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Full Brain Solution Sets New Industry Standard in Stroke Care
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aidoc, a pioneering force in clinical AI, announced today the launch of its revolutionary Full Brain Solution. This new solution will significantly expand the anatomy analyzed by AI to identify suspected strokes, allowing for identification and care coordination of patients with medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) as well as posterior and anterior large vessel occlusions (LVOs).
The Full Brain Solution represents a significant advancement in medical technology aiding patient care, being the first and only AI technology to identify suspected posterior and anterior LVOs and MeVOs. The prevalence of the newly covered conditions, posterior LVO and MeVO, is significant. 795,000 strokes take place each year in the United States, of which, 87% are ischemic strokes. Approximately 25-40% of ischemic strokes are MeVOs and 24-46% of all ischemic strokes are LVOs. 20-25% of LVOs are posterior.1,2,3,4
The addition of posterior LVO and MeVO enables approximately twice as many patients to receive faster access to life-saving therapy with AI-powered care coordination.1,2,3,4
"AI has shown remarkable success in enhancing workflow for patients with anterior LVOs, nearly halving the time to treatment. However, this is just the beginning. With Aidoc's Full Brain Solution, we can now broaden these advancements to benefit a significantly larger patient population, leading to improved care and ultimately better patient outcomes," shared Dr. Brian Mason, Associate Professor NeuroEndovascular Surgery at University of Illinois Champaign, one of the leading AI-healthcare experts in the country.
Extending beyond acute ischemic stroke, the Full Brain Solution employs diverse artificial intelligence technologies such as image-based identification and natural language processing to identify and orchestrate care for patients suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, and brain aneurysms, making it the most complete neurovascular AI solution.
Aidoc's Full Brain Solution is delivered through the company's proprietary operating system (aiOS™) that enables organizations to reliably deploy AI solutions in high volumes and overcome the challenges associated with legacy IT systems and separate physician workflows. The aiOS™ seamlessly integrates with existing IT infrastructure, enabling the scale needed to realize the full potential of AI in healthcare. Aidoc's aiOS™ is also the only platform integrated into electronic health records (EHR).
"AI continues to drive significant gains and contributions in addressing the challenges health systems are facing," stated Elad Walach, CEO, Aidoc. "Our groundbreaking Full Brain Solution is propelling AI into new and needed territories and proving impact to facilities by cutting the time to treatment nearly in half for twice as many patients. Our vision is to continue pushing boundaries, transforming the lives of a significantly larger patient population, elevating the standard of care, and driving remarkable improvements in patient outcomes."
Aidoc's Full Brain Solution will be showcased during the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California from July 31 to August 4. If interested in seeing a demonstration register here.
About Aidoc
Aidoc is a pioneering force in clinical AI. We focus on aiding and empowering healthcare teams to optimize patient treatment, which results in improved economic value and clinical outcomes. Our clinically proven AI solutions eliminate silos, increase efficiencies and improve outcomes by delivering critical information when and where care teams need it leading to immediate collective action. Built on Aidoc's proprietary aiOS™, we analyze and aggregate medical data to enable care teams to operationalize the unexpected and work seamlessly with a continued focus on the patient. Used in more than 1,000 medical centers worldwide, Aidoc has the most FDA clearances (13) in clinical AI and its AI-based solutions cover 75 percent of patient populations, enabling physicians to make informed decisions based on real-time data. Aidoc AI is always on, running in the background to change the foreground. Visit Aidoc.com to see how we are connecting all points of care with always on AI.
- https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.028956
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6584910
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170115/#:~:text=Approximately%2020%E2%80%9325%25%20of%20all,mistaken%20for%20more%20benign%20entities.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2163484/Full_brain_comparison.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015772/4183551/Aidoc_Always_On_AI_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Aidoc Medical LTD | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/aidoc-introduces-first-only-ai-powered-solution-identify-suspected-posterior-anterior-large-medium-vessel-occlusions/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:20 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/aidoc-introduces-first-only-ai-powered-solution-identify-suspected-posterior-anterior-large-medium-vessel-occlusions/ |
Jason Glass stepping down from education commissioner
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WYMT) - We are following a developing story.
Officials with the Kentucky Department of Education said in a release on Monday that Dr. Jason Glass will leave his post on September 29th.
We are told he will become associate vice president of teaching and learning at Western Michigan University.
“These past three years have been a remarkable journey and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to return to my home state and serve as commissioner,” Glass said in a news release. “I wish to thank the members of the Kentucky Board of Education for their wisdom and leadership, the staff at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) for their exemplary service and those working in education roles across the state for their continuing efforts to serve and support all of Kentucky’s children. I have a heart full of gratitude.”
Glass was appointed education commissioner in 2020 by the Kentucky Board of Education.
The news release said his contract was set to expire in September 2024.
In a letter to KBE Chair Lu S. Young, Glass said he is “committed to working diligently to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and to provide any necessary support to whomever is selected as an interim or new commissioner.”
He started his career as a social studies teacher at Hazard Independent Schools.
Copyright 2023 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/jason-glass-stepping-down-education-commissioner/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:22 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/jason-glass-stepping-down-education-commissioner/ |
CHICAGO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stafford Capital Partners ("Stafford") is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Carrabes as Head of Client Solutions in North America. Joe's appointment signals an important moment for Stafford's business development as it expands its operations in the US and North America.
Joe brings over 25 years' experience to the role, where he has previously held senior institutional leadership, sales and relationship management positions across a variety of products and strategies, including alternatives, ESG strategies and long only equity and fixed income.
Prior to Stafford, Joe was responsible for managing some of the largest institutional relationships at Amundi US. Joe also spent 12 years at Jennison Associates where he was Head of Institutional Sales and Client Service and was responsible for managing the institutional distribution efforts.
Commenting on the appointment, Stafford's Global Head of Client Solutions Valentina Abbott said: "We are delighted to welcome Joe to the team. He is an impressive executive with an incredible track record in capital raising and is highly regarded for his ability to build strategic partnerships with institutional investors.
Stafford recognizes its responsibility as an investor to contribute to a more sustainable financial system by taking a long-term, responsible approach to investing across alternatives. Joe's experience will be invaluable for Stafford in supporting our clients across the region with their net zero efforts.
This is a landmark moment for Stafford in the US and North America and signals a significant step forward in our commitment to the region."
Speaking about his appointment, Joe Carrabes said: "I am delighted to join Stafford, and I am looking forward to delivering on the firm's growth ambitions in the North American region. I see great potential for Stafford to support high-quality investors on their net zero journeys and believe the firm is well positioned to tackle the opportunities in the North American market."
Media enquiries
Georgina Whittle
Partner
Camarco
07835 770967
Georgina.whittle@camarco.co.uk
Amrith Uppuluri
Senior Consultant
Camarco
07763 083058
amrith.uppuluri@camarco.co.uk
Sean Palmer
Associate Partner
Camarco
07591 760844
sean.palmer@camarco.co.uk
Alexandra Lawrence
Associate Consultant
APCO Worldwide
404-254-7641
alawrence@apcoworldwide.com
About Stafford Capital Partners
Stafford is an independent private markets investment and advisory firm with USD 7.9 billion in assets under management and advice for more than 150 institutional clients worldwide. Founded in 2000, Stafford has a global team of 80+ professionals investing in infrastructure, timberland & agriculture, and sustainable private equity through secondaries, primaries, and co-investments. Stafford has been a UN PRI signatory since 2010 and has committed to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. It puts sustainability at the centre of its investment process and implements a well-defined ESG program across all strategies. In the UK, Stafford is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number: 225586).
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SOURCE Stafford Capital Partners | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/stafford-capital-partners-expands-us-operations-appoints-joe-carrabes-head-client-solutions-north-america/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:22 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/stafford-capital-partners-expands-us-operations-appoints-joe-carrabes-head-client-solutions-north-america/ |
A Blackbaud Partner, Momentum, is Helping Blackbaud Customers Create More Impact with AI
CHARLESTON, S.C., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today announced a strategic investment in Momentum, a leading AI-focused Blackbaud partner, graduate of Blackbaud's Social Good Startup tech accelerator program, and winner of Blackbaud's 2022 startup showcase.
Blackbaud recently unveiled a major new wave of its Intelligence for Good® strategy, with a commitment to increase the availability of AI-enabled partner solutions in the Blackbaud Marketplace. This investment in Momentum is one way the company is accelerating product delivery and focusing on the creation of AI capabilities embedded in Blackbaud solutions. With Momentum's integration with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®, Blackbaud customers can optimize their fundraising and stewardship processes.
"A tremendous opportunity exists for social impact organizations to use AI to address key operational and financial challenges," said Mike Gianoni, president and CEO, Blackbaud. "Blackbaud is actively investing in organic analytics and AI capabilities, and partnering with leading AI companies such as Momentum, to enable our customers to reach donors at a scale never seen before."
Momentum, founded by behavioral scientists from Duke's Center for Advanced Hindsight, launched the first version of its solution in 2019. Key to Momentum's success is a focus on the use of AI to create fundraising tools that build lasting relationships between high impact charities and their donors.
In its current release, the Momentum platform connects donor portfolios with automation and generative AI capabilities to deliver personalized first-draft communications and outreach recommendations directly to a fundraiser's email inbox. Customers using Momentum thus far have experienced a 400% increase in the number of personalized touchpoints their fundraisers could produce and an average of $60,000 per month in increased donations.
Momentum originally joined the Blackbaud ecosystem through participation in the Blackbaud Social Good Startup Program, where the company was connected to Blackbaud experts and fast-tracked into Blackbaud's partner program.
According to Nick Fitz, founder and CEO of Momentum, "Blackbaud's tech accelerator has been a pleasure to be a part of. With their help, we've refined our AI capabilities and integrated core infrastructure. We're working directly with fundraisers—helping people build more meaningful relationships with less psychological burden—and we're excited to learn from the leader in the space. This investment, and guidance from Blackbaud, will help us better serve the people powering the social good sector."
As Blackbaud continues to enhance its AI offerings, partners are a key piece of the company's strategy to grow the ecosystem around its leading solutions and services for social impact organizations. Learn more about Blackbaud's Intelligence for Good approach here and read more about the Blackbaud Partner Network here.
About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud's essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud's solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, Quartz's list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About Momentum
Momentum is an innovative AI and behavioral science company helping people build more meaningful relationships. Founded in 2019, our technology streamlines fundraising processes through thoughtful workflow automation and artificial intelligence, enabling fundraisers to focus on relationship-building rather than administrative tasks. Through our suite of products, Momentum has powered impactful campaigns, driving effectiveness and warmth in philanthropy. Our commitment to enhancing fundraising practices has made us a trusted partner for organizations around the world. For more about how Momentum is serving the sector, visit www.givemomentum.com.
Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com
Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.
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SOURCE Blackbaud, Inc. | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/blackbaud-invests-generative-ai-startup-social-impact/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:22 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/blackbaud-invests-generative-ai-startup-social-impact/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 9 Lives Interactive, formerly Rude Robot Studios, the developers behind the upcoming cats-and-mech multiplayer shooter, Nyan Heroes, are thrilled to announce their collaboration with Razer™, the leading lifestyle brand for gamers. Amid the gaming industry's transformational integration of gaming and Web3 technologies, this alliance signifies an innovative stride towards bridging this divide. Through their zVentures Web3 Incubator (ZW3I), Razer reiterates its dedication to blockchain adoption and commitment to providing diverse gaming experiences.
"Our collaboration with Razer is a major milestone in our journey," reveals Max Fu, CEO of Nyan Heroes. "With Razer by our side, we're emboldened to deliver gaming experiences that brim with joy and create lasting memories for our players."
Pre-alpha sign-ups are open, giving gamers an opportunity to experience the exciting adventure that awaits in the game. "We invite gamers to be part of the Nyan Heroes narrative as it evolves by joining us ahead of the official game release," says Fu.
Alongside this newfound collaboration with Razer, Nyan Heroes has embarked on a visual transformation. The rejuvenated graphics, underscored by joy, exploration, and camaraderie, encapsulate the spirit of the brand's refreshed gaming philosophy. The shift signals a departure from the traditional cyberpunk era, towards an enchanting, multiplayer adventure that beckons gamers worldwide to partake in the excitement.
Nyan Heroes' mission extends beyond gaming - they're committed to real-world change too. With a lofty goal to save one billion cats in real life, the company has already donated over $350,000 to animal welfare organizations, and they pledge to continue developing in-game features that enable players to participate in this impactful mission.
For more information or to sign up to playtest, visit nyanheroes.com or follow the developers on Twitter and Discord.
About Nyan Heroes
Nyan Heroes is a free-to-play hero shooter that combines fast-paced, competitive gameplay with a real-world impact. Developed by a remote team of seasoned game developers and powered by Unreal Engine 5 and blockchain technology, Nyan Heroes pays homage to cats and offers a AAA multiplayer experience with epic mech character classes, thrilling cat-like movement, and unique gameplay abilities.
The studio is committed to making a difference in saving one billion cats. $350K USD has already been donated to charitable organizations, including the Best Friends Animal Society. You can be a hero for cats everywhere and join the movement!
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SOURCE 9 Lives Interactive | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nyan-heroes-razer-team-up-marking-an-exciting-new-chapter/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:23 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nyan-heroes-razer-team-up-marking-an-exciting-new-chapter/ |
A University of Notre Dame professor has filed a defamation lawsuit against a student-run publication over news coverage of her abortion-rights work. The case is raising questions about press freedom and academic freedom at one of the nation's preeminent Catholic universities.
Tamara Kay's suit, filed in May, alleges falsehoods in two articles published by The Irish Rover in the past academic year. The Rover defended its reporting as true in a motion filed earlier this month to dismiss the case, under a law meant to protect people from frivolous lawsuits over matters of public concern.
Kay, a professor of global affairs and sociology, asks for unspecified punitive damages after she "has been harassed, threatened, and experienced damage to her residential property" and "continues to experience mental anguish" because of the two articles.
Published in October and March after public events in which Kay participated, the articles cover her remarks about her support for abortion rights. The lawsuit alleges that the articles contained "false and defamatory" information, arguing that they misinterpreted a sign on her door about helping students access healthcare and denying two quotes about academic freedom and her work at a Catholic institution.
"The note on my door referenced sexual assault, and the inadequate resources and support for student survivors at Notre Dame," Kay told The Associated Press via email.
She added that she had asked the Rover's faculty advisors to retract or correct the story, and that Notre Dame officials refused to intervene on her behalf.
"All of this is utterly devastating," Kay said. She said her public writing and public speech "are all fair game for reporting and critique, as long as that reporting is accurate. It has not been."
Notre Dame's Office of Media Relations didn't answer repeated requests for comment from the AP. Neither did Kay's attorney in the lawsuit.
In the motion filed under Indiana's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) law, the Irish Rover argued that - as an "independent, non-profit, student publication 'devoted to preserving the Catholic identity of Notre Dame'" - its coverage of a Notre Dame professor's public statements and actions about abortion qualify under the law's public interest and free speech criteria.
The motion added that the stories were "at least substantially true" and "did not contain defamatory imputation." Exhibits include a transcript of the March event and since-deleted tweets by Kay last fall referring Notre Dame colleagues to websites with information on where to find abortion providers and how to procure abortion pills.
That "targeted advocacy" - just as Indiana's abortion ban first went briefly into effect - motivated Notre Dame student W. Joseph DeReuil, 21, to seek comments from Kay and write a news story, he told the AP.
DeReuil, the Rover's editor-in-chief during the last academic year, said he is a practicing Catholic and believes the Church's teaching that life starts at conception and thus abortion is intentional killing.
"I do wish at times that, I guess, Notre Dame would take, as an institution, a stronger stance in favor of the Catholic position on some of these issues," he said.
He added that he condemned harassment of abortion rights advocates and specifically the threats mentioned in the lawsuit by Kay.
DeReuil said he was confident his reporting was factually correct and hoped the suit would be dismissed, instead of consuming his senior year.
"You'll face pushback, but you can still be a normal, cheerful, happy student," he said. "It's not going to affect you negatively in the long term if you're standing up for what you believe is true."
The Rover's attorney, James Bopp, Jr., said lawsuits like this can create a chilling effect.
"If we fail, it will send the message that if you speak out about the abortion issue, then you risk punishment through the legal system, and particularly if you speak out on the pro-life side," said Bopp, who has worked on major national cases on behalf of anti-abortion and free speech causes.
While the Church's position on abortion is unwavering, not all Catholics agree with it. Some oppose it based on their sense of Catholic teachings about individual conscience or social justice, said professor Samira Mehta, an expert on gender and religion at the University of Colorado.
It's rare to have faculty sue students for libel over an issue broaching "diametrically opposed worldviews," said Jonathan Gaston-Falk, an attorney with the Student Press Law Center. The organization defends press freedom rights for high school and college journalists and their advisors; it is not involved in this litigation.
"Libel can be boiled down to a false statement of fact that harms somebody's reputation" - and is published with knowledge of that falsity and malice if the person is a public figure, Gaston-Falk added.
According to Indiana law, courts have six months to rule on an anti-SLAPP motion.
Indiana was the first state to enact sweeping abortion restrictions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. | https://abc11.com/the-irish-rover-notre-dame-tamara-kay-defamation-lawsuit/13574955/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:24 | 1 | https://abc11.com/the-irish-rover-notre-dame-tamara-kay-defamation-lawsuit/13574955/ |
The giveaway of an original digital badge designed by Yusuke Kozaki, a Japan leading character designer, has just begun.
SINGAPORE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AnotherBall (CEO: Captain), providing virtual entertainment experiences for a new era, today launched their new project "SAI by IZUMO" in collaboration with some of the top artists in the Japanese anime and game industries. This project has begun with the first giveaway of non-transferable digital badges, illustrated by Yusuke Kozaki.
IZUMO, launched in February 2023, is a VTuber project in the age of AI and Web3 with the mission to build a sustainable place where everyone can live as they want to be. IZUMO offers the avatar assets of its symbolic character, "Ailis," to the public free of charge for both commercial and non-commercial use. With this, IZUMO continues to support all creators to maximize their potential creativities with emerging technologies.
The project "SAI by IZUMO," is a challenge to expand the possibilities of expression through emerging technologies with leading Japanese artists in the entertainment industry. The artists illustrated "Ailis" using their own unique style and expression, and IZUMO offers it as an original digital badge.
This collaboration project features six incredible artists: Yusuke Kozaki, a prolific illustrator, manga creator, and character designer who has worked on the character design for the AR game Pokémon GO; Aoi Yuki, a Japanese voice actress who won the Best Voice Actress Award at the 6th Seiyu Awards in 2012; KEI, a character designer known for a virtual character Hatsune Miku series; Ryu Nakayama, an animation director of Chainsaw Man; Shingo Adachi, an animator, character designer, and director known for numerous notable works such as the Japanese original anime TV series Lycoris Recoil and the Sword Art Online series; Naoki Saito, an illustrator, and YouTuber, known for his work in Pokémon Card Game and Duel Masters.
The exclusive illustrations drawn by each artist will be issued as digital badges using "Soul Bound Token (SBT)" technology, which makes it a non-transferable digital asset. The badges will be permanently owned and serve as proof of support for each artist.
Overview of "SAI by IZUMO"
Official website: https://sai.izumo.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IZUMOofficial
Discord: https://discord.gg/izumo
◼️ Introduction of the great artists:
Yusuke Kozaki
Character designer, illustrator, and manga artist. Yusuke Kozaki has designed and illustrated characters for a number of popular gaming titles, including Fire Emblem, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon: Sword & Shield.
Aoi Yuki
Voice actress. Aoi Yuki voiced the roles of Madoka Kaname in Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Iris in Pokémon: Best Wishes!, Hibiki Tachibana in Senki Zesshō Symphogear, and Maomao in Yakuya no Hitorigoto. She is also in charge of the YUKI×AOI Chimera Project, from planning to drafting and character design.
KEI
Illustrator. KEI has designed many characters for the Vocaloid series such as Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin/Len, and Megurine Luka. He also created the character design for the VTuber Mirai Akari.
Ryu Nakayama
Animator and animation director. Ryu Nakayama is best known for directing Chainsaw Man. He has worked as a director and storyboarding for Jujutsu Kaisen and original drawings for the movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0. He was also a key animator for Yattarman Night and a main animator for Macross Delta.
Shingo Adachi
Animator, character designer, and animation director. The anime Lycoris Recoil is an original work by Shingo Adachi, who composed and directed the series. He has also worked on Working!!, Sword Art Online (as a character designer and animation supervisor), POMPO: THE CINEPHILE (as a character designer) and so on
Naoki Saito
YouTuber and illustrator. Naoki Saito is in charge of illustrations for Pokémon and Pokémon Trading Card Game. He shares the illustration techniques cultivated as a professional illustrator on YouTube. He also has a deep understanding of NFTs and is involved in the creation and sale of original NFTs.
◼️The distribution order of digital badges:
Part 1 Yusuke Kozaki July 28 (Fri) ~ August 3 (Thu)
Part 2 Aoi Yuki early August
Part 3 KEI Mid-August
Part 4 Ryu Nakayama mid-August
Part 5 Shingo Adachi late August
Part 6 Naoki Saito early September
About AnotherBall
AnotherBall is a venture company founded in May 2022, led by Captain, CEO, and Ramen, CTO. The management members are serial entrepreneurs who in the past launched "mamari," the information-hub website for families, and the multinational VTuber agency called "PRISM Project." The company's current focus is on IZUMO, a VTuber project in the age of AI and Web3, with a mission "Live as you want to be." AnotherBall raised 2.2M USD in its angel round from renowned investors in May 2023.
Furthermore, Anotherball is currently hiring. If you're interested in the new era of the virtual entertainment business, please visit the careers page listed below.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IZUMOofficial
Official website: https://sai.izumo.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/izumo
Careers: https://bit.ly/IZUMO-Recruitment
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SOURCE AnotherBall Pte. Ltd. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/izumo-launches-sai-by-izumo-collaboration-project-with-top-artists-japanese-anime-gaming-industry/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:25 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/izumo-launches-sai-by-izumo-collaboration-project-with-top-artists-japanese-anime-gaming-industry/ |
The Official Committee of Talc Claimants Applauds Decision to Dismiss LTL Management Second Bankruptcy Attempt
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Official Committee of Talc Claimants (the "Committee"), which has been tirelessly pursuing justice for its constituency of talc victims injury by Johnson & Johnson's ("J&J's") talc products, is pleased with the court's decision to dismiss the second bankruptcy attempt. We believe the decision of the Honorable Chief Judge Kaplan was thoughtful, well-reasoned, and well-supported by the facts and law. This outcome now frees tens of thousands of victims to seek their justice through the tort system and, either before juries of their peers or by settlement on terms acceptable to them. The Committee has consistently contended the tort system is the rightful place for these claims to be resolved. Today's ruling validates the Committee's belief that J&J manipulated the bankruptcy system by using the "Texas Two-Step" legal maneuver and wrongfully sought to manufacture financial distress in its "Legacy Talc Liabilities" (LTL) Management subsidiary, solely to carry out a bad faith bankruptcy case. The company will now face the full weight of its conduct in the appropriate judicial forums.
"This ruling sends a clear message: multibillion-dollar, wholly solvent companies like J&J should not be allowed to use and in fact abuse bankruptcy laws to avoid accountability," said Brown Rudnick's David Molton, one of the co-counsels representing the Committee. "We are reassured by the Bankruptcy Court's reaffirmation that it will not allow solvent corporations to abuse the system and impose coercive, low-value and cram-down solutions on nonconsenting claimants. Justice should and now will triumph over corporate greed and legal chicanery."
"The claimants have waited long enough. Untold numbers of cancer victims have died while Johnson & Johnson attempted to manipulate the bankruptcy system to limit its liabilities," added Molton. "Now victims and their families can seek justice through the tort system – by presenting their case before a jury of their peers in courts of their own choosing."
The TCC filed its motion to dismiss on April 24, 2023, alongside several other movants, including the Office of the United States Trustee, numerous State Attorneys General, and other plaintiff groups, who shared a vision for this outcome. Chief Judge Kaplan's Opinion can be viewed on the case docket, available at: https://document.epiq11.com/document/getdocumentbycode?docId=4202926&projectCode=LCN&source=DM
About The Official Committee of Talc Claimants
The Official Committee of Talc Claimants (TCC), appointed by the Office of the United States Trustee (UST), an arm of the US Department of Justice, represents and acts as a fiduciary for all mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims, as well as all subrogation claimants who have claims based on or derivative to the victims' talcum powder claims. For more information about the TCC, please view our website at https://www.ltltalccommittee.org/
The TCC is advised by counsel, an investment banker, a financial advisor, and claims estimation experts well-versed in mass tort, asbestos, talc, bankruptcy, and victim advocacy. These entities include Genova Burns L.L.C., Brown Rudnick L.L.P., Otterbourg PC, Massey & Gail L.L.P., Miller Thomson L.L.P., MoloLamken L.L.P., Compass Lexecon, FTI Consulting, and Houlihan Lokey.
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One injured, one charged in Bell County shooting
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - One woman is recovering at a Tennessee hospital following a shooting late last week in Bell County.
Around 9 p.m. Thursday night, Bell County sheriff’s deputies and a Pineville Police officer were called to a home on Highway 987 outside Pineville.
When police arrived, they discovered the suspect, Charles David Cross, 33, of Pineville was trying to hurt himself with a gun when the victim, Brianna Hoskins, tried to stop him.
During the struggle for the gun, it went off, shooting her in the cheek and neck.
Hoskins was taken from the scene by Bell County EMS, but they quickly discovered how serious her injuries were. She was flown to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. No word on her current condition.
Her children were also in the home at the time of the shooting. They were not hurt and were placed in the care of other family members.
Cross is charged with assault and two counts of wanton endangerment. He was taken to the Bell County Detention Center.
Copyright 2023 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/one-injured-one-charged-bell-county-shooting/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:28 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/one-injured-one-charged-bell-county-shooting/ |
AI demonstrated high accuracy, reduced non-diagnostic outputs, and identified HFpEF patients with worse outcomes.
OXFORD, England, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Applying AI to a single apical four chamber (A4C) view echocardiogram provides accurate information to detect heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), according to research published today in JACC Advances.1
The study, presented at the American Society of Echocardiography Annual Scientific Session, demonstrates the platform could improve the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of a condition that currently often goes undetected, or requires additional invasive procedures to confirm.
Ultromics' EchoGo® Heart Failure accurately detected HFpEF and provided fewer non-diagnostic outputs than current clinical scores, using just the routinely acquired A4C view from a transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE). The novel technology, which was recently granted clearance and Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA, identifies radiomic signatures of disease that are not evident to the human eye.
Senior study author, Patricia A. Pellikka, M.D, Vice Chair in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic, said: "HFpEF can be difficult to detect, but left undetected and untreated, can result in hospitalization and mortality. As the first AI platform cleared to detect the condition, EchoGo® Heart Failure can fill a significant unmet need."
"With more than 32 million people living with HFpEF, and the incidence increasing, clinicians will benefit from having another means to recognize this disease."
Based on the AI findings, patients could potentially be started on medications to treat their condition earlier than if they had to wait for an invasive diagnostic assessment of the disease.
The AI model was trained and developed on 6,756 patients who underwent a comprehensive TTE at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between January 2009 to December 2020. It was then independently tested in geographically distinct areas within Mayo Clinic enterprise System sites across the United States, on a dataset that included 1,284 patients.
EchoGo® Heart Failure demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, detecting 87.8% of patients who had HFpEF, and 81.9% of patients that did not.1 These results exceed what is usually observed in routine clinical practice.
It was also able to assign a correct diagnosis to 74% of patients who had returned non-diagnostic results on the commonly used HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF clinical scores.1 This improvement could translate to more patients receiving accurate and timely diagnoses and management.
During the follow-up period of up to 5 years, 444 patients died, highlighting the poor outcomes associated with HFpEF.1 The AI model was able to identify patients with worse survival, demonstrating its capacity to meaningfully improve patient outcomes.
Ross Upton, PhD, CEO and Founder of Ultromics, said: "Our research demonstrates the tremendous potential of AI in revolutionizing the detection of HFpEF. EchoGo® Heart Failure's exceptional discrimination capabilities combined with its ability to identify patients with higher mortality risks holds great promise for improving patient outcomes and enabling faster access to treatment."
"In a large number of cases, diagnostic data are often missing or discordant, making HFpEF detection challenging. AI can enhance echocardiography capabilities to help practices overcome the cumbersome intricacy of diastolic assessment. It is particularly useful for clinical centers that lack the time, resources, or expertise to perform comprehensive, diagnostic-quality, assessments."
By streamlining the screening process for this complex clinical syndrome, EchoGo® Heart Failure paves the way for more patients to receive the care they need sooner, potentially preventing more severe outcomes, and reducing HFpEF's significant burden on patients and healthcare.
Ultromics remains committed to advancing AI technology to transform cardiovascular healthcare. The groundbreaking findings from this study underscore the company's dedication to empowering healthcare professionals with tools that overcome existing bottlenecks and enhance patient care.
For more information on EchoGo® Heart Failure, visit Ultromics.com
Mayo Clinic has a financial interest in the technology referenced in this press release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.
Notes to editors
The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Mayo Clinic, USA and St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, UK, and supported by a grant from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE).
References:
1 - Akerman AP, Porumb M, Scott CG, et al. Automated Echocardiographic Detection of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction using Artificial Intelligence. JACC Advances, 2023:100452.
About Ultromics:
Ultromics is a pioneer in advanced heart failure detection. The ground-breaking platform, EchoGo ®, is transforming the way heart failure is diagnosed using artificial intelligence and cardiac ultrasound as a modality. The technology empowers clinicians to make precise, efficient, and accurate assessments of heart failure, leveraging the largest known heart disease outcomes dataset in echocardiography, accurately interpreting echocardiograms and predicting cardiac outcomes. The technology has been built in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and NHS England, and has over $50 million raised capital to support continued innovation with the likes of Blue Venture Fund, Optum Ventures, Oxford Science Enterprises, and GV. They are backed by the largest US health insurance firms with 4 FDA clearances. Ultromics' mission is to stop heart failure in its tracks with its precision detection platform. https://www.ultromics.com
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SOURCE Ultromics | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/study-confirms-ultromics-ai-can-improve-hfpef-detection-using-single-echocardiogram-view/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:28 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/study-confirms-ultromics-ai-can-improve-hfpef-detection-using-single-echocardiogram-view/ |
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Capewell, a global leader in custom-engineered survivability and aerial delivery solutions, proudly announces it has received the prestigious AS9100 certification for its technical sewing and survivability campus in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The certification, which is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS) in the aviation, space, and defense sectors, underscores Capewell's unwavering dedication to exceptional quality and superior solutions for the Armed Forces around the world.
"We are immensely proud to have been ISO 9001 certified, and now AS9100 certified," said Thomas Weidley, Capewell's CEO. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Virginia technical sewing and survivability team, who consistently strive to deliver excellence in every aspect of our operations. AS9100 not only validates the effectiveness of our quality management systems but also demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the safest, most reliable, and highest-quality products."
Built upon the foundations of ISO 9001, a globally recognized standard that sets the requirements for exceptional quality management systems and the most widely used standard in the world, AS9100 is specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of the civilian and military aviation sector.
AS9100 provides organizations with a strategic approach to address quality enhancement goals by creating a comprehensive system to help organizations design, create, and deliver safe and reliable products while adhering to customer, legal, and regulatory requirements. This certification ensures that manufacturers are consistently producing safe and reliable products.
"By obtaining the AS9100 certification, Capewell demonstrates that the highest standards of quality management are in place for all products manufactured at our facilities," said Cathy Roberts, Quality Assurance and Contract Manager who oversaw the certification application process. "This achievement represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of continuous improvement and reinforces our commitment to meeting and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers."
On average, it takes three to six months for a company to complete the strict and rigorous internal and external audits required to be certified.
Achieving the AS9100 certification now at all our facilities in the U.S., places Capewell among the ranks of the world's leading aerospace companies, showcasing the organization's adherence to the highest industry standards. As an AS9100 certified company, Capewell's presence will be featured in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS), which is maintained by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQC). OASIS serves as a vital resource for the industry, enabling customers and suppliers alike to connect efficiently and explore potential partnerships.
About Capewell
Founded in 1881, Capewell is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of survivability and aerial delivery products and services for the defense community. With locations in the United States and Europe, Capewell supplies the Department of Defense, Allies, and Partners around the world with the most innovative, most effective custom-engineered solutions capable of withstanding today's dangerous operating environments. The company also offers training and doctrine development as part of its mission to save lives and increase success. Capewell maintains strong relationships with large government prime contractors and is a vital part of the global supply chain.
To learn more, visit www.capewell.com.
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SOURCE Capewell | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/capewell-achieves-as9100-certification-strengthening-commitment-quality-safety-aerospace-industry/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:29 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/capewell-achieves-as9100-certification-strengthening-commitment-quality-safety-aerospace-industry/ |
IRVINE, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Companies, a leading healthcare staffing and recruiting firm specializing in locum tenens and permanent hire opportunities for physicians and advanced practice providers, is pleased to announce its inclusion in the 2023 Largest Locum Tenens Staffing Firms in the US list compiled by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). This ranking coincides with Pacific Companies' recent expansion into new office facilities in Irvine, CA, and Dallas, TX, to accommodate its expanding team and growth.
As the global research and advisory firm focused on staffing and workforce solutions, SIA releases an annual list ranking healthcare staffing firms by estimated revenue in the latest full calendar year. Pacific Companies' inclusion on the locum tenens segment of the list demonstrates its leadership in the locum tenens industry and its dedication to delivering superior healthcare staffing solutions to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities nationwide.
"We are delighted to rank as one of the largest locum tenens staffing firms in the US," said Gary Cook, CEO of Pacific Companies. "This achievement is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional locum tenens services to our clients. We remain focused on our mission to connect healthcare systems with the highly skilled and qualified physicians they need to deliver quality patient care."
"Locum tenens continues to be an area of tremendous growth for our organization as more healthcare systems find locums as an efficient way to fill in any staffing gaps quickly," said John Paulk, COO of Pacific Companies. "Our commitment to providing top-notch locum tenens services has allowed us to forge strong partnerships with healthcare facilities nationwide. As we move forward, Pacific Companies remains dedicated to expanding our network of highly skilled locum tenens professionals and delivering comprehensive staffing solutions that address the evolving needs of the healthcare industry."
Pacific Companies has been at the forefront of the locum tenens staffing industry, leveraging its extensive network of expert recruiters to match highly qualified physicians with healthcare facilities in need. With a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, Pacific Companies has consistently demonstrated its ability to meet the evolving staffing demands of the industry and maintain strong relationships with clients and providers.
As Pacific Companies celebrates this prestigious accolade, the company remains dedicated to delivering innovative staffing solutions, fostering long-term partnerships, and upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in the locum tenens industry.
