lenders.

“We are incredibly proud to have collaborated with Dream and CHMC on this forward-thinking product that helps to address the acute affordability challenges Canadians continue to face. Today’s announcement demonstrates a creative approach for increasing the supply of affordable housing here in Toronto and we hope it will inspire future sustainable and inclusive housing developments in cities and communities across the country,” says Andrew Phillips, Deputy Chair, Head of Real Estate and Diversified Industries, Investment Banking for TD.

Residence at Weston, part of the Weston Common mixed-use complex in the Weston Mount Dennis neighbourhood, is a 30-storey rental tower built in 1974 with 472 residential rental units, the Artscape community hub, West 22, an adjacent 30-storey rental building that includes 369 newly developed units, and 42,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.

Due to the insured financing, Dream has already begun converting 137 units to affordable units and has also begun retrofitting the Residence at Weston to achieve its decarbonization targets. This work includes: implementing new boilers, mechanical and plumbing systems; enhancing balcony insulation; and, installing high-performing doors and windows. At nearly 50 years old, aging apartment buildings like the Residence at Weston have long been identified as big carbon emitters and require a new way of thinking to ensure the long-term viability for residents and the environment. The retrofit is expected to take place over the next two years with minimal disruption to building residents.

“Apartment complexes like Residence at Weston require a meaningful approach to ensure they are healthy and resilient homes for generations to come. Our work at Residence at Weston serves as an example that retrofits are a critical piece of our housing stock and can preserve much-needed affordable and accessible housing while addressing climate change,” says Michael Cooper, President and Chief Responsible Officer at Dream. “The most sustainable building is one that already exists, and it’s incumbent on us all to find new ways of working with what we have and bring them up to a high level of performance.”

New programming coming to Weston Common by the Dream Community Foundation

Dream has also unveiled new programming that is beginning this month at Weston Common, with funding from the Dream Community Foundation. The creation of these new programs were informed by feedback and input from all residents. Initial programs are set to launch on-site this month, including free community fitness classes, such as kickboxing and yoga; free weekly breakfast and coffee socials; and subsidies for Toronto’s Bike Share memberships.

Later this spring, additional programming will be rolled out, including: free art classes for seniors and youth; free skills training classes, such as tax, resume-writing and language classes; and free tutoring and homework help for younger children, among others.

The programs showcase a first-of-its-kind model whereby a building owner has electively integrated a robust range of not-for-profit programming within a mixed-income community. The programs will be delivered by a dedicated Community Ambassador on-site at Weston Common as well as non-profits partners.

“These programs have been created alongside Weston Common residents who expressed a desire for a diversity of programming and strong social connections within the Weston-Mount Dennis neighbourhood,” says Krystal Koo, Chair of the Dream Community Foundation Board. “We are excited to introduce an extensive slate of year-round programs and services that can improve socio-economic, health and cultural outcomes for all residents.”

For more information and to schedule interviews, please contact publicist.

About Dream Unlimited Corp.

Founded in 1994 with a vision to revolutionize the way people live and work, Dream is one of Canada’s leading real estate companies, with over $15 billion on assets across North America and Europe. Across the Dream group platform, there is approximately 4 million square feet of GLA in retail or commercial properties and over 20,000 condominium or purpose-built rental units in our development pipeline and 9,000 acres of lands across Western Canada. Responsible for some of the country’s most iconic and transformative projects, we always invest with purpose, embracing creativity, passion and innovation, delivering strong returns, while positively impacting the communities and the world around us through our focus on impact investing.

About Dream Impact Trust

Dream Impact Trust is an open-ended trust dedicated to impact investing. Dream Impact’s underlying portfolio is comprised of exceptional real estate assets reported under two operating segments: development and recurring income, that would not be otherwise available in a public and fully transparent vehicle, managed by an experienced team with a successful track record in these areas. The objectives of Dream Impact are to create positive and lasting impacts for our stakeholders through our three impact verticals: environmental sustainability and resilience, attainable and affordable housing, and inclusive communities, while generating attractive returns for investors.

