These franchise companies ranked among the best in 2020 despite only franchising for a few years.

May4, 20204 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Nine companies in the 2020 Franchise 500 have shown that being a rookie to the game doesnt mean you cant play in the big leagues. With only a few years of franchising experience under their belts, these companies went up against the more than 1,100 other franchisors that applied including many that have been franchising for decades and managed to claim a spot in our annual ranking.

Scroll down to see which brands are making their mark on the industry.

RELATED:The Top 11 Companies in the Franchise 500, Ranked From Cheapest to Most Expensive

Conserva Irrigation is the newest brand under parent company Outdoor Living Brands, which also franchises Archadeck and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. Conserva specializes in environmentally conscious lawn irrigation repair, maintenanceand upgrades. The company began franchising in 2017 and had more than 80 franchise units open in the U.S. as of last July.

RELATED:Basics of Buying a Franchise Business for Entrepreneurs

Five years ago, Julie Selby took her neighborhood wine and craft night to a whole new level with the founding of Board & Brush. Franchising since 2017, Board & Brush Creative Studio had already grown to 231 U.S. franchises by mid-2019. Franchises offer DIY workshops where friends and family can create custom wood signs while sipping wine.

RELATED:The Top 100 Franchises for Less Than $150,000 in 2020

Lendio is a small-business-loan marketplace founded by Brock Blake and Trent Miskin in 2011. The company began franchising five years later, and despite its youth, this is Lendios third consecutive year ranking in the Franchise 500. Franchisees help entrepreneurs complete a single application that is submitted to more than 75 lenders to get the right loan for their needs.

RELATED:The Hottest Franchise Categories of 2020

SmartStyle is a full-service hair salon brand with more than 500 locations inside of Walmarts across the U.S. and Canada. The business was founded in 1996, but franchises did not become available until 20 years later. Parent company Regis Corporation also franchises Supercuts, Cost Cutters, First Choice Haircuttersand Roosters Mens Grooming Centers.

RELATED:What You Need To Know Before Starting A Franchise Business

My Eyelabs 60-plus locations offer eye exams and eyewear sales, with more than 2,000 frames for men, womenand children to choose from. The retailer utilizes telehealth technology to provide quick and affordable eye care services to customers and reduce costs and inefficiencies for franchisees.

RELATED: 8 Things You Need to Know to Turn Your Business Into a Franchise

In 2010, bodybuilders and personal trainers Dr. Saman Bakhtiar and Alejandra Font made it their mission to reinvent the personal training and gym experience into one that was goal- and group-oriented. On this principle, they founded The Camp Transformation Center, a gym specializing in group bootcamps, community supportand educated nutritional guidance. They began franchising in 2016.

RELATED:Expensive Mistakes to Avoid as a New Franchisee

Motto Mortgage is a mortgage brokerage franchise that was founded in 2016 under its parent company and real estate industry giant RE/MAX. Motto Mortgage franchises can be added onto existing real estate businesses to create a one-stop shop experience for home buyers and refinancers. Mottos franchisees have already closed more than $1 billion in loan volume.

RELATED:6 Risk Factors You Need to Consider Before Purchasing a Franchise

Take 5 Oil Change has been providing quick oil changes since 1984, but just began franchising in 2016 after being acquired by Driven Brands, franchisor of Meineke, Maacoand Carstar. Each location offers a drive-thr- style oil change service, allowing customers to remain inside their vehicle while Take 5s staff handle the rest.

RELATED:Travel Agencies Aren't Dying. They're Thriving!

Inspired to make eyelash extension services accessible to a wider range of beauty consumers, Jennifer Blair and her husband, Mike, founded Deka Lash in 2013, and then began franchising in 2016. Franchisees offer lash services through a membership program, and sell related beauty products, at more than 80 locations across the U.S.

View post:
Want to Run a Hot New Brand? Here Are the 9 Youngest Franchises on the Franchise 500 - Entrepreneur

Residents and businesses in the Morrisons Cove region and surrounding communities are encouraged to show their appreciation for everyone who has been working tirelessly and unselfishly to provide for and support their families, friends and neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking part in Light Up the Cove at 8:20 p.m. Friday, May 8.

The Morrisons Cove Rotary Club has planned the event as a sign of strength and unity.

The club is collaborating with its members, residents, the business community, municipalities, and fire companies, encouraging them to Light Up the Cove by turning on their indoor and outdoor lights, go outside to clap and cheer, ring bells, and honk horns when the clock strikes 8:20 p.m.