For more information about Pacific Companies and its services, please visit www.pacificcompanies.com.
About Pacific Companies:
Pacific Companies is a leading healthcare staffing and recruiting firm specializing in locum tenens and permanent placement. With over 20 years of experience, Pacific Companies offers comprehensive staffing solutions to healthcare facilities across the United States. The company's team of industry experts is committed to providing exceptional service and matching highly skilled healthcare professionals with healthcare facilities in need.
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SAN FRANCISCO -- Elon Musk has angered some living near Twitter, or X headquarters. Friday night the company unveiled their new X logo on top of the building by turning the lights of that X on. In the process, those lights beamed right into nearby apartments.
Videos posted to social media show the pulsating X light which has become the talk of San Francisco's Mid-Market neighborhood.
"It is pretty annoying from my perspective," said Jessica Xu who lives across the street.
The X, which sits atop Twitter headquarters, signifies Twitters rebrand and name change to X. The light was said to be off Saturday night, but was on Friday night and some residents from the buildings across the street were not so happy about it.
VIDEO: 'X' logo installed atop Twitter building, spurring San Francisco to investigate permit violation
"I think it's way too bright! It was flashing directly into my apartment and just lit up my entire place," said Xu.
"Too bright yeah. I would say too bright," said Viet Huynh who lives across the street.
"From below, we were walking our dog and saw it and were like, oh wow what a spectacle and then we get upstairs and we see like the ramifications of it and it is so bright and ridiculous," said Jennifer Freeman.
Twitter, or X's Elon Musk posted video showing the X all lit up.
City officials say they've opened an investigation into the sign saying, "A building permit is required to make sure the sign is structurally sound and installed safely. Planning review and approval is also necessary for the installation of this sign. The City is opening a complaint and initiating an investigation."
MORE: 'The everything app': What Musk's rebranding of Twitter to X could mean for future of his companies
Sunday, the Twitter letters were completely removed from the sign, leaving just the X.
Tech analyst Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group says the change doesn't do any good for the social media platform.
"This is probably one of the worst times to do a brand change, a name change because they were having trouble retaining customers, and whenever you change the identity of a company you're going to lose a certain amount of customers as a result of the name change," said Enderle.
But Musk and X have their strong supporters even with this bright light.
"He's playing chess with City Hall. I love what he's doing. I think it's great, like I said he's a showman, he's going to turn the light down at night, it's going to be very subtle but everybody is talking San Francisco now. I love that!" said Dee Dee Damn.
MORE: Elon Musk says Twitter has 'negative cash flow' and 'heavy debt'
And while some say yes the light was bright Friday, they're just dealing with it.
"I got curtains, I got blackout curtains," said CJ Randolph.
For those that don't have the black out curtains -
"We were in the living room and we could see it flashing from the bedroom and I was like, what is that and I was like, oh no it's that big X we saw outside," said Freeman.
Yes, the gig X, the one that everyone seemed to be taking pictures of on Sunday, wondering what will come next.
If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live | https://abc11.com/twitter-x-sign-bright-light-sf-hq/13575800/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:30 | 0 | https://abc11.com/twitter-x-sign-bright-light-sf-hq/13575800/ |
Firm Unveils New Office and Managing Director in Austin, Texas
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jensen Partners ("the Firm"), a leading global distribution-focused executive search and corporate advisory firm, today announced an important expansion with the opening of a new office in Austin, Texas and the appointment of Stacy Schiffman to Managing Director of Distribution. Schiffman, who recently assumed her new role and now leads Jensen Partners' Austin office, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of search execution, including candidate generation and engagement, as well as client management and interview preparation, with a particular focus on investment and capital raising roles. Schiffman is also playing an integral role in driving the Firm's business development outreach, research and market intelligence to help guide hiring decisions and foster greater client outcomes.
Austin is a burgeoning financial center home to major private markets participants in the Southwestern US. As Jensen Partners' Austin office head, Schiffman is responsible for solidifying the Firm's relationships with clients and candidates in the area, and her appointment marks the latest development in Jensen Partners' global growth journey. In January 2023, the Firm announced the opening of a new office location in Miami, Florida to serve its growing list of clients who expanded their footprint in the region; and in October 2022, Jensen Partners announced a strategic investment from JB Capital to accelerate data integration and scale key product offerings that address a wider range of talent challenges including diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), recruiting, hiring and retention.
"Stacy's role in Austin is the latest step towards enhancing our Firm's commitment to maintaining a strategic presence in major financial centers in both the U.S. and across the globe," said Sasha Jensen, Founder and CEO of Jensen Partners and Jensen DiversityMetrics™. "Her decades of insight will help us continue to build deeper relationships with the best talent in the industry and further solidify our capacity to drive superior long-term human capital solutions for our clients globally. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team."
Schiffman joins Jensen Partners from PIMCO, where she led marketing recruiting. Prior to PIMCO, she launched Highline Staffing, a firm that specialized in the recruitment and placement of capital raising and investment professionals for leading asset management firms globally. From 2005 to 2009, Schiffman was an institutional relationship manager for marketing and client management at Prisma Capital Partners, where she focused on business development and raising assets across strategies in the alternative investment industry. She was also involved with recruiting on the buyside, helping to expand global footprints. Schiffman began her career on the buyside with Sanford C. Bernstein, managing the firm's esteemed research department.
"I'm excited to join such a dedicated and passionate group at Jensen Partners, whose unique vision and platform has solidified its place as the industry's leading data-driven talent solutions resource," said Schiffman. "Jensen Partners' mission-driven and highly impactful integrated recruitment strategy has quickly become the gold standard in the alternative asset management space, and I look forward to contributing to the important work that Sasha and her team are doing."
About Jensen Partners
Jensen Partners is a global advisory, corporate development and executive search firm that leverages its extensive relationships in the investor and alternative asset management community to source and recruit leading capital raising and investment candidates. The Firm takes a data-driven approach, combining quantitative and qualitative insights to source and place the ideal human capital. In addition to executive search, Jensen Partners offers LP/GP referencing, proprietary 360° Investor Referencing™ methodology, and compensation benchmarking and analysis. Known globally as a leader in the asset management space for its transformative talent and DEI solutions, Jensen Partners has been named one of the world's most innovative companies with fewer than 100 employees by Fast Company; the "Best Recruiter" in Europe by Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire; and the top DEI provider within Operations and Service by Fund Intelligence. To learn more, please visit www.jensen-partners.com.
About Jensen DiversityMetrics™
Jensen DiversityMetrics™ combines rich diversity analytics with the latest research from the field of human capital management, providing an objective, 360 degree view of where a firm stands on DEI and how they can make meaningful progress towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, including: verified demographic data for more than 25,000 investment and distribution professionals from across the industry, a candidate pipeline of over 8,000 investment and distribution professionals who self-identify as having a diverse background and a proprietary scoring algorithm that enables objective DEI comparisons across firms and industries. With Jensen DiversityMetrics™, firms can benchmark against competitors, develop diverse candidate pipelines, analyze hiring and retention practices, identify biases in workplace culture and report progress to investors.
Jensen Partners publishes JensenDiversityMetrics™ data and insights in its quarterly newsletter. To sign up for Jensen Partners' newsletters, please visit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tbmquk0.
Media Contacts
Prosek Partners
Max Berger
mberger@prosek.com
215-595-3696
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50% Off Glasses Sitewide from July 31 to August 14 for All
DTC Vision Products Startup Helps You See Easy with a New Pair of High-Quality, Impact-Resistant, and Anti-Scratch Handcrafted Glasses
New York, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2023 school year approaches, Hubble Contacts, the leading direct–to–consumer brand providing high-value and affordable daily contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and other eye care accessories, is excited to announce the launch of its Back-to-School See Easy, See More campaign, celebrating the kickoff of the new school year.
Recognizing the immense dedication and effort put forth by teachers, Hubble Contacts wants to show appreciation and support for their essential role in shaping the future of our world.
Starting July 31, the first 100 teachers to submit a photo of their current teacher ID badge or LinkedIn profile URL to teachers@hubblecontacts.com will receive a promo code that can be redeemed for a free pair of high-quality, impact-resistant and anti-scratch handcrafted prescription glasses.
Teachers will receive a complimentary pair of Hubble's stylish, durable frames to help them see their students through the entire school year. This exclusive giveaway, valued between $78-$138, depending on the add-on features, will run for two weeks only or until supplies last.
Don't fret if you didn't get a pair of glasses in time, as Hubble Contacts has got everyone covered with a 50% off discount on all eyeglasses.
Hubble's handcrafted prescription eyeglasses start at just $78, making them an affordable and stylish choice for everyone. With features such as anti-reflective, anti-glare, anti-scratch, hydrophobic, and oleophobic coatings, along with optional add-ons like reader magnification and blue light filtering, Hubble's eyeglasses offer exceptional functionality and versatility.
Students, parents, or anyone looking for a new pair of glasses can use the promo code "BACKTOSCHOOL50" at checkout from July 31 through August 14 to take advantage of this offer.
"Back to school is the perfect time to invest in a new pair of eyeglasses. And at Hubble, we aim to make this buying experience as hassle-free and as affordable as possible for you," said Steve Druckman, CEO of Hubble Contacts. "This campaign is our way of showing our support in helping you cross a new pair of eyeglasses off your new school year checklist."
Hubble's frames are proudly designed in the U.S., meticulously crafted with premium materials, and come with a tri-fold Hubble frames case and microfiber lens cloth. The glasses feature impact-resistant lenses, durable barrel hinges, and padded temple tips, ensuring durability and comfort.
The See Easy, See More Back-to-School campaign will be promoted on Hubble Contacts website, Instagram, through email marketing and PR.
For more information, please visit Hubble Contacts' website at www.hubblecontacts.com or follow us on Instagram.
SEE EASY, SEE MORE BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY TERMS + CONDITIONS:
- Entries must be received by midnight Pacific Time on August 14, 2023 to be eligible.
- No purchase is necessary.
- Entrants must be teachers in the U.S.A. and at least 18 years old.
- One entry per person.
- Hubble employees and their family members are not eligible.
- Winners will be notified by email beginning July 31 through August 14, 2023, or until supplies last.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hubble@lvpr.com
ABOUT HUBBLE CONTACTS:
Founded in 2016, Hubble Contacts is on a mission to create the easiest, most accessible, and most affordable contact lens and glasses buying experience in the world. Leveraging its vision care expertise and passion for customer service, Hubble offers high-quality, made-to-order daily wear contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and other eye care accessories direct-to-consumers nationwide. To date, Hubble has sold over 400 million lenses.
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BELLEVUE, Wash., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Coinstar® for Financial is proud to announce its partnership with Suncoast™ Credit Union as they implement Coinstar self-service kiosks for in-lobby coin counting in 72 of its branches. Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida and the 10th largest in the US based on membership, serving more than one million members across the state.
The partnership began with a 90-day pilot, allowing Suncoast to trial Coinstar's Anthony kiosks designed for financial institutions in a few of its busier branches. Surpassing Suncoast's goals of increasing transactions and efficiency, the pilot was a success. Coinstar for Financial will complete the rollout to all branches by the end of July.
"Coinstar's impact on productivity and member experience was felt within the first week of the pilot. There were just a few short days between signing the contract and seeing the improvement in our coin operations," said Jennifer Bolivar, Senior Vice President of Business Transformation and Retail Branching. "We are excited to roll out Coinstar's best-in-class kiosks across our branch network and continue seeing the positive impact."
The Anthony kiosks are replacing Suncoast Credit Union's previous coin machines that were managed by branch staff, which often interrupted valuable time spent with members. Coinstar for Financial relieves branch staff of that burden by handling every aspect of their coin counting program. Suncoast staff can now better support their members with more time to work face-to-face and ensure members' needs are met.
Coinstar's turnkey program takes care of coin pickup, kiosk maintenance, and administration, meaning Suncoast's branch staff no longer need to worry about emptying the machines, hauling heavy bags of coin, or coordinating repairs. Members can turn their coins into cash through the convenient and highly accurate self-service Coinstar kiosks. In the future, Suncoast also plans to add coin-to-deposit functionality, where members can insert their debit card and deposit coins directly to their account.
"Coinstar is thrilled to partner with Suncoast Credit Union and proud to be a part of their culture of superior focus on the member experience," said Kevin McColly, CEO of Coinstar. "We look forward to a long, prosperous relationship with Suncoast Credit Union and supporting their success into the future."
Implementing the Anthony kiosks is one of Suncoast's steps in its journey toward continuous branch transformation. Having recently installed Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) at most of its branches, Suncoast had seen how automating some of its more mundane transactions improved the day-to-day for members and employees. With Coinstar as the latest addition to its branch technology, Suncoast has reached a new level of efficiency and member satisfaction.
About Coinstar for Financial
Coinstar for Financial provides a turnkey coin management service that strengthens existing customer loyalty, increases deposits, and attracts and retains new branch traffic. With no capital investment and no maintenance fees, your staff can focus on customers instead of coin counting. Our entire fleet of kiosks is owned, maintained, and serviced by Coinstar, which means there is virtually no financial or reputational risk for your business. If you are a financial institution leader and are curious about how a fully managed coin program can assist in your branch transformation, contact the experts at Coinstar for Financial. To learn more, visit financial.coinstar.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 10th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $17 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 76 full-service branches and serves more than one million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union's service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union's field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida's 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $40 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit www.suncoastcreditunion.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Pep Boys further expands its footprint in the Raleigh market as it celebrates its 14th location and pledges its support to the community.
PHILADELPHIA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pep Boys, a leading U.S. automotive service provider, will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in Raleigh at the Triangle Town Center tomorrow, August 1, 2023. The 7320 Old Wake Forest Rd Raleigh, NC 27616 location will join 13 other locations in the Raleigh market. Customers can expect a full range of automotive maintenance and repair services at this newest location.
Pep Boys will celebrate this monumental opening with residents and special guests at 11am. As a testament to the Company's commitment to its community, Pep Boys will be presenting a donation to two local non-profit organizations, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of North Carolina and the Haven House Society.
"Pep Boys takes pride in extending our automotive service experience to an even larger customer base in Raleigh," said Scott Collette, Pep Boys CEO. "Our team of technicians and service advisors are looking forward to connecting with the local community and providing quality car care to its drivers."
The Raleigh location provides both individual customers and the area's fast-growing fleets with preventative maintenance, tire installations and both routine and major repairs performed by certified technicians. In addition to being equipped with the latest technology to handle today's complex vehicles, Pep Boys offers every driver a Courtesy Vehicle Inspection as well as an entirely digital customer experience from online appointment booking to service tracking and mobile pay.
Pep Boys also offers a broad range of opportunities and career paths for today's auto service technician. With a commitment to supporting technical education and training and development, a Pep Boys auto service technician can pursue several different career paths. For more information on a career with Pep Boys, visit www.careers.pepboys.com.
About Pep Boys
Founded in 1921 by military veterans, generations of drivers have counted on Pep Boys ASE-certified Pros to care for their cars. With a national network of Service and Tire Centers, millions of vehicles and fleets pass through Pep Boys bays each year. Our commitment to being the one our communities count on is demonstrated through our exceptional customer experience and technical expertise. For more information, visit www.pepboys.com/corporate.
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SOURCE The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe and Jack LLC | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pep-boys-celebrates-new-auto-service-tire-center-raleigh-august-1-with-celebration-community-commitment/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:36 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pep-boys-celebrates-new-auto-service-tire-center-raleigh-august-1-with-celebration-community-commitment/ |
20 elite teams battled to be crowned Riyadh Masters 2023 champion, and Team Spirit claimed a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters 2023 competition wrapped up yesterday after 12 days of thrilling matches featuring 20 elite teams vying for victory and taking home a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool. As one of the premier tournaments in the Dota 2 calendar, Riyadh Masters 2023 ran the globe's greatest teams through a round-robin group stage and then double-elimination playoffs in the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA).
Among the teams competing for the top prize was Dota 2 powerhouse Team OG, the first team in Dota 2 history to win four Dota Major Championships. Team Tundra Esports, reigning champions of Dota's iconic "The International" tournament, also headed into the 2023 Masters amongst the favorites. Of course, there could only be one winner, and this achievement went to Team Spirit, who triumphed in the final, beating Team Liquid in an encounter for the ages.
The $15,000,000 prize pool is the largest available of any Dota 2 competition this season, and the action did not disappoint, with the stakes being so high. Over 120,000 fans tuned in to the official broadcast on Twitch to witness the epic showdown. Team Spirit reached the Grand Final for the second year in a row, knocking out the season's most dominant performer, Team Gaimin Gladiators, along the way and beating Team Liquid 2-1 in the upper-bracket final as the team looked to banish last years demons and finish in first place rather than second. Team Liquid earned a shot at their redemption by crushing Team Talon 2-0 in the lower bracket final. But the result of this eagerly anticipated rematch in the five-game Grand Final went to Team Spirit, an unassailable 3-1. As champions, Team Spirit left Gamers8 and Boulevard Riyadh City $5,000,000 richer, the runners-up collecting $2,500,000 from the overall prize pool.
Faisal bin Homran, Chief Esports Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: "The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters tournament at Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has captured the imagination of the thousands in attendance at Boulevard Riyadh City's Esports Arena and the tens of millions watching avidly across the globe. Since July 19th, the global gaming and esports scene has been captivated by the exploits of the best Dota 2 teams and players in the world. Competing for a $15 million prize pool – the biggest third-party prize pool for a tournament ever – the action has been even more dramatic than anticipated and epitomizes the level of standard for which Gamers8 has become renowned. We congratulate Team Spirit on their success and thank all the teams, players, fans, sponsors, and partners at the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters for being part of a special moment in Saudi Arabian gaming history."
Although the Riyadh Masters may have finished, there's plenty more action on offer as part of Gamers8: The Land of Heroes in its 2023 edition. Esports athletes from around the world are competing in a 12-tournament lineup with a prize pool of $45 million to the soundtrack of musical superstars like Imagine Dragons, Alan Walker, and Metro Boomin', who are putting on a show for the crowds at Gamers8. The festival, the world's largest for gaming and esports, has been full of action since it kicked off in July, with seismic impacts such as Pakistan winning the Nations Cup in Tekken against a well-favored Korean team. Among the other titles taking center stage at Gamers8's home in Boulevard Riyadh City are Rocket League, PUBG Mobile, FIFA, and Counterstrike.
Fans can enjoy further exciting events as the festival continues through August 27th, following which the Gamers8 festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum. Known as the 'Next World Forum,' it brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world to Saudi Arabia. Gamers8 is playing a key role in developing the grassroots esports scene in Saudi Arabia and providing opportunities for esports athletes around the world. Over 67% of Saudi citizens are gamers, and multiple world champions have come from the Kingdom already to win on the world's largest stages.
Media Kit: http://bit.ly/3QXvndE
Contact: jack@biggamesmachine.com
About Gamers8 – The Land Of Heroes:
Gamers8 is the world's largest gaming and esports festival and the destination for elite esports champions and gaming universe lovers. It's the ultimate place to compete for glory and become a hero walking among the worlds of your chosen story. Located in Riyadh at the heart of Saudi Arabia, Gamers8 spans a period of eight weeks from July to September 2023, with new challenges and experiences unlocked every week. You can watch the world's top esports teams compete for the highest prize pools, attend performances by global music artists, experience your favorite gaming platforms come to life, and learn the mysteries behind the creation of video games. Gamers8 is your world, and it's your adventure to choose.
Gamers8: The Land of Heroes follows the success of last year's Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh City. Gamers8 2022 saw the world's best teams and players battle it out across five top titles – Rocket League, Dota 2 Riyadh Masters, Fortnite, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile – for a prize pool of $15 million. The 2022 festival was visited by more than 1.4 million visitors and watched by more than 132 million people around the globe. A total of 391 professional players – representing more than 61 nationalities – and 113 international teams took part in world-class esports competitions. Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has a total prize pool of over $45 million – triple last year's grand prize total – and will host the elite of esports in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City. The festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum, known as the 'Next World Forum', that brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world.
About SEF:
The Saudi Esports Federation is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia.
The Federation's activities are categorized into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming/esports value chain by catalyzing the industry and enabling talent.
Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organized multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors, and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2097764/GAMERS8_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Saudi Esports Federation | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:35 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ |
UVALDE, Texas -- A little more than a year after a gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killed 19 children and two teachers, actor Matthew McConaughey hopes to make schools safer through his Greenlights Grant Initiative.
The video is from a previous report.
In an interview with ABC "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl on Sunday, McConaughey, a Uvalde native, reflected on his experience in the weeks following the massacre, a period that saw him visit both his hometown and the White House -- and he shared his thoughts on how people with differing values can find consensus on policies to reduce gun violence.
"My wife was out of the country," McConaughey said, recalling the aftermath of the shooting. "She heard about the news, immediately writes me and says, 'We got to go down there.' She cut her trip short, flew in. We packed up and headed out."
McConaughey and his wife, Camila, met the representative for Uvalde, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, who introduced them to relatives of the dead, McConaughey said.
"We had families invite us in to come for the first viewing of their child. And that, to us, felt like we were trespassing," McConaughey said. "But the mother and father go, 'No, please come in.' And when we left there, the consensus was, 'Can you help make their lives matter?' So that led to us ending up in D.C."
RELATED: Judge says DPS must release documents related to Uvalde shooting response
Not long after McConaughey's visit to the White House, in June 2022, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the first major piece of gun legislation enacted into law in decades.
The bill approved funding for schools to address gun violence by increasing mental health support for students, enhancing background checks and supporting the implementation of "red flag" laws to temporarily prevent access to weapons for people who could be a danger to themselves or others.
But while the BSCA is "already working in some ways," there are also "billions of dollars that are still left to be spent," McConaughey said.
"Billions of dollars for school safety," Karl emphasized. "Great. That's awesome. And then you find out ... a year later and the money hasn't gone out yet. Most of it hasn't."
In fact, McConaughey said, Rep. Gonzales told him and his wife that some three months after the Uvalde shooting, only 12 schools in the area had applied for government funding but zero of them had been awarded the money.
"What are we doing?" McConaughey said, adding, "That's a 0% success rate. One, way too few applications. No. 2, the 12 applications, we went 0-for-12?"
"The government admits that it shouldn't be this complicated," he said. (Government agencies have, more recently, announced hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to numerous recipients, including for mental health and public safety support.)
McConaughey hopes his work with his wife will be helpful, too.
"You got 14,000 something schools. This grant initiative is going to connect those districts to those billions of dollars that's there, available, and wants to be used to make our kids safe," he said.
RELATED: Uvalde school shooting, 1 year later: Families of victims, survivors recount what happened that day
More broadly, Karl asked McConaughey if he believes the way gun policy debates are framed becomes an obstacle to making change.
"A lot of people that consider themselves strong Second Amendment supporters, they think any measure is a measure towards confiscating all guns. So how do you speak to those people?" Karl asked.
McConaughey said his solution starts simple.
"I'd change the word from gun 'control' to 'responsibility,'" he said.
"No one wants to be controlled," he continued. "But responsibility is still something that we can all go, 'Yeah, I'll take responsibility.' The Second Amendment defenders could talk responsibility. They could look you in the eye and talk responsibility with someone from the other side of the aisle."
Karl noted polling that shows broad support for further regulations, such as universal background checks and waiting periods for firearm purchases -- "yet none of those things have been done."
McConaughey said he believes that the majority public view on the issue is not being represented by politicians right now. "That math should add up. And right now, it doesn't," he said.
"Do you have advice to, particularly Democrats on this issue ... do you have any advice on how they can speak?" Karl asked.
"There's a whole lot of Americans that need you to at least meet them where they are and what they're understanding and how they've grown up on this issue with guns in their lives and how they, most of them, do handle them responsibly," McConaughey said. "So don't cast them down as being archaic or cavemen."
Polarization can be a powerful force, McConaughey acknowledged, but so can compromise.
"We love the wreck. It's entertainment," he said, adding, "We don't love to watch health as much as. We like to watch disease. These two extremes have the microphone."
In light of McConaughey's increasingly outspoken views on gun policy and reducing gun violence, Karl asked if he could ever see himself seeking elected office. "Or can you do more outside? Like what you're doing here."
"There's a great question that I'm still answering," McConaughey said. "And as of right now, to be a private citizen with my wife and to come up with an idea like the Greenlights Grant Initiative -- to work with the government publicly to help them, not doing the job for them, helping them pull off what they set out to do in the first place -- there is an argument that that's more useful, what I'm doing right now, in a small way."
"But to do the kind of big change?" Karl followed up.
"Well, to do the big change ... I'd have to be convinced that that's a category that I could be quite useful in," McConaughey said. "And it's something that I think about all the time."
"You do?" Karl said.
Of course, McConaughey said: "Starting as the man I am, as a concerned father, as a husband, as a person who believes in people, as a Texan, as an American is like, man, come on, I believe in us." | https://abc11.com/uvalde-mass-shooting-in-texas-school-safety-schools/13574810/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:36 | 0 | https://abc11.com/uvalde-mass-shooting-in-texas-school-safety-schools/13574810/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- We the Veterans and Military Families, a non-profit, non-partisan, pro-democracy organization (formerly We the Veterans), today announced that Jeremy Butler will join the team as the Chief Growth Officer, effective July 24, 2023. He will serve on We the Veterans' Executive Team, working with Executive Director Ellen Gustafson and Executive Chairman Ben Keiser.
"Jeremy's extensive experience in the veteran community will be an invaluable addition to our team as we expand our pro-democracy work nationally," said Ellen Gustafson, Executive Director of We the Veterans and Military Families. "Jeremy has an incredible track record of success advocating for America's veteran community as a transformative leader."
Jeremy Butler, a U.S. Navy veteran, joins We the Veterans and Military Families after a distinguished term as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Jeremy served on active duty in the Navy from 1999 to 2005 as a surface warfare officer. He currently serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Jeremy attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he majored in International Relations. He later received his M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
"I'm excited to join We the Veterans and Military Families and help advance their important mission to strengthen our democracy for all Americans," said Mr. Butler. "Our nation does its best work when we come together and work for the common good."
About: We the Veterans and Military Families was founded in 2021 by veterans and military family members. Our mission is to empower the veteran and military family community to strengthen American democracy by promoting patriotic civic engagement. In 2022, WtV&MF organized the +30 member Vet the Vote coalition and recruited more than 63,500 veterans and family members to serve as volunteer election poll workers nationwide.
Media Contact
Joe Plenzler
LtCol, USMC(ret.)
joe.plenzler@wetheveterans.us
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SOURCE We the Veterans and Military Families | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/jeremy-butler-joins-newly-renamed-we-veterans-military-families-chief-growth-officer/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:38 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/jeremy-butler-joins-newly-renamed-we-veterans-military-families-chief-growth-officer/ |
SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avalara, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based tax compliance automation for businesses of all sizes, today announced the appointment of channel leader Meg Higgins as SVP of Global Partners.
In her new expanded role, Higgins will be responsible for growing Avalara's channel and technology partner business to deliver a best-in-class experience. Higgins has been at Avalara for four years and most recently served as VP and GM of Global Partner Business Development and Strategy at Avalara and oversaw the acquisition of new partners and commercial negotiations. Prior to that she was the company's VP and GM of Ecommerce and Global Marketplaces and expanded Avalara's presence in the space by establishing partnerships with the world's leading ecommerce and marketplace platforms.
With more than 20 years of experience in the technology sector, Higgins has successfully led and scaled business development and channel programs for companies in the ecommerce and shipping industries. Her experience includes more than a decade of leadership roles at Pitney Bowes, where she co-founded the company's global ecommerce business unit and served as SVP of client and partner management for North America.
"Meg is critical to growing and scaling Avalara's worldwide partner program and has an outstanding track record at our company," said Kimberly Deobald, Chief Revenue Officer at Avalara. "Her deep understanding of our business model and the channel will strengthen how we work with our existing partners, engage with new partners, and deliver industry-leading tax compliance automation to our mutual customers."
The appointment of Higgins follows the April 2023 announcement of Sean Flynn as the company's SVP of Global Sales, who leads the company's go-to-market sales teams.
About Avalara
Avalara makes tax compliance faster, easier, more accurate, and more reliable for 30,000+ business and government customers in over 90 countries. Tax compliance automation software solutions from Avalara leverage 1,200+ signed partner integrations across leading ecommerce, ERP, and other billing systems to power tax calculations, document management, tax return filing, and tax content access. Visit avalara.com to improve your compliance journey.
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SOURCE Avalara, Inc. | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/avalara-appoints-meg-higgins-senior-vice-president-global-partners/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:39 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/avalara-appoints-meg-higgins-senior-vice-president-global-partners/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Right now, in the United States, there are about 34.8 million kids aged 0 to 17 who are going through really painful times called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The scariest part is that a CDC ACE Study found that going through six or more ACEs can take away almost 20 years from a person's life. But their stories can have a different ending. There is hope for positive change and healing.
Fred Scarf, the founder and CEO of BioFormula Select, turned his childhood scar into a successful company selling dark spot removal products called Stop Guessing. This journey brought him remarkable results, profitable success, and personal closure.
"When I was born, I had a dark spot on my face mistaken for dirt, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It helped me handle life's challenges, discover my strengths, and make meaningful contributions to my community. If I was going to carry childhood scars into adulthood, I wanted to finally heal the wound," says Scarf. Scarf graduated as the salutatorian in high school, earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley, and worked as a model in California.
BioFormula Select's Stop Guessing Dark Spot Removal products achieved impressive customer results and brought significant profits in Q2. The company's revenue surged by 320% compared to the earnings in Q2 of the previous year.
"My dark spot dilemma is solved, and my childhood wound is healed," says Scarf.
The CDC estimates that 21 million depression cases and 1.9 million heart disease cases potentially could have been avoided by preventing ACEs. ACEs cause $748 billion economic burden annually in the US, Canada, & Bermuda.
"I can't change my past and tell my younger self that the dark spot won't always be so dark, but I can tell the 34 million kids facing trauma and the 114 million Americans dealing with skin issues that their stories can still have a beautiful ending. A tiny spark of light can illuminate the way forward out of our darkest moments. Right now, darkness can turn into light, and dark spots can be removed," says Scarf.
With heat making dark spots worse and cold weather creating hyperpigmentation, Stop Guessing Skincare is ready to solve dark spot dilemmas in the upcoming fall and winter.
CONTACT: Stopguessing@michelemariepr.com
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SOURCE BioFormula Select | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:42 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ |
Leveraging AI, Topline Pro Scales to Help the Millions of Small Home Service Businesses Succeed
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Topline Pro, a Generative AI platform enabling home services professionals to manage and scale their businesses online, today announced $12M in Series A funding led by Forerunner Ventures (Brian O'Malley) along with support from Bonfire Ventures (Jim Andelman), TMV (Soraya Darabi), BBG Ventures (Susan Lyne).
Topline Pro is democratizing the key building blocks for managing and growing a Home Services business, which is uniquely possible through AI advancements. The platform enables pros, from general contractors to landscapers, to be discovered, trusted and booked — repeatedly. Topline Pro's mission is to ensure more home service business owners succeed by providing all the tools and resources they need, so pros can focus more on their craft versus the operational overhead of running a small business.
Topline Pro's intuitive interface empowers pros to efficiently and seamlessly manage and grow business by helping them:
- Build a thriving online presence through custom generated content, from personalized social media content to a custom website and online ads, while syncing content to and from local listings
- Gain trust and showcasing experience through robust reviews collection, response and showcasing capabilities
- Get paid online, schedule and book business, and develop meaningful customer relationships
Topline leverages generative AI across its suite of offerings so business owners can focus more on their craft and doing work in the field, instead of sinking time and energy into growing and managing the business in the background. To date, the platform has generated over $180M in business across thousands of businesses in nearly all 50 states.
"Topline Pro is akin to a Shopify for Home Services businesses," said Brian O'Malley, Managing Director at Forerunner Ventures. "By building a vertical stack for this ecosystem, Topline has the opportunity to bring this underserved category online and empower greater economic opportunity."
Until the creation of Topline Pro, the home service market was mostly served through marketplaces and intermediaries for connecting homeowners with service providers. The prevailing system and solutions has been inefficient and expensive, where business owners have no other option but to pay significantly for leads without any guarantee of winning the work. Topline Pro believes in tipping the power back towards Home Services small business owners, where they have more control and resources to grow and operate their business directly.
"Home Services businesses are part of the backbone of the American economy and an industry that consumers rely on for the safety and comfort of their home, but the space has been overlooked for far too long due to structural and cultural dynamics, such as market fragmentation and misplaced stigma," said Nick Ornitz, CEO and Co-founder of Topline Pro. "Topline Pro is on a mission to help millions of home service business owners in the more than $500Bn market be more likely to succeed.".
Topline Pro will use the recent funding to further expand Generative AI capabilities across the existing suite of tools, build out additional product offerings, and expand their team across multiple roles in engineering, product, customer success, marketing and sales.
Topline Pro
Topline Pro (toplinepro.com) is a platform that empowers service based small businesses to get discovered, build trust, and get booked, repeatedly. Topline Pro utilizes generative AI to automate the creation of a SEO optimized website and ongoing online engagement along with tools that streamline operations from booking to payment. Topline Pro enables the business owner to own the relationship with their customers and grow their business while focusing on what they do best, exceptional service in the field. Topline Pro has generated over $180M in business across thousands of businesses in nearly all 50 states.
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SOURCE Topline Pro | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/topline-pro-announces-12m-series-funding-reshape-economic-opportunity-home-services/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:41 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/topline-pro-announces-12m-series-funding-reshape-economic-opportunity-home-services/ |
Damola Adamolekun to Step Down as CEO; Rohit Manocha Appointed Interim CEO
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. (the "Company") today announced that Damola Adamolekun has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") effective August 1st, 2023. The Board has appointed Rohit Manocha, a shareholder representative and P.F. Chang's board member since 2019, to serve as interim CEO and is working with an independent recruitment firm to conduct a comprehensive search for a successor. Mr. Adamolekun will return to Paulson & Co. Inc. ("Paulson") as a Partner focusing on investments.
"On behalf of the Board and the entire P.F. Chang's team, I want to thank Damola for his invaluable contributions since he joined the Company," said John Paulson, Board Chairman and President of Paulson. "Damola stepped in as CEO in the midst of the Covid-induced economic shut down and successfully pivoted the business to off-premise dining to continue to serve customers and stabilize cash flow. Subsequently, he returned the Company to growth through a total brand refresh and new restaurant openings that position P.F. Chang's for long-term success. We are grateful for his leadership of the Company during this period."
"I'm immensely proud of all that we've accomplished to elevate the customer experience, to build-out the Company's technology infrastructure to enable a robust takeout and delivery business, and to expand our international footprint," said Mr. Adamolekun. "It's been an honor to lead P.F. Chang's, and I wholeheartedly believe the strong team we have in place will continue to drive success in the future."
Mr. Manocha said, "The P.F. Chang's brand and restaurant network are in a great position, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to build on our momentum, drive increased traffic and transition the Company to its next world class leader. Most importantly, we will continue to make our customers' lives better through iconic, authentic food and joyful hospitality."
Mr. Manocha is a seasoned leader with deep experience in the restaurant, retail and investment industries. He is the Co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, a private investment firm, and his responsibilities include serving as chairman of TGI Fridays and a board member of Dover Saddlery and of Mears Transportation.
In the four and half years since acquisition, the Company has invested more than $200mm to open more than ten bistros and two flagships, revitalized the existing store fleet, and upgraded the menu and experience in restaurants to provide customers with the highest quality Asian food in an entertaining and celebratory setting. The Company has significantly expanded its takeout and delivery business, launching a small-footprint P.F. Chang's To Go format so more customers can enjoy P.F. Chang's anywhere. The Company is now in an ideal position to continue to grow and take advantage of the substantial opportunity to bring the P.F. Chang's experience worldwide.
About P.F. Chang's
Founded in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming, P.F. Chang's is the first internationally recognized multi-unit Asian culinary brand to honor and celebrate the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking as the center of the guest experience. With roots in Chinese cuisine, today's menu at P.F. Chang's spans across all of Asia, honoring cultures and recipes from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond. Each item offers a unique exploration of flavor, whether it's a handcrafted cocktail, wok-fired lunch bowl, or celebratory multi-course dinner. Worldwide, P.F. Chang's has more than 300 restaurants in 22 countries and U.S. airport locations, including a growing number of convenient P.F. Chang's To Go locations offering takeout and delivery. For more P.F. Chang's news, visit pfchangs.com.
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SOURCE P.F. Chang’s | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pf-changs-announces-ceo-transition/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:42 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pf-changs-announces-ceo-transition/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management today announced the firm has successfully completed the conversion of four mutual funds to ETFs. The conversion of these funds to actively managed ETFs will provide investors with active investment options in markets traditionally available to ETF investors through mostly passive solutions.
The following four ETF conversions means shareholders will benefit from intraday trading, liquidity and reduced fees and may benefit from greater tax efficiency.
"Investors are looking for differentiated active capabilities in the ETF wrapper. As conversions, these ETFs have a track record and scale from Day 1 and add to our active range of ETF providing tools for investors to meet their investment goals," said Bryon Lake, Global Head of ETF Solutions, J.P. Morgan Asset Management. "We are excited to provide shareholders with greater choice and access to the benefits that active ETFs can provide, including additional trading flexibility, increased transparency and reduced fees through transparency at attractive price points."
The combined assets of the four active, transparent funds converted are approximately $1.5 billion. J.P. Morgan Asset Management ranks as a top ten ETF issuer in the U.S. with respect to AUM1, and number one year to date2 in net active flows across active ETFs in the U.S.
About J.P. Morgan Asset Management
J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of $2.67 trillion (as of 3/31/2022), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com. J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and its affiliates worldwide.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and its affiliates worldwide.
J.P. Morgan ETFs are distributed by JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc., which is an affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Affiliates of JPMorgan Chase & Co. receive fees for providing various services to the funds. JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. is a member of FINRA. More information is available at https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/gim/adv/products/etfs.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives and risks as well as charges and expenses of the funds before investing. The summary and full prospectuses contain this and other information about the funds and should be read carefully before investing. Call 1-844-4JPM-ETF or visit www.jpmorganETFs.com to obtain a prospectus.
1 Data according to ETF.com as of 06/09/2022
2 Data according to Simfund as of 06/10/2022
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A Blackbaud Partner, Momentum, is Helping Blackbaud Customers Create More Impact with AI
CHARLESTON, S.C., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today announced a strategic investment in Momentum, a leading AI-focused Blackbaud partner, graduate of Blackbaud's Social Good Startup tech accelerator program, and winner of Blackbaud's 2022 startup showcase.
Blackbaud recently unveiled a major new wave of its Intelligence for Good® strategy, with a commitment to increase the availability of AI-enabled partner solutions in the Blackbaud Marketplace. This investment in Momentum is one way the company is accelerating product delivery and focusing on the creation of AI capabilities embedded in Blackbaud solutions. With Momentum's integration with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®, Blackbaud customers can optimize their fundraising and stewardship processes.
"A tremendous opportunity exists for social impact organizations to use AI to address key operational and financial challenges," said Mike Gianoni, president and CEO, Blackbaud. "Blackbaud is actively investing in organic analytics and AI capabilities, and partnering with leading AI companies such as Momentum, to enable our customers to reach donors at a scale never seen before."
Momentum, founded by behavioral scientists from Duke's Center for Advanced Hindsight, launched the first version of its solution in 2019. Key to Momentum's success is a focus on the use of AI to create fundraising tools that build lasting relationships between high impact charities and their donors.
In its current release, the Momentum platform connects donor portfolios with automation and generative AI capabilities to deliver personalized first-draft communications and outreach recommendations directly to a fundraiser's email inbox. Customers using Momentum thus far have experienced a 400% increase in the number of personalized touchpoints their fundraisers could produce and an average of $60,000 per month in increased donations.
Momentum originally joined the Blackbaud ecosystem through participation in the Blackbaud Social Good Startup Program, where the company was connected to Blackbaud experts and fast-tracked into Blackbaud's partner program.
According to Nick Fitz, founder and CEO of Momentum, "Blackbaud's tech accelerator has been a pleasure to be a part of. With their help, we've refined our AI capabilities and integrated core infrastructure. We're working directly with fundraisers—helping people build more meaningful relationships with less psychological burden—and we're excited to learn from the leader in the space. This investment, and guidance from Blackbaud, will help us better serve the people powering the social good sector."
As Blackbaud continues to enhance its AI offerings, partners are a key piece of the company's strategy to grow the ecosystem around its leading solutions and services for social impact organizations. Learn more about Blackbaud's Intelligence for Good approach here and read more about the Blackbaud Partner Network here.
About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud's essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud's solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, Quartz's list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About Momentum
Momentum is an innovative AI and behavioral science company helping people build more meaningful relationships. Founded in 2019, our technology streamlines fundraising processes through thoughtful workflow automation and artificial intelligence, enabling fundraisers to focus on relationship-building rather than administrative tasks. Through our suite of products, Momentum has powered impactful campaigns, driving effectiveness and warmth in philanthropy. Our commitment to enhancing fundraising practices has made us a trusted partner for organizations around the world. For more about how Momentum is serving the sector, visit www.givemomentum.com.
Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com
Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.
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BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chindata Group, ("Chindata" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CD), an industry leader in carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solutions, recently released its 2022 Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report, showing the Company's impressive achievements in ESG management and green transformation. Most notably, Chindata's annual operating power usage effectiveness (PUE), a standard efficiency metric for power consumption in data centers, reached 1.21, significantly better than the industry average. The Company also announced the enterprise's supply chain carbon emissions for the first time.
Chindata is fully committed to the goal of zero carbon, integrating green concepts into the entire lifecycle of data center site selection, planning, design, construction, and operations, and continues to achieve carbon reduction goals. Highlights from the 2022 ESG report include:
Environmental: Chindata adheres to a zero-carbon principle and fully implements the concept of green environmental protection, while striving to achieve green development through technological innovation. According to the report, the Company's annual operating PUE showed a 1.21 energy efficiency level which is a significantly better number than the industry average. Additionally, by the end of 2022, Chindata had obtained and applied for 423 patents, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 50 percent, and its proprietary waterless cooling technology which can reach a water use efficiency (WUE) of zero had been put into use. From a green electricity standpoint, 220 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity were purchased in 2022, and accumulated green electricity obtained through transactions has reached almost 770 million kilowatt-hours.
Social: Chindata is committed to creating an era of value sharing that is inclusive, reciprocal, and beneficial, adheres to a diverse, open, and inclusive corporate culture, provides equal opportunities for employees, and builds a fair talent training system and believes that corporate development dividends can benefit employees, customers, value chain partners, and local communities. Women filled one-third of the Company's senior management roles in 2022, and close to 40 percent of employees saw promotion in the same year. Additionally, Chindata actively promotes sunlight capture and conversion and promotes the improved sustainable performance of its supply chain. In 2022, the company's overseas subsidiary Bridge Data Centres (BDC) received the esteemed 'Malaysia Digital Status' award, acknowledging significant contributions to Malaysia's digital economy.
Governance: Over the past year, Chindata has taken solid steps toward sustainable development by optimizing its governance structure, promoting technological innovation, and expanding the use of clean energy. Its ESG value model places stability and transparency, creative excellence, a mutually beneficial future, and green development as cornerstone elements. Moving forward, the Company will continue to build a new regional ecosystem and will also evolve the green gene in its DNA, drive low-carbon computing through technological innovation, and lead and promote the technological development of green data centers throughout the industry.
Huapeng Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Chindata Group, said, "The thriving global digital economy is witnessing an unprecedented surge, driven by rapid advancements in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). This growing focus on environmental sustainability has led to stringent green norms in data center construction. Consequently, the Internet Data Center (IDC) industry finds itself at the forefront of a transformative industrial shift, where the principles of eco-friendliness, low carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and operational intensity are paramount. By adhering to these principles, Chindata is fostering a symbiotic alliance between the green and digital economies, propelling a new era of green sustainable development."
At this pivotal juncture of digital economy advancement and energy transformation, Chindata leverages its core values of Stable, Advanced, Forward, Eco-friendly (SAFE) to enhance its ESG strategy. With a strong foundation in arithmetic and data, these four elements are ingrained in the Company's DNA, empowering Chindata to offer abundant computing power in a reliable, environmentally friendly, and high-quality manner. This transformation of electricity into superior computing power ensures Chindata's pivotal role in fueling the digital economy and shaping a promising digital future.
About Chindata Group
Chindata is a leading carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solution provider in Asia-Pacific emerging markets and a first mover in building next-generation hyperscale data centers in China, India, and Southeast Asia markets, focusing on the whole life cycle of facility planning, investment, design, construction and operation of ecosystem infrastructure in the IT industry. Chindata provides its clients with business solutions in major countries and regions in Asia-Pacific emerging markets, including asset-heavy ecosystem chain services such as industrial bases, data centers and network services.
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SOURCE Chindata Group | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:48 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ |
Innovative community bank with $2.4 billion in assets to provide award-winning BaaS offering
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Treasury Prime, a leading embedded banking software company, today announced it is partnering with Academy Bank to bring embedded finance services to its customers in the financial services industry. This partnership addresses the increasing demand for flexible and scalable solutions that effectively meet the evolving needs of businesses and customers.
The objective of this partnership is to provide businesses with seamless access to Academy Bank's deposit services, enabling them to offer FDIC-insured accounts to their customers while staying fully compliant with regulatory requirements. Treasury Prime's award-winning BaaS platform, coupled with Academy Bank's established banking infrastructure, will empower businesses to rapidly launch and scale their payment and deposit products, driving strong customer engagement and retention.
"Academy Bank's ability to service deposit customers in a highly personalized manner, combined with their unwavering commitment to innovation, forms a strong foundation for our partnership," said Jeff Nowicki, VP of Banking at Treasury Prime. "We are proud to welcome Academy Bank to our bank network and work together to deliver transformative banking experiences."
"This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and focus on the fintech industry," said David Robinson, Director of Fintech Partnerships at Academy Bank. "By leveraging Treasury Prime's technology, we can enhance our offerings and provide our fintech partners with the tools they need to accelerate their growth and deliver innovative financial services."
This partnership follows Treasury Prime's success in rapidly expanding its bank network, which now exceeds 15 financial institutions nationwide.
For more information about Treasury Prime, visit treasuryprime.com.
About Treasury Prime
Treasury Prime is building the future of finance. Leveraging its award-winning APIs and versatile embedded banking products, Treasury Prime enables banks and enterprise partners to innovate, adapt, grow and scale to stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. The company helps enterprises with a range of complex services including money transfer, risk mitigation and access to a chartered bank's infrastructure. Treasury Prime works with forward-thinking banks to innovate responsibly and increase access to banking products and services to all segments of the population Treasury Prime was named Best Banking-as-a-Service Platform in the Tearsheet Embedded Awards 2021 and 2022, and was named to CB Insights' annual 2021 Fintech 250 list.
About Academy Bank
Academy Bank is a full-service bank with $2.4 billion in assets and over 70 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. Honored as one of Fortune Magazine's "2023 Most Innovative Companies," Academy Bank provides a wide range of financial solutions for business and individuals, including commercial and business banking, treasury management and mortgage services. Academy Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $3.6 billion holding company headquartered in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Academy Bank's sister bank, Armed Forces Bank, headquartered in Leavenworth, Kansas, proudly serves active and retired military and civilian clients across the country and around the world. Armed Forces Bank is recognized as one of the top-three strongest banks in Kansas City by the Kansas City Business Journal.
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SOURCE Treasury Prime | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/treasury-prime-academy-bank-join-forces-address-growing-market-demand-through-banking-as-a-service-partnership/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:48 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/treasury-prime-academy-bank-join-forces-address-growing-market-demand-through-banking-as-a-service-partnership/ |
VALLEJO, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A Plus Tree, LLC ("A Plus Tree" or the "Company"), a portfolio company of Hyperion Capital Partners LLC ("Hyperion"), announced it has completed the acquisitions of Tree Preservation and Landscaping, The Tree Men, and Treecology. These three acquisitions reflect the Company's commitment to building a best-in-class tree care business for commercial and residential clients.
Tree Preservation and Landscaping and The Tree Men bolster A Plus Tree's presence in Southern California, and Treecology strengthens the Company in Portland, Oregon. Both geographies are key to the Company's growth plan and these three acquisitions will serve as beachheads through which A Plus Tree can better serve clients in these markets. Cyrus DeVere, the CEO of A Plus Tree, said, "Growth fueled by great partnerships allows for true synergies. Tree Preservation, Tree Men, and Treecology are all wonderful additions to the A Plus Tree culture of love and respect. Onward!"
Tree Preservation and Landscaping is based in Los Angeles, California, where founder David Sims has been serving clients since 2001. David said, "A Plus Tree is a great company to be affiliated with. The culture and work environment at A Plus Tree are great, I am all in. It has been my pleasure to work through the transition period with team members who are knowledgeable, personable, and proficient at their jobs."
The Tree Men is based in Los Angeles, California. Founders Mark and Kandi Dunning have provided tree care services to their clients since 1969. Mark and Kandi said, "We started The Tree Men over 45 years ago—our clients are amazing and are like family. We found a perfect fit with A Plus Tree, they are professional and caring."
Treecology operates in Portland, Oregon, where Damon Schrosk will continue to serve his clients as part of the A Plus Tree team. Damon said, "Through my conversations with the folks at A Plus Tree, I developed an understanding of their culture of trust and integrity. That, coupled with their innovative projects like urban wood utilization through milling and bio-char generation, and their non-profit A Plus Cares, helped me understand that this was a company that matched our culture and ethics. I felt comfortable that the reputation I developed through my efforts with Treecology would be honored and preserved. In the time since I have become a team member, I have seen the dedication and growth-oriented mindset that each of the upper-level leaders bring to their work."
Cyrus DeVere further stated, "With the addition of incredible team members and leaders from great companies, it is truly energizing to be able to expand our service offering of professional tree care to more clients."
The Partners of Hyperion said, "We are thrilled to support Cyrus and his team in their acquisition of these three excellent companies. These businesses complement A Plus Tree's strategy and will strengthen its ability to provide best-in-class tree care services by growing its client base, augmenting its yard footprint, increasing its focus on residential clients, and inviting enthusiastic team members into the A Plus Tree family. It speaks to the sellers' trust in Cyrus and his team that they joined the Company. We are excited to continue helping A Plus Tree grow organically and through acquisitions."
About A Plus Tree
Headquartered in Vallejo, California, A Plus Tree is a leading provider of tree care services for commercial and residential clients. A Plus provides specialized services to property owners and managers, including tree trimming, pruning, and removal; plant and tree healthcare; and arborist consulting. The Company employs a team of highly skilled tree care professionals, and operates across Northern and Southern California, Washington, Oregon, and Utah.
About Hyperion
Hyperion Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in Los Angeles that establishes and utilizes partnerships with management to produce substantial long-term value. Hyperion makes control investments in companies that generate between $20 and $200 million of revenue and are headquartered in North America.
For more information, please contact info@hyperion-cp.com or visit hyperion-cp.com.
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SOURCE Hyperion Capital Partners | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/plus-tree-completes-acquisition-three-tree-care-companies-west-coast/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:48 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/plus-tree-completes-acquisition-three-tree-care-companies-west-coast/ |
Achieves Autism Double-Checked certification for select resort brands in Mexico and the Dominican Republic
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Autism Double-Checked, is pleased to announce the introduction of the world's first-ever Autism Concierge. providing a dedicated contact for all autism-related questions and serving as an extension of the Autism Double-Checked comprehensive three-part training program.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts is the first hotel group to offer an Autism Concierge, which encourages guests traveling with a child with autism or adult guests with autism to ask about specific needs through a concierge contact found within the resort's visitor guide. Guests looking for support as they plan their vacation can contact the Autism Concierge by emailing autism_concierge@karismahotels.com.
"We continually work to exceed our guests' expectations by adapting ourselves to their needs," said Daniel Lozano, Vice President of Operations at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. "In addition to ongoing training, this added resource will assure guests that we take their concerns seriously and that we want them to feel at home at our resorts."
Every member of Karisma Hotels & Resorts staff has completed a number of Autism Double-Checked courses in "Assisting Guests with Autism" and all staff that are in contact with guests have been trained in the specific situations that guests with autism may face during their stay. In 2023, Karisma Hotels & Resorts also plans to introduce temporary door alarms (available to guests upon request). These alarms will allow guests to vacation with peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and secure. These initiatives exist as part of Karisma Hotels & Resorts overarching inclusion efforts.
Autism Double-Checked was created to prepare the travel industry to better serve guests with autism through industry-specific and job-specific training for all public-facing staff. It also assists the autism community to confidently select travel opportunities that best fit their needs. The autism community in the U.S. is approximately 25 million people who, according to Autism Double-Checked, are eager to travel and are brand loyal to companies that understand their needs. The training includes three stages: general basic training for all staff, specific training per department, and the development of a site-specific visitor guide to assist parents, caregivers, and visitors with autism. Once a hotel has completed all three phases, it obtains the "Autism Double-Checked" Certificate, indicating that it is ready, willing, and able to welcome families and guests impacted by autism.
"Inclusion is only possible if you truly understand the population you wish to include," said Autism Double-Checked Co-Founder and CEO Alan Day. "It takes specialized training to understand and address the specific needs of travelers with autism, and we're proud to help bring understanding and compassion to our travel industry partners. Karisma Hotels & Resorts has been truly dedicated to undertaking this training and pursuing their vision of diversity and inclusion."
In Mexico, staff at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Seaside Suites, and Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, and in the Dominican Republic, staff at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana, have now completed the more intensive stage of training that allows them to be certified as Autism Double-Checked.
For more information about Karisma Hotels & Resorts or for questions about an upcoming stay, visit karismahotels.com/austimdoublechecked or email the Autism Concierge directly at autism_concierge@karismahotels.com.
About Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Karisma Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning luxury hotel collection that owns and manages an impressive portfolio of properties in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Property brands include Margaritaville Beach Resorts, part of the Island Reserve® Inclusive Collection by Karisma; Margaritaville St. Somewhere by Karisma; El Dorado Spa Resorts by Karisma; Azul Beach Resorts by Karisma; Generations Resorts by Karisma; Hidden Beach Resort by Karisma; and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades, including Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 100 Hotels in the World," Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 30 Hotels in Cancun," TripAdvisor® Traveler's Choice "Best Hotels for Romance," and AAA's "Five Diamond Award" and "Four Diamond Award." Karisma Hotels & Resorts is committed to employee and community support while delivering authentic experiences to guests, receiving worldwide recognition for its compassionate and creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations.
About Autism Double-Checked
Autism Double-Checked provides an online autism awareness training and certification program that has been specifically designed to make autism inclusion simple and profitable for the travel industry - airlines, hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Based in Connecticut, the organization was founded in 2015 by two lifetime travel professionals and leading experts on traveling with autism who are also parents to special needs children. Studies show that one in 36 children, in the United States, is impacted by autism (per CDC 2023). Most families with an autistic child avoid taking family vacations due to concerns about their child's reaction to all the unfamiliar stimuli they will confront outside of their routine 'comfort bubble' at home. Autism Double-Checked works with its travel industry partners to ensure training and resources are in place to give this travel segment confidence that they are included and welcomed as travelers.
Media Contact:
Karisma Hotels & Resorts
McKenzie Pickett, Alliance Connection
mckenzie@allianceconnection.com
Autism Double-Checked
Matt Harrison, August
ADC@augustco.com
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SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Capewell, a global leader in custom-engineered survivability and aerial delivery solutions, proudly announces it has received the prestigious AS9100 certification for its technical sewing and survivability campus in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The certification, which is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS) in the aviation, space, and defense sectors, underscores Capewell's unwavering dedication to exceptional quality and superior solutions for the Armed Forces around the world.
"We are immensely proud to have been ISO 9001 certified, and now AS9100 certified," said Thomas Weidley, Capewell's CEO. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Virginia technical sewing and survivability team, who consistently strive to deliver excellence in every aspect of our operations. AS9100 not only validates the effectiveness of our quality management systems but also demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the safest, most reliable, and highest-quality products."
Built upon the foundations of ISO 9001, a globally recognized standard that sets the requirements for exceptional quality management systems and the most widely used standard in the world, AS9100 is specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of the civilian and military aviation sector.
AS9100 provides organizations with a strategic approach to address quality enhancement goals by creating a comprehensive system to help organizations design, create, and deliver safe and reliable products while adhering to customer, legal, and regulatory requirements. This certification ensures that manufacturers are consistently producing safe and reliable products.
"By obtaining the AS9100 certification, Capewell demonstrates that the highest standards of quality management are in place for all products manufactured at our facilities," said Cathy Roberts, Quality Assurance and Contract Manager who oversaw the certification application process. "This achievement represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of continuous improvement and reinforces our commitment to meeting and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers."
On average, it takes three to six months for a company to complete the strict and rigorous internal and external audits required to be certified.
Achieving the AS9100 certification now at all our facilities in the U.S., places Capewell among the ranks of the world's leading aerospace companies, showcasing the organization's adherence to the highest industry standards. As an AS9100 certified company, Capewell's presence will be featured in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS), which is maintained by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQC). OASIS serves as a vital resource for the industry, enabling customers and suppliers alike to connect efficiently and explore potential partnerships.
About Capewell
Founded in 1881, Capewell is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of survivability and aerial delivery products and services for the defense community. With locations in the United States and Europe, Capewell supplies the Department of Defense, Allies, and Partners around the world with the most innovative, most effective custom-engineered solutions capable of withstanding today's dangerous operating environments. The company also offers training and doctrine development as part of its mission to save lives and increase success. Capewell maintains strong relationships with large government prime contractors and is a vital part of the global supply chain.
To learn more, visit www.capewell.com.
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SOURCE Capewell | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/capewell-achieves-as9100-certification-strengthening-commitment-quality-safety-aerospace-industry/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:53 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/capewell-achieves-as9100-certification-strengthening-commitment-quality-safety-aerospace-industry/ |
CLEVELAND, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Celloram Inc., a dynamic biotech startup based in Cleveland, Ohio and developing novel medicines for cancer and immune disorders, announced today a groundbreaking licensing agreement with French biotech GENFIT SA to advance Celloram's first-in-class inflammasome inhibitor, CLM-022. The agreement grants GENFIT exclusive global rights to develop CLM-022 in liver disease indications.
"This exclusive licensing agreement with GENFIT aims to expand our inflammasome inhibitor platform into liver disease indications for the first time," said Tej Pareek, Ph.D., Celloram CEO. "We believe that GENFIT has the potential to rapidly advance the development of this class of inhibitors, ultimately bringing therapies and hope to a large population of patients who desperately need life-saving treatments. We are thrilled to work alongside GENFIT, a leading biopharmaceutical company, to bring this potential life-saving treatment to patients worldwide."
As part of this agreement, GENFIT will not only add to its arsenal of drug candidates for liver disease, but also gain access to Celloram's scientists and medicinal chemistry expertise to help synthesize and validate CLM-022 as GENFIT advances on its goal to secure an IND for future clinical trials.
In recognition of this transformative collaboration, Celloram Inc. is eligible to receive up to €160 million in clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, which will further fuel its mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions for critical medical challenges. Celloram co-founders, Dr. John Letterio and Dr. Seong-Jin Kim, jointly stated, "Our vision at Celloram Inc. has always been driven by a passion for revolutionizing patient care by creating safer, more effective therapies. With this licensing agreement, we are one step closer to realizing Celloram's vision and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with GENFIT."
About Liver Disease
Liver disease is a progressive deterioration of liver functions lasting more than six months, involving synthesis of clotting factors, detoxification, and bile excretion. The process entails inflammation, destruction, and regeneration of liver parenchyma, often leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Etiologies are diverse, encompassing toxins, prolonged alcohol abuse, infections, autoimmune diseases, and genetic/metabolic disorders. The global liver disease treatment market size is predicted to be worth 25.8.3 billion USD by 2028 from 14.1 billion USD in 2023 to grow at a CAGR of 11.72% in forecasted period. Increasing cases of acute and chronic liver diseases, including liver cancer, are driving the demand for advanced liver disease diagnostics and treatments.
About Celloram Inc.
Celloram Inc. is a forward-thinking biotech startup based in Cleveland, Ohio, driven by the vision to harness innovative science and revolutionize patient care. Their experienced leadership team, including co-founders Dr. John Letterio and Dr. Seong-Jin Kim, CEO Dr. Tej Kumar Pareek, VP and chief scientific Program Directors Dr. Seunghwan Lim and Dr. Liraz Levi are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions to unmet medical needs.
Celloram Inc. is also gearing up to open its Series A funding round in the coming months, offering an opportunity for visionary investors to join forces in the pursuit of transformative innovations. This funding will further catapult Celloram Inc.'s pioneering research and development efforts, taking their pipelines to new heights.
About GENFIT.
GENFIT is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of patients with rare and severe liver diseases characterized by high unmet medical needs. GENFIT is a pioneer in liver disease research and development with a rich history and strong scientific heritage spanning more than two decades. Thanks to its expertise in bringing early-stage assets with high potential to late development and pre-commercialization stages, today GENFIT boasts a growing and diversified pipeline of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic solutions. Its R&D pipeline covers acute on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), urea cycle disorders (UCD), organic acidemias (OA) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Beyond therapeutics, GENFIT's pipeline also includes a diagnostic franchise focused on NASH and ACLF. GENFIT has facilities in Lille and Paris (France), Zurich (Switzerland) and Cambridge, MA (USA).
Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Celloram Inc. and GENFIT's potential collaboration and the development of CLM-022. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities or engage in any other transaction. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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SOURCE Celloram Inc. | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cleveland-based-biotech-celloram-inc-strikes-landmark-licensing-deal-with-french-biotech-genfit-propel-its-lead-asset-clm-022-liver-disease-treatment/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:54 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cleveland-based-biotech-celloram-inc-strikes-landmark-licensing-deal-with-french-biotech-genfit-propel-its-lead-asset-clm-022-liver-disease-treatment/ |
BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VICE Media Group today announced the completion of its sale to a consortium of its former lenders (the "Investor Group"), which consists of funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC ("Fortress"), Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital.
"This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for VICE," said Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, VICE's Co-Chief Executive Officers. "With the support of our Investor Group, we now have the resources to strengthen our business, our partnerships and our content creation across all platforms. Under new ownership and with this leadership team, VICE is positioned to drive our uniquely differentiated brand of news, entertainment and lifestyle content that makes VICE a trusted brand for global audiences and a valued partner to brands, agencies and platforms."
"We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of VICE and we are excited to build upon the achievements of one of the most iconic brands in news and entertainment," the Investor Group said in a joint statement. "We look forward to growing a strong business that is committed to serving audiences, brands and partners with award-winning content. With a strong management team in place, VICE is well-positioned to grow its uniquely compelling world class businesses and drive value during its next chapter."
VICE Media Group is a multi-platform media company with a global reach of over 400 million people. Its Emmy and Peabody award-winning News division is one of the most trusted news sources among Gen Z and is watched on TikTok and other social platforms by hundreds of millions of people. Its studio group, including VICE Studios and Pulse Films, produced Bamarush for HBO Max, Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now for Netflix, The American Gladiators Documentary for ESPN, Gangs of London for Sky, and Tell Me Lies for Hulu. Its award-winning publishing division includes VICE.com, Refinery29 and the fashion bible i-D. Its advertising, commercial and music video teams, including the creative agency Virtue, work with brands including Coke and Target and artists such as Harry Styles, and has created award-winning campaigns such as "Backup Ukraine" and "Unfiltered History." VICE TV is home to shows including Tales from the Territories, produced by Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson and the Dark Side franchise, including the breakout hit Dark Side of the Ring.
About VICE Media Group
VICE Media Group is a global multi-platform media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices across multiple countries and a focus on five key businesses: An award-winning network of digital content; an Oscar-nominated feature film and television production studio; an Emmy-winning international television network, VICE TV; a Peabody and Emmy award-winning News division; and a global, full-service creative agency, Virtue. VICE Media Group's portfolio includes Refinery29, a leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; Pulse Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with an office in Los Angeles; and i-D, a global digital and quarterly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture and design.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Bing
jonathan.bing@vice.com
(818) 643-0146
or
Sophie Throsby / Lyle Weston
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449
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SOURCE VICE Media Group | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/vice-media-group-completes-sale-lenders/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:55 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/vice-media-group-completes-sale-lenders/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC), the domestic hardwood industry's consumer promotion initiative, recently launched its new Build Your World™ advertising campaign to promote Real American Hardwood® flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. In partnership with Magnolia Network, the integrated, digital campaign will run through January 29, 2024.
"An advertising campaign on this scale is a first for the American hardwood industry," says Michael Martin, president and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). "For decades, misinformation has spread and the industry has seen market share slip away to alternative products that offer the wood look, without any of the benefits of real wood. Through the Build Your World campaign, our industry is showing how Real American Hardwood products offer unmatched aesthetics, natural durability, and lasting value—as well as why they are healthier for our homes and environment. And Magnolia Network is the perfect partner to share these stories."
Developed by CANVAS United, the campaign relates the authenticity and attributes of Real American Hardwood products to the uniqueness and lifestyles of consumers. Five different vignettes capture the spirit of individuality in real-life settings, encouraging consumers to envision how they can build their world with hardwood.
"As long-time partners to the RAHC, we're excited to see the Build Your World campaign launch. We're particularly proud of this campaign's capacity to highlight both the emotional and rational benefits of hardwood," said Mark Lainas, president of CANVAS United. "Leveraging entertaining yet poignant storytelling in the creative will feel relatable to consumers across the country, and allows us to showcase not just the beauty of American hardwoods, but the lasting value of the products."
The ad campaign will run on the Magnolia Network channel, as well as on Magnolia and discovery+ digital streaming platforms. Magnolia Network is available through cable and satellite providers; Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV services; and Magnolia, HGTV, discovery+, and Max streaming apps. The campaign also includes digital and social media components.
To learn more about the Build Your World campaign and Real American Hardwood products, visit realamericanhardwood.com/build-your-world.
Editor's Notes: Photography is available upon request. Real American Hardwood is a registered trademark and Build Your World is a trademark of the Real American Hardwood Coalition.
Media Contact:
Real American Hardwood Coalition
info@RealAmericanHardwood.org
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SOURCE Real American Hardwood Coalition | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/real-american-hardwood-coalition-launches-build-your-world-campaign-partnership-with-magnolia-network/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:55 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/real-american-hardwood-coalition-launches-build-your-world-campaign-partnership-with-magnolia-network/ |
Customer stories from Boeing, Bell Canada, CVS Health, and ServiceNow added to 2023 SAFe Summit Nashville lineup
BOULDER, Colo., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scaled Agile, Inc. has announced the lineup of keynotes and speakers for the 2023 SAFe® Summit Nashville which takes place August 15 - 18, 2023 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The event represents the world's largest convergence of SAFe professionals and industry thought leaders focused on using SAFe to stay resilient amidst a rapidly-changing world by practicing Agile methods and cultivating strong organizational cultures.
The multi-day event offers keynotes, technical talks, customer stories, Lighting Talks, post-event workshops, and the popular SAFe Experts Coaching Station. Other opportunities include Partner Marketplace, Product Labs, Industry Roundtables, and Women in Agile.
Key Dates
- August 16 - 17: Main conference and evening receptions
- August 18: Post-conference workshops
"With tech modernization a critical focus for business leaders, smart portfolio management has become increasingly important to ensure that technology improvements impact the entire organization," said Chris James, CEO of Scaled Agile, Inc. "With that in mind, we're delighted to welcome leaders from FedEx and Accenture to share how FedEx's innovative approach to portfolio management at the top level of the corporation enabled them to apply full force to the most important investments in a way that would make a big difference to the whole company."
Highlights include:
- Keynote: The Power of True Enterprise Business Agility. FedEx's EVP Global IT, Ken Spangler, and Steve Davis, Managing Director, Accenture, will explore the challenges faced by FedEx, the breakthroughs that made agility possible, and the powerful results they achieved with SAFe
- Keynote: Vinicius Pabon, CDO GM Digital Transformation of Petrobras, shares how one of the world's largest producers of oil and gas leveraged SAFe to shift mindsets and language among leaders and engineers
- Customer stories from Boeing, Bell Canada, CVS, and ServiceNow provide rare behind-the-scenes stories of collaboration, challenges, and wins
- Keynote: Chief Methodologists Dean Leffingwell and Andrew Sales will present "The Secret to Empowering Teams and Accelerating Flow"
- Post-conference workshops: Applying SAFe Across the Enterprise, Coaching Flow & Kanban in SAFe, Measure What Matters, Unsticking Your SAFe Transformation: A Change Leadership Perspective, and Value Stream Identification for Really Big Systems
Attendees seeking SAFe consulting, training, or platform solutions can connect with more than 30 sponsor exhibitors, including Accenture, Apptio, Broadcom, Inc., Cornerstone Agility, Inc., monday.com, NTT Data, and Seibert Media GmbH (Agile Hive).
Registration is open at safesummit.com/2023nashville.
About Scaled Agile, Inc.:
Scaled Agile, Inc. is the provider of SAFe®, the world's most trusted system for business agility. Through integrated solutions that help teams unlock better ways of working, Scaled Agile is redefining the way the world's leading organizations identify and deliver customer value, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and improve business outcomes. Over 20,000 businesses and government agencies rely on SAFe and Scaled Agile's Global Partner Network to accelerate digital innovation and compete in a fast-changing marketplace. Learn more at scaledagile.com.
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SOURCE Scaled Agile, Inc. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/leaders-fedex-petrobras-headline-2023-safe-summit-nashville-august-15-18/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:58 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/leaders-fedex-petrobras-headline-2023-safe-summit-nashville-august-15-18/ |
20 elite teams battled to be crowned Riyadh Masters 2023 champion, and Team Spirit claimed a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters 2023 competition wrapped up yesterday after 12 days of thrilling matches featuring 20 elite teams vying for victory and taking home a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool. As one of the premier tournaments in the Dota 2 calendar, Riyadh Masters 2023 ran the globe's greatest teams through a round-robin group stage and then double-elimination playoffs in the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA).
Among the teams competing for the top prize was Dota 2 powerhouse Team OG, the first team in Dota 2 history to win four Dota Major Championships. Team Tundra Esports, reigning champions of Dota's iconic "The International" tournament, also headed into the 2023 Masters amongst the favorites. Of course, there could only be one winner, and this achievement went to Team Spirit, who triumphed in the final, beating Team Liquid in an encounter for the ages.
The $15,000,000 prize pool is the largest available of any Dota 2 competition this season, and the action did not disappoint, with the stakes being so high. Over 120,000 fans tuned in to the official broadcast on Twitch to witness the epic showdown. Team Spirit reached the Grand Final for the second year in a row, knocking out the season's most dominant performer, Team Gaimin Gladiators, along the way and beating Team Liquid 2-1 in the upper-bracket final as the team looked to banish last years demons and finish in first place rather than second. Team Liquid earned a shot at their redemption by crushing Team Talon 2-0 in the lower bracket final. But the result of this eagerly anticipated rematch in the five-game Grand Final went to Team Spirit, an unassailable 3-1. As champions, Team Spirit left Gamers8 and Boulevard Riyadh City $5,000,000 richer, the runners-up collecting $2,500,000 from the overall prize pool.
Faisal bin Homran, Chief Esports Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: "The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters tournament at Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has captured the imagination of the thousands in attendance at Boulevard Riyadh City's Esports Arena and the tens of millions watching avidly across the globe. Since July 19th, the global gaming and esports scene has been captivated by the exploits of the best Dota 2 teams and players in the world. Competing for a $15 million prize pool – the biggest third-party prize pool for a tournament ever – the action has been even more dramatic than anticipated and epitomizes the level of standard for which Gamers8 has become renowned. We congratulate Team Spirit on their success and thank all the teams, players, fans, sponsors, and partners at the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters for being part of a special moment in Saudi Arabian gaming history."
Although the Riyadh Masters may have finished, there's plenty more action on offer as part of Gamers8: The Land of Heroes in its 2023 edition. Esports athletes from around the world are competing in a 12-tournament lineup with a prize pool of $45 million to the soundtrack of musical superstars like Imagine Dragons, Alan Walker, and Metro Boomin', who are putting on a show for the crowds at Gamers8. The festival, the world's largest for gaming and esports, has been full of action since it kicked off in July, with seismic impacts such as Pakistan winning the Nations Cup in Tekken against a well-favored Korean team. Among the other titles taking center stage at Gamers8's home in Boulevard Riyadh City are Rocket League, PUBG Mobile, FIFA, and Counterstrike.
Fans can enjoy further exciting events as the festival continues through August 27th, following which the Gamers8 festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum. Known as the 'Next World Forum,' it brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world to Saudi Arabia. Gamers8 is playing a key role in developing the grassroots esports scene in Saudi Arabia and providing opportunities for esports athletes around the world. Over 67% of Saudi citizens are gamers, and multiple world champions have come from the Kingdom already to win on the world's largest stages.
Media Kit: http://bit.ly/3QXvndE
Contact: jack@biggamesmachine.com
About Gamers8 – The Land Of Heroes:
Gamers8 is the world's largest gaming and esports festival and the destination for elite esports champions and gaming universe lovers. It's the ultimate place to compete for glory and become a hero walking among the worlds of your chosen story. Located in Riyadh at the heart of Saudi Arabia, Gamers8 spans a period of eight weeks from July to September 2023, with new challenges and experiences unlocked every week. You can watch the world's top esports teams compete for the highest prize pools, attend performances by global music artists, experience your favorite gaming platforms come to life, and learn the mysteries behind the creation of video games. Gamers8 is your world, and it's your adventure to choose.
Gamers8: The Land of Heroes follows the success of last year's Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh City. Gamers8 2022 saw the world's best teams and players battle it out across five top titles – Rocket League, Dota 2 Riyadh Masters, Fortnite, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile – for a prize pool of $15 million. The 2022 festival was visited by more than 1.4 million visitors and watched by more than 132 million people around the globe. A total of 391 professional players – representing more than 61 nationalities – and 113 international teams took part in world-class esports competitions. Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has a total prize pool of over $45 million – triple last year's grand prize total – and will host the elite of esports in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City. The festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum, known as the 'Next World Forum', that brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world.
About SEF:
The Saudi Esports Federation is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia.
The Federation's activities are categorized into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming/esports value chain by catalyzing the industry and enabling talent.
Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organized multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors, and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market.
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SOURCE Saudi Esports Federation | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ | 2023-07-31T14:29:59 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) ("CMGR"), a social media firm and digital agency, announced that they have finalized another brand promotional deal with fitness model and iconic social media star, Sommer Ray. Ray was born in Colorado and has won several bodybuilding and fitness competitions. In recent years she has amassed an impressive social media following, boasting 25M+ followers on Instagram, 12M+ followers on TikTok and 1.75M+ followers on YouTube.
"It is always a pleasure to work with Sommer and her team" said a representative of CMGR. "We have a long-standing history with Sommer and have worked on many deals in the past couple of years. We are excited for the future and will continue to build on this relationship and the alike."
Visit us at www.clubhousemediagroup.com
About Clubhouse Media Group, Inc.
CMGR offers management, production, and deal-making services to its handpicked influencers, a management division for individual influencer clients, and an investment arm for joint ventures and acquisitions for companies in the social media influencer space.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by CMGR and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.
Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause CMGR's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for CMGR's products and services, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully consider the risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at sec.gov. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
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SOURCE Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:00 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ |
Timely discussion specifies how hospice provides compassionate care to the nation's most vulnerable while driving substantial Medicare cost savings
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VITAS Healthcare's Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Joseph Shega, MD, along with Dianne Munevar, Vice President of Health Care Strategy at NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC), and Susan Lloyd, MSN, RN, Chief Executive Officer of Delaware Hospice, participated in a Capitol Hill briefing on Thursday, July 27, to educate Congress about a recent study by NORC that illustrates the value of hospice in Medicare. Specifically, the panelists highlighted how the research demonstrates that earlier referral to hospice benefits patients and families while simultaneously delivering more cost savings to Medicare.
"As a fundamentally patient- and family-centered care model," says Dr. Shega, "hospice provides patients with improved clinical outcomes and pain management, reduced physical and emotional distress, and the ability to spend their last days with dignity at home among loved ones."
The NORC report was released in March 2023. The in-depth study found that greater utilization of hospice during the last six months of life is associated with increased patient satisfaction and quality of life, while also reducing Medicare costs—with $3.5 billion in savings in a single year.
The research identified an opportunity to deliver value through greater access to hospice care for patients with chronic and serious diseases such as cancer, respiratory disease and chronic kidney disease/end-stage renal disease, with a projected savings to Medicare of 17% to 25%.
For patients with dementia, NORC's analysis found that, within the study period, end-of-life care continues to generate cost savings related to neurodegenerative disease. The panelists presented these findings and more during the briefing in Washington, D.C., in coordination with the two national trade associations, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC).
One opportunity brought to light by the NORC study, according to the panelists, is the need for a community-based palliative care benefit to support earlier transitions to hospice which will, in turn, continue to drive quality and Medicare savings. Investing in serious illness care increases the quality of end-of-life care for millions of patients, families and caregivers across the country.
"Former President Jimmy Carter's hospice journey is a testament to the value of longer hospice stays," says Dr. Shega. "He is an excellent example of someone who sought out hospice care earlier in his advanced disease state so he could spend his remaining time in comfort and surrounded by family."
One of the nation's first hospice and palliative care providers, VITAS has devoted 45 years of compassionate care to patients and their families throughout 14 states and the District of Columbia. As an organization, VITAS supports the ethic that all hospice-eligible patients should have the opportunity to access hospice in a way—and for a length of time—that allows them to fully benefit from this person- and family-centered care model.
About VITAS® Healthcare
Established in 1978, VITAS Healthcare is a pioneer and leader in the American hospice movement. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) operates 50 hospice programs in 14 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. VITAS employs 10,328 professionals who care for patients with advanced illness, primarily in the patients' homes, and also in the company's 25 inpatient hospice units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities/residential care facilities for the elderly. At the conclusion of the first quarter of 2023, VITAS reported an average daily census of 18,542. Visit www.vitas.com.
Media inquiries contact: media@vitas.com, 877-848-2701
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SOURCE VITAS Healthcare | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/vitas-healthcare-co-leads-value-hospice-panel-briefing-congress/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:01 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/vitas-healthcare-co-leads-value-hospice-panel-briefing-congress/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by China.org.cn on a researcher's perception on the achievements and strategies of urban ecology in three mega urban agglomerations in eastern China.
Nowadays, urban agglomerations in China have ushered in a new era as the pace setter of global urban agglomerations, and the multi-dimensional, long-term systematic and objective evaluation on the temporal change in eco-environment of three mega urban agglomerations in eastern China is crucial for promoting sustainable development of urban agglomerations, said Tang Lina, researcher of Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in an article released by the Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (BCAS, in Chinese), a think tank journal supervised and sponsored by the CAS, which focuses on strategic and decision-making research.
According to the article, from 2000 to 2020, under the multiple effects of ecological protection policies, pollution prevention and control policies at the national and regional levels, the mega urban agglomerations in eastern China demonstrated a fluctuating upward trend of overall eco-environmental quality.
Since 2012, there have been historic, transitional, and comprehensive changes in the eco-environment of three mega urban agglomerations, including significant improvement in the ecological quality, environmental quality, efficiency of resource and energy utilization, and eco-environment management capabilities of the mega urban agglomerations. These changes have laid a solid foundation for the regional ecological progresses and high-quality sustainable development, and provided the best practice for the development of eco-environment in other urban agglomerations in China.
Why does China attach great importance to the protection of urban ecology?
Tang points out in the article, "as the main destinations for the shift of the world economic center, urban agglomerations represent the strategic core areas for national new urbanization and economic growth." The mega urban agglomerations, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, the Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with 5.05% of national land area, 25.05% of the total population, and nearly 40% of the gross domestic product (GDP), serve as the core engines of China's economic growth and an important carrier for China's participation in global competition.
However, the article mentions, "intensive human activities have placed enormous pressure on the eco-environment of the three mega urban agglomerations, thus crippling the sustainable development of urban agglomerations." For many years, research institutions such as Chinese Academy of Sciences and relevant scientific research institutes in universities have carried out a lot of research, providing strong technological support for the ecological progress of urban agglomerations.
A report released at 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012 noted, "We should make scientific plans for the scale and layout of urban agglomerations; and we should make small and medium-sized cities and small towns better able to develop industries, provide public services, create jobs, and attract population." Meanwhile, in order to improve the eco-environment of urban agglomerations, enhance their people's well-being, and achieve their sustainable development, China has introduced a series of policies on ecological protection and pollution prevention and control at the national and local levels, and put in place numerous measures and actions for environmental protection.
Specifically, since the 18th CPC National Congress, ecological conservation has become part of the "Five in One" overall layout of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The overall layout refers to the coordination of economic development, political building, cultural development, social progress and ecological conservation. President Xi Jinping's thought on ecological conservation has provided fundamental strategic guidance for the practice of the efforts to keep our skies blue, our waters clear, and our land pollution-free in the three major urban agglomerations in eastern China. In 2018, China incorporated ecological conservation into the Constitution, providing fundamental legal support for the ecological conservation in urban agglomerations.
Thanks to the efforts made by the central government and the Chinese people, China has achieved significant improvement in the quality of atmospheric environment and sustained improvement of the quality of water environment. The average annual concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) of the three mega urban agglomerations increased first and then decreased. It shows sustained improvement in the proportion of good quality of surface water and in the efficiency of resource and energy utilization, accompanied by a remarkable decrease in the pollutant emissions per unit GDP. Moreover, its eco-environmental infrastructure became much better.
To promote the further high-quality development of the mega urban agglomerations, five solutions and prospects are proposed as follows.
First, China should seize the opportunity to stimulate economic transformation and structural reform through low-carbon development, so as to put the mega urban agglomerations into a virtuous cycle of green and low-carbon development.
Second, it is necessary to strengthen regional alignment and inter-department collaboration, to ensure the coordination of multiple elements of the eco-environment and cross-regional coordination.
Third, the country should strengthen the full-life cycle environmental risk management of chemical substances, and build a policy and standard system for environmental risk management of toxic chemical substances.
Fourth, it is needed to promote the implementation of targeted policies tailored to different categories and zones of the mega urban agglomerations and implement targeted policies based on their development orientation.
Finally, China should keep leveraging the role of technological progress in supporting ecological management.
Researcher shares insights into achievements and strategies of urban ecology in E China
http://belt.china.org.cn/2023-07/31/content_96918334.htm
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SOURCE China.org.cn | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/researcher-shares-insights-into-achievements-strategies-urban-ecology-e-china/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:01 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/researcher-shares-insights-into-achievements-strategies-urban-ecology-e-china/ |
Expert shares advice for navigating dating and relationships in the digital age, from distractions to jealousy and more
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dating.com – part of Dating Group, the company behind over 40 online dating sites – today released newly collected survey data that sheds light on the impact that social media has had on dating in recent years. According to the findings, it's going down in the DMs, with 47% of respondents admitting that their relationship began because their partner decided to shoot their shot in a private social media message. Additionally, 55% of men reported that they believe "sending likes" is an effective tactic to make a connection online that can move into real life.
Other key survey findings include:
- 58% of respondents shared that they have used a social networking site that is not primarily for dating (such as Instagram and LinkedIn) to find and meet new partners.
- 60% looked through their partner's social media apps without that person's knowledge.
- 40% felt their current significant other's social media profile was "an ick."
- 72% shared that social media has been a cause of conflict either in their current or previous relationship.
- 42% have experienced infidelity from a partner as a result of connections made through social media.
- 79% used social media to "hard launch," or announce, their relationship.
- 40% found out their current partner had been leaving "thirsty" comments under someone else's posts, before their relationship started.
- 50% admitted to fighting with their partner about still having an ex's photos visible on their Facebook or Instagram pages.
- 55% say their partner is often distracted by social media on their cell phone while they are trying to have a conversation with them.
"In some cases, social media sites can still be seen as the cause of conflict in relationships," said Maria Sullivan, Vice President and Dating Expert of Dating.com. "However, social media use should not consistently be a cause of stress in a healthy relationship. Instead, it should mostly be a fun way to connect with friends and family - and to show off your relationship, if that's your vibe - without creating worries about your partner making new romantic connections. It can even serve as another way to bond with your partner if you're using it to send funny memes or informational posts about your shared interests. Socials are often blamed as the root cause of conflict, however a person's overall behavior while they're in a committed relationship is what should be under the microscope. Whether they're using their social media profiles to creep on other prospects is only a reflection of what their true larger intentions are, on and off these platforms."
Maria's tips for preventing social media-related conflict in your relationship include:
- Communicate your concerns. What your partner doesn't know about, they can't fix. If you find that aspects of their social media activity (accounts they follow, posts they like, pages they view, etc.) are an issue, you should communicate those concerns to your significant other clearly. Whether they're too interested in sexy influencers, other men or women, or comedians with poor taste, secretly letting it bother you will likely lead to it becoming a bigger conflict, and you and your SO might both be surprised by how angry you are when it all comes to light.
- Leave old social media behavior behind. If you have a situation where you really trust your partner, but you uncovered their shady social media activity from the past, you should set new boundaries for them to adhere to from this point on. Ask them to please unfollow accounts that make you uncomfortable, to refrain from liking photos that are focused on physical appearance, and to delete any old thirsty comments they left under someone else's posts before your relationship started. Whether they acquiesce or resist will speak volumes about their intentions.
- Set boundaries. In order to prevent conflict, communicate with your partner to understand what does and does not work for both of you when it comes to social media usage. For example, if your partner is actively following their ex on social media and having conversations with them in the DMs, and if there is a boundary you want to set here, you should draw the line. And to be fair, both you and your significant other should be able to adhere to the same guidelines.
- Don't look too far into it. While there are many cases where social media interactions can be a cause for concern, it is important to recognize that sometimes it's just not that deep. If you think you have a real problem on your hands, bring it to your partner's attention before it gets worse. However, if you are simply bothered by small or harmless things - like your significant other following people of the opposite gender on social media - you might have to recognize that you are creating an issue where there isn't one. If your SO isn't using their socials to make new romantic connections, and is focusing on you IRL, then consider putting more weight into how their actions make you feel out in the real world.
To learn more and meet your match, please visit www.dating.com.
About Social Discovery Group: Social Discovery Group (formerly SDVentures) is a global tech company comprising over 40 brands, an investment fund, and a venture studio. It focuses on solving issues of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection through social discovery companies. With offices on five continents and a team of more than 700 professionals, the company serves 250+ million users across 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.socialdiscoverygroup.com.
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SOURCE Dating.com | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/likes-love-dating-era-social-media/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:05 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/likes-love-dating-era-social-media/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Right now, in the United States, there are about 34.8 million kids aged 0 to 17 who are going through really painful times called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The scariest part is that a CDC ACE Study found that going through six or more ACEs can take away almost 20 years from a person's life. But their stories can have a different ending. There is hope for positive change and healing.
Fred Scarf, the founder and CEO of BioFormula Select, turned his childhood scar into a successful company selling dark spot removal products called Stop Guessing. This journey brought him remarkable results, profitable success, and personal closure.
"When I was born, I had a dark spot on my face mistaken for dirt, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It helped me handle life's challenges, discover my strengths, and make meaningful contributions to my community. If I was going to carry childhood scars into adulthood, I wanted to finally heal the wound," says Scarf. Scarf graduated as the salutatorian in high school, earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley, and worked as a model in California.
BioFormula Select's Stop Guessing Dark Spot Removal products achieved impressive customer results and brought significant profits in Q2. The company's revenue surged by 320% compared to the earnings in Q2 of the previous year.
"My dark spot dilemma is solved, and my childhood wound is healed," says Scarf.
The CDC estimates that 21 million depression cases and 1.9 million heart disease cases potentially could have been avoided by preventing ACEs. ACEs cause $748 billion economic burden annually in the US, Canada, & Bermuda.
"I can't change my past and tell my younger self that the dark spot won't always be so dark, but I can tell the 34 million kids facing trauma and the 114 million Americans dealing with skin issues that their stories can still have a beautiful ending. A tiny spark of light can illuminate the way forward out of our darkest moments. Right now, darkness can turn into light, and dark spots can be removed," says Scarf.
With heat making dark spots worse and cold weather creating hyperpigmentation, Stop Guessing Skincare is ready to solve dark spot dilemmas in the upcoming fall and winter.
CONTACT: Stopguessing@michelemariepr.com
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SOURCE BioFormula Select | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:06 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ |
New expert-level certifications, learning products and training curricula planned for 2024
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the world's leading certifying body in information technology (IT), announced today it is developing a new series of expert-level certifications and learning products in data, cybersecurity and cloud networking.
The CompTIA Xpert Series certifications are scheduled for release throughout 2024. The certifications are intended for IT professionals with multiple years of work experience who are interested in validating their expert-level knowledge of business-critical technologies.
"Each certification exam will validate deep expertise in job roles recognized as being at the expert level," said Thomas Reilly, chief product officer, CompTIA. "Beyond validating technical skills, IT pros who earn a CompTIA Xpert Series certification will have demonstrated their ability to understand, implement and articulate advanced technology solutions in any business environment."
The CompTIA Xpert Series will debut with three certifications.
- CompTIA DataX, an advanced-level data science credential.
- CompTIA CloudNetX, intended for advanced network and systems architects who design and manage complex, hybrid IT infrastructures.
- CompTIA SecurityX, the next iteration of the current CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), aimed at security architects, senior security engineers and others responsible for an organization's cybersecurity readiness.
"The first set of Xpert Series certifications will establish a foundation for a broader expansion into expert-level credentials and learning," Reilly said. "This may include additional CompTIA certifications, CompTIA training for credentials issued by other organizations or training on expert-level skills that may not be associated with a specific certification."
Two IT professionals who are participating in the certification development process as subject matter experts believe the CompTIA Xpert Series will be welcomed by the IT community, especially among mid-level and advanced level professionals.
"The Xpert Series exams are a great addition to CompTIA's portfolio," said Alex Cher, who has worked in IT and cybersecurity since 2006. "CompTIA has an advanced-level certification in cybersecurity, so it makes sense to create similar, advanced exams for infrastructure and other certification categories. The Xpert Series will perfectly fill that void."
"Ongoing career professional development by gaining new skills and experiences is vital to anyone working in IT," said Riaz Khimji, who heads the IT Support Staff Services and Business Relationship Management Collegiate IT, at the University of Oxford. "Individuals can be even more successful in their current role and gain further knowledge in other areas of interest as they progress in their careers. Certifications such as those offered by CompTIA allow them to validate their newly acquired skills."
CompTIA is also developing learning resources and training curricula aligned with the Xpert Series certifications. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/xpert-series.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. Each year CompTIA, directly and through its global network of partners, provides millions of people with training, education and certification. To learn more visit https://www.comptia.org/
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
630.678.8468
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SOURCE CompTIA | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/comptia-reveals-roadmap-xpert-series-product-family/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:07 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/comptia-reveals-roadmap-xpert-series-product-family/ |
Walker Healthcare and Walker Healthcare IT rebrand as Walker Healthforce, revolutionizing the industry through expertise and innovation in healthcare nursing, IT and allied health solutions
BOSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker Healthforce, the newly formed brand resulting from the integration of Walker Healthcare and Walker Healthcare IT, is excited to announce its debut as the leading provider of healthcare IT and clinical solutions. With end-to-end healthcare consulting services and a renewed vision, Walker Healthforce is set to redefine staffing and consulting solutions in the healthcare industry, offering unparalleled value to the workforce, healthcare payers, and clinical ecosystems.
Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Tifiany Walker, Walker Healthforce has dedicated nearly two decades to transforming healthcare through specialized services. The rebranding signifies the company's commitment to advancing the industry and providing comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.
"We are delighted to introduce Walker Healthforce as the result of our years' of expertise in the healthcare domain," said Tifiany Walker. "Our unwavering focus on healthcare, combined with our investment in cutting-edge technology, top-tier talent, and robust infrastructure, positions us as the ultimate resource for hospital networks, healthcare organizations, nurses, IT professionals, and payer systems. We are proud to usher in a new era of innovation in healthcare solutions."
Walker Healthforce stands out by embracing the belief that specialists outperform generalists in the healthcare landscape. By merging the core competencies of IT, clinical expertise, and allied health services, the company offers a comprehensive suite of 360-degree solutions. The company's proprietary vetting-2-validation process yields the top 20%, ensuring that every client's needs are met, emphasizing a solutions-oriented mindset that sets Walker Healthforce apart.
The industry expertise of Walker Healthforce includes in-depth IT and clinical experience, catering to the requirements of Healthcare Payer and Provider organizations to address the challenges within healthcare today. A team of dedicated experts delivers customizable recruitment solutions with unrivaled timeliness and efficiency, providing immediate and lasting value-added results in areas such as Care Management, Case Management, Data Analytics, Utilization Review, and NCQA &/or HEDIS audits.
According to recent industry reports, healthcare staffing needs have become increasingly challenging, with demand consistently outpacing supply. The healthcare sector faces a shortage of skilled professionals across various disciplines, including physicians, nurses, and allied health workers. This trend is further compounded by the aging population, driving up the demand for healthcare services.
Additionally, the rapid advancement of technology in healthcare has created a demand for specialized IT professionals capable of effectively implementing and managing complex systems. These staffing challenges have significant implications for healthcare organizations, as they strive to maintain high-quality patient care and meet regulatory requirements. Walker Healthforce is leading the way in addressing the evolving staffing needs of the healthcare industry by providing tailored solutions and accessing top-tier talent.
The success of Walker Healthforce is rooted in its proven methodologies. The company's 10-Step vetting-2-validation process guarantees the selection of the most qualified candidates, resulting in an unmatched industry completion rate of 95%. Furthermore, Walker Healthforce proudly boasts a remarkable 94% Dun & Bradstreet score for customer satisfaction, support, and reliability, underscoring the trust clients place in the company's services. By attracting and nurturing exceptional talent, Walker Healthforce ensures the delivery of outstanding results to its valued clients.
With the rebranding to Walker Healthforce, the company paves the way for a future defined by innovative solutions, unrivaled expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the healthcare industry. To learn more about Walker Healthforce and its comprehensive offerings, please visit www.walkerhealthforce.com.
About Walker Healthforce
Walker Healthforce is a premier healthcare clinical solutions provider (formerly Walker Healthcare and Walker Healthcare IT). With a dedicated focus on healthcare, Walker Healthforce offers end-to-end healthcare solutions that combine IT, clinical expertise, and allied health services to address the unique challenges of the industry. By attracting top talent and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Walker Healthforce delivers extraordinary value to healthcare payers, providers and other audiences. For more information, visit www.walkerhealthforce.com.
For Media:
Andrew Jennings, JConnelly
ajennings@jconnelly.com
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SOURCE Walker Healthforce | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/walker-healthforce-redefines-healthcare-staffing-consulting/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:07 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/walker-healthforce-redefines-healthcare-staffing-consulting/ |
- Highly Accomplished Fintech Executive with Proven Track Record of Delivering Superior Performance and Innovation
- Bob Walters, Rocket Companies Executive and Rocket Mortgage CEO to Retire Effective September 5
- Krishna to Succeed Walters as Rocket Mortgage CEO in dual role; Bill Emerson to Become President and Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Companies
DETROIT, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), a Detroit-based fintech platform company consisting of tech-driven mortgage, real estate and financial services businesses, including Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Rocket Loans and Rocket Money, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed accomplished fintech executive Varun Krishna as the company's Chief Executive Officer, effective September 5, 2023.
Krishna will succeed Bill Emerson, who has served as interim Chief Executive Officer since June. Emerson will continue in his interim role until Krishna joins the Company, and will remain on the Rocket Companies Board while also working with Krishna to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
Krishna has more than 20 years of experience building consumer platform strategies for leading global fintech companies. Most recently, Krishna served as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Group of Intuit, Inc., where he oversaw the organization's end-to-end suite of consumer and tax products and services, including TurboTax and TurboTax Live. During his tenure, TurboTax Live became the fastest growing product in Intuit's history. Prior to Intuit, Krishna served as Senior Director of Product at PayPal, where he managed the company's global consumer product team.
"Varun is a visionary leader with a proven track record of helping consumers achieve financial freedom. Throughout his career, he has delivered innovative, technology-driven client experiences for complex personal transactions in large, fragmented markets," said Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Rocket Companies. "Varun's experience aligns perfectly with Rocket's vision, making him the ideal person to drive growth, strong performance and operational excellence at Rocket. On behalf of the entire Board and our team members, I welcome Varun as Rocket's new CEO."
"We also thank Bill for his support in stepping up to serve as our interim Chief Executive," added Gilbert. "Having served as CEO of Rocket Mortgage, our flagship business, for 15 years, he is the right person to work alongside Varun going forward to ensure a seamless transition."
"I am honored to join the Rocket Companies team," said Krishna. "Rocket has a rock-solid foundation and tremendous potential, with its comprehensive ecosystem and industry-renowned technology, strong brand and award-winning client service. I look forward to working with Bill, the Board and Rocket's exceptionally talented team members to drive the company's future success and create long-term value for our stakeholders."
The company also announced that Bob Walters has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire on September 5, when he will step down from his roles as CEO of Rocket Mortgage and as President and Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Companies. Krishna will succeed Walters at that time as Rocket Mortgage CEO and Emerson will assume the roles of President and Chief Operating Officer for Rocket Companies.
"Since joining Rocket Mortgage more than 26 years ago, Bob has built an exceptional team and strengthened our foundation to enable the company to grow in any market," said Gilbert. "His legacy as a leader and an expert in Capital Markets will leave a lasting impact on Rocket Mortgage and I thank him for the years of dedication to our business."
"For the last 27 years, I have been honored to work alongside many special and talented people who are also some of the very best anyone could ever hope to spend a career with," Walters said. "I'm excited about the next chapter, but I will deeply miss the camaraderie, passion and excellence of everyone who has built Rocket into the great company that it is. I am proud to be able to leave with the business in great hands, knowing, as Dan Gilbert often reminds us, 'Our best days are most certainly ahead.'"
"Dan's impact on numerous industries, the cities of Detroit and Cleveland and so much more has been, and continues to be, profound. I couldn't have known so many years ago when I started that I'd have a front row seat to history. Working closely with Dan and learning from him has been the privilege of a lifetime," Walters added.
About Varun Krishna
Krishna has served as Executive Vice President & General Manager of Intuit's Consumer Group since his appointment in May of 2022. Prior to this role, he served in a variety of leadership roles within the TurboTax and Mint businesses, most notably as its Senior Vice President and GM from 2020-2022. Before Intuit, he served as Senior Director of Product at PayPal, where he managed the global consumer product organization. Prior to these roles, Krishna held a myriad of product leadership roles at Groupon and Betterworks and spent nine years at Microsoft, where he was named to several positions of increasing responsibility.
Krishna holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Canada.
About Rocket Companies
Founded in 1985, Rocket Companies is a Detroit-based fintech platform company consisting of personal finance and consumer technology brands including Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Amrock, Rocket Money, Rocket Loans, Rocket Mortgage Canada, Lendesk, Core Digital Media, Rocket Central and Rocket Connections.
Rocket Companies' mission is to be the best at creating certainty in life's most complex moments so its clients can pursue their financial dreams. The Company helps clients achieve the goal of home ownership and financial freedom through industry-leading client experiences powered by its simple, fast and trusted digital solutions. J.D. Power has ranked Rocket Mortgage, part of Rocket Companies, #1 in client satisfaction for both primary mortgage origination and servicing 21 times – the most of any mortgage lender.
For more information, please visit the Company's Corporate Website or Investor Relations Website.
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SOURCE Rocket Companies, Inc. | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/rocket-companies-appoints-varun-krishna-chief-executive-officer/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:08 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/rocket-companies-appoints-varun-krishna-chief-executive-officer/ |
SHELTON, Conn., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Logicbroker, a premier Supply Chain Experience Management (SCXM) eCommerce platform providing industry-leading drop ship, marketplace, and supply chain visibility solutions, is excited to announce that Matt Ramsbottom has joined the executive team as Chief Financial Officer.
Ramsbottom joins the Logicbroker executive team with over 14 years of experience scaling software companies through rapid expansion and driving significant ARR growth through organic and inorganic strategies.
"We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our team at Logicbroker," said the CEO of Logicbroker, Justin Hartanov. "His exceptional financial expertise and strategic vision will undoubtedly strengthen our position as an industry-leading supply chain experience platform. With Matt on board as our new CFO, we are confident in his ability to drive rapid financial growth and guide us through new avenues of success. Joining Logicbroker so close to one another, we are excited to seize the opportunities ahead and continue our commitment to delivering unparalleled white-glove service to our clients and partners."
As a technology partner for hundreds of enterprise retailers across the globe, Logicbroker is constantly working with our customers to improve core functions and increase their speed-to-market strategies, all while managing every evolving cost of operating as an API-driven Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) organization. Ramsbottom brings a proven track record in building the financial foundation of high-growth businesses, managing mergers and acquisitions, and executing financial strategies.
Under Ramsbottom's guidance, Logicbroker is poised to continue its surge as an industry leader and bolster its already proven drop ship and marketplace programs through increased hyper-growth strategies.
"I am honored and excited to join the remarkable team at Logicbroker as their new CFO," Ramsbottom said. "From my very first interactions with the company's leadership, I was deeply impressed by their unwavering dedication to innovation and customer-centricity. Being part of an industry-leading drop ship and marketplace eCommerce solution provider is an incredible opportunity, and I am eager to contribute my financial expertise and strategic insights to fuel the company's growth."
Join the Logicbroker team in providing a warm welcome for Ramsbottom as he comes into his own in his role as CFO and the team looks forward to working with him as we continue to scale our eCommerce solutions to meet the ever-changing eCommerce market.
To learn more about our comprehensive D2C and B2B drop ship, marketplace, and supply chain visibility offerings, please visit our website.
About Logicbroker
Logicbroker is the premier Supply Chain Experience Management (SCXM) eCommerce platform. Our unique B2B and D2C offerings give manufacturers and retailers a single source of truth for their supply chain, yielding real-time visibility and communications, higher compliance rates, lower transaction costs, and exceptional customer experiences. Through drop ship, marketplace, and supply chain visibility solutions, Logicbroker processes $6.3 billion in GMV each year and can help your organization achieve Supply Chain Excellence
Our integrated suite connects all participants of an organization's supply chain regardless of the type of business model: owned inventory, drop ship, or marketplace. We work with mid-market and Enterprise manufacturers and retailers across a number of verticals including Health & Wellness, Home Improvement, Consumer Electronics, Toys & Babies, and Consumer Packaged Goods and service brands such as Samsung, 1-800-Flowers, Victoria Secret, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens, and RiteAid.
Media Contact:
Name: Becca McCarthy
Title: Director of Marketing
Email: bmccarthy@logicbroker.com
Phone: 203.751.1166
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SOURCE Logicbroker | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/logicbroker-appoints-matt-ramsbottom-chief-financial-officer-continuing-high-growth-initiative/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:12 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/logicbroker-appoints-matt-ramsbottom-chief-financial-officer-continuing-high-growth-initiative/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chindata Group, ("Chindata" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CD), an industry leader in carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solutions, recently released its 2022 Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report, showing the Company's impressive achievements in ESG management and green transformation. Most notably, Chindata's annual operating power usage effectiveness (PUE), a standard efficiency metric for power consumption in data centers, reached 1.21, significantly better than the industry average. The Company also announced the enterprise's supply chain carbon emissions for the first time.
Chindata is fully committed to the goal of zero carbon, integrating green concepts into the entire lifecycle of data center site selection, planning, design, construction, and operations, and continues to achieve carbon reduction goals. Highlights from the 2022 ESG report include:
Environmental: Chindata adheres to a zero-carbon principle and fully implements the concept of green environmental protection, while striving to achieve green development through technological innovation. According to the report, the Company's annual operating PUE showed a 1.21 energy efficiency level which is a significantly better number than the industry average. Additionally, by the end of 2022, Chindata had obtained and applied for 423 patents, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 50 percent, and its proprietary waterless cooling technology which can reach a water use efficiency (WUE) of zero had been put into use. From a green electricity standpoint, 220 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity were purchased in 2022, and accumulated green electricity obtained through transactions has reached almost 770 million kilowatt-hours.
Social: Chindata is committed to creating an era of value sharing that is inclusive, reciprocal, and beneficial, adheres to a diverse, open, and inclusive corporate culture, provides equal opportunities for employees, and builds a fair talent training system and believes that corporate development dividends can benefit employees, customers, value chain partners, and local communities. Women filled one-third of the Company's senior management roles in 2022, and close to 40 percent of employees saw promotion in the same year. Additionally, Chindata actively promotes sunlight capture and conversion and promotes the improved sustainable performance of its supply chain. In 2022, the company's overseas subsidiary Bridge Data Centres (BDC) received the esteemed 'Malaysia Digital Status' award, acknowledging significant contributions to Malaysia's digital economy.
Governance: Over the past year, Chindata has taken solid steps toward sustainable development by optimizing its governance structure, promoting technological innovation, and expanding the use of clean energy. Its ESG value model places stability and transparency, creative excellence, a mutually beneficial future, and green development as cornerstone elements. Moving forward, the Company will continue to build a new regional ecosystem and will also evolve the green gene in its DNA, drive low-carbon computing through technological innovation, and lead and promote the technological development of green data centers throughout the industry.
Huapeng Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Chindata Group, said, "The thriving global digital economy is witnessing an unprecedented surge, driven by rapid advancements in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). This growing focus on environmental sustainability has led to stringent green norms in data center construction. Consequently, the Internet Data Center (IDC) industry finds itself at the forefront of a transformative industrial shift, where the principles of eco-friendliness, low carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and operational intensity are paramount. By adhering to these principles, Chindata is fostering a symbiotic alliance between the green and digital economies, propelling a new era of green sustainable development."
At this pivotal juncture of digital economy advancement and energy transformation, Chindata leverages its core values of Stable, Advanced, Forward, Eco-friendly (SAFE) to enhance its ESG strategy. With a strong foundation in arithmetic and data, these four elements are ingrained in the Company's DNA, empowering Chindata to offer abundant computing power in a reliable, environmentally friendly, and high-quality manner. This transformation of electricity into superior computing power ensures Chindata's pivotal role in fueling the digital economy and shaping a promising digital future.
About Chindata Group
Chindata is a leading carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solution provider in Asia-Pacific emerging markets and a first mover in building next-generation hyperscale data centers in China, India, and Southeast Asia markets, focusing on the whole life cycle of facility planning, investment, design, construction and operation of ecosystem infrastructure in the IT industry. Chindata provides its clients with business solutions in major countries and regions in Asia-Pacific emerging markets, including asset-heavy ecosystem chain services such as industrial bases, data centers and network services.
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SOURCE Chindata Group | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:13 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ |
The FICO® Decisions Award 2023 recipient increases loan readiness rates among the underserved - like first time homebuyers, low-to-moderate-income, and minority borrowers.
NAPLES, Fla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Fintech SaaS platform CredEvolv cemented its status as a socially committed innovator, with its recently received FICO Decisions Award in the category of Financial Inclusion. This is a global award, given to only 15 companies across 10 categories each year.
While traditional credit repair organizations prioritize quick fix solutions and tradeline disputes, CredEvolv's platform prioritizes consumer education and credit well-being, which drives sustainable credit score improvements and credit confidence among consumers.
Mission-aligned lenders who connect their clients through the platform are also able to "do well by doing good," achieving greater pull-through in closed loans while doing well by their consumer base.
CredEvolv connects low-credit and credit-declined consumers with HUD-certified and nonprofit credit counseling agencies via its platform - resulting in a significant increase in the number of consumers who can achieve loan readiness in a short period of time.
"Since inception in 2021, we've shown we can 10x the number of consumers who actually obtain a mortgage within 12 months of a credit decline, versus those who try to DIY their credit fixes," Jeff Walker, CredEvolv's CEO, said.
"Additionally, our nonprofit counselor partners - who work on our platform, using our integrated tools like FICO Score Open Access and Freddie Mac HomeCoachSM - are able to achieve results that, quite simply, for-profit companies, quick-score models, and AI can't achieve. That extra hand-holding provided by a compliant, nonprofit counselor makes a big difference."
CredEvolv partners with mission-aligned lenders who want to increase loan readiness rates among their borrowers who would otherwise fall out of their pipeline. By connecting their clients to CredEvolv - and through that connection to a nonprofit credit counselor - lenders see increased pull-through in their pipelines.
CredEvolv consumers achieve mortgage readiness in an average of 3 to 5 months - and sometimes sooner.
About CredEvolv
CredEvolv breaks down the barriers to credit equity and guides individuals seeking improved credit on a journey to sustainable, lifelong credit well-being. CredEvolv's proprietary credit and debt management education platform allows lenders to transform consumers in need of credit education and remediation into qualified applicants and lifelong customers by connecting them with HUD-certified & nonprofit credit counselors.
For more information, visit CredEvolv.com.
Contact
Libby Romano
media@credevolv.com
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SOURCE CredEvolv Services LLC | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/credevolv-cements-its-commitment-financial-inclusion/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:13 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/credevolv-cements-its-commitment-financial-inclusion/ |
PRINCETON, N.J., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WCG, the global leader in providing solutions that measurably improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of clinical research, today announces the appointment of Donna Snyder, MD, MBE, as Executive Physician. Dr. Snyder's extensive experience and leadership in clinical research, including over a decade with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will increase WCG's expertise and capabilities to accelerate and advance clinical trials.
As Executive Physician, Dr. Snyder will play a pivotal role in collaborating with clients and stakeholders across WCG's business units. With her training in pediatrics, bioethics, and product and drug development, she brings invaluable expertise gained during her tenure with the FDA and as a practicing physician.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Snyder to WCG," said Sam Srivastava, chief executive officer, WCG. "Dr. Snyder's expertise in drug development and ethical considerations will further strengthen the partnership and solutions WCG offers our clients to support their goals to be more efficient and effective throughout their trials. Her focus on patient-centric care and how it relates to enhanced clinical outcomes will undoubtedly benefit our clients and the patients they serve."
Dr. Snyder has earned widespread recognition as an expert in applying scientific and ethical regulations related to the inclusion of children in clinical research and the development of pediatric products. She has co-authored numerous books and publications, solidifying her position as a respected thought leader in her field. She holds a Master's in Bioethics (MBE) from the University of Pennsylvania, in addition to her MD and Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia. Furthermore, she completed a fellowship in General Academic Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University.
"I'm delighted to join the exceptionally talented, mission-driven team at WCG," remarked Dr. Snyder. "Additionally, the company's commitment to innovation in clinical research is inspiring. I look forward to playing a role in helping to accelerate clinical research for our clients, while upholding the ethical standards for which WCG is known."
About WCG
WCG is a global leader of solutions that measurably improve and accelerate clinical research. Biopharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract research organizations (CROs), research institutions, and sites partner with us for our unmatched expertise, data intelligence, and purpose-built technology to make informed decisions and optimize study outcomes, while maintaining the highest standards of human participant protection. WCG raises the bar by pioneering new concepts, reimagining processes, fostering compliance and safety, and empowering those who perform clinical trials to accelerate the delivery of medical therapies and devices that improve lives. For more information, please visit wcgclinical.com or follow us on Twitter @WCGClinical or LinkedIn.
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SOURCE WCG | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/wcg-welcomes-donna-snyder-md-mbe-executive-physician/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:14 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/wcg-welcomes-donna-snyder-md-mbe-executive-physician/ |
LAS VEGAS, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UFC®, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, and Roobet.fun, a completely free-to-play social casino where the Roobet.fun community competes every day for cash and real-world prizes, today announced a multi-year partnership that provides Roobet.fun with significant exposure through some of UFC's biggest events and digital platforms.
BRANDED INTEGRATIONS AND ENTITLEMENTS
Under the terms of the agreement, Roobet.fun will receive prominent branding in the world-famous Octagon® at select UFC Pay-Per-Views and Fight Nights and will be featured as a Presenting Partner of select episodes of Embedded, UFC's all-access video content series featuring top UFC athletes preparing for upcoming events. UFC and Roobet.fun will also collaborate on a variety of custom and original content that will be distributed across UFC-owned social media channels and digital platforms, which reach more than 243 million users worldwide.
In addition, UFC and Roobet.fun will also give fans the chance to experience the excitement of UFC in-person by competing for sweepstakes packages that will feature exclusive in-person prizes, such as tickets to UFC events, post-fight tours of the Octagon, meet and greets with UFC athletes and legends, and VIP tours of the UFC Performance Institute -- the state-of-the-art sports research, innovation, and mixed martial arts training facility in Las Vegas.
The agreement also provides for an annual Brand Ambassador fund that will bring the partnership to life through appearances, content, and creative campaigns with UFC athletes.
"We're thrilled to welcome Roobet.fun as an official UFC partner," said Grant Norris-Jones, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships. "Roobet.fun is an innovative online gaming platform that offers an incredibly compelling user engagement experience via a free-to-play social casino. It's a forward-thinking approach to gaming we believe UFC fans will enjoy."
"Roobet.fun originally entered the fight space to support some of the best UFC fighters on the planet, and now as the official social casino of the UFC, we will provide exciting, free games and prizes to the greatest fans in the world," said Anthony Brennan, Roobet.fun Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships. "With this partnership, Roobet.fun will create groundbreaking experiences that UFC fans have never seen before."
The Roobet.fun brand already has deep roots within the MMA community, as they individually support several of UFC's best fighters through multi-faceted sponsorships of former champions Alex Pereira, Charles Oliveira, Brandon Moreno and Marlon "Chito" Vera. The company also produces several MMA podcasts, including Champions Corner with former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno; Chute Boxe hosted by Diego Lima, head coach and manager of the famed Chute Boxe Academy in Brazil; and On the House with MMA agent Jason House.
About UFC®
UFC® is the world's premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC's active fighter roster features the world's best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization's digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world's leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.
About Roobet.fun
Roobet.fun is the official social casino of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is designed with the next generation of gamer in mind. A crypto faucet with a twist, Roobet.fun provides a player-centric, free-to-play experience on an immersive and secure platform accessible to eligible gamers worldwide. Roobet.fun is a pillar brand which exemplifies the brand's values of empowering the crypto and web3 community, while leveraging cutting-edge technologies to make it happen.
Roobet.fun is creating a space for every type of gamer. With Roobet.fun catering to those trying out crypto or simply enjoying free-to-play games, and Roobet.com continuing its industry-leading innovation in the crypto casino space, the Roobet.fun brand is redefining the entertainment landscape and leading the way in inclusive and creator-led gaming. What started as a haven for crypto enthusiasts has hit the mainstream: with over 300M views on TikTok, the drumbeat from Gen Z and Millennials is building – Roobet.fun is a brand "for the internet, by the internet."
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SOURCE UFC; Roobet.fun | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/roobetfun-named-official-social-casino-ufc/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:15 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/roobetfun-named-official-social-casino-ufc/ |
Customers dream of fast, flexible networking; Lumen now delivers in minutes
DENVER, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) launched its flagship capability on its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform today. It's the first important step toward the company's bold vision to disrupt the telecom industry. By offering customers radical flexibility in how they buy, use, and manage networking services, Lumen is cloudifying traditional telecom.
"We have been preparing for this moment for a long time, building a world-class telecom network with state-of-the-art fiber, broad coverage and unsurpassed route diversity and scalability," said Kate Johnson, Lumen CEO. "Lumen's Network-as-a-Service offering takes the next step to deliver on our customers' networking dreams: the ability to fire up any port, with any service, at any time. It's your network, your way."
The Lumen NaaS Vision
Lumen® Internet On-Demand is the first and flagship service added to the Lumen NaaS platform, starting with limited availability. Over time, Lumen NaaS will expand to include security services, such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), and Edge services. The platform's fully digital, consumption-based model will set a new standard for customer experience and expectations.
"Lumen is putting the customer at the center of our Network-as-a-Service platform, creating a cloud-like experience for buying, consuming, and managing our network services," said Andrew Dugan, Lumen CTO. "Businesses are looking for a dynamic, dedicated internet connection, but they want it from a reliable and flexible network. Unlike some Network-as-a-Service players, Lumen can deliver on this promise because we own and manage our network."
Delivering on the Customer Dream
"Lumen plays an important role in helping content providers move video content to AWS," said Evan Statton, Sr. Principal Architect in M&E at AWS. For example, Fox Sports was able to bring its live sports content to AWS by using an on-demand connection aligned with Lumen's Network-as-a-Service platform. We look forward to continued work with Lumen to help AWS customers achieve their live cloud production goals."
Customers win big with Lumen's NaaS experience. They will use a digital portal or APIs (Application Program Interface) to order Lumen Internet On-Demand and future services for instant internet connections to public data centers and port-enabled business locations. They can quickly assign an existing port at a new enterprise building, connecting them to Lumen's network. Once established, the digital experience begins, including:
- A dedicated connection to one of the largest, most connected and secure networks in the world
- Ability to scale capacity in minutes
- Internet speeds from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps
- A consumption-based billing model; pay only for the time services are active, starting at hourly rates
- Real-time visibility into service performance and network usage
- Quick enablement of new capabilities
"Lumen has taken a pragmatic approach when it comes to understanding the evolving needs of the Network-as-a-Service market, in terms of matching user experience with capabilities offered," said Rohit Mehra, group vice president, Network and Telecommunications, IDC. "Using its high-capacity, global backbone network, Lumen Internet On-Demand delivers flexible network services for a customer-first approach. Lumen's commitment to providing an effortless operational experience holds promise for enterprises in terms of consuming, managing and upgrading their networks.
Aligning with Key Partners
Lumen NaaS will leverage a broad digital ecosystem of partners – including data center, cloud, technology, and managed service providers - to maximize impact and reach. Digital Realty is one of the first third-party data center providers to join the Lumen Network-as-a-Service Alliance Partner program. Joint customers can provision on-demand services using a digital portal or API in real-time and increase or decrease bandwidth as needed.
"We're delighted to be partnering with Lumen to redefine the enterprise digital transformation landscape," said Chris Sharp, CTO, Digital Realty. "Lumen's cutting-edge Network-as-a-Service solution combined with our global network of highly connected facilities and orchestration platform ServiceFabric™, empowers enterprises with on-demand, personalized experiences, revolutionizing the way networks are consumed and managed. This highlights our shared vision, as we unite to meet the evolving needs of our customers."
Lumen's new on-demand services will be updated and shared throughout the year. More information on Lumen Internet On-Demand can be found at https://www.lumen.com/en-us/networking/internet-on-demand.html.
About Lumen Technologies:
Lumen connects the world. We are dedicated to furthering human progress through technology by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers' needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies, and YouTube: /lumentechnologies.
This release may include forward-looking statements (as defined by the federal securities laws), which are subject to the "safe harbor" protections thereunder. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are based on current expectations only, are inherently speculative, and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in those statements. Factors that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to, each of the matters and risks referenced from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason, which speak only as of the date made.
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SOURCE Lumen Technologies | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lumen-shakes-up-telecom-industry-with-network-as-a-service-offering/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:19 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lumen-shakes-up-telecom-industry-with-network-as-a-service-offering/ |
CLEVELAND, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Celloram Inc., a dynamic biotech startup based in Cleveland, Ohio and developing novel medicines for cancer and immune disorders, announced today a groundbreaking licensing agreement with French biotech GENFIT SA to advance Celloram's first-in-class inflammasome inhibitor, CLM-022. The agreement grants GENFIT exclusive global rights to develop CLM-022 in liver disease indications.
"This exclusive licensing agreement with GENFIT aims to expand our inflammasome inhibitor platform into liver disease indications for the first time," said Tej Pareek, Ph.D., Celloram CEO. "We believe that GENFIT has the potential to rapidly advance the development of this class of inhibitors, ultimately bringing therapies and hope to a large population of patients who desperately need life-saving treatments. We are thrilled to work alongside GENFIT, a leading biopharmaceutical company, to bring this potential life-saving treatment to patients worldwide."
As part of this agreement, GENFIT will not only add to its arsenal of drug candidates for liver disease, but also gain access to Celloram's scientists and medicinal chemistry expertise to help synthesize and validate CLM-022 as GENFIT advances on its goal to secure an IND for future clinical trials.
In recognition of this transformative collaboration, Celloram Inc. is eligible to receive up to €160 million in clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, which will further fuel its mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions for critical medical challenges. Celloram co-founders, Dr. John Letterio and Dr. Seong-Jin Kim, jointly stated, "Our vision at Celloram Inc. has always been driven by a passion for revolutionizing patient care by creating safer, more effective therapies. With this licensing agreement, we are one step closer to realizing Celloram's vision and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with GENFIT."
About Liver Disease
Liver disease is a progressive deterioration of liver functions lasting more than six months, involving synthesis of clotting factors, detoxification, and bile excretion. The process entails inflammation, destruction, and regeneration of liver parenchyma, often leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Etiologies are diverse, encompassing toxins, prolonged alcohol abuse, infections, autoimmune diseases, and genetic/metabolic disorders. The global liver disease treatment market size is predicted to be worth 25.8.3 billion USD by 2028 from 14.1 billion USD in 2023 to grow at a CAGR of 11.72% in forecasted period. Increasing cases of acute and chronic liver diseases, including liver cancer, are driving the demand for advanced liver disease diagnostics and treatments.
About Celloram Inc.
Celloram Inc. is a forward-thinking biotech startup based in Cleveland, Ohio, driven by the vision to harness innovative science and revolutionize patient care. Their experienced leadership team, including co-founders Dr. John Letterio and Dr. Seong-Jin Kim, CEO Dr. Tej Kumar Pareek, VP and chief scientific Program Directors Dr. Seunghwan Lim and Dr. Liraz Levi are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions to unmet medical needs.
Celloram Inc. is also gearing up to open its Series A funding round in the coming months, offering an opportunity for visionary investors to join forces in the pursuit of transformative innovations. This funding will further catapult Celloram Inc.'s pioneering research and development efforts, taking their pipelines to new heights.
About GENFIT.
GENFIT is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of patients with rare and severe liver diseases characterized by high unmet medical needs. GENFIT is a pioneer in liver disease research and development with a rich history and strong scientific heritage spanning more than two decades. Thanks to its expertise in bringing early-stage assets with high potential to late development and pre-commercialization stages, today GENFIT boasts a growing and diversified pipeline of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic solutions. Its R&D pipeline covers acute on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), urea cycle disorders (UCD), organic acidemias (OA) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Beyond therapeutics, GENFIT's pipeline also includes a diagnostic franchise focused on NASH and ACLF. GENFIT has facilities in Lille and Paris (France), Zurich (Switzerland) and Cambridge, MA (USA).
Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Celloram Inc. and GENFIT's potential collaboration and the development of CLM-022. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities or engage in any other transaction. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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SOURCE Celloram Inc. | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cleveland-based-biotech-celloram-inc-strikes-landmark-licensing-deal-with-french-biotech-genfit-propel-its-lead-asset-clm-022-liver-disease-treatment/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:19 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cleveland-based-biotech-celloram-inc-strikes-landmark-licensing-deal-with-french-biotech-genfit-propel-its-lead-asset-clm-022-liver-disease-treatment/ |
St. Thomas More softball coach Andria Waguespack was fully aware of the state championship drought her Cougars were in the midst of.
And she couldn't be happier to see it end this season, as the Cougars won the Division I select state title —their first crown since 2014.
"We have had some great teams and some great kids over the years here," Waguespack said. "But when I look at the wins we had and the losses against the schedule we played, this was definitely one of the best seasons. It was special to watch."
After ending the title drought and leading the Cougars to a 33-3 overall record, Waguespack is The Acadiana Advocate's All-Metro Softball Coach of the Year.
"To be chosen with all of the great coaches in the area — who did some great things — is awesome," Waguespack said. "I'm truly thankful." | https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/high_schools/all-metro-softball-coach-of-the-year-andria-waguespack-st-thomas-more/article_184b380a-2441-11ee-be9d-bbea547c8d21.html | 2023-07-31T14:30:21 | 1 | https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/high_schools/all-metro-softball-coach-of-the-year-andria-waguespack-st-thomas-more/article_184b380a-2441-11ee-be9d-bbea547c8d21.html |
The show promotes discrimination and bias against little people and other disabled persons
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marin Center for Independent Living and Little People of America, Inc. are calling on the Sonoma County Fair (SCF) to cancel the "M"[slur] wrestling show scheduled for August 3, 2023 at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, CA. The SCF is hosting this event for the second year, even though local disability advocates communicated opposition to last year's performance. "The show must go!" said Eileen Norman, President of Little People of America, Inc., a third generation resident of Santa Rosa.
Norman added, "our opposition is not solely about the use of the "m"[slur] and its offensiveness, it is to the show itself - which is a visual expression of bias - and the marginalization it incites from the audience members. The visual performance showcases disabled persons chosen specifically for their disability as a form of entertainment."
According to a 2022 story in the Sonoma Press Democrat during last year's performance, audience members characterized as "the opposite of woke" shouted "We want the 'm'[slur]s" and "Give us the 'm'[slur]s."
Eli Gelardin, CEO of the Marin Center for Independent Living said "I believe that the intent of it is to be amusing for others who are not disabled, which is exploitation and dehumanizing. The violence displayed in the program, whether real or acted, shows plot and characterizations that could validate bias against people with disabilities." Gelardin is also a lifelong resident of the North Bay region, having lived previously in Santa Rosa. He continued by saying "I am a little person, my wife is disabled, we have a child. What happens if someone gets the message that it's ok to act out the sentiments in this show. I am not just being an advocate here, I need to protect my family."
On Tuesday Marin CIL, LPA sent a letter to the SCF Chief Executive Officer and the Sonoma County Board of supervisors calling for the removal of the performance from the fair's schedule. The letter was co-signed by fifteen (15) international, national, and California statewide and local disability rights organizations.
Following the letter several disabled advocates spoke during public comment at the SCF Board of Directors meeting. Olivia Glaubiger, a young woman born and raised in Santa Rosa summed up her experience by saying "I grew up in this community and continue to live here. I've experienced bullying, strangers taking pictures of me and mistaking me for other little people. I've always loved the fair, when I was young I entered the art contest for the new fair logo. Now the fair has changed for me, I don't feel welcome anymore."
The Sonoma County Fair has consistently attempted to divert meaningful discussion about the issue to the performers and away from their own responsibility in deciding to host this show. Ted Jackson, Sr. Advisor-Public Policy & Engagement for Marin CIL said "from the initial email and at each connection point the fair's executive has responded with diversion to the performers. This is not about the performers. This is about the fair taking ownership for their actions. If they had the power to make this mistake, they have the power to fix it. When people have to gaslight, they know they've done something wrong."
Marin CIL, LPA National and our coalition will continue to advocate without compromise.
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SOURCE Marin Center for Independent Living | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:20 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ |
Roar's passion for creating virtual, immersive social experiences brings talent and technology to Yuga that greatly complements Yuga's expansive vision for Otherside.
Roar Studios' Founder and CEO, Eric Reid, to join Yuga as the General Manager of Otherside.
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yuga Labs, web3 leader and home of Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), CryptoPunks, Meebits, 10KTF, and Otherside today announced it has agreed to acquire Roar Studios, a company at the convergence of gaming, social media, and the metaverse with deep technology and AI roots.
Roar Studios is the developer of ROAR, an immersive media experience where artists and fans connect, collaborate, and compete in real time from anywhere.
Developed by Roar's leading team of audio, game, and AI engineers, ROAR combines innovative proprietary technology with established MMO game and platform systems to produce an entirely new product category: an experiential, semi-autonomous music and entertainment world driven by individual content creators and community consensus.
As Yuga Labs develops Otherside – its ambitious, interoperable metaverse – the Roar team will contribute their innovative technology, specialized expertise, and leadership.
"Roar Studios has redefined what it means to experience media content in the metaverse," said Daniel Alegre, CEO of Yuga Labs. "Yuga's North Star is creating new ways for communities to connect and express themselves, and I am excited to welcome Roar's talented team to our Yuga family. Roar's dedication to creative content creation and social connections will accelerate our execution of our bold vision for Otherside and Yuga's ecosystem more broadly."
Roar Studios' Founder and CEO, Eric Reid, added, "Our team's mission is to empower players to create and be social in a community-driven, open media experience, so our work fundamentally aligns with Yuga's larger web3 metaverse strategy. When Daniel and Mike Seavers opened the door for us to contribute to Yuga's paradigm-shifting approach to content and immersive experiences, we jumped at the opportunity."
Following the acquisition, Reid will join Yuga as the General Manager of Otherside. He will be charged with evolving the vision and leading the development and production of the platform, together with the highly experienced Yuga executive team. Prior to Roar, Reid spent more than two decades building teams and creating and distributing film, television, and music content for audiences worldwide (including film franchises such as UNDERWORLD).
About Yuga Labs
Yuga Labs is a web3 company shaping the future through storytelling, experiences, and community. Guided by the belief that the potential of web3 can be realized when we start with imagination, not limitations, Yuga's initiatives aim to reinvent what real-world utility for NFTs look like and push the space forward as a whole. Since their launch in April 2021 with flagship collection Bored Ape Yacht Club, they've made headlines as one of the first companies to release IP licenses to their NFT holders, acquired and released rights to other top collections (CryptoPunks and Meebits), and made web3 history with record-breaking synchronized player participation in their newest initiative, Otherside. One of the most ambitious interactive metaverse projects to date, Otherside is built with the community, rebelling against traditional walled gardens in gaming spaces. In March 2022, Yuga Labs raised a $450M seed round at a $4B valuation.
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SOURCE Yuga Labs | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/yuga-labs-agrees-acquire-technology-innovator-roar-studios/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:21 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/yuga-labs-agrees-acquire-technology-innovator-roar-studios/ |
SAN DIEGO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics Inc. today revealed pricing and availability for the new Sony BRAVIA XR A95L QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV. This model comes in 55" (54.6" diag.), 65" (64.5" diag.) and 77" (76.7" diag.) class sizes with suggested retail price starting at $2,799.99. The A95L offers Sony's best color ever and will be available for pre-order starting August 21 at Sony authorized dealers nationwide.
U.S. pricing and availability details:
- 77" Class (76.7" diag): $4,999.99 MSRP (Available to pre-order on 8/21/2023)
- 65" Class (64.5" diag): $3,499.99 MSRP (Available to pre-order on 8/21/2023)
- 55" Class (54.6" diag): $2,799.99 MSRP (Available to pre-order on 8/21/2023)
Canada pricing and availability details:
- 77" Class (76.7" diag): $6,999.99 MSRP (Available to pre-order on 8/21/2023)
- 65" Class (64.5" diag): $4,999.99 MSRP (Available to pre-order on 8/21/2023)
- 55" Class (54.6" diag): $3,999.99 MSRP (Available to pre-order on 8/21/2023)
For full A95L specifications, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/tv-video/televisions/all-tvs/p/xr65a95l
BRAVIA XR A95L QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV Key Features:
Enjoy the brightest and widest range of colors and hues, powered by the intelligent Cognitive Processor XR™. With a QD-OLED screen enhanced by XR Triluminos Max™, experience color performance with up to 200% as much color brightness of a conventional OLED TV. Individually lit pixels produce pure black, so your favorite movies, shows, and games burst to life on screen with extraordinary detail and depth.
- Google TV: Get access to all your favorite streaming apps in one place with Google TV™, and simply use your voice to search and ask questions with Google Assistant. 1
- Intelligent and powerful TV processing: Powered by Sony's intelligent Cognitive Processor XR™, hundreds of thousands of individual on-screen elements are processed and remastered in the blink of an eye, boosting color, contrast, and clarity.
- Sony's widest palette of colors: With QD-OLED panel technology and enhanced by XR Triluminos Max™, millions of self-illuminating individual pixels deliver more saturation and brightness to every color.
- Definitive contrast: By pairing the QD-OLED panel and XR OLED Contrast Pro™, see up to 200% color brightness compared to conventional OLED TVs, bringing scenes to life with pure black and our brightest colors.
- Multi View: Exclusively on the A95L, use Multi View to split your screen and enjoy watching content from two different sources at the same time. Such as playing a game on one side and watching a walkthrough on the other.2,3
- Perfect for PlayStation® 5: Take your gaming to the next level with exclusive features Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode for optimized picture quality while gaming and streaming on your PS5® console.4
- All game settings in one place: With Game Menu, quickly manage your gaming picture settings and exclusive assist features in a single convenient interface.
- With Acoustic Surface Audio+™, actuators behind the TV vibrate to produce audio from the entire screen elevating the sound and improving dialogue. An integrated subwoofer delivers powerful bass to round out the sound.
- Pairs perfectly with Sony soundbars: Paired with select Sony soundbars, Acoustic Center Sync synchronizes the TVs speakers with the soundbar, boosting the center channel for clearer, fuller vocals. When connected, soundbar settings automatically appear on the TV's Quick Settings menu for easy to control of volume, sound field, and other soundbar features.5
- Enhanced TV experience with included BRAVIA CAM: Connect the supplied BRAVIA CAM to unlock Ambient Optimization Pro which automatically optimizes the picture and sound to where you're sitting in the room. You can also enjoy video chat with friends and family on the big screen.6
- All Eco settings in one place: With the Eco Dashboard, energy saving settings can now be centrally managed. You can easily customize energy saving settings for your TV usage, viewing environment, and the content you are watching.
Sony is keeping its commitment to decreasing plastic usage through its Road to Zero initiative. To reduce environmental impact, Sony is working on multiple aspects of the product life cycle, such as reduction of virgin plastic use, improvement of transportation efficiency and reviewing energy consumption during use. Additionally, the new Eco Dashboard included on all 2023 BRAVIA XR models allows users to easily customize energy saving preferences and settings.
About Sony Electronics, Inc.
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics, and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.
1 User must accept Google Terms of Service (http://www.google.com/policies/terms/), Play Terms of Service (https://play.google.com/intl/en-US_us/about/play-terms/index.html) and Privacy Policy (http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/) to use TV. User must connect to a Google Account to use certain advertised features, including voice to activate linked apps, and install certain apps and operating software during setup. Use of TV without connecting to a Google Account allows only basic TV features and certain apps. Wireless connectivity requires 802.11 home network (802.11n recommended). Network services, content, operating system, and software of this product may be subject to separate or third-party terms and conditions and changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information. Apps must be compatible with TV. App availability varies by region and device. Google TV is the name of this device's software experience. Google, Google TV and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
2 Screen Size feature will be available via future firmware update.
3 Multi View feature will be available via future firmware update.
4 To activate Auto HDR Tone Mapping, must enable feature when pairing TV and PS5 for the first time; or will need to disconnect TV and PS5, perform factory reset on PS5 and enable the feature during initial setup. Auto Genre Picture Mode works when Auto Picture Mode on the TV is set to ON. Both features are supported only when PS5 and TV are directly connected. Applicable models: All BRAVIA XR models, X85K, X80K.
5 Acoustic Centre Sync works with compatible Sony soundbars and AV receivers. For full compatibility list visit https://www.sony.net/hav_faq.
6 Other than video chat, some BRAVIA CAM features may require future firmware update.
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SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc. | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/sony-electronics-announces-pricing-availability-sony-bravia-xr-a95l-qd-oled-4k-hdr-google-tv/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:21 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/sony-electronics-announces-pricing-availability-sony-bravia-xr-a95l-qd-oled-4k-hdr-google-tv/ |
Survey: Nearly one third would talk to robots if feeling lonely and almost half would share their medical history with AI
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than a year since the launch of the popular Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT, Americans are embracing AI-based care as they age. One third of Americans and over half (58%) of millennials believe AI and robotics will provide their future in-home long-term care.
According to the annual Nationwide Retirement Institute Long-Term Care survey, conducted in partnership with LIMRA in May 2023, this survey of 1,439 U.S. adults aged 24 or over found that younger generations were particularly apt to embrace the technology.
Among the key findings:
- Daily functions: More than one in three (35%) Americans would accept help from a robot for activities such as toileting, dressing and transferring. This rises to 52% among millennials and declines with older generations (23% for boomers and 36% for Gen Xers).
- Companionship: Nearly the same amount (32%) say they would talk to robots/AI if they are feeling lonely. This increases to about half (52%) of millennials.
- Physical safety: Almost seven out of ten (68%) Americans would use AI to alert family/friends if they were to experience a fall or physical danger (63% boomers, 70% Gen X, 72% millennials).
- Medical history: Nearly half (48%) of Americans say they would share their medical history with AI to help support their care needs. This figure increases to 65% for millennials.
In response to the increasing acceptance and adoption of AI-based care, Nationwide is testing eldercare robots in homes of select policyholders with mobility issues. The goal of this trial is to assess if the robots increase the potential for policyholders to age in their home and remain independent.
"It is difficult for many families to find quality care for their loved ones. We are considering AI and robotics as potential solutions for this and are identifying if eldercare robots could become credible, compelling examples of extraordinary care for our members," said Holly Snyder, president of Nationwide's Life Insurance business. "As we continue to see advancements in AI and an uptick in consumer adoption, AI and robotics could permanently change how people receive their long-term care and provide them with more opportunity to safely remain independent for longer."
Many adults mistakenly believe they have long-term care coverage
The survey reveals that 18% of adults report that they currently own long-term care insurance, including 27% of millennials. However, industry data shows only 3.1% of Americans have purchased long-term care insurance and most of those are older consumers.*
More than half (51%) who mistakenly thought they owned long-term care insurance confused it with long-term disability insurance. Almost a third (30%) confused it with health insurance.
In conjunction with the survey, Nationwide conducted focus groups made up of four different demographics: baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials and those who believe they had long-term care coverage. Unsurprisingly, these sessions revealed that like survey respondents, focus group participants also often mistakenly confused long-term care insurance with their long-term disability insurance or health insurance. Neither of these cover long-term care expenses.
"Many Americans – mostly millennials – mistakenly believe they have long-term care coverage, usually in their company's benefit package, when in fact they do not," said Snyder. "Though this misconception is understandable, it puts them at danger of discovering that they don't have coverage much later on when they really need it."
Americans have concerns about how to manage aging
Though many Americans don't own long-term care policies, they do have very real concerns about how to manage the aging process and its associated costs.
For example:
- Nearly half of respondents (49%) are worried they'll become a burden to their family as they age
- Almost a third (28%) say they would rather die than live in a nursing home
- More than a quarter (26%) believe paying for long-term care will diminish their children's inheritance
"Too many Americans are missing crucial planning steps to make sure they're set up for success as they age," said Snyder. "The first step is to understand what's important to you and your family. From there, we recommend talking to a financial professional to help build a plan."
Financial professionals need to bring up long-term care planning
While more than half (51%) say it is important that a financial professional discuss long-term care costs with them, fewer than one in five adults (18%) say they have actually discussed long-term planning with their financial professional. In fact, more than one in four adults (27%) across all age groups have not discussed long-term care costs with anyone. The good news is 30% say they would discuss long-term care costs with a financial professional in the future.
"Financial professionals need to be proactive in helping families plan for important long-term care issues, including how to pay for it," Snyder added. "Even if a client believes they are covered, we suggest probing them with some follow-up questions to be sure they are, in fact, protected. If not, financial professionals have an important role in helping them put together a plan of action."
To encourage discussions around long-term care costs in retirement, Nationwide's Health Care/LTC Cost Assessment tool uses proprietary health risk analysis and updated actuarial cost data to provide a meaningful, personalized cost estimate to help financial professionals and clients plan for future medical and long-term care expenses.
To learn more about the importance of long-term care planning, visit www.nationwide.com/LTCbasics. Financial professionals can learn more in this blog and at www.nationwidefinancial.com/LTC.
Methodology
The 2023 Nationwide Retirement Institute/NCOA Long-term Care survey was conducted online within the United States between adults aged 25 and over by LIMRA on behalf of The Nationwide Retirement Institute. Survey participants were drawn from a nationwide consumer panel and data collection occurred between 4/25/2023 and 5/12/2023. The sample was weighted by race/ethnicity and income and included quotas for age and gender to approximate U.S. general population representation.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities, mutual funds and ETFs; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow the firm on Facebook and Twitter.
*"Do Consumer Really Understand Long-Term Care Insurance". LIMRA.com. 11/15/2022.
This material is not a recommendation to buy or sell a financial product or to adopt an investment strategy. Investors should discuss their specific situation with their financial professional.
This information is general in nature and is not intended to be tax, legal, accounting or other professional advice. The information provided is based on current laws, which are subject to change at any time, and has not been endorsed by any government agency.
Nationwide and LIMRA are separate and non-affiliated companies.
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (NISC), member FINRA, Columbus, OH. Nationwide Retirement Institute is a division of NISC.
Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide Retirement Institute are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company © Nationwide 2023
LAM-5157AO
Contact:
Charley Gillespie
(614) 249-6349
charley.gillespie@nationwide.com
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SOURCE Nationwide | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/many-americans-believe-ai-will-provide-their-in-home-care-they-age/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:25 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/many-americans-believe-ai-will-provide-their-in-home-care-they-age/ |
The Eunice Bobcats were hoping to reach the state finals for the first time since 1979.
And although they fell one win short of accomplishing that feat, the Bobcats' season was still successful.
"When you look back on the season, you realize all of the things you have accomplished," Bobcats coach Scott Phillips said.
The Bobcats had three winning streaks of at least five games, including 12 in a row at one point, and they didn’t lose more than two consecutive games all season. They finished 31-7 overall and reached the state semifinals.
"To have 31 wins in a season is a lot around here," Phillips said. "It definitely gives us something good to build upon for next year."
Phillips is the Acadiana Advocate's All-Metro Baseball Coach of the Year.
"That's awesome, but a lot of the credit needs to go to my staff," Phillips said. "I am thankful for the honor, but I have to give credit where credit is due. I have a great staff and they really make my job a lot easier." | https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/high_schools/eunices-scott-phillips-relished-trip-to-state-tournament/article_d0e9aa36-2441-11ee-9d0f-835e3abe63d7.html | 2023-07-31T14:30:27 | 1 | https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/high_schools/eunices-scott-phillips-relished-trip-to-state-tournament/article_d0e9aa36-2441-11ee-9d0f-835e3abe63d7.html |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) ("CMGR"), a social media firm and digital agency, announced that they have finalized another brand promotional deal with fitness model and iconic social media star, Sommer Ray. Ray was born in Colorado and has won several bodybuilding and fitness competitions. In recent years she has amassed an impressive social media following, boasting 25M+ followers on Instagram, 12M+ followers on TikTok and 1.75M+ followers on YouTube.
"It is always a pleasure to work with Sommer and her team" said a representative of CMGR. "We have a long-standing history with Sommer and have worked on many deals in the past couple of years. We are excited for the future and will continue to build on this relationship and the alike."
Visit us at www.clubhousemediagroup.com
About Clubhouse Media Group, Inc.
CMGR offers management, production, and deal-making services to its handpicked influencers, a management division for individual influencer clients, and an investment arm for joint ventures and acquisitions for companies in the social media influencer space.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by CMGR and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.
Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause CMGR's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for CMGR's products and services, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully consider the risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at sec.gov. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
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SOURCE Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:26 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ |
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. (with its affiliates and exclusive sub-advisers, "Farallon") announced the final closing of its fourth US-focused opportunistic real estate fund structure, Farallon Real Estate Partners IV ("FREP IV"), raising in total over US$650 million of aggregate investor commitments, exceeding its original target of US$500 million.
Farallon has an extensive 30-year track record investing in commercial real estate and has deployed approximately US$7.4 billion of capital in 263 investments over that period. FREP IV's investment strategy will continue the Farallon Real Estate team's approach to investing in inefficient segments of the U.S. real estate market with a focus on industrial, multi-family, retail and office sub-sectors. FREP IV will employ a value- driven/opportunistic strategy while targeting equity, preferred equity, and distressed debt investments in relevant assets within the core sub-sectors.
FREP IV will be managed and operated by the 12 dedicated members of Farallon's Real Estate team led by Rocky Fried and Josh Dapice. Additionally, FREP IV will be supported by Farallon's global team and institutional infrastructure of over 200 operational professionals.
Limited partners in the fund structure consist of both existing and new investors, including endowments, public and corporate pension plans, insurance companies, family offices, and investment advisory firms.
"We are deeply appreciative of the support from our limited partners and look forward to deploying this new capital into what we believe to be a very attractive market. Farallon's long history of completing transactions throughout market cycles and its established global relationships position us to benefit from the current scarcity of capital in the U.S real estate markets," said Rocky Fried, Partner at Farallon and Head of US Real Estate.
Josh Dapice, Partner at Farallon, described the US real estate environment as one where "we believe we are in the early innings of a widespread correction that will lead to attractive acquisition opportunities, particularly as it relates to working with owners in need of flexible and creative capital solutions."
About Farallon®:
Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. is a global institutional investment management firm founded in 1986. Farallon manages approximately $39 billion in capital and commitments for institutions, including college endowments, charitable foundations, pension plans and sovereign wealth funds, and high net worth individuals and family offices. Farallon is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and São Paulo. Farallon seeks investments across asset classes and around the world through a process of bottom-up fundamental research and analysis emphasizing capital preservation. More information about Farallon is available at www.faralloncapital.com.
Media Contacts
ASC Advisors
Taylor Ingraham / Steve Bruce
tingraham@ascadvisors.com / sbruce@ascadvisors.com
203 992 1230
Related Links
http://www.faralloncapital.com
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SOURCE Farallon Capital Management | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/farallon-capital-management-closes-fourth-real-estate-fund-with-over-650-million-aggregate-investor-commitments/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:27 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/farallon-capital-management-closes-fourth-real-estate-fund-with-over-650-million-aggregate-investor-commitments/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Zefr's third-party brand suitability verification solution for Instagram Feed is now available. This AI-powered measurement solution provides marketers with even more transparency into their Meta campaigns, measuring GARM brand safety and suitability across both Instagram and Facebook Feed placements.
Additionally, the verification solution will now be available in more global territories, supporting advertisers in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese and Portuguese speaking countries. Advertisers will have full access to their Instagram Feed measurement via their Atrium dashboard, which provides full transparency across platforms including Meta, TikTok and YouTube.
Meta recently announced new inventory filters for Facebook and Instagram Feeds that are now rolling out to advertisers in these additional global markets. Both the added inventory filters and expanded third-party brand suitability verification developments underscore Zefr and Meta's ongoing commitment to critical innovation within the industry, powered by AI technology that deepens advertiser transparency and brand suitability controls.
"Earlier this year we began rolling out our third party brand suitability verification solution with Zefr for Facebook Feed as a part of the launch of our AI-powered brand suitability controls. We are excited to expand this offering to Instagram Feed, offering businesses another solution to help meet their brand safety and suitability needs. In addition to English and Spanish, our brand suitability verification solution is also being expanded to four additional languages and testing for third party brand suitability verification for Reels will begin in August. We look forward to sharing more expansion offerings for the brand suitability verification solution in the coming months." Samantha Stetson, Vice President, Client Council and Industry Trade Relations.
"We're excited to announce our AI-powered, third-party brand suitability verification for Instagram Feed. This innovation marks another important step forward in the industry, providing brands with transparency into their adjacencies across both Facebook & Instagram Feed. Our continued collaboration with Meta, expanded global coverage, and commitment to transparency mapped to the GARM standards enables more responsible media investment for advertisers worldwide," said Rich Raddon, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Zefr.
For more detail on Zefr's brand suitability verification product for Meta, please visit www.zefr.com/atrium, or reach out to measurement@zefr.com.
CONTACT: Hank Kim, hank@m8media.net
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SOURCE Zefr | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/zefr-meta-expand-ai-powered-brand-suitability-measurement-instagram-feed-additional-languages/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:27 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/zefr-meta-expand-ai-powered-brand-suitability-measurement-instagram-feed-additional-languages/ |
Bonifacino and Grothe Previously Served as Senior Members of the Proxy Contest and M&A Research Groups at Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, Respectively
David Whissel Promoted to Managing Director
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Spotlight Advisors, LLC, a leading financial and strategy advisory firm focused on guiding public companies and their investors in high-stakes situations, today announced the expansion of its senior leadership ranks with the addition of two accomplished professionals, Juan Bonifacino and Mark Grothe. Spotlight is also promoting David Whissel to Managing Director.
During the last eight years, Spotlight has become the leading advisory practice assisting public companies in responding to shareholder activists and other contentious shareholder matters, including challenged M&A transactions, controversial compensation plans and contested director elections. In the first half of 2023, according to data compiled by FactSet Research Systems, Spotlight had the most assignments as financial and strategy advisor in high-stakes shareholder activism matters in the United States.
"The addition of Juan and Mark to the Spotlight team will ensure our clients continue to receive best-in-class advice and achieve the remarkable outcomes they expect from us," said Gregory P. Taxin, Managing Member of Spotlight Advisors.
Juan Bonifacino, CFA, joins Spotlight as a Managing Director after having served as head of the shareholder activism practice at Stifel, where he advised more than three dozen public companies on activism response and preparedness, corporate governance, ESG and institutional investor outreach.
Previously, Juan was a Vice President of M&A and Proxy Contest Research at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), where he evaluated and made voting recommendations to institutional shareholders on the financial and strategic implications of over one hundred proxy contests, contentious mergers and economic proposals.
Mark Grothe, CFA, joins Spotlight as a Senior Director after 14 years as a senior member of the M&A and Contested Situations research team at Glass, Lewis & Co., where he provided institutional shareholders with in-depth research and evaluated the strategic and financial merit in thousands of special situations across all industries and markets. As a part of that work, Mark served as Glass Lewis' primary analyst and issued voting recommendations for more than 200 contested director elections and M&A transactions, including many of the most closely watched situations of the last decade.
"The Spotlight team has known Juan and Mark for many years, and we are very excited to be working with them directly as we grow our client base further," said Mr. Taxin. "I am also thrilled to announce David Whissel has been promoted to Managing Director. Over the last three years, Dave has demonstrated sound judgment, encyclopedic knowledge of activism and shareholders and an incredible work ethic. His contributions have meaningfully driven the success of our firm and great results for our clients."
Spotlight is consistently ranked as the top advisor to companies and investors, having served as a financial and strategy advisor in 118 shareholder activist campaigns in the United States since the beginning of 2020, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Finance LP. By deal volume, Spotlight advised in 25% more campaigns than its closest rival, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and in 50% more activism situations than each of the next three advisors: Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan.
Mr. Taxin concluded, "With a team of seven senior professionals with experience at the world's foremost investment banks, law firms, institutional investors and proxy advisory firms, Spotlight is well placed to continue to drive great results for our clients in shareholder activism and other high-stakes corporate matters."
About Juan I. Bonifacino
Prior to joining Spotlight, Juan Bonifacino founded and led the Shareholder Advisory & Activism practice at the investment bank Stifel. In 2022, Juan was named a Rising Star Dealmaker by the Global M&A Network as well as an Emerging Leader by M&A Advisor. Previously, Juan was a Principal at CamberView Partners (now PJT CamberView), a governance advisory firm. Juan previously served as a Vice President of M&A and Proxy Contest Research at ISS, where he evaluated and made voting recommendations on the financial and strategic implications of over one hundred proxy contests, contested and contentious mergers, and other proposals with an immediate economic impact for institutional investor clients. Juan is a CFA charterholder and received an M.B.A. from Georgetown University where he was the valedictorian of his class, as well as a B.A. from Princeton University.
About Mark Grothe
Prior to joining Spotlight, Mark was a Senior Analyst on the M&A and Contested Situations research team at Glass Lewis for 14 years, where he provided institutional shareholders with in-depth research and voting recommendations on proxy contests, M&A transactions, shareholder activism campaigns and capital-related shareholder proposals. In his role at Glass Lewis, Mark frequently engaged with corporate directors and senior executives, activist investors, director candidates, institutional asset managers, and activism advisors. During his tenure, Mark served as the primary analyst on dozens of notable Glass Lewis research reports. Mark began his career as an analyst on Glass Lewis' accounting and forensic research teams, where he performed deep-dive analysis to uncover hidden or underappreciated risks at public companies related to business strategy, accounting methods, earnings quality and governance. Mark is a CFA charterholder and has a double master's degree in finance and accounting from the University of Colorado Denver, where he also completed his undergraduate studies in business and economics.
About David Whissel
David has been named a Managing Director after serving as a Senior Director of Spotlight Advisors since September 2020, where he has advised clients in dozens of proxy contests and contested M&A transaction votes. He was previously Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Governance at MacKenzie Partners, where he represented clients in proxy contests and shareholder activism situations, friendly and contested mergers and acquisitions, and annual meetings. David also advised clients on general corporate governance, investor relations, shareholder proposals, and executive compensation matters. Prior to joining MacKenzie in 2016, David was CEO and Director of Research at Proxy Mosaic, a corporate governance research and proxy advisory firm that focused on shareholder activism, M&A, and executive compensation. David received his BA from Denison University, and his JD from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
About Spotlight Advisors, LLC
Spotlight Advisors, LLC, is a leading financial and strategy advisory firm focused on guiding public companies and their investors in high-stakes situations, such as contested director elections and contentious M&A transactions. Spotlight has provided advice in more than 150 situations involving shareholder activists seeking changes in the composition of public company boards (and has served as an advisor in approximately one-fourth of all proxy fights that went to a final vote in the United States since 2016) and in dozens of complex M&A and Special Committee situations, including unsolicited bids, bear hug letters and management buyouts. These complex situations often draw intense scrutiny from shareholders, the media and regulators, raising the stakes for executives and directors as their actions and decisions are placed in the spotlight. More about the firm is available at www.SpotlightAdvisors.com.
CONTACT: Greg Taxin, gtaxin@spotlightadvisors.com
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SOURCE SPOTLIGHT ADVISORS, LLC | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/spotlight-advisors-adds-new-expertise-with-appointment-juan-i-bonifacino-mark-grothe/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:28 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/spotlight-advisors-adds-new-expertise-with-appointment-juan-i-bonifacino-mark-grothe/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glossier's vision is to change how the world sees beauty — and that means changing the industry itself. The Glossier Grant Program invests in Black beauty entrepreneurs to address legacies of inequity, exclusion, and barriers to fundraising. Since 2020, Glossier has given $1.4M to this program, partnered with 35+ founders leading 30+ innovative beauty brands in the US + UK, sharing grant funding, curated business programming, resources and time.
After months of review, including a final panel with Glossier's CMO, Kleo Mack, Chief Creative Officer, Marie Suter, and Into the Gloss Editorial Director, Ashley Weatherford, Glossier is pleased to share the 2023 Grantees which range from halal-certified skincare to feminine hygiene to wellness. These six visionary founders stood out amongst hundreds of talented applicants, building incredible brands, innovative products, and changing the future of beauty.
Glossier will spend the next four months in partnership with these founders, pairing them with a Glossier advisor for mentorship, giving access to business programming, and participating in 1:1 meetings with Glossier's CEO Kyle Leahy, experts across the company, grantee alumni, and even with Glossier's community of partners like Shopify and Google.
Here are the 2023 Glossier Grantees:
Founded by Jordan Karim, Flora & Noor is the only halal-certified skincare brand made and based in the US. It's an inclusive, vegan skincare brand for those who appreciate clean skincare, those needing to treat the skin concerns of melanin-rich skin, and those with chronic skin conditions starting with eczema and hyperpigmentation.
Founders OB/GYN Dr. Barb and ex-Pharmaceutical Sales Consultant, Kimba created Kushae with a mission to whip up effective yet gentle, pH-balanced and naturally-based feminine care products—created by women, for women.
Mela Vitamins is the world's first vitamin designed for melanated people. Melanin impacts the way bodies produce certain nutrients, which creates unique nutritional needs that other multivitamins don't prioritize. Founder Ashley Harmon was inspired to create the brand after her own health issues led her to learn that 80% of Black Americans are Vitamin D deficient.
Moodeaux believes self-expression is the best self-care. This fragrance brand was founded by Brianna Arps in 2021 to introduce a new standard: longer-lasting, skin-nurturing, earth-friendly blends that give subpar scents, questionable ingredients, and wasteful packaging the side eye.
Of Other Worlds is a different kind of beauty brand that doesn't make you choose between "clean" and clinical. Founder Simedar Jackson (they/them) became an esthetician to join the ranks of skincare professionals making treatments safe and effective for all skin tones, body types and genders.
Soss makes elevating grooming essentials for Black men. Founders Vernon Yancy and Jeremiah Regis translate love of self into uplifting and affirming grooming routines to help you embrace who you are, and welcome who you are growing to be.
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SOURCE Glossier | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/meet-grantees-glossiers-2023-grant-program-black-owned-beauty-businesses/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:32 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/meet-grantees-glossiers-2023-grant-program-black-owned-beauty-businesses/ |
To call this softball season a dream come true for Kennedy Marceaux and the Kaplan Pirates would be an understatement.
The Lady Pirates went 27-8 overall, won the District 6-3A title and the Division III nonselect state championship.
"I feel like we have the best coaching staff in the state," Marceaux said. "They did a great job of preparing us for every game and when we wanted to work late, they were willing to stay late with us."
Marceaux has been consistently successful since entering high school as she established herself among the elite hitters in the state.
And her ability was on full display this past season during the Lady Pirates' run to the school's first state title since 2016.
Marceaux, an Alabama commitment, hit .629 with 20 home runs, 20 doubles and 65 RBIs en route to earning a plethora of accolades, including Class 3A state MVP honors.
"I'm extremely pleased with what myself and my teammates were able to do this past year," Marceaux said. "I know that I can't do it all by myself and I didn't have to. Our whole team did extremely well."
Marceaux picked up one more honor: The Acadiana Advocate's All-Metro Softball Player of the Year.
"I am incredibly honored," Marceaux said of winning the honor. "An award like this gives us all something to strive for. I can't wait for next year." | https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/high_schools/kaplans-kennedy-marceaux-enjoyed-softball-year-to-remember/article_8d3558b8-2440-11ee-ab54-23cae1c18038.html | 2023-07-31T14:30:33 | 0 | https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/high_schools/kaplans-kennedy-marceaux-enjoyed-softball-year-to-remember/article_8d3558b8-2440-11ee-ab54-23cae1c18038.html |
New expert-level certifications, learning products and training curricula planned for 2024
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the world's leading certifying body in information technology (IT), announced today it is developing a new series of expert-level certifications and learning products in data, cybersecurity and cloud networking.
The CompTIA Xpert Series certifications are scheduled for release throughout 2024. The certifications are intended for IT professionals with multiple years of work experience who are interested in validating their expert-level knowledge of business-critical technologies.
"Each certification exam will validate deep expertise in job roles recognized as being at the expert level," said Thomas Reilly, chief product officer, CompTIA. "Beyond validating technical skills, IT pros who earn a CompTIA Xpert Series certification will have demonstrated their ability to understand, implement and articulate advanced technology solutions in any business environment."
The CompTIA Xpert Series will debut with three certifications.
- CompTIA DataX, an advanced-level data science credential.
- CompTIA CloudNetX, intended for advanced network and systems architects who design and manage complex, hybrid IT infrastructures.
- CompTIA SecurityX, the next iteration of the current CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), aimed at security architects, senior security engineers and others responsible for an organization's cybersecurity readiness.
"The first set of Xpert Series certifications will establish a foundation for a broader expansion into expert-level credentials and learning," Reilly said. "This may include additional CompTIA certifications, CompTIA training for credentials issued by other organizations or training on expert-level skills that may not be associated with a specific certification."
Two IT professionals who are participating in the certification development process as subject matter experts believe the CompTIA Xpert Series will be welcomed by the IT community, especially among mid-level and advanced level professionals.
"The Xpert Series exams are a great addition to CompTIA's portfolio," said Alex Cher, who has worked in IT and cybersecurity since 2006. "CompTIA has an advanced-level certification in cybersecurity, so it makes sense to create similar, advanced exams for infrastructure and other certification categories. The Xpert Series will perfectly fill that void."
"Ongoing career professional development by gaining new skills and experiences is vital to anyone working in IT," said Riaz Khimji, who heads the IT Support Staff Services and Business Relationship Management Collegiate IT, at the University of Oxford. "Individuals can be even more successful in their current role and gain further knowledge in other areas of interest as they progress in their careers. Certifications such as those offered by CompTIA allow them to validate their newly acquired skills."
CompTIA is also developing learning resources and training curricula aligned with the Xpert Series certifications. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/xpert-series.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. Each year CompTIA, directly and through its global network of partners, provides millions of people with training, education and certification. To learn more visit https://www.comptia.org/
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
630.678.8468
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SOURCE CompTIA | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/comptia-reveals-roadmap-xpert-series-product-family/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:33 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/comptia-reveals-roadmap-xpert-series-product-family/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- First Citizens Bank today announced that its Healthcare Finance business, part of the CIT division, provided a $50.3 million loan to a joint venture led by Rethink Healthcare Real Estate to refinance the Medical Pavilion at White Oak, an on campus medical office building located adjacent to the Adventist White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Opened in 2019, the Medical Center is located approximately seven miles northeast from Washington D.C. in an emerging healthcare and life science hub off Interstate 95. The Pavilion, which is directly connected to the hospital and to covered parking, houses a comprehensive cancer center, primary care services, and cardiology and other specialists.
"Once again, we are pleased with the execution by First Citizens Bank's Healthcare Finance team in providing financing that supports our focus on maintaining high-quality medical office buildings and specialized care facilities," said John Winer, President & Chief Investment Officer, Rethink Healthcare Real Estate.
"We are delighted to again work closely with Rethink, who has a proven track record of developing and managing high quality medical office buildings and outpatient medical facilities in attractive markets," said William Douglass, who leads the bank's Healthcare Finance business.
"We are pleased to continue to grow our banking relationship with Rethink Healthcare Real Estate through the financing of this state-of-the-art, Class A medical office building," said Steven Reedy, a managing director for First Citizens Bank Healthcare Finance business.
Healthcare Finance, part of the First Citizens Bank's Commercial Finance division, provides comprehensive financing and banking solutions to middle market healthcare companies across the U.S. By using a client-focused and industry-centric model, Healthcare Finance can tailor its products and services to help clients meet their needs for capital.
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank helps personal, business, commercial and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., and now celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding, First Citizens has built a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. First Citizens offers an array of general banking services including a network of more than 550 branches in 23 states and commercial banking expertise delivering best-in-class lending, leasing and other financial services coast to coast. Parent company First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA) is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. Discover more at firstcitizens.com.
MEDIA RELATIONS:
Ella Bristow
212-461-5322
Ella.Bristow@firstcitizens.com
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SOURCE First Citizens Bank | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/first-citizens-bank-provides-503-million-refinance-medical-pavilion-white-oak-campus-adventist-white-oak-medical-center/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:34 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/first-citizens-bank-provides-503-million-refinance-medical-pavilion-white-oak-campus-adventist-white-oak-medical-center/ |
CHICAGO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stafford Capital Partners ("Stafford") is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Carrabes as Head of Client Solutions in North America. Joe's appointment signals an important moment for Stafford's business development as it expands its operations in the US and North America.
Joe brings over 25 years' experience to the role, where he has previously held senior institutional leadership, sales and relationship management positions across a variety of products and strategies, including alternatives, ESG strategies and long only equity and fixed income.
Prior to Stafford, Joe was responsible for managing some of the largest institutional relationships at Amundi US. Joe also spent 12 years at Jennison Associates where he was Head of Institutional Sales and Client Service and was responsible for managing the institutional distribution efforts.
Commenting on the appointment, Stafford's Global Head of Client Solutions Valentina Abbott said: "We are delighted to welcome Joe to the team. He is an impressive executive with an incredible track record in capital raising and is highly regarded for his ability to build strategic partnerships with institutional investors.
Stafford recognizes its responsibility as an investor to contribute to a more sustainable financial system by taking a long-term, responsible approach to investing across alternatives. Joe's experience will be invaluable for Stafford in supporting our clients across the region with their net zero efforts.
This is a landmark moment for Stafford in the US and North America and signals a significant step forward in our commitment to the region."
Speaking about his appointment, Joe Carrabes said: "I am delighted to join Stafford, and I am looking forward to delivering on the firm's growth ambitions in the North American region. I see great potential for Stafford to support high-quality investors on their net zero journeys and believe the firm is well positioned to tackle the opportunities in the North American market."
Media enquiries
Georgina Whittle
Partner
Camarco
07835 770967
Georgina.whittle@camarco.co.uk
Amrith Uppuluri
Senior Consultant
Camarco
07763 083058
amrith.uppuluri@camarco.co.uk
Sean Palmer
Associate Partner
Camarco
07591 760844
sean.palmer@camarco.co.uk
Alexandra Lawrence
Associate Consultant
APCO Worldwide
404-254-7641
alawrence@apcoworldwide.com
About Stafford Capital Partners
Stafford is an independent private markets investment and advisory firm with USD 7.9 billion in assets under management and advice for more than 150 institutional clients worldwide. Founded in 2000, Stafford has a global team of 80+ professionals investing in infrastructure, timberland & agriculture, and sustainable private equity through secondaries, primaries, and co-investments. Stafford has been a UN PRI signatory since 2010 and has committed to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. It puts sustainability at the centre of its investment process and implements a well-defined ESG program across all strategies. In the UK, Stafford is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number: 225586).
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SOURCE Stafford Capital Partners | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/stafford-capital-partners-expands-us-operations-appoints-joe-carrabes-head-client-solutions-north-america/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:34 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/stafford-capital-partners-expands-us-operations-appoints-joe-carrabes-head-client-solutions-north-america/ |
Tom Lorio never stops to think about what his life would be like had he stayed in the classroom.
He was teaching science at what was then Crestworth Junior High when he decided to try his hand at jewelry making. He liked it, quit his job and began full-time work as a metalsmith.
He gave himself a year.
Fifty years later, Lorio is still honing his craft, because the possibilities in his studio never stop.
But he's still teaching, too — just ask any of his students. He instructs morning and evening hands-on, metal jewelry making on Tuesdays and Thursdays, telling students, "Yes you can," when they say, "can't."
Eventually, they not only realize that they can make something original and special but want to learn more.
Sarah Klinger has been taking weekly classes with Lorio for 15 years.
"Even after all these years, there's always something new to learn," she said. "If I come in with an idea, I say, 'What about this?' and we put our heads together. You never stop learning."
Tom Lorio left his position as a seventh grade science teacher to pursue metalsmithing.
Lorio could say the same about himself as he starts each morning with his sketchbook in hand, filling pages with thoughts and drawings for new jewelry ideas. Some of the ideas make it into his jewelry line. Others never leave the page.
Nevertheless, the process is necessary.
"This is 50 years of my life," he said, opening a filing cabinet filled with sketchbooks. "I don't really go back to them, but they're there."
Lorio only looks back to his teaching days when he's telling his story. He was teaching seventh grade science when he signed up for a jewelry making leisure class at LSU.
"I had a friend who came over, and he had a strip of silver that he had bought, and he made a bracelet," Lorio said. "I thought, 'Oh, that would be fun.' So I bought some wire, and I bought a book on knots, and got into it. I started with these Chinese or Japanese temple knots. They were very elaborate."
The wire knots morphed into earrings, and the wire eventually gave way to blank, metal sheets mostly in copper and bronze, which have been incorporated into cuff bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces.
All are on display in the living area of the same Garden District home where he grew up — where he later built his workshop surrounded by tropical plants in the backyard.
Some of these plants are picked, dried and put to use in Lorio's jewelry designs created to a soundtrack of oldies streaming from his radio.
Lorio started out teaching himself the art of metalsmithing, then enrolled in what is now LSU's College of Art + Design's graduate program, where he earned a master's degree in sculpture focusing on jewelry making.
"I did my work in metalsmithing, but I'd never had art classes, so they told me I had to take certain classes to qualify for the program," he said. "So I did that and got in the master's program, got a degree and that was just one more step along the way. I just learned more and more."
When the weather is good, Lorio shows and sells his pieces at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge's monthly Baton Rouge Arts Market. He also takes on commission work for many of these pieces fashioned in silver and gold.
But it's in his studio, many times working among his students, that Lorio is most creative. It's where he created his gallery of "portrait pins" inspired by LPB's lineup of British programming.
"I'd watch these shows with these big, old houses, where the walls were filled with portraits," he said. "So, I made some pins that were inspired by the portraits."
He's also created a series of rounded, metal boxes, along with symmetrical dinosaurlike creatures called "manimals."
Still, jewelry takes up most of his time in the studio space with accumulated dirt and grease from years of use. Simply put, metalsmithing can be messy work, especially when multiple people are working at once.
Lorio's studio space is big enough to accommodate three students at a time, and his classes fill quickly. If students don't have an initial idea of what they want to create, Lorio helps them talk it out.
Cuffs are a popular starting point. It's what Klinger started out making before graduating to smaller, more complex pieces. She's now working on calla lily pendants.
The cuffs offer lots of possibilities. Lorio has plenty of bronze and copper strips called "blanks" ready to be rounded into cuffs. Or, for bigger cuffs, he can cut a strip from a copper sheet.
Lorio buys metal in 24 gauge, which is more pliable. He heats the metal with a small blow torch, which makes the surface more receptive to an imprint.
If a student wants to create a cuff with an imprint that looks like a tree, Lorio walks outside and plucks a piece of dried plant from his garden, places it on top of the metal and runs it through his metal presser.
The plant material makes the perfect imprint of what looks like a live oak tree. Lorio later places a fish shaped from a small piece of copper screen on another cuff and runs it through the press.
These pieces go through another heating from the blowtorch, which brings out some of the inner colors in the metal. Oxidation from the heating is scrubbed away with industrial cleanser, and the pieces are placed in a sulfur solution that darkens lines in the imprint.
The metal is then placed in a mild acid solution, which enables the metal to hold the ink.
There are sometimes other steps which require filing of edges, more heating to bring out new colors, more acid washing and hammering into shape. In the end, the metal is sealed with Johnson's floor wax to prevent tarnishing.
Lorio purchased metal jewelry-making devices and tools with an arts grant he received after finishing graduate school.
"I bought it from a man who just made jewelry for fun," Lorio said. "He was a Russian immigrant and had started buying tools when he was a teenager. When he died, his family wanted to sell the tools to somebody who was going to use them."
Lorio and a friend who worked in a jewelry store each put in $1,000 for the tools, then split them.
"They're the tools I still use now," he said. "It was for metalsmithing. There are a lot of jewelers but not many metalsmiths. It's a whole different facet of work, and you have to have this equipment to do it properly."
Lorio's metalsmithing skills can be seen in the bowls he's made, one series called "Baton Rouge Green," where they were left outdoors to attain a green patina.
In the meantime, the ideas keep coming.
For more information, visit facebook.com/tom.lorio.9. | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/baton-rouge-metalsmith-tom-lorio-creates-original-jewelry/article_0d95e88a-20ed-11ee-a3c0-af9e9a0fe010.html | 2023-07-31T14:30:39 | 1 | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/baton-rouge-metalsmith-tom-lorio-creates-original-jewelry/article_0d95e88a-20ed-11ee-a3c0-af9e9a0fe010.html |
MVA6853 is the First Extractor Adoptable for Diesel Fuel or Gasoline
LANSDALE, Pa. , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its evolution of fluid extractors, Mityvac, part of the SKF Group, has launched the MVA6853. The new Mityvac MVA6853 is a fuel/fluid extractor and priming kit that can quickly and cleanly extract, prime or dispense diesel fuel, kerosine or gasoline.
This easy-to-use manual syringe tool comes with five different adapters for both diesel fuel or gasoline to aid in prime, flush or maintenance needs. The MVA6853 has the capacity to manage 1.5 liters of fluid and its integrated valve system is designed specifically for diesel and gasoline without eroding the gaskets. The compact, streamlined design allows easy access into tight spaces under the hood or in areas of limited access.
The kit is designed with fuel capable seals and an integrated valve in cap to prevent spills and leaks. The hose and seals are also simple to replace if needed. The tool is easy to clean and compatible with other Mityvac fuel system connectors.
This all makes the new handheld Mityvac MVA6853 the perfect solution for flushing and priming fuel lines, priming fuel filters and quickly emptying tanks.
To learn more, visit www.skf.com/mityvac.
About SKF
SKF is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions that help industries become more competitive and sustainable. By making products lighter, more efficient, longer lasting and repairable, we help our customers improve their rotating equipment performance and reduce their environmental impact. Our offering around the rotating shaft includes bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring, and services. Founded in 1907, SKF is represented in approximately 129 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2022 were SEK 96,933 million and the number of employees was 42,641. www.skf.com® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
Media Contact:
Maria Orlando
Marketing Manager, Tools and Lubrication
maria.orlando@skf.com
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SOURCE SKF Group | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mityvac-announces-newest-fluid-extractor/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:39 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mityvac-announces-newest-fluid-extractor/ |
MINNEAPOLIS — A Hermantown business is a semifinalist for the state's top business competition.
Francisco Hockey will compete in the Education and Training division of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management's MN Cup. The business provides contact and concussion prevention camps, personal video analysis, and information education technology training to further the game of hockey.
MN Cup received a record number of applicants this year in the state's top competition for business startups and entrepreneurs. More than 3,000 Minnesotans applied — 17% more than the record set in 2022, according to the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management website. Applicants created 887 individual business plans, compared to 805 the year before.
"Throughout COVID we saw quite a bit of an increase in the businesses being started. I think part of it is people had more time on their hands and got to pursue some of the things they've been wanting to," said Kailin Oliver, associate director of MN Cup.
Outreach has changed as well to focus on bringing in Greater Minnesota partnerships with the Department of Employment and Economic Development's Launch Minnesota initiative and other competitions outside of the metropolitan area, Oliver said.
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Some 31% of applicants this year are located in Greater Minnesota. Additionally, 43% of applicants identified as women and 38% identified as non-white.
In May, there were 88 companies selected to move forward within nine divisions to compete for more than $400,000 in prize money.
"A lot of our entrepreneurs and organizations are kind of centered in the Twin Cities, and we want to acknowledge there are tons of ideas outside of that area," Oliver said. "So Francisco Hockey actually came out of a feeder competition called Innovate 218 in the northeast region of Minnesota. They won that competition a couple months before the MN Cup, and because of that, and because of our relationship with them, they were an automatic semifinalist this year."
Other categories include Energy/Cleantech/Water, Food/Ag/Beverage, General, High Tech, Impact Ventures, LifeScience/Health IT, Student and Youth.
There are 10 companies in each division of the semifinal round that were paired with mentors and underwent educational sessions. On July 17, MN Cup semifinalists each submitted a two-page executive summary, 15-slide pitch deck and one-minute video to judges.
"The idea is that we're helping them create materials that the judges will go on to use to help decide our finalists, but also that they'll be able to use post-competition," Oliver said. "So these are things they can utilize in presentations to investors. You can put a video anywhere on your website, on social media — all of those things. We want to help them develop materials that will be overall beneficial to them outside of MN Cup."
Following a two-week review of the materials, judges will then select the top three competitors from each division. In mid-August, 27 companies will move forward to do a 12-minute live pitch to judges.
Then the judges will select the division winners, who will present before the Grand Prize Review Committee on Sept. 18 at McNamara Alumni Center, where the grand prize winner will be announced.
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MN Cup partners with the Secretary of State, which sends out recommendations for all registered businesses in Minnesota to partake in competition upon the opening of the application period in mid-March.
The competition requires that all applicants are Minnesota-based companies generating less than $1 million in revenue each year, ranging from start-ups to existing businesses.
"We see people who literally have an idea written down on a napkin and have really not taken all of the steps yet — they just have something that they want to pursue — to people who have a brick-and-mortar business shop set up and are making revenue, have employees, but still just need a little bit of help," Oliver said.
The top winner in each division will receive $25,000, as well as a grand prize winner announced in September who will take home another $50,000.
There are also special dedicated prizes of $25,000 each for the top women-led, Greater Minnesota and BIPOC startups.
"We end up with 20-25 companies that are taking home cash at the end of the competition," Oliver said.
The competition is funded through grants from community organizations and foundations, as well as MN Cup's relationships with major corporations such as General Mills for its Food/Ag/Beverage division, or from Excel Energy in the Energy/Cleantech/Water division.
Over the past 19 years, MN Cup has given away $5 million in non-diluted cash funding, according to the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management website.
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"Our founders that we've tracked have gone on to raise over a billion dollars in capital," Oliver said. "Being able to provide that no-strings-attached startup money to create their prototype, to start manufacturing, to really just get setup to go and talk to true investors has been key for these businesses to go on and really interrupt the Minnesota economy and drive business here." | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/hermantowns-francisco-hockey-among-mn-cup-semifinalists | 2023-07-31T14:30:39 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/hermantowns-francisco-hockey-among-mn-cup-semifinalists |
The FICO® Decisions Award 2023 recipient increases loan readiness rates among the underserved - like first time homebuyers, low-to-moderate-income, and minority borrowers.
NAPLES, Fla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Fintech SaaS platform CredEvolv cemented its status as a socially committed innovator, with its recently received FICO Decisions Award in the category of Financial Inclusion. This is a global award, given to only 15 companies across 10 categories each year.
While traditional credit repair organizations prioritize quick fix solutions and tradeline disputes, CredEvolv's platform prioritizes consumer education and credit well-being, which drives sustainable credit score improvements and credit confidence among consumers.
Mission-aligned lenders who connect their clients through the platform are also able to "do well by doing good," achieving greater pull-through in closed loans while doing well by their consumer base.
CredEvolv connects low-credit and credit-declined consumers with HUD-certified and nonprofit credit counseling agencies via its platform - resulting in a significant increase in the number of consumers who can achieve loan readiness in a short period of time.
"Since inception in 2021, we've shown we can 10x the number of consumers who actually obtain a mortgage within 12 months of a credit decline, versus those who try to DIY their credit fixes," Jeff Walker, CredEvolv's CEO, said.
"Additionally, our nonprofit counselor partners - who work on our platform, using our integrated tools like FICO Score Open Access and Freddie Mac HomeCoachSM - are able to achieve results that, quite simply, for-profit companies, quick-score models, and AI can't achieve. That extra hand-holding provided by a compliant, nonprofit counselor makes a big difference."
CredEvolv partners with mission-aligned lenders who want to increase loan readiness rates among their borrowers who would otherwise fall out of their pipeline. By connecting their clients to CredEvolv - and through that connection to a nonprofit credit counselor - lenders see increased pull-through in their pipelines.
CredEvolv consumers achieve mortgage readiness in an average of 3 to 5 months - and sometimes sooner.
About CredEvolv
CredEvolv breaks down the barriers to credit equity and guides individuals seeking improved credit on a journey to sustainable, lifelong credit well-being. CredEvolv's proprietary credit and debt management education platform allows lenders to transform consumers in need of credit education and remediation into qualified applicants and lifelong customers by connecting them with HUD-certified & nonprofit credit counselors.
For more information, visit CredEvolv.com.
Contact
Libby Romano
media@credevolv.com
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SOURCE CredEvolv Services LLC | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/credevolv-cements-its-commitment-financial-inclusion/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:40 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/credevolv-cements-its-commitment-financial-inclusion/ |
FAST Accelerator program to empower local startups and small/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Flapmax, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced today its strategic partnership with Intel, the global technology leader, to foster AI innovation and drive economic empowerment in Africa. The collaboration will provide technology access, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, starting with Africa, through the FAST Accelerator program. FAST is designed to help startups that are building cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services supporting communities, companies, and governments.
"Flapmax has been working with Intel to develop sustainable digital solutions that readily expand AI accessibility in underserved communities, and we are excited to build on our momentum with the FAST Accelerator program," said Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax. "Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is key to creating meaningful social impact. Through this partnership with Intel, Flapmax will bring cutting-edge technology and advanced curricula, including generative AI, robotics, and deep tech, to innovators in Africa and other technologically underserved communities."
Created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, FAST Accelerator combines business development, AI integration, funding, and community building opportunities designed to enable startups to scale more rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program. Startup leaders are encouraged to apply to this year's FAST Accelerator program. The top startup participants will embark on an enriching five-week program in Silicon Valley, California, forging relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax's vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.
"Intel's mission to shape the future of computing and enable a more intelligent, connected, and productive world aligns perfectly with Flapmax's vision to bring AI technology to all aspects of life, inclusive of underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets," said Michael Campbell, General Manager, Education Client Division, Intel Corporation. "The partnership with Flapmax will greatly accelerate AI adoption for these communities, driving scalable business growth, optimized operations, and contributing to a more sustainable world."
Program participants will collaborate closely with Intel through extensive mentorship and coaching, ranging from co-innovation projects to sales & marketing support and go-to-market enablement to expand their reach to a broader audience. Members of the Flapmax engineering team will help startups apply new Intel-optimized AI hardware and software solutions as well as scale and fine-tune their AI models on Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Participants will benefit from additional perks, including Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $150,000 of cloud credits) and Azure OpenAI (including ChatGPT, DALL·E 2, and other Large Language Models: LLM releases), as well as access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes.
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore's Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers' greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel's innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.
About Flapmax
Flapmax is a data and AI technology company partnering with leading technology providers around the globe to identify and accelerate sustainable technology solutions to improve communities worldwide. Our mission is to empower and transform lives through the widespread adoption of AI technology. Flapmax is scaling collaboration across borders and connecting entrepreneurs and innovators with digital transformation solutions, advanced AI models, and global partnerships.
For media inquiries, please contact: team@fastaccelerator.com
Website: www.fastaccelerator.com
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SOURCE Flapmax | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flapmax-partners-with-intel-accelerate-ai-innovation-africa/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:40 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flapmax-partners-with-intel-accelerate-ai-innovation-africa/ |
Here is your Duluth News Tribune Minute podcast for Monday, July 31, 2023.
The Duluth News Tribune Minute is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune, Superior Telegram and Cloquet Pine Journal. Find more news throughout the day at duluthnewstribune.com. Subscribe and rate us at
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AI demonstrated high accuracy, reduced non-diagnostic outputs, and identified HFpEF patients with worse outcomes.
OXFORD, England, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Applying AI to a single apical four chamber (A4C) view echocardiogram provides accurate information to detect heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), according to research published today in JACC Advances.1
The study, presented at the American Society of Echocardiography Annual Scientific Session, demonstrates the platform could improve the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of a condition that currently often goes undetected, or requires additional invasive procedures to confirm.
Ultromics' EchoGo® Heart Failure accurately detected HFpEF and provided fewer non-diagnostic outputs than current clinical scores, using just the routinely acquired A4C view from a transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE). The novel technology, which was recently granted clearance and Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA, identifies radiomic signatures of disease that are not evident to the human eye.
Senior study author, Patricia A. Pellikka, M.D, Vice Chair in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic, said: "HFpEF can be difficult to detect, but left undetected and untreated, can result in hospitalization and mortality. As the first AI platform cleared to detect the condition, EchoGo® Heart Failure can fill a significant unmet need."
"With more than 32 million people living with HFpEF, and the incidence increasing, clinicians will benefit from having another means to recognize this disease."
Based on the AI findings, patients could potentially be started on medications to treat their condition earlier than if they had to wait for an invasive diagnostic assessment of the disease.
The AI model was trained and developed on 6,756 patients who underwent a comprehensive TTE at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between January 2009 to December 2020. It was then independently tested in geographically distinct areas within Mayo Clinic enterprise System sites across the United States, on a dataset that included 1,284 patients.
EchoGo® Heart Failure demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, detecting 87.8% of patients who had HFpEF, and 81.9% of patients that did not.1 These results exceed what is usually observed in routine clinical practice.
It was also able to assign a correct diagnosis to 74% of patients who had returned non-diagnostic results on the commonly used HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF clinical scores.1 This improvement could translate to more patients receiving accurate and timely diagnoses and management.
During the follow-up period of up to 5 years, 444 patients died, highlighting the poor outcomes associated with HFpEF.1 The AI model was able to identify patients with worse survival, demonstrating its capacity to meaningfully improve patient outcomes.
Ross Upton, PhD, CEO and Founder of Ultromics, said: "Our research demonstrates the tremendous potential of AI in revolutionizing the detection of HFpEF. EchoGo® Heart Failure's exceptional discrimination capabilities combined with its ability to identify patients with higher mortality risks holds great promise for improving patient outcomes and enabling faster access to treatment."
"In a large number of cases, diagnostic data are often missing or discordant, making HFpEF detection challenging. AI can enhance echocardiography capabilities to help practices overcome the cumbersome intricacy of diastolic assessment. It is particularly useful for clinical centers that lack the time, resources, or expertise to perform comprehensive, diagnostic-quality, assessments."
By streamlining the screening process for this complex clinical syndrome, EchoGo® Heart Failure paves the way for more patients to receive the care they need sooner, potentially preventing more severe outcomes, and reducing HFpEF's significant burden on patients and healthcare.
Ultromics remains committed to advancing AI technology to transform cardiovascular healthcare. The groundbreaking findings from this study underscore the company's dedication to empowering healthcare professionals with tools that overcome existing bottlenecks and enhance patient care.
For more information on EchoGo® Heart Failure, visit Ultromics.com
Mayo Clinic has a financial interest in the technology referenced in this press release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.
Notes to editors
The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Mayo Clinic, USA and St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, UK, and supported by a grant from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE).
References:
1 - Akerman AP, Porumb M, Scott CG, et al. Automated Echocardiographic Detection of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction using Artificial Intelligence. JACC Advances, 2023:100452.
About Ultromics:
Ultromics is a pioneer in advanced heart failure detection. The ground-breaking platform, EchoGo ®, is transforming the way heart failure is diagnosed using artificial intelligence and cardiac ultrasound as a modality. The technology empowers clinicians to make precise, efficient, and accurate assessments of heart failure, leveraging the largest known heart disease outcomes dataset in echocardiography, accurately interpreting echocardiograms and predicting cardiac outcomes. The technology has been built in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and NHS England, and has over $50 million raised capital to support continued innovation with the likes of Blue Venture Fund, Optum Ventures, Oxford Science Enterprises, and GV. They are backed by the largest US health insurance firms with 4 FDA clearances. Ultromics' mission is to stop heart failure in its tracks with its precision detection platform. https://www.ultromics.com
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SOURCE Ultromics | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/study-confirms-ultromics-ai-can-improve-hfpef-detection-using-single-echocardiogram-view/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:41 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/study-confirms-ultromics-ai-can-improve-hfpef-detection-using-single-echocardiogram-view/ |
Music, games, crafts and inflatables highlighted Zachary United Methodist Church's summer family celebration July 15.
Families could take photos at a camp-themed photo set or create chalk art on sidewalks.
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LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 9 Lives Interactive, formerly Rude Robot Studios, the developers behind the upcoming cats-and-mech multiplayer shooter, Nyan Heroes, are thrilled to announce their collaboration with Razer™, the leading lifestyle brand for gamers. Amid the gaming industry's transformational integration of gaming and Web3 technologies, this alliance signifies an innovative stride towards bridging this divide. Through their zVentures Web3 Incubator (ZW3I), Razer reiterates its dedication to blockchain adoption and commitment to providing diverse gaming experiences.
"Our collaboration with Razer is a major milestone in our journey," reveals Max Fu, CEO of Nyan Heroes. "With Razer by our side, we're emboldened to deliver gaming experiences that brim with joy and create lasting memories for our players."
Pre-alpha sign-ups are open, giving gamers an opportunity to experience the exciting adventure that awaits in the game. "We invite gamers to be part of the Nyan Heroes narrative as it evolves by joining us ahead of the official game release," says Fu.
Alongside this newfound collaboration with Razer, Nyan Heroes has embarked on a visual transformation. The rejuvenated graphics, underscored by joy, exploration, and camaraderie, encapsulate the spirit of the brand's refreshed gaming philosophy. The shift signals a departure from the traditional cyberpunk era, towards an enchanting, multiplayer adventure that beckons gamers worldwide to partake in the excitement.
Nyan Heroes' mission extends beyond gaming - they're committed to real-world change too. With a lofty goal to save one billion cats in real life, the company has already donated over $350,000 to animal welfare organizations, and they pledge to continue developing in-game features that enable players to participate in this impactful mission.
For more information or to sign up to playtest, visit nyanheroes.com or follow the developers on Twitter and Discord.
About Nyan Heroes
Nyan Heroes is a free-to-play hero shooter that combines fast-paced, competitive gameplay with a real-world impact. Developed by a remote team of seasoned game developers and powered by Unreal Engine 5 and blockchain technology, Nyan Heroes pays homage to cats and offers a AAA multiplayer experience with epic mech character classes, thrilling cat-like movement, and unique gameplay abilities.
The studio is committed to making a difference in saving one billion cats. $350K USD has already been donated to charitable organizations, including the Best Friends Animal Society. You can be a hero for cats everywhere and join the movement!
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SOURCE 9 Lives Interactive | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nyan-heroes-razer-team-up-marking-an-exciting-new-chapter/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:45 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nyan-heroes-razer-team-up-marking-an-exciting-new-chapter/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FlyHouse, a leading private aviation company, proudly announces the addition of two state-of-the-art aircraft to its luxury fleet - N25GV Gulfstream V and N435HC Gulfstream IV-SP. With these new additions, FlyHouse continues its mission to revolutionize the private aviation industry, offering discerning travelers an unmatched experience of luxury, comfort, and convenience.
"We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional aircraft to our growing fleet," stated Jack E. Lambert, Jr., CEO at FlyHouse. "As a company dedicated to setting new standards for unrivaled luxury and service, these additions perfectly embody our vision for the future of private aviation. Our discerning clientele recognizes the value of our transparent and application-based charter approach."
The Gulfstream V (N25GV) is a remarkable aircraft designed to accommodate up to 16 passengers with Domestic Wi-Fi for a connected flying experience. Enhanced with new paint and interior, the Gulfstream V ensures its passengers a stylish and technologically advanced journey. The aircraft is based on PBI, providing travelers with a convenient departure point.
FlyHouse's Gulfstream IV-SP (N435HC) caters to up to 13 passengers and also features Domestic Wi-Fi for connectivity during the flight. This aircraft is based on TEB, further expanding the company's accessibility for its valued clientele.
FlyHouse's innovative approach to transparent aircraft management, technology-based chartering model, and unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service have attracted experienced private aircraft owners and discerning travelers since its inception.
The company's dedication to excellence extends beyond fleet expansion. FlyHouse's rapidly growing team of highly skilled and experienced pilots, attentive crew members, and dedicated ground staff work tirelessly to ensure every flawless journey, offering clients a peaceful and unrivaled flying experience.
About FlyHouse:
FlyHouse is a leading private aviation company based in Los Angeles, California, disrupting the old industry model by offering transparent aircraft management, a technology-based chartering model, and exceptional customer service. With a growing fleet of luxury aircraft, FlyHouse provides discerning travelers and experienced private aircraft owners with an unparalleled flying experience, seamlessly combining luxury, comfort, and convenience. For more information, visit https://www.flyhouse.us/.
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SOURCE FlyHouse | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flyhouse-elevates-private-aviation-with-two-new-gulfstreams-its-luxury-fleet/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:47 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flyhouse-elevates-private-aviation-with-two-new-gulfstreams-its-luxury-fleet/ |
The show promotes discrimination and bias against little people and other disabled persons
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marin Center for Independent Living and Little People of America, Inc. are calling on the Sonoma County Fair (SCF) to cancel the "M"[slur] wrestling show scheduled for August 3, 2023 at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, CA. The SCF is hosting this event for the second year, even though local disability advocates communicated opposition to last year's performance. "The show must go!" said Eileen Norman, President of Little People of America, Inc., a third generation resident of Santa Rosa.
Norman added, "our opposition is not solely about the use of the "m"[slur] and its offensiveness, it is to the show itself - which is a visual expression of bias - and the marginalization it incites from the audience members. The visual performance showcases disabled persons chosen specifically for their disability as a form of entertainment."
According to a 2022 story in the Sonoma Press Democrat during last year's performance, audience members characterized as "the opposite of woke" shouted "We want the 'm'[slur]s" and "Give us the 'm'[slur]s."
Eli Gelardin, CEO of the Marin Center for Independent Living said "I believe that the intent of it is to be amusing for others who are not disabled, which is exploitation and dehumanizing. The violence displayed in the program, whether real or acted, shows plot and characterizations that could validate bias against people with disabilities." Gelardin is also a lifelong resident of the North Bay region, having lived previously in Santa Rosa. He continued by saying "I am a little person, my wife is disabled, we have a child. What happens if someone gets the message that it's ok to act out the sentiments in this show. I am not just being an advocate here, I need to protect my family."
On Tuesday Marin CIL, LPA sent a letter to the SCF Chief Executive Officer and the Sonoma County Board of supervisors calling for the removal of the performance from the fair's schedule. The letter was co-signed by fifteen (15) international, national, and California statewide and local disability rights organizations.
Following the letter several disabled advocates spoke during public comment at the SCF Board of Directors meeting. Olivia Glaubiger, a young woman born and raised in Santa Rosa summed up her experience by saying "I grew up in this community and continue to live here. I've experienced bullying, strangers taking pictures of me and mistaking me for other little people. I've always loved the fair, when I was young I entered the art contest for the new fair logo. Now the fair has changed for me, I don't feel welcome anymore."
The Sonoma County Fair has consistently attempted to divert meaningful discussion about the issue to the performers and away from their own responsibility in deciding to host this show. Ted Jackson, Sr. Advisor-Public Policy & Engagement for Marin CIL said "from the initial email and at each connection point the fair's executive has responded with diversion to the performers. This is not about the performers. This is about the fair taking ownership for their actions. If they had the power to make this mistake, they have the power to fix it. When people have to gaslight, they know they've done something wrong."
Marin CIL, LPA National and our coalition will continue to advocate without compromise.
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SOURCE Marin Center for Independent Living | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:46 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ |
PoliticsAsiaDW News Asia with Melissa Chan – July 31, 2023To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 videoPoliticsAsia21 minutes ago21 minutes agoA deadly bombing in Pakistan at a political rally kills dozens. In Singapore, Chinese state influence is growing, much to the government's concern. And Typhoon Doksuri hits China, dumping rain across the country.https://p.dw.com/p/3CCNPAdvertisement | https://www.dw.com/en/dw-news-asia-with-melissa-chan-july-31-2023/video-47236523 | 2023-07-31T14:30:47 | 1 | https://www.dw.com/en/dw-news-asia-with-melissa-chan-july-31-2023/video-47236523 |
BELLEVUE, Wash., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Coinstar® for Financial is proud to announce its partnership with Suncoast™ Credit Union as they implement Coinstar self-service kiosks for in-lobby coin counting in 72 of its branches. Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida and the 10th largest in the US based on membership, serving more than one million members across the state.
The partnership began with a 90-day pilot, allowing Suncoast to trial Coinstar's Anthony kiosks designed for financial institutions in a few of its busier branches. Surpassing Suncoast's goals of increasing transactions and efficiency, the pilot was a success. Coinstar for Financial will complete the rollout to all branches by the end of July.
"Coinstar's impact on productivity and member experience was felt within the first week of the pilot. There were just a few short days between signing the contract and seeing the improvement in our coin operations," said Jennifer Bolivar, Senior Vice President of Business Transformation and Retail Branching. "We are excited to roll out Coinstar's best-in-class kiosks across our branch network and continue seeing the positive impact."
The Anthony kiosks are replacing Suncoast Credit Union's previous coin machines that were managed by branch staff, which often interrupted valuable time spent with members. Coinstar for Financial relieves branch staff of that burden by handling every aspect of their coin counting program. Suncoast staff can now better support their members with more time to work face-to-face and ensure members' needs are met.
Coinstar's turnkey program takes care of coin pickup, kiosk maintenance, and administration, meaning Suncoast's branch staff no longer need to worry about emptying the machines, hauling heavy bags of coin, or coordinating repairs. Members can turn their coins into cash through the convenient and highly accurate self-service Coinstar kiosks. In the future, Suncoast also plans to add coin-to-deposit functionality, where members can insert their debit card and deposit coins directly to their account.
"Coinstar is thrilled to partner with Suncoast Credit Union and proud to be a part of their culture of superior focus on the member experience," said Kevin McColly, CEO of Coinstar. "We look forward to a long, prosperous relationship with Suncoast Credit Union and supporting their success into the future."
Implementing the Anthony kiosks is one of Suncoast's steps in its journey toward continuous branch transformation. Having recently installed Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) at most of its branches, Suncoast had seen how automating some of its more mundane transactions improved the day-to-day for members and employees. With Coinstar as the latest addition to its branch technology, Suncoast has reached a new level of efficiency and member satisfaction.
About Coinstar for Financial
Coinstar for Financial provides a turnkey coin management service that strengthens existing customer loyalty, increases deposits, and attracts and retains new branch traffic. With no capital investment and no maintenance fees, your staff can focus on customers instead of coin counting. Our entire fleet of kiosks is owned, maintained, and serviced by Coinstar, which means there is virtually no financial or reputational risk for your business. If you are a financial institution leader and are curious about how a fully managed coin program can assist in your branch transformation, contact the experts at Coinstar for Financial. To learn more, visit financial.coinstar.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 10th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $17 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 76 full-service branches and serves more than one million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union's service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union's field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida's 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $40 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit www.suncoastcreditunion.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
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SOURCE Coinstar for Financial | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/suncoast-credit-union-partners-with-coinstar-financial-achieving-branch-transformation-with-fully-managed-coin-counting/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:48 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/suncoast-credit-union-partners-with-coinstar-financial-achieving-branch-transformation-with-fully-managed-coin-counting/ |
Who would have thought in 2012 when Ben McHugh graduated from Zachary High that seven years later he would be a teacher and 11 years later named the head wrestling coach at ZHS? For some, the journey requires many miles, for McHugh everything was at or close to home.
Back in high school McHugh competed in wrestling and football, was the Beta Club president, and occasionally served as the Broncos mascot “Bucky.” He characterizes his athletic career as “good wrestler with a bad football injury.”
In his junior year, he suffered a knee injury, which required multiple surgeries to correct. As a tight end in football, he appreciated the understanding of leverage he gained from wrestling and how that directly translated to more efficient blocking.
He also recalled “the before-practice football locker room sumo wrestling matches had some of the highest flying 5-point throws that will never get seen.”
His wrestling journey was inspired by his older brother and being “the cool middle schooler hanging out with the high school wrestlers.” He points to the kids he looked up to in the wrestling room that included four-time state champions Micah Easley and Cade Felps, and two-time state champions Devin Payne, Denver Payne, Jesse Graves and Michael Johnson. “These guys made it so easy to see yourself as a winner because I saw how it was accomplished. I learned at a young age that the only thing that made those guys different was how hard they worked,” McHugh said.
After high school, McHugh made the short trip to LSU where he earned a bachelor’s degree in evolutionary biology and a master’s in science education.
McHugh’s teaching duties include AP physics, physics I and anatomy and physiology. He has served as an assistant wrestling coach for two previous ZHS head wrestling coaches J.P. Pierre and Mark Moreau.
“Under J.P. Pierre, I learned how a championship team structures its plans and gained insights into the level of detail that goes into a quality program,” McHugh said.
From a personal level McHugh credited coach Pierre with “teaching me the incredibly valuable lesson that wrestling coaches play a crucial role in shaping the character and skills of their athletes.”
“Mark Moreau was my head coach as an athlete, and he changed me which I am thankful for,” McHugh said. McHugh further noted that Moreau “taught me that wrestling requires discipline in training, nutrition and lifestyle. He helped wrestlers develop mental resilience, focus, and confidence, and prepared athletes to handle pressure to overcome challenges on and off the mat.”
McHugh plans to put his own signature on the wrestling program by bringing in “new-age technologies with a very healthy respect for the history of wrestling and the techniques that have worked for thousands of years.” His focus is to be more than just a wrestling team; but a “community of dedicated athletes striving for excellence in both athletics and academics.”
McHugh’s four fundamental pillars will be physical fitness, technical prowess, knowledge and character development.
To do this, the program will include rigorous conditioning as McHugh notes that “the aim is to instill mental toughness and resilience, enabling our athletes to perform at their peak, even under pressure.” The technical soundness component is critical for “a competitive edge and building confidence to execute well on the mat.”
Staying informed on the latest technology will provide for informed decisions on training and performance.
Character development is a point of emphasis for McHugh as he notes “respect, integrity, and humility will be the cornerstones of our team culture as our athletes learn to approach both victories and setbacks with grace and learn from every experience to grow as individuals and as a team.” This includes not only producing exceptional wrestlers, but also well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success both on and off the mat.
“Balancing academics with sports will cultivate discipline, time management skills and a sense of responsibility that extends beyond the wrestling mat,” McHugh said.
The youth wrestling program, Stallion Wrestling Academy, is growing as there is a boom in girl’s wrestling in Louisiana. The Stallion Wrestling Academy starts after Halloween and runs through March with practice two to three nights a week with competitions in February and March. For more information and to get your child or children involved, contact McHugh at benjamin.mchugh@zacharyschools.org or check out the Stallion’s Wrestling Facebook page for more information.
This year’s team has been preparing this summer with workouts/training four days a week, hosting a youth camp, and participating in a team camp held by one of the most successful wrestling coaches of all time, Oklahoma State legend, Jeff Ragan. There are 23 ZHS grapplers attending summer workouts and the Stallions have an additional 27 “enthusiastic participants,” McHugh said.
The 2023-24 ZHS wrestling season looks promising as McHugh will welcome 10 returning starters that include six placers at the Baton Rouge City meet and one City Champion (Sergio Houston at 160 pounds). Eight of the 10 returners also scored points at the State meet last spring.
McHugh also noted that “we have several promising newcomers who have shown great potential and dedication to the sport.”
He will be joined by assistant coach Steven Thomas who McHugh categorizes as “an absolute legend in Louisiana wrestling.” | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/zachary/mchugh-takes-over-the-zhs-wrestling-reins/article_8d2214b8-2d52-11ee-a7ac-dff85508a2d2.html | 2023-07-31T14:30:51 | 0 | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/zachary/mchugh-takes-over-the-zhs-wrestling-reins/article_8d2214b8-2d52-11ee-a7ac-dff85508a2d2.html |
IRVINE, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Companies, a leading healthcare staffing and recruiting firm specializing in locum tenens and permanent hire opportunities for physicians and advanced practice providers, is pleased to announce its inclusion in the 2023 Largest Locum Tenens Staffing Firms in the US list compiled by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). This ranking coincides with Pacific Companies' recent expansion into new office facilities in Irvine, CA, and Dallas, TX, to accommodate its expanding team and growth.
As the global research and advisory firm focused on staffing and workforce solutions, SIA releases an annual list ranking healthcare staffing firms by estimated revenue in the latest full calendar year. Pacific Companies' inclusion on the locum tenens segment of the list demonstrates its leadership in the locum tenens industry and its dedication to delivering superior healthcare staffing solutions to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities nationwide.
"We are delighted to rank as one of the largest locum tenens staffing firms in the US," said Gary Cook, CEO of Pacific Companies. "This achievement is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional locum tenens services to our clients. We remain focused on our mission to connect healthcare systems with the highly skilled and qualified physicians they need to deliver quality patient care."
"Locum tenens continues to be an area of tremendous growth for our organization as more healthcare systems find locums as an efficient way to fill in any staffing gaps quickly," said John Paulk, COO of Pacific Companies. "Our commitment to providing top-notch locum tenens services has allowed us to forge strong partnerships with healthcare facilities nationwide. As we move forward, Pacific Companies remains dedicated to expanding our network of highly skilled locum tenens professionals and delivering comprehensive staffing solutions that address the evolving needs of the healthcare industry."
Pacific Companies has been at the forefront of the locum tenens staffing industry, leveraging its extensive network of expert recruiters to match highly qualified physicians with healthcare facilities in need. With a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, Pacific Companies has consistently demonstrated its ability to meet the evolving staffing demands of the industry and maintain strong relationships with clients and providers.
As Pacific Companies celebrates this prestigious accolade, the company remains dedicated to delivering innovative staffing solutions, fostering long-term partnerships, and upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in the locum tenens industry.
For more information about Pacific Companies and its services, please visit www.pacificcompanies.com.
About Pacific Companies:
Pacific Companies is a leading healthcare staffing and recruiting firm specializing in locum tenens and permanent placement. With over 20 years of experience, Pacific Companies offers comprehensive staffing solutions to healthcare facilities across the United States. The company's team of industry experts is committed to providing exceptional service and matching highly skilled healthcare professionals with healthcare facilities in need.
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SOURCE Pacific Companies | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pacific-companies-ranked-sias-2023-largest-locum-tenens-staffing-firms-list/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:52 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pacific-companies-ranked-sias-2023-largest-locum-tenens-staffing-firms-list/ |
300PPM leads investment in the only proven solution to decarbonize process heat at scale
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GlassPoint, the leader in decarbonizing industrial process heat, closed an $8M series A investment led by 300PPM and joined by former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, former Alcoa COO Tomas Sigurdsson and several additional industrial leaders. GlassPoint will use the investment to expand operations to help industrial companies decarbonize and meet looming net-zero commitments with the only solution proven to decarbonize industrial process heat at scale.
This is the first investment by 300PPM, which was founded in 2023 to accelerate the path to net-zero by deploying climate infrastructure globally at speed and scale. Howar Talabany, 300PPM founding partner and head of business development, led the investment and will join GlassPoint's board of directors.
"More than 40% of the Fortune 500 have set net-zero goals as leaders increasingly internalize the business and investor value that accompanies decarbonization," said Talabany. "They're also realizing that to deliver on these goals they need to scale viable solutions now. GlassPoint stands out in a sea of innovators as the only solution proven at scale to decarbonize the $444B industrial process heat market. With a robust customer pipeline and impressive executive team, GlassPoint is well positioned to lead essential decarbonization efforts across industries."
The funding comes on the heels of GlassPoint's groundbreaking memorandum of understanding with Ma'aden to develop the world's largest solar process heat plant to convert bauxite into alumina and help Saudi Arabia meet sustainability goals. GlassPoint has deployed more than half of all the solar steam for industry in the world and the company has been reliably producing solar steam for over a decade.
New regulations from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will soon require publicly listed companies to disclose climate-related risks as well as information around direct and indirect carbon emissions, increasing pressure on leaders to develop actionable carbon-reducing strategies. Moreover, a recent Fortune 500 CEO survey found that a strong majority of business leaders believe focusing on climate will help deepen relationships with employees and customers.
"We are seeing strong interest around the world as consumer demand for sustainable goods, soaring ESG goals and the Inflation Reduction Act drive unprecedented investment in carbon-reducing technologies," said GlassPoint CEO and founder Rod MacGregor. "Every major industrial company is reassessing their supply chain, and GlassPoint provides the most cost-effective option to reduce carbon emissions immediately by delivering renewable heat at the scale they need. We look forward to putting this investment to work to help industrial leaders across the Middle East and North America decarbonize materials essential to the energy transition and combat climate change."
GlassPoint's solar steam solution is available for a range of hard-to-abate industries, including mining and metals. The company is accelerating adoption with a steam-as-a-service model that eliminates the need for capital allocation, streamlines customer decision making and reduces business risk.
About GlassPoint
GlassPoint decarbonizes the production of materials essential to the energy transition and makes a substantial impact on combating climate change. The company builds, owns and operates large-scale solar steam facilities to reduce carbon emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as mining and metals, chemicals, construction materials, desalination and more. GlassPoint is the only solution proven at scale to reduce carbon emissions from industrial process heat and has built more than half of the industrial solar steam capacity in the world. Learn more at glasspoint.com.
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SOURCE GlassPoint | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/glasspoint-closes-8m-series-help-industry-meet-pressing-net-zero-goals/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:53 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/glasspoint-closes-8m-series-help-industry-meet-pressing-net-zero-goals/ |
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. (with its affiliates and exclusive sub-advisers, "Farallon") announced the final closing of its fourth US-focused opportunistic real estate fund structure, Farallon Real Estate Partners IV ("FREP IV"), raising in total over US$650 million of aggregate investor commitments, exceeding its original target of US$500 million.
Farallon has an extensive 30-year track record investing in commercial real estate and has deployed approximately US$7.4 billion of capital in 263 investments over that period. FREP IV's investment strategy will continue the Farallon Real Estate team's approach to investing in inefficient segments of the U.S. real estate market with a focus on industrial, multi-family, retail and office sub-sectors. FREP IV will employ a value- driven/opportunistic strategy while targeting equity, preferred equity, and distressed debt investments in relevant assets within the core sub-sectors.
FREP IV will be managed and operated by the 12 dedicated members of Farallon's Real Estate team led by Rocky Fried and Josh Dapice. Additionally, FREP IV will be supported by Farallon's global team and institutional infrastructure of over 200 operational professionals.
Limited partners in the fund structure consist of both existing and new investors, including endowments, public and corporate pension plans, insurance companies, family offices, and investment advisory firms.
"We are deeply appreciative of the support from our limited partners and look forward to deploying this new capital into what we believe to be a very attractive market. Farallon's long history of completing transactions throughout market cycles and its established global relationships position us to benefit from the current scarcity of capital in the U.S real estate markets," said Rocky Fried, Partner at Farallon and Head of US Real Estate.
Josh Dapice, Partner at Farallon, described the US real estate environment as one where "we believe we are in the early innings of a widespread correction that will lead to attractive acquisition opportunities, particularly as it relates to working with owners in need of flexible and creative capital solutions."
About Farallon®:
Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. is a global institutional investment management firm founded in 1986. Farallon manages approximately $39 billion in capital and commitments for institutions, including college endowments, charitable foundations, pension plans and sovereign wealth funds, and high net worth individuals and family offices. Farallon is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and São Paulo. Farallon seeks investments across asset classes and around the world through a process of bottom-up fundamental research and analysis emphasizing capital preservation. More information about Farallon is available at www.faralloncapital.com.
Media Contacts
ASC Advisors
Taylor Ingraham / Steve Bruce
tingraham@ascadvisors.com / sbruce@ascadvisors.com
203 992 1230
Related Links
http://www.faralloncapital.com
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SOURCE Farallon Capital Management | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/farallon-capital-management-closes-fourth-real-estate-fund-with-over-650-million-aggregate-investor-commitments/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:53 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/farallon-capital-management-closes-fourth-real-estate-fund-with-over-650-million-aggregate-investor-commitments/ |
Typhoon Doksuri has dumped heavy rain across China, including in Beijing. It is one of the strongest storms to hit the country in years, forcing people to flee from flood waters. The government has issued a red alert across the capital and several provinces. | https://www.dw.com/en/typhoon-doksuri-brings-floods-to-northern-china/video-66399021 | 2023-07-31T14:30:54 | 0 | https://www.dw.com/en/typhoon-doksuri-brings-floods-to-northern-china/video-66399021 |
Leveraging AI, Topline Pro Scales to Help the Millions of Small Home Service Businesses Succeed
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Topline Pro, a Generative AI platform enabling home services professionals to manage and scale their businesses online, today announced $12M in Series A funding led by Forerunner Ventures (Brian O'Malley) along with support from Bonfire Ventures (Jim Andelman), TMV (Soraya Darabi), BBG Ventures (Susan Lyne).
Topline Pro is democratizing the key building blocks for managing and growing a Home Services business, which is uniquely possible through AI advancements. The platform enables pros, from general contractors to landscapers, to be discovered, trusted and booked — repeatedly. Topline Pro's mission is to ensure more home service business owners succeed by providing all the tools and resources they need, so pros can focus more on their craft versus the operational overhead of running a small business.
Topline Pro's intuitive interface empowers pros to efficiently and seamlessly manage and grow business by helping them:
- Build a thriving online presence through custom generated content, from personalized social media content to a custom website and online ads, while syncing content to and from local listings
- Gain trust and showcasing experience through robust reviews collection, response and showcasing capabilities
- Get paid online, schedule and book business, and develop meaningful customer relationships
Topline leverages generative AI across its suite of offerings so business owners can focus more on their craft and doing work in the field, instead of sinking time and energy into growing and managing the business in the background. To date, the platform has generated over $180M in business across thousands of businesses in nearly all 50 states.
"Topline Pro is akin to a Shopify for Home Services businesses," said Brian O'Malley, Managing Director at Forerunner Ventures. "By building a vertical stack for this ecosystem, Topline has the opportunity to bring this underserved category online and empower greater economic opportunity."
Until the creation of Topline Pro, the home service market was mostly served through marketplaces and intermediaries for connecting homeowners with service providers. The prevailing system and solutions has been inefficient and expensive, where business owners have no other option but to pay significantly for leads without any guarantee of winning the work. Topline Pro believes in tipping the power back towards Home Services small business owners, where they have more control and resources to grow and operate their business directly.
"Home Services businesses are part of the backbone of the American economy and an industry that consumers rely on for the safety and comfort of their home, but the space has been overlooked for far too long due to structural and cultural dynamics, such as market fragmentation and misplaced stigma," said Nick Ornitz, CEO and Co-founder of Topline Pro. "Topline Pro is on a mission to help millions of home service business owners in the more than $500Bn market be more likely to succeed.".
Topline Pro will use the recent funding to further expand Generative AI capabilities across the existing suite of tools, build out additional product offerings, and expand their team across multiple roles in engineering, product, customer success, marketing and sales.
Topline Pro
Topline Pro (toplinepro.com) is a platform that empowers service based small businesses to get discovered, build trust, and get booked, repeatedly. Topline Pro utilizes generative AI to automate the creation of a SEO optimized website and ongoing online engagement along with tools that streamline operations from booking to payment. Topline Pro enables the business owner to own the relationship with their customers and grow their business while focusing on what they do best, exceptional service in the field. Topline Pro has generated over $180M in business across thousands of businesses in nearly all 50 states.
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SOURCE Topline Pro | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/topline-pro-announces-12m-series-funding-reshape-economic-opportunity-home-services/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:54 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/topline-pro-announces-12m-series-funding-reshape-economic-opportunity-home-services/ |
Player of the Year
Addison Jackson, St. Amant
If there was a title to be won, Jackson helped her team claim it. And if there was a top award out there, the Boston College signee won it.
Jackson led the Gators to the Division I nonselect title with a 32-2 record. She now leads the large schools metro squad for the second straight year as selected by area coaches.
"I told AJ, she did not have to be better than she was last year," St. Amant coach Amy Pitre said. "She needed to be the best she could be each day. That was all we needed."
St. Amant got Jackson’s best in the circle and at the plate. And yes, she was better than she was in 2022. Jackson was also voted LSWA’s Class 5A MVP, won the LSWA's prestigious Miss Softball award.
Jackson tallied 288 strikeouts and had a 0.93 earned run average in the circle. She also spearheaded the Gators’ prolific offense by leading all Louisiana hitters with 27 home runs. Jackson batted .521 and drove in 75 runs despite being walked more than 40 times.
As impressive as Jackson’s season was, Pitre believes what happened behind the scenes was equally significant.
"AJ puts in work. She likes challenges,” Pitre noted. “Some pitchers are cocky. She is confident in her ability and in her team. AJ takes nothing for granted she works hard to be the best she can be."
Coach of the Year
Amy Pitre, St. Amant
Being the favorite to win is not always easy, but Pitre and the Gators made it look that way while claiming their third LHSAA title in five seasons with a 32-2 record. This St. Amant squad got stronger as the year went on.
Going unbeaten in one of Louisiana’s toughest districts, 5-5A, was a major accomplishment that set the tone for postseason success. The Gators outscored opponents by a 35-3 margin in the postseason.
Amelia Bouvier, Brusly
Pitcher 18-5
Kaylee Chandler, Live Oak
Pitcher 20 wins
Cailyn Heyl, Central
Pitcher 20-6
Kayce Bennett, Live Oak
Catcher .568
Kami Gautreau, St. Amant
Catcher .312
Chloe Magee, Live Oak
Infield .571
Alix Franklin, St. Amant
Infield .544
Harper Dupre, Dutchtown
Infield .414
Cayden Tullier, East Ascension
Infield .454
Julie Stevens, Central
Infield .456
Lailia Clark, Brusly
Outfield .484
Makinsey Elisar, St. Amant
Outfield .474
Aralee Beene, St. Amant
Outfield .354
Haleigh Cushingberry, Live Oak
Outfield .385
Caitlyn Riche, Walker
Utility .303
Alexa Womack, Dutchtown
Utility .355
Corin Waguespack, East Ascension
Utility .412
Alexa Villar, Walker
Utility 23 RBIs
Lexi Guercio, Central
Utility .411
Mary Beth Zeller, St. Amant
Utility .301 | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/high_schools/meet-the-advocate-2023-class-5a-4a-all-metro-softball-team/article_0a0110c4-2a83-11ee-bc8b-ef829b76b937.html | 2023-07-31T14:30:57 | 0 | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/high_schools/meet-the-advocate-2023-class-5a-4a-all-metro-softball-team/article_0a0110c4-2a83-11ee-bc8b-ef829b76b937.html |
Pep Boys further expands its footprint in the Raleigh market as it celebrates its 14th location and pledges its support to the community.
PHILADELPHIA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pep Boys, a leading U.S. automotive service provider, will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in Raleigh at the Triangle Town Center tomorrow, August 1, 2023. The 7320 Old Wake Forest Rd Raleigh, NC 27616 location will join 13 other locations in the Raleigh market. Customers can expect a full range of automotive maintenance and repair services at this newest location.
Pep Boys will celebrate this monumental opening with residents and special guests at 11am. As a testament to the Company's commitment to its community, Pep Boys will be presenting a donation to two local non-profit organizations, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of North Carolina and the Haven House Society.
"Pep Boys takes pride in extending our automotive service experience to an even larger customer base in Raleigh," said Scott Collette, Pep Boys CEO. "Our team of technicians and service advisors are looking forward to connecting with the local community and providing quality car care to its drivers."
The Raleigh location provides both individual customers and the area's fast-growing fleets with preventative maintenance, tire installations and both routine and major repairs performed by certified technicians. In addition to being equipped with the latest technology to handle today's complex vehicles, Pep Boys offers every driver a Courtesy Vehicle Inspection as well as an entirely digital customer experience from online appointment booking to service tracking and mobile pay.
Pep Boys also offers a broad range of opportunities and career paths for today's auto service technician. With a commitment to supporting technical education and training and development, a Pep Boys auto service technician can pursue several different career paths. For more information on a career with Pep Boys, visit www.careers.pepboys.com.
About Pep Boys
Founded in 1921 by military veterans, generations of drivers have counted on Pep Boys ASE-certified Pros to care for their cars. With a national network of Service and Tire Centers, millions of vehicles and fleets pass through Pep Boys bays each year. Our commitment to being the one our communities count on is demonstrated through our exceptional customer experience and technical expertise. For more information, visit www.pepboys.com/corporate.
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SOURCE The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe and Jack LLC | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pep-boys-celebrates-new-auto-service-tire-center-raleigh-august-1-with-celebration-community-commitment/ | 2023-07-31T14:30:58 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pep-boys-celebrates-new-auto-service-tire-center-raleigh-august-1-with-celebration-community-commitment/ |
- Learners can enroll for these Microsoft Certifications with any of the existing programs offered by Great Learning in Cloud Computing, Data Science and Data Engineering.
- The Microsoft Certification aligned learning paths will be delivered by Great Learning faculty and Microsoft Certified Trainers.
- Great Learning programs are designed to help learners advance their skills in Microsoft technologies and Azure focused careers and complete the corresponding Microsoft Certification exams.
SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Learning, a leading global edtech company for higher education and professional training is collaborating with Microsoft to offer their learners various Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Power BI learning paths aligned to Microsoft Certifications. These 6-week online programs are designed and developed by Microsoft and delivered by Great Learning faculty and Microsoft Certified Trainers. The programs are relevant for young graduates and working professionals aspiring to build careers in high-demand domains such as Cloud Computing, Data Science and Data Engineering.
The relevance of Azure in today's technology landscape cannot be overstated. As businesses increasingly migrate to the cloud, Azure has emerged as a leading cloud infrastructure platform, providing a wide range of services and solutions to meet diverse business needs. Organizations that use Azure gain scalability, agility, and cost-efficiency, enabling them to accelerate innovation and drive digital transformation. The rapid adoption of Azure has created a significant demand for professionals skilled in Azure technologies. These skilling programs aligned to Azure certifications are designed for professionals aspiring to build a career in Cloud Computing and wanting to gain technical skills in Azure-based solutions.
As part of this relationship, Great Learning will initially deliver three Microsoft Certification aligned skilling programs, with plans to expand the offering to include seven more programs throughout the year. Launching immediately are the Azure Fundamentals, Azure Administrator, (as a bolt on with the Great Learning Cloud Computing program) and Power BI Data Analyst programs. The Microsoft Azure Administrator certification is relevant for mid-level professionals in the IT and cloud domain and will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of Azure infrastructure and management tools. Power BI Data Analyst, is designed for young graduates who want to kick-start their career in Data Analytics.
Sharing his views about the collaboration, Mohan Lakhamraju, Founder & CEO, Great Learning said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Microsoft to provide our learners with access to world-class training aligned to Microsoft Certifications. Microsoft Azure is a prominent cloud infrastructure platform, revolutionizing the way businesses operate. However, there is a noticeable dearth of professionals equipped with the necessary skills to effectively leverage the capabilities of Azure. This collaboration will enable professionals at various stages of their careers to get these highly relevant skills and stay ahead in today's competitive job market."
Geoffrey Hirsch, Microsoft Senior Director, Worldwide Learning said, "Great Learning's expertise in professional training aligns to our goal to enable individuals to enhance their skill sets and pursue rewarding careers in the technology industry. We are pleased about this collaboration and the opportunity to offer specialized technical skilling through Great Learning that helps individuals prepare for Microsoft Certifications."
These certification-aligned programs will be delivered in a unique way under this collaboration. Learners will learn the Microsoft certified content over six weeks with weekly mentorship sessions with Great Learning's expert mentors. They will also have a dedicated program manager to assist and address any challenges faced during the course of the programs. Through this journey, they will also receive exam focused simulations and mock tests to prepare them for the certification exam. Upon completion of the program, learners will also obtain certification vouchers to cover the cost of the corresponding certification exam fee.
Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional training and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology and interdisciplinary domains driving the digital economy. These programs are developed and offered in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions like Stanford Graduate School of Business, MIT Professional Education, The University of Texas at Austin, National University of Singapore, Wharton Online, The University of Arizona, Deakin University, IIT-Roorkee, IIIT-Hyderabad & Delhi, and Great Lakes Institute of Management. Great Learning is able to leverage the highly qualified, world-class faculty at these universities together with its vast network of 6200+ industry expert mentors to deliver an unmatched learning experience for over 8.2 million learners from over 170+ countries around the world.
Media Contact
Navami Ajayan
Corporate Communications
press@mygreatlearning.com
Navami.ajayan@greatlearning.in
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1458111/2766407/Great_Learning_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Great Learning | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/great-learning-offer-microsoft-azure-microsoft-power-bi-certifications-its-learners/ | 2023-07-31T14:31:00 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/great-learning-offer-microsoft-azure-microsoft-power-bi-certifications-its-learners/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- First Citizens Bank today announced that its Healthcare Finance business, part of the CIT division, provided a $50.3 million loan to a joint venture led by Rethink Healthcare Real Estate to refinance the Medical Pavilion at White Oak, an on campus medical office building located adjacent to the Adventist White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Opened in 2019, the Medical Center is located approximately seven miles northeast from Washington D.C. in an emerging healthcare and life science hub off Interstate 95. The Pavilion, which is directly connected to the hospital and to covered parking, houses a comprehensive cancer center, primary care services, and cardiology and other specialists.
"Once again, we are pleased with the execution by First Citizens Bank's Healthcare Finance team in providing financing that supports our focus on maintaining high-quality medical office buildings and specialized care facilities," said John Winer, President & Chief Investment Officer, Rethink Healthcare Real Estate.
"We are delighted to again work closely with Rethink, who has a proven track record of developing and managing high quality medical office buildings and outpatient medical facilities in attractive markets," said William Douglass, who leads the bank's Healthcare Finance business.
"We are pleased to continue to grow our banking relationship with Rethink Healthcare Real Estate through the financing of this state-of-the-art, Class A medical office building," said Steven Reedy, a managing director for First Citizens Bank Healthcare Finance business.
Healthcare Finance, part of the First Citizens Bank's Commercial Finance division, provides comprehensive financing and banking solutions to middle market healthcare companies across the U.S. By using a client-focused and industry-centric model, Healthcare Finance can tailor its products and services to help clients meet their needs for capital.
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank helps personal, business, commercial and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., and now celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding, First Citizens has built a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. First Citizens offers an array of general banking services including a network of more than 550 branches in 23 states and commercial banking expertise delivering best-in-class lending, leasing and other financial services coast to coast. Parent company First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA) is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. Discover more at firstcitizens.com.
MEDIA RELATIONS:
Ella Bristow
212-461-5322
Ella.Bristow@firstcitizens.com
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SOURCE First Citizens Bank | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/first-citizens-bank-provides-503-million-refinance-medical-pavilion-white-oak-campus-adventist-white-oak-medical-center/ | 2023-07-31T14:31:00 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/first-citizens-bank-provides-503-million-refinance-medical-pavilion-white-oak-campus-adventist-white-oak-medical-center/ |
West African bloc issues ultimatum to Niger coup leaders
ConflictsNiger
2 hours ago
West African nations have given the coup leaders in Niger a one-week ultimatum to give up power. Leaders of the ECOWAS bloc also authorized the possible use of force if the country's ousted elected president is not reinstated within a week. | https://www.dw.com/en/west-african-bloc-ultimatum-niger-coup-leaders/video-66391086 | 2023-07-31T14:31:00 | 0 | https://www.dw.com/en/west-african-bloc-ultimatum-niger-coup-leaders/video-66391086 |
Innovative community bank with $2.4 billion in assets to provide award-winning BaaS offering
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Treasury Prime, a leading embedded banking software company, today announced it is partnering with Academy Bank to bring embedded finance services to its customers in the financial services industry. This partnership addresses the increasing demand for flexible and scalable solutions that effectively meet the evolving needs of businesses and customers.
The objective of this partnership is to provide businesses with seamless access to Academy Bank's deposit services, enabling them to offer FDIC-insured accounts to their customers while staying fully compliant with regulatory requirements. Treasury Prime's award-winning BaaS platform, coupled with Academy Bank's established banking infrastructure, will empower businesses to rapidly launch and scale their payment and deposit products, driving strong customer engagement and retention.
"Academy Bank's ability to service deposit customers in a highly personalized manner, combined with their unwavering commitment to innovation, forms a strong foundation for our partnership," said Jeff Nowicki, VP of Banking at Treasury Prime. "We are proud to welcome Academy Bank to our bank network and work together to deliver transformative banking experiences."
"This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and focus on the fintech industry," said David Robinson, Director of Fintech Partnerships at Academy Bank. "By leveraging Treasury Prime's technology, we can enhance our offerings and provide our fintech partners with the tools they need to accelerate their growth and deliver innovative financial services."
This partnership follows Treasury Prime's success in rapidly expanding its bank network, which now exceeds 15 financial institutions nationwide.
For more information about Treasury Prime, visit treasuryprime.com.
About Treasury Prime
Treasury Prime is building the future of finance. Leveraging its award-winning APIs and versatile embedded banking products, Treasury Prime enables banks and enterprise partners to innovate, adapt, grow and scale to stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. The company helps enterprises with a range of complex services including money transfer, risk mitigation and access to a chartered bank's infrastructure. Treasury Prime works with forward-thinking banks to innovate responsibly and increase access to banking products and services to all segments of the population Treasury Prime was named Best Banking-as-a-Service Platform in the Tearsheet Embedded Awards 2021 and 2022, and was named to CB Insights' annual 2021 Fintech 250 list.
About Academy Bank
Academy Bank is a full-service bank with $2.4 billion in assets and over 70 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. Honored as one of Fortune Magazine's "2023 Most Innovative Companies," Academy Bank provides a wide range of financial solutions for business and individuals, including commercial and business banking, treasury management and mortgage services. Academy Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $3.6 billion holding company headquartered in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Academy Bank's sister bank, Armed Forces Bank, headquartered in Leavenworth, Kansas, proudly serves active and retired military and civilian clients across the country and around the world. Armed Forces Bank is recognized as one of the top-three strongest banks in Kansas City by the Kansas City Business Journal.
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SOURCE Treasury Prime | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/treasury-prime-academy-bank-join-forces-address-growing-market-demand-through-banking-as-a-service-partnership/ | 2023-07-31T14:31:01 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/treasury-prime-academy-bank-join-forces-address-growing-market-demand-through-banking-as-a-service-partnership/ |
Player of the Year
Addison Contorno, Doyle
Contorno’s diverse skill set was on full display as she led the Tigers to the LHSAA’s Division III nonselect semifinals in Sulphur. The SLU signee’s four-year high school career can be summed up in five words, “It just kept getting better.”
“Addison was such a joy to coach,” Decell said. “From the time she stepped on the field as a freshman she made an impact. She was a great teammate and did all the things we asked. But she was never complacent or satisfied with what she was doing.”
Those qualities, along with a stellar senior season made Contorno the Outstanding Player on the All-Metro team for Classes 3A and below as selected by local area coaches.
Contorno played center field and set the tone for the Tigers on offense and defense. She batted .435 with 14 doubles, 45 runs scored and 43 RBI. Contorno also stole 25 bases and had a .990 fielding percentage.
“Her offensive stats speak for themselves. But to me, the big difference this year was her defense this year,” Decell said. “When a ball was hit anywhere close to center field, we knew she was going to catch it.
“And if a runner tried to advance or score, she would find a way to throw them out. We had more confidence because we knew she was going to make plays.”
Coach of the Year
Blake West, French Settlement
It was a party like 1999 for West and Lions at the LHSAA softball toourney. French Settlement won the Division IV nonselect title, the school’s first softball title in 24 years.
The Lions (24-10) have been a presence in Class 2A in recent years since moving up from the Class B ranks. This was a breakout season in which West’s FSHS squad claimed a No. 4 playoff seed and outscored opponents 38-3 in the postseason.
The team
Kynleigh Rhymer, St. John
Pitcher 17-9
Malloy Miles, French Settlement
Pitcher 15-9
Taylor Douglas, Holden
Pitcher 20-11
Morgan Landry, Catholic-Pointe Coupee
Pitcher 17-8
Kamrynn Ouber, Holden
Catcher .351
Kylee Savant, Doyle
Catcher 29 RBI
Charli Neumann, St. John
Infield .404
Gracie Duffy, Holden
Infield .404
Bailey McLin, Doyle
Infield .438
Kassidy Rivero, Doyle
Infield .398
Lilli St. Germain, Catholic-Pointe Coupee
Infield .386
Brooke Dupuy, French Settlement
Outfield .421
Shelby Taylor, Doyle
Outfield .458
Addison Harvey, University
Outfield .531
Emma Petite, French Settlement
Utility .385
Emma Wilson, Holden
Utility .452
Rebecca Frey, Catholic-Pointe Coupee
Utility .387
Ali Mancuso, St. John
Utility .344
Ava Gauthe, Ascension Catholic
Utility .472
Karsyn Vadnais, St. John
Utility .444
Brilee Ford, Albany
Utility 15 HR, 55 RBI | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/high_schools/the-advocate-2023-class-3a-below-all-metro-softball-team/article_0fe3a194-2a85-11ee-95e0-a3de206d37d9.html | 2023-07-31T14:31:03 | 0 | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/high_schools/the-advocate-2023-class-3a-below-all-metro-softball-team/article_0fe3a194-2a85-11ee-95e0-a3de206d37d9.html |
Lightning and rain couldn’t dampen sunny spirits for Wrexham’s 1st visit to Philadelphia
A delay due to severe weather thinned out the huge crowd, but the visit from Rob McElhenney's Welsh soccer team still drew plenty of fans from near and far.
Listen 1:21In November 2020, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Rob McElhenney purchased a small British soccer club in Wrexham, Wales, with fellow actor Ryan Reynolds.
The pair subsequently vaulted the British team into the global spotlight by investing in the side’s push to win a National League championship and promotion into the fourth tier of English professional soccer. Throughout the process, they documented the highs and lows of the journey with a heart-warming and often self-deprecating Hulu series.
On Friday night, McElhenney’s team finally got its long-awaited game in its co-owner’s hometown, with Wrexham taking on the Philadelphia Union II at Subaru Park in Chester. The packed crowd that showed up for kick-off dissipated after lightning led to a two-and-a-half hour weather delay, but those who braved the rainy second half were given an entertaining 1-1 draw.
The final stop of Wrexham’s four-game U.S. tour brought in old and new fans for celebrations that began before Friday night. For many, the match was an opportunity to celebrate perhaps the biggest current exponent of Welsh culture. One that has still maintained its down-to-earth humility and ability to even join in on the festivities.
‘It’s like being in a Welsh bar in the middle of Philadelphia’
For those in the know, the place to truly kick off Wrexham’s Philly visit was Mac’s Tavern in Old City Thursday evening. The bar, co-owned by McElhenney, has become the one reliable spot in the city to watch the team live amongst other supporters.
On Thursday, the tavern was filled with patrons wearing all variations of Wrexham shirts, Welsh flags hung up on the walls, and the tunes of the Declan Swans, a Wrexham band whose music was highlighted throughout the first season of FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series.
Don McCloskey, a musician and friend of McElhenney’s since their time at St. Joe’s Prep, provided the band with gear to perform.
“It’s like being in a Welsh bar in the middle of Philadelphia,” he said, describing the vibe in Mac’s that night. “It’s like visiting Wales and finding an Eagles bar, and it actually being an authentic Eagles bar.”
McCloskey said he wasn’t a big soccer fan before that night, but when he told one of the team’s supporters he was an Eagles fan, they gave him a Midnight Green Wrexham jersey, which sealed his newfound allegiance.
Before Philly, Wrexham started itstour in Chapel Hill, N.C., where the team lost to Premier League powerhouse Chelsea. The Red Dragons then traveled to Carson, Los Angeles, where they defeated the LA Galaxy’s reserve team, and most recently pulled off an upset win over a Manchester United team comprised of youngsters in San Diego.
Wrexham native and club historian Peter Jones recalled the before-times, when Wrexham’s summer tours were far closer to home.
“We used to go to the Isle of Man. Now that was a big thing for us, to go to the Isle of Man,” Jones said. “I never envisaged I’d ever see Wrexham Football Club in the United States of America. And what a brilliant time we’ve had.”
For him and others following the team around the U.S., Philly was the most important stop, because of what McElhenney had done for the club.
Well after the live music stopped and match tickets, provided by 2SP Brewing Company, were raffled off to customers, the attention of those near the entrance turned to a bus that had stopped outside the bar. Wrexham players and staff, having just visited the Rocky statue, stepped out and took a team photo in front of the Tavern, before the players got straight back onto the bus. Members of the team’s coaching and non-playing staff remained on the sidewalk, and then, led by team manager Phil Parkinson, entered Mac’s to order a round of beers with Wrexham fans.
“For Americans, your sports teams, they’re quite untouchable … you can’t get near them,” Andy Gilpin, a Wrexham fan and podcaster, said on why the team has resonated with American fans. “But you can relate to Wrexham because it’s a working-class town with a working-class team.”
‘I think everybody’s an honorary Welshman tonight, right?’
Ahead of Friday’s match, fans from both sides flowed into the stadium on the bank of the Delaware River.
“This is such a welcoming place,” Wrexham native Clare Hughes said about the Wrexham fan zone outside the stadium. “But also it brought a tear to my eye because you go in there and it’s like in some strange way you’re in Wrexham, but it’s authentic.”
Aside from the traveling fans from Wrexham and the regular supporters of the Union’s reserve side, many sports fans came in to just enjoy the game and the spectacle of the day.
Kevin and Maggie Wright, Philadelphia Union season ticket holders from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, said that this match would be their first-ever Union II game and that they tried to dress as neutral as possible for the occasion.
“I’ve got my Philly T-shirt on here because we don’t know tonight. We don’t care. We just we know it’s going to be a good game.” Maggie said. “I think everybody’s an honorary Welshman tonight, right?”
Members of the Welsh Society of Philadelphia had also purchased tickets with the hope of creating a “red wall” of support, said Catrin Brace, a member of the society’s board of stewards. Although some members typically root for Cardiff or Swansea’s football teams — historically, two more popular and successful sides than Wrexham — they were happy to set aside club rivalries to support the success of another Welsh team, this time.
“Perhaps it would be a bit more difficult if say it was a Cardiff game,” Sean Horton, a Swansea native and supporter currently living in Yardley, said days before the game. “But with Wrexham coming out, it would just be good to go along and see a game of football and support a Welsh team.”
For the Wrexham fans, many mentioned having to stomach playing in a place called Chester, the namesake of the club’s heated local rivals in the U.K.
“We’ll forgive that, just to be in Philly,” said Andy Culkin from Wrexham.
‘The chants of ‘Wrexham, Wrexham, Wrexham’ ringing out deep into the Philly night’
Ahead of kickoff, both the Welsh and U.S. national anthems were performed, with fans in the stands singing along to both. The stadium was packed, with only small pockets of empty seats visible. The home supporter’s section made sure that Union chants and songs were the loudest noise in the stadium from the first blow of the referee’s whistle.
Both sides had good chances in the first half, and Wrexham found the breakthrough in the 42nd minute. A ricocheted ball from a corner fell to Tom O’Conner near the penalty, and he calmly slotted it into the net.
Wrexham’s lead didn’t last long, though. In the third minute of stoppage time, Jeremy Rafanello’s low free kick curled around the Wrexham wall and beat the wrong-footed Ben Foster.
When the teams were off the field for the halftime break, lightning struck within 8 miles of the stadium and a heavy downpour of rain soon followed, causing a lengthy severe weather delay before the start of the second half. Fans were told to move from the open seating areas to the shelter of the stadium’s concourse, though some remained in the dryer parts of the seated area, singing and dancing — and some running out onto the field.
When play eventually resumed close to 11 p.m., with rain still coming down and much of the crowd departed. The noise levels were still admirably high, and those still there collectively gasped at each subsequent lightning strike, but all were deemed too far to stop play.
Wrexham opted to make sweeping changes to the lineup and the Union II carried on their momentum from Rafanello’s goal. Philadelphia substitute Nelson Pierre was denied only the post in the 80th minute, and Wrexham could not find the net in its last attacking push in stoppage time.
After the match, Wrexham manager Parkinson said that the team’s two days in the city, though short, had lived up to high praise he had heard from McElhenney.
“He always speaks so well of the area and we’ve had a great welcome tonight,” Parkinson said after the match. “And in between the two halves, I had a chance to speak to a lot of the Union supporters who were here tonight and [I] enjoyed that.”
For McElhenney, the match offered a confluence of two places he has put his heart and soul into.
The chants of 🎶 “Wrexham, Wrexham, Wrexham” 🎶 ringing out deep into the Philly night, after 2 hours of weather delay continues to give me goosebumps. 🏴 🇺🇸
— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) July 29, 2023
Saturdays just got more interesting.
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ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, New Jersey -- A New Jersey school district has agreed to pay $9.1 million to the family of a girl who died by suicide after she was bullied at school, the family's attorney said.
The settlement comes after Diane and Seth Grossman sued Rockaway Township School District in 2018, claiming that, despite repeated complaints, Copeland Middle School administrators did not do enough to prevent their daughter's death.
Twelve-year-old Mallory Grossman took her own life in June 2017 after being bullied in school and cyberbullied by classmates throughout the school year through text and Snapchat messages, according to the lawsuit filed in New Jersey superior court.
CNN has reached out to the Rockaway Township School District for comment on the settlement, which was reached in court Wednesday.
It is the largest bullying settlement in New Jersey history, an attorney for the Grossman family, Bruce Nagel, told CNN.
"This settlement should send a strong signal to schools around the country that bullying is an epidemic and schools have a responsibility to protect our children," Nagel said.
"Seth and I are satisfied with the settlement, ready to put this part behind us and move forward, continuing to lend our voice to the epidemic that is stealing our children's future," Dianne Grossman said in a statement. "We hope all schools, (Boards of Education) and administrators will take a look at their current policies & make the necessary changes to protect all students, as it pertains to bullying and cyberbullying."
The issue of bullying in schools has taken on a new dynamic since the rise of social media, experts say.
"Before social media, there might have been an unpleasant interaction at school and that's mostly where it stops," Nikki Pagano, a licensed clinical social worker in Charlotte, North Carolina, previously told CNN. "Now, that interaction carries over to home and is inescapable. Instead of one person making you feel bad, there may be something posted online and peers may be seeing or even 'liking' this post."
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has taken measures to address bullying concerns in schools. In January 2022 he signed a measure, dubbed "Mallory's Law," requiring school districts to provide specific consequences in anti-bullying policies for students harassing or bullying a classmate, according to the New Jersey state legislature.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (or 800-273-8255) to connect with a trained counselor or visit the NSPL site.
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A University of Notre Dame professor has filed a defamation lawsuit against a student-run publication over news coverage of her abortion-rights work. The case is raising questions about press freedom and academic freedom at one of the nation's preeminent Catholic universities.
Tamara Kay's suit, filed in May, alleges falsehoods in two articles published by The Irish Rover in the past academic year. The Rover defended its reporting as true in a motion filed earlier this month to dismiss the case, under a law meant to protect people from frivolous lawsuits over matters of public concern.
Kay, a professor of global affairs and sociology, asks for unspecified punitive damages after she "has been harassed, threatened, and experienced damage to her residential property" and "continues to experience mental anguish" because of the two articles.
Published in October and March after public events in which Kay participated, the articles cover her remarks about her support for abortion rights. The lawsuit alleges that the articles contained "false and defamatory" information, arguing that they misinterpreted a sign on her door about helping students access healthcare and denying two quotes about academic freedom and her work at a Catholic institution.
"The note on my door referenced sexual assault, and the inadequate resources and support for student survivors at Notre Dame," Kay told The Associated Press via email.
She added that she had asked the Rover's faculty advisors to retract or correct the story, and that Notre Dame officials refused to intervene on her behalf.
"All of this is utterly devastating," Kay said. She said her public writing and public speech "are all fair game for reporting and critique, as long as that reporting is accurate. It has not been."
Notre Dame's Office of Media Relations didn't answer repeated requests for comment from the AP. Neither did Kay's attorney in the lawsuit.
In the motion filed under Indiana's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) law, the Irish Rover argued that - as an "independent, non-profit, student publication 'devoted to preserving the Catholic identity of Notre Dame'" - its coverage of a Notre Dame professor's public statements and actions about abortion qualify under the law's public interest and free speech criteria.
The motion added that the stories were "at least substantially true" and "did not contain defamatory imputation." Exhibits include a transcript of the March event and since-deleted tweets by Kay last fall referring Notre Dame colleagues to websites with information on where to find abortion providers and how to procure abortion pills.
That "targeted advocacy" - just as Indiana's abortion ban first went briefly into effect - motivated Notre Dame student W. Joseph DeReuil, 21, to seek comments from Kay and write a news story, he told the AP.
DeReuil, the Rover's