About Dream Impact Fund

Dream Impact Fund LP was created in March 2021 and is one of the world’s first open-ended funds dedicated exclusively to impact investing. The Fund is managed by a vertically integrated team with significant track record in impact investments. Our impact strategy is consistent with Dream Unlimited’s three impact verticals: environmental sustainability and resilience, attainable and affordable housing, and inclusive communities.

About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

CMHC supports the housing market and financial system stability by providing support for Canadians in housing need, and by offering housing research and advice to all orders of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (“TD” or the “Bank”). TD is the fifth largest bank in North America by assets and serves more than 26 million customers in three key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centers around the globe: Canadian Retail, including TD Canada Trust, TD Auto Finance Canada, TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in The Charles Schwab Corporation; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world’s leading online financial services firms, with more than 15 million active online and mobile customers. TD had CDN$1.8 trillion in assets on January 31, 2022. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol “TD” on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT

kg&a

Maxwell Batista

416-995-5749

maxwell.batista@kga-inc.com

Candice Leung

416-537-0954

candice.leung@kga-inc.com

Space NK curation offers some of the most coveted beauty brands in the world

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hudson’s Bay announced today it will open three additional ‘shop-in-shop’ Space NK locations, as part of its strategy that will scale the presence of the premier British beauty brand in Canada. The shops allow customers to discover a bespoke curation of prestige and indie beauty brands spanning haircare, makeup, skincare, bath, body, and fragrance, with the full-range collection also available on TheBay.com. Calgary’s Market Mall, Quebec’s CF Carrefour Laval, and the Queen St flagship in Toronto are the latest installments, doubling Space NKs footprint at Hudson’s Bay since the retailer’s launch in Canada in August 2021.

“Space NK at the Bay is an unmatched experience—customers will discover the most sought-after brands, many of which are new to Canada, complemented by our incredible and expansive beauty assortment,” says Laura Janney, Chief Merchant at The Bay. “With our commitment to discovery, Space NK at The Bay inspires and delivers an innovative journey for our customers.”

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Hudson Bay, to bring our beauty category expertise to their customers across Canada in an iconic department store location, allowing them to shop luxury beauty when, where and how they choose. We look forward to working with Hudson Bay as our partnership continues to develop into 2023,” says Noah Rosenblatt, President of Space NK North America.

The Bay plans to launch Space NK in additional stores leading into 2023 – with new and exciting brands added to the assortment both in-store and on TheBay.com. The current assortment features 18 premium brands, including Chantecaille, Boy Smells, Tata Harper, Sunday Riley, Dr. Dennis Gross, R+Co, Kevyn Aucoin and most recently Malin + Goetz. Space NK can be found in 6 Hudson’s Bay locations, with a further 25 haircare towers in additional doors.

ABOUT THE BAY

Through a digital-first, purpose-driven lens, The Bay helps Canadians live their best style of life. The Bay operates thebay.com featuring Marketplace, one of the largest premium life & style digital platforms in Canada, with a seamless connection to a network of 85 Hudson’s Bay stores. The Bay has established a reputation for quality and style through an unrivalled assortment of products and categories including fashion, home, beauty, food concepts and more. Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

The Bay and Hudson’s Bay operate under the HBC brand portfolio. Founded in 1670, HBC is North America’s oldest company. The signature stripes are a registered trademark of HBC.

ABOUT SPACE NK

The go-to destination for worldwide beauty discovery, Space NK started out as a single store in Covent Garden over 25 years ago. We can now be found in 75 locations across the UK and Ireland, as well as online at spacenk.com. In our stores and on our website, you will find a finely-honed edit of the most innovative products in the beauty world, including super-charged skincare, cutting-edge cosmetics, and game-changing gadgets.

Contacts

Lauren Polyak

Sr. Manager, Public Relations

lauren.polyak@thebay.com

Tiffany Bourré

DVP, Communications & PR

tiffany.bourre@thebay.com

Jini Sanassy

Head of PR

SPACE NK

Jini.Sanassy@spacenk.com