Area fire companies have been invited to bring their fire trucks to designated areas and join the event by turning on their lights and sirens.

The Roaring Spring Athletic Stadium lights will be lit and the scoreboard will display 2020.

The Morrisons Cove Rotary Club is happy to be the catalyst to organize the local community in a special way with Light Up the Cove, said Chrissy Dively, Morrisons Cove Rotary Club president. Our area has many frontline workers, families, kids, and businesses plagued with uncertainty throughout the last few months. This event is to show that we as a community will stick together through these times and show our fellow community members that we are here to support each other. We are encouraging all businesses and individual home dwellings to join us in Lighting Up the Cove.

For more information, contact Dively at 814-224-5556, cdively@procaretlp.com, or visit the clubs Facebook page and website at morrisonscoverotary.org.

Read this article:
Cove Rotary Club to host 'Light Up the Cove' - bedfordgazette.com

Whether your porch is a place to have a cup of coffee, watch your kids play, or dine alfresco on a nice summer evening, its probably not the first place you think of when considering home repairs and upgrades. But there are several budget-friendly improvements that can make your porch a place to enjoy throughout the year.

Do you notice wobbly railings or faded paint on columns and trim? For a cleaner, more stylish space, consider tightening screws, replacing old wood or giving the area a fresh coat of paint. You can also order outdoor decor, like throw rugs and placemats, to cozy up the space. If your front doors seen better days, you might consider replacing it or painting it a vibrant, happy color like red, yellow or blue.

If your porch fan is buzzing, squeaking or moving slowly, its likely time for a replacement. The same goes for lighting if you see flickering and dimming, or hear humming, its a good idea to call an electrician to evaluate the issue. If your fixtures are dated, replacing them is a simple project with instant results. Hanging string or fairy lights can also add a special, inviting touch to any outdoor space.

Potted plants are the gold standard when it comes to sprucing up your porch for spring and summer whether youre keen to keep things monochromatic or go all-out with a vibrant mix. For a fail-safe design, consider hanging plants on the interior and placing potted plants at either side of the door and along the edge of the porch itself. You can also use potted plants and flowers to line your walkway and add a few path lights to highlight them at night.

Porches, pathways, driveways and other hardscaping elements require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Spring is a good time to have a professional pressure-wash the concrete around your homes exterior, as well as siding and other exterior surfaces. Its also a good time to inspect for and take note of any cracks or damage. If you notice an issue, have a pro take a look and get ahead of costly repairs.

Soaking up the sun or settling in for a cup of evening tea is that much better when you can lean back and relax. Even the smallest porches can usually accommodate a chair or two. When it comes to seating, the skys the limit: Choose a classic bench swing, a bistro set, rocking chairs, colorful Adirondacks or even trendy hanging basket chairs. When it comes to perking up your porch, it all comes down to what best fits your space, budget and taste.

Read more here:
5 inexpensive ways to perk up your porch - The Seattle Times

The natural wood-colored colonial house at 4 Tanglewood Lane is within easy walking distance of Earthplace The Nature Discovery Center and the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum.

The natural wood-colored colonial house at 4 Tanglewood Lane is within easy walking distance of Earthplace The Nature Discovery Center and the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum.

The natural wood-colored colonial house at 4 Tanglewood Lane is within easy walking distance of Earthplace The Nature Discovery Center and the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum.

The natural wood-colored colonial house at 4 Tanglewood Lane is within easy walking distance of Earthplace The Nature Discovery Center and the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum.

On the Market: Beautifully crafted Westport colonial offers a symphony of amenities

WESTPORT Tanglewood Music Center is nestled in the scenic Berkshires Hills of western Massachusetts in the charming village of Lenox, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937.

A second noteworthy Lenox is the fine china company, founded in 1889 with a singular vision to set the highest standards for quality, artistry and beauty. We bring a rich history of craftsmanship to modern day life; where families and friends gather to celebrate using pieces that are versatile and timeless, according to its website.

Descriptions of Tanglewood Music Center, and both iterations of Lenox, can be combined to describe the natural wood-colored colonial house at 4 Tanglewood Lane. This beautifully crafted, arts and craft-inspired house in the Old Hill neighborhood is a symphony of amenities. The Energy Star-rated house was built in 2005 to the highest standards for quality, artistry and beauty; it is versatile, timeless, and suited perfectly for modern day life.

The listing agent calls it an architectural showpiece a true Westport gem on a private lane, with a Gunite in-ground swimming pool on its level property of just over one acre. Its professional landscaping includes perennial garden accents, and there is a rustic path to the neighborhood pond. This house is also within very easy walking distance of Earthplace The Nature Discovery Center and the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. The 62-acre wildlife sanctuary and 12-acre arboretum feature several walking trails including the Newman-Woodward Trail, named for Westports beloved couple and Academy Award-winners, the late Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward.

Although the center is temporarily closed to live events, the grounds including walking trails are open from dawn to dusk, year round, free of charge.

The 6,446-square-foot house is welcoming from its covered porch and throughout its 14 rooms. Arts and crafts influences are found at the front entrance where there is a decorative stained glass window by the front door and a similar window in the foyer. The style continues in the balusters and large round finials of the staircase to the second floor. The living room features a two-story vaulted ceiling with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace flanked by built-in shelving, and an interior balcony.

In the nearly banquet-sized formal dining room there is a coffered ceiling and wainscoting on the lower walls. The custom gourmet eat-in kitchen features a large center island, farm sink, and high-end appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The casual dining area or breakfast nook sits in a rounded turret and features a semi-circular built-in banquette, two-story windows, and a door to a raised wood deck. The family room has a fireplace, a wall of built-in bookshelves, and a door to the same deck.

There are two bedrooms on the main level and three more on the second floor. The master bedroom suite features a tall, vaulted ceiling, fireplace, sitting area, and a large, luxurious private bath.

On the lower level there is a game/recreation room with a fireplace, built-ins, entertainment center, and tile floor.

In the backyard, the paving stone patio features a built-in outdoor kitchen.

For more information or to make a private appointment to see the house contact Lynn Fraund of William Pitt Sothebys International Realty at 203-434-8585 or lfraund@williampitt.com.

ABOUT THIS HOUSE

STYLE: Colonial

ADDRESS: 4 Tanglewood Lane

PRICE: $1,639,000

ROOMS: 14

FEATURES: 1.04-acre level property, Gunite in-ground swimming pool with auto cleaner, patio, covered porch, wood deck, exterior lighting, built-in outdoor cooker, fire pit, professionally landscaped, located on a cul-de-sac, rustic path to the neighborhood pond, walking distance to Earthplace The Discovery Center and arboretum, Energy Star-rated, extra insulation, generator, programmable thermostat, Thermopane windows, audio system, pre-wired for cable, central vacuum, open floor plan, possible in-law or au pair suite, easy commute to the Merritt Parkway; close to downtown Westport shops, restaurants and public library; short commute to the Saugatuck train station, only 60-minutes from New York City, four fireplaces, attached under house two-car garage, stone wall, homeowners association, zoned central air conditioning, zone oil and propane heat, full finished walk-out basement, attic, public water connection, septic system, five bedrooms, four full and one half baths

SCHOOLS: Kings Highway Elementary, Coleytown Middle, Staples High

ASSESSMENT: $1,345,000

MILL RATE: 16.86 mills

TAXES: $22,677

HOA FEE: $300, paid annually, includes snow removal and road maintenance

Read this article:
On the Market: Beautifully crafted Westport colonial offers a symphony of amenities - Westport News

Virtual Extension

The scope of the Report:

The report analyzes the key opportunities, CAGR, and Y-o-Y growth rates to allow readers to understand all the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the Outdoor LED Lighting market. A competition analysis is imperative in the Outdoor LED Lighting market and the competition landscape serves this objective. A wide company overview, financials, recent developments, and long and short-term strategies adopted are par for the course. Various parameters have been taken into account while estimating market size. The revenue generated by the leading industry participants in the sales of Outdoor LED Lighting across the world has been calculated through primary and secondary research. The Outdoor LED Lighting Market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.

By Regions:

* North America (The US, Canada, and Mexico)

* Europe (Germany, France, the UK, and Rest of the World)

* Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific)

* Latin America (Brazil and Rest of Latin America.)

* Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, , South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa)

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Highlights of the Outdoor LED Lighting market study:

Speculations for sales:

The report contains historical revenue and volume that backing information about the market capacity, and it helps to evaluate conjecture numbers for key areas in the Outdoor LED Lighting market. Additionally, it includes a share of every segment of the Outdoor LED Lighting market, giving methodical information about types and applications of the market.

Key point summary of the Outdoor LED Lighting market report:

This report gives a forward-looking prospect of various factors driving or restraining market growth.

It presents an in-depth analysis of changing competition dynamics and puts you ahead of competitors.

It gives a six-year forecast evaluated on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow.

It assists in making informed business decisions by creating a pin-point analysis of market segments and by having complete insights of the Outdoor LED Lighting market.

This report helps users in comprehending the key product segments and their future.

Strategic Points Covered in TOC:

Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product scope, market risk, market overview, and market opportunities of the global Outdoor LED Lighting market

Chapter 2: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the global Outdoor LED Lighting market which consists of its revenue, sales, and price of the products

Chapter 3: Displaying the competitive nature among key manufacturers, with market share, revenue, and sales

Chapter 4: Presenting global Outdoor LED Lighting market by regions, market share and with revenue and sales for the projected period

Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions

Finally, the report global Outdoor LED Lighting market describes Outdoor LED Lighting industry expansion game plan, the Outdoor LED Lighting industry knowledge supply, appendix, analysis findings and the conclusion. It includes a through explanation of the cutting-edging technologies and investments being made to upgrade the existing ones.

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Outdoor LED Lighting Market Future Growth by In Depth Industry Analysis, Size, Trends and Forecast to 2026 - Cole of Duty

This report studies the global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) market, analyzes and researches the Lighting as a Service (LaaS) development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia.

Access the PDF sample of the report @https://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2024561

This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeAcuity Brands LightingCooper Industries, IncCree, IncFuture Energy SolutionsGeneral Electric LightingIGOR IncKoninklijke Philips N.VLunera LightingSIB Lighting

Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast Asia

Make an enquiry of this report @https://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/2024561

Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoIndoorOutdoor

Market segment by Application, Lighting as a Service (LaaS) can be split intoMunicipalCommercialIndustrialOther

If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Industry Overview of Lighting as a Service (LaaS)1.1. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market Overview1.1.1. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Product Scope1.1.2. Market Status and Outlook1.2. Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.2.1. United States1.2.2. EU1.2.3. Japan1.2.4. China1.2.5. India1.2.6. Southeast Asia1.3. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market by Type1.3.1. Indoor1.3.2. Outdoor1.4. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market by End Users/Application1.4.1. Municipal1.4.2. Commercial1.4.3. Industrial1.4.4. Other

Browse the complete report @https://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-lighting-as-a-service-laas-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025

Chapter Two: Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Competition Analysis by Players2.1. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2. Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1. Market Concentration Rate2.2.2. Product/Service Differences2.2.3. New Entrants2.2.4. The Technology Trends in Future

Chapter Three: Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1. Acuity Brands Lighting3.1.1. Company Profile3.1.2. Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3. Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.1.5. Recent Developments3.2. Cooper Industries, Inc3.2.1. Company Profile3.2.2. Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3. Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4. Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2.5. Recent Developments3.3. Cree, Inc3.3.1. Company Profil

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Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market 2020 By Size Development Trends, Competitive Landscape And Key Regions 2025 - Latest Herald

The report on the Laboratory Centrifuges market provides a birds eye view of the current proceeding within the Laboratory Centrifuges market. Further, the report also takes into account the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic on the Laboratory Centrifuges market and offers a clear assessment of the projected market fluctuations during the forecast period. The different factors that are likely to impact the overall dynamics of the Laboratory Centrifuges market over the forecast period (2019-2029) including the current trends, growth opportunities, restraining factors, and more are discussed in detail in the market study.

For top companies in United States, European Union and China, this report investigates and analyzes the production, value, price, market share and growth rate for the top manufacturers, key data from 2019 to 2025.

The Laboratory Centrifuges market report firstly introduced the basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the worlds main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the Laboratory Centrifuges market report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.

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The major players profiled in this Laboratory Centrifuges market report include:

The following manufacturers are covered:GetingeSkytronDerungs LichtBerchtoldDentalEZIntegra LifeScience CorporationVista Professional Outdoor LightingMAQUETWelch AllynBurton Medical Products

Segment by RegionsNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndia

Segment by TypeLED Surgical LampHalogen Surgical Lamp

Segment by ApplicationHospitalsClinicsOther

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Key Market Related Questions Addressed in the Report:

Important Information that can be extracted from the Report:

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Escalating Demand for Laboratory Centrifuges Amid COVID-19 to Record Sharp Growth through Pandemic - 3rd Watch News

KPF Breaks Ground on an Innovative Office Complex in San Jose, California

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Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) has just announced the groundbreaking of Platform 16, an office campus in Downtown San Jose, California. Comprising three-buildings, the 1,200,000-square-foot project is an innovative complex that favors indoor and outdoor connections.

+ 11

Prioritizing comfort, flexibility, connection with natureas well as with the adjacent transportation networks, Platform 16 creates multiple experiences for its occupants. Located right next to Googles planned eight million square foot transit village, the project developed by Boston Properties will include multiple outdoor terraces, active pedestrian plazas, expansive floor plates, and 15-foot floor-to-floor heights. The first phase of construction of Platform 16,the engaging and environmentally responsive workplace, is expected to be completed in 2023.

Our goal for Platform 16 is to create a responsive, generous, and healthy building that will stand the test of time thanks to its inherent flexibility. [] We prioritized occupant wellness and comfort by creating significant outdoor space at each level of the buildings, carving away the form at key moments that also, along with a dynamic faade, create a visual variety along the street. -- Trent Tesch, KPF Design Principal.

For a sense of depth and texture, the main faade puts in place three modules with three different orientations. In order to create large terraces at every level, the project recedes from the street. Moreover, the terraces"are positioned and oriented to bring daylight deep within Platform 16s interiors, promoting wellbeing and accessible on each level.

Regarding its energy-efficient strategy, Platform 16 includes a high-performance facade, passive cooling systems, and high-efficiency lighting systems. Moreover, a solar PV roof covering 20% of the building helps in reducing the buildings energy demand.

Our design for Platform 16 leverages San Joses warm, dry climate to create a cutting-edge and sustainable indoor/outdoor workplace and campus. [] The projects large interior floor plates extend to generous outdoor terraces, introducing ample daylight through an innovative and environmentally designed facade system. -- Lloyd Sigal, KPF Managing Principal.

Read more:
KPF Breaks Ground on an Innovative Office Complex in San Jose, California - ArchDaily

Ever since Apple unveiled the impressive 16-inch MacBook Pro, weve been waiting for a 14-inch variant that brought similar improvements to the smaller size. Today, Apple (sort of) delivered that updateand although its till a 13-inch computer, it benefits from a lot of important updates under the hood.

The updated 13-inch MacBook Pro come with several key updates, but none more anticipated than the updated keyboard. Now featuring the new and improved Magic Keyboard and a physical escape key, owners no longer have to deal with frustratingly shallow and unfortunately breakable butterfly switches.

Thats it for aesthetic tweaksunlike the 16-inch model, youre not getting smaller bezels and more screen in a nearly identical chassisbut for many people, the keyboard is reason enough to upgrade.

For photographers, the most important updates have nothing to do with the keyboard. Under the hood, Apple is giving us all a LOT more bang for your buck.

The new 13-inch MBP uses quad-core Intel chips across the lineup, and can be configured with 10th-gen CPUs that offer up to 2.3GHz per core and TurboBoost speeds of up to 4.1GHz. Apple is also increasing storage across the lineup by 2xstarting at 256GB on the base model and offering up to 4TB if youre feeling spendyand for the first time ever, you can configure the 13-inch MBP with up to 32GB of 3733MHz RAM.

The display, while not a significant update like we saw in the 16-inch variant, is still one of the best on the market for color-critical work, with 500 nits peak brightness and support for the P3 color gamut.

Finally, that CPU spec comes with one other important caveat for creatives: much-improved Intel Iris Plus Graphics.

You need to step up to the $1,799 model with the 10th-gen chips to take advantagethe first two tiers still use 8th-gen CPUsbut once you do, Apple promises up to an 80% performance boost over the previous generation. For photographers and video editors who want a thin-and-light Mac that is powerful enough to handle their workflow, this is a big step in the right direction.

It also means that the computer can now run a Pro Display XDR at full 6K resolution.

The new and improved 13-inch MacBook Pro is available today, and should begin arriving in customers homes later this week.

The base model costs $1,299 for a 1.4GHz quad-core 8th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB or RAM, 256GB of storage, but we would definitely recommend you upgrade that spec at least a little bit. The bump to 16GB of RAM costs just $100 (it used to cost $200) and you can upgrade to a 1.7GHz quad-core Core i7 with a much beefier TurboBoost for $300 more.

If you really want to take advantage of what this laptop can do, youll want to step up to the $1,800 variant, which will get you a 2.0GHz quad-core 10th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU (TurboBoost up to 3.8GHz), 512GB of storage, and 16GB of RAM, with the option to upgrade even further from there.

To learn more about this compute or spec out your own, head over to the Apple website.

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Apple Unveils 13-inch MacBook Pro: New Keyboard, Faster CPUs, and Up to 32GB of RAM - PetaPixel

As the U.S. Air Force (AF) continues to bolster its resilience efforts, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) continues to grow its capabilities and expertise in this same area. The NREL's partnership with the AF has led to smarter, stronger, and more flexible base infrastructure, strengthening the AF's ability to execute its missions worldwide.

In 2018, a team from the NREL worked with the AF to identify vulnerabilities at Florida's coastal-located Tyndall Air Force Base and put together a risk mitigation strategy. With its 40-plus years of renewable energy expertise, the NREL presented the AF with a strategy that included the supplementation of traditional energy sources with renewable sources in a variety of ways. The strategy was designed to boost resiliency, but it also uncovered a critical need to consider the interdependency of the energy system and other systems, such as communications, transportation, food, and water. It effectively places a greater importance on the surrounding community, where many of the base personnel have a vested interest.

"Right after we did that assessment, Tyndall was hit with a Category 5 hurricane," saidSherry Stout, NREL engineer. "We were able to validate how close we were. After a hurricane is a vulnerable time to go into any community of people. To have that level of trust in us, to be able to sit down and talk about the base and some of their homes that collaboration taught us a lot about which stakeholders to engage and how to engage them. Tyndall was so collaborative and helped us work through the process."

Hurricane Michael ripped through the Southeast, leaving a torn-up Tyndall Air Force Base in its path, before the AF could implement any of the mitigation strategies. While Tyndall considered the mitigation strategies provided by the NREL for its ongoing rebuilding effort, the AF continued to focus on strengthening the community. As a result, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recognized a growing need to address severe weather and its potential impact on national security.

Mark Jacobson, NREL senior project leader and liaison to the AF, said the relationship between the NREL and the AF is growing. Jacobson said he sees the NREL as more of a strategic partner to the AF in matters of increasing resiliency microgrids being one area of specific interest across all of the DoD.

"We've supported a number of bases in the preliminary design and/or evaluation of microgrids and that number is increasing because of the positive feedback we've received from previous projects," Jacobson said. "We can combine that engineering analysis with providing actual testing facilities where we can test hardware-in-the-loop. Microgrids are becoming ever so important as a solution to resiliency at individual bases and we have our own microgrid at our Flatirons campus. We're not just running a computer model. We actually have physical equipment that can be tested to replicate real work problems on the base. That's just the kind of support the AF is looking for."

The NREL and the AF have been partnering on energy projects for many decades. In the past, these collaborations have been on more of a project-by-project basis, but certain requirements have pushed the NREL into an integral position to the planning stages, as well as execution. One driver, set forth by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a requirement for each base to develop an installation energy plan.

"They look at the installations from a high-level perspective and understand the missions the base has and make sure the energy plans support the missions," saidJacobson. "We are starting to provide support for some of the projects resulting from these plans and are looking to increase that level as needed."

The NREL is uniquely positioned to provide the kind of support the AF prefers.

"We've got a reputation of being an honest broker and providing independent analysis that isn't pushing one technology or another or one brand or another," Jacobson said. "We can combine our engineering analysis with actual testing facilities. Marry these strengths to our high-performance computing facilities and dozens of specialty energy labs that make up the Energy Systems Integration Facility, and it gives the NREL a unique set of capabilities to offer not only the AF, but all of the DoD."

The NREL has nearly 900 active partnership agreements spanning industry; academia; and federal, state, and local governments. It can draw on those partnerships as required to pull in even more expertise and address even the most challenging specific requirements the AF can present.

"We have great relationships with the private sector, collaborating on near-term problem solving," Jacobson said. "We may propose certain ideas and outline a particular spec or high-level overview of a design solution, but the final specs and design are determined by iterating with the private sector and listening to their real-world operational and maintenance concerns. We have a lot of relationships with manufacturers, and there is a host of examples where we worked with the top manufacturers and engineering firms across the country to collaborate on a final implementable design solution."

Read theTyndall Air Force Base project case studyhere. For more information on theNREL's partnership with the DoD, visithere.

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NREL, U.S. Air Force Collaborate on Growing Portfolio of Resiliency Work - Transmission & Distribution World