The Alexandria company's modular dog play system earns recognition for adaptable, commercial-grade design trusted in more than 12,000 facilities worldwide

Alexandria, Virginia

Puppy Playground, the maker of modular dog playground equipment used in more than 12,000 facilities worldwide, has been named Versatile Product of the Year in the 2026 Pet Innovation Awards.

The award, presented by the Independent Innovation Awards, recognizes products across the pet care industry for creativity, usability, safety, and real-world impact. Puppy Playground took its category for one idea it has refined since 1994. Play equipment should bend to fit the dog and the space, not the other way around.

Every piece connects through the company’s Bone Connector system. Staff set each ramp, stair, tabletop, or platform onto hidden plastic connectors that lock them together. The pieces release in seconds. A full layout can come apart, get cleaned, and go back together as something new in minutes, which is exactly what a busy daycare floor needs when turnover and sanitation never let up.

The equipment is molded from commercial-grade polyethylene, with rounded edges, non-slip surfaces, and non-porous finishes that resist bacteria and withstand years of weather and daily use. The system is made to order in the USA and scales from the Mini Series for puppies and small dogs to the PRO Series for large breeds.

Because the Mini and PRO lines share the same connectors, a facility can start with a few pieces and expand to dozens without replacing what it already owns.

The company’s story goes back to 1988, when the Bessette family bought a run-down boarding kennel in Ormond Beach. Six years in, they had traced most of the behavior problems they saw to two causes: too much unspent energy and too little socialization. The group play areas they built to solve both became the foundation of the business Puppy Playground is today.

About Puppy Playground

Puppy Playground has designed and manufactured commercial-grade dog playground equipment since 1994. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the company builds modular, made-in-USA play systems that support exercise, confidence, and socialization for dogs in daycares, boarding facilities, shelters, and homes worldwide. Learn more at Puppy Playground.

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Jennifer Villa
MJI Marketing Agency
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Kennesaw, Georgia

Valtorc International : USA Manufacturing Operations

Valtorc international USA manufacturing operations has announced the completion of their new High Performance 3 Way all 316

Stainless Steel METAL SEATED ball valves.S372M series. These High performance 3 way ball valve packages, are being used in various industries worldwide. Chemical plant operations, Oil and Gas refineries, Food Processing plants, Water treatment facilities , and many other manufacturing plants worldwide. We are very proud of our engineering team, for the production and implementation, and fabrication of this high performance package. These packages are available in sizes from 1/2″” to 2″, in all stainless steel material, All packages are available with Pneumatic or Electric automation. Or can be used manually if required. We are very excited to promote these High quality packages, and are looking for qualified customers and distributors worldwide to help us promote these packages …

Valtorc International P.O. Box 1928 Kennesaw Georgia 30156

Call us. 770-423-7100

A J Bental

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.valtorc.com

Once a symbol of Manhattan’s architectural grandeur, Capitale is once again placing New York City at the forefront of luxury hospitality for a global audience.

NEW YORK, NY

As the eyes of the world turned to New York City during the FIFA World Cup, one venue emerged as the defining symbol of the city’s return as the global capital of luxury hospitality. Capitale, the iconic landmark housed within the former Bowery Savings Bank at 130 Bowery, hosted FIFA’s prestigious gala dinner, welcoming world leaders, international dignitaries, and distinguished guests for an unforgettable evening that showcased New York at its absolute finest.

For hospitality entrepreneur and Capitale visionary Ilya Zavolun, the evening represented something much larger than a successful event—it marked a turning point for New York City.

“Ask me what changed my mind about what this city is capable of, and I’ll point to this summer,” said Zavolun. “The world came to New York with genuine expectation, and when FIFA chose Capitale for its gala dinner, I watched guests from every corner of the globe experience something truly extraordinary. They weren’t simply impressed by the architecture—they felt they were somewhere that mattered.”

Housed inside one of Manhattan’s most celebrated architectural landmarks, Capitale combines historic grandeur with modern hospitality, offering an experience that few venues in the world can replicate. Rather than competing on convenience, Zavolun believes New York has an opportunity to once again become synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship, and unforgettable experiences.

“Somewhere along the way, New York started competing on convenience instead of grandeur,” Zavolun said. “This summer proved that the appetite for extraordinary experiences never disappeared. The world still wants New York to be magnificent. We simply stopped offering it. My mission isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about restoring the standard.”

The FIFA gala demonstrated the philosophy that has become the foundation of Capitale’s approach to hospitality: true luxury is found in intentionality.

“Capitale is more than a venue—it’s a piece of New York City’s history,” said Zavolun. “Our responsibility is to honor that legacy while creating experiences that feel timeless. True luxury isn’t measured by extravagance; it’s measured by how every guest feels the moment they walk through our doors. When people leave remembering how they were treated, not just what they attended, we’ve done our job.”

Every event hosted at Capitale is designed around the story each client wants to tell. Whether welcoming international organizations, corporate leaders, philanthropists, or families celebrating life’s most meaningful milestones, the venue emphasizes thoughtful curation over extravagance.

“True luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about intention,” Zavolun said. “Every event should have a purpose beyond celebration. When you understand the story you’re trying to tell, every element comes together to create an experience people remember long after the evening ends.”

Zavolun’s entrepreneurial journey spans decades, beginning with building and successfully selling a technology company before entering the hospitality industry. His experience taught him that exceptional venues are built not only through architecture but through people.

“Reputation compounds slowly and disappears quickly,” he said. “You earn it one event at a time. The building is remarkable, but it’s our team that creates the experience. Guests always know the difference between people who simply work somewhere and people who genuinely take pride in what they do.”’

Looking ahead, Zavolun believes New York has an extraordinary opportunity following the international attention generated this summer.

“The cameras may have moved on, but this is only the beginning,” he said. “I want people to return to New York not simply for business or sporting events, but because nowhere else in the world offers hospitality, culture, architecture, and elegance quite like this city. If we inspire a new generation of hospitality leaders to pursue excellence instead of convenience, everyone benefits.”

As New York continues welcoming international visitors, investors, and luxury travelers, Capitale remains at the forefront of a renewed movement toward timeless elegance, exceptional service, and world-class hospitality. Through landmark events and unforgettable guest experiences, the venue continues to demonstrate why New York remains one of the world’s premier destinations for luxury gatherings.

About Capitale

Located in the heart of Manhattan at 130 Bowery, Capitale is one of New York City’s most iconic luxury event venues, housed within the historic former Bowery Savings Bank. Renowned for its breathtaking architecture, soaring ceilings, marble interiors, and timeless elegance, Capitale serves as the backdrop for prestigious galas, corporate events, private celebrations, charity fundraisers, luxury weddings, and international gatherings. From hosting globally recognized organizations to welcoming distinguished guests from around the world, Capitale has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences. With a commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail, Capitale continues to elevate New York City’s standing as a premier destination for luxury events on both the national and international stage.

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Liana Zavo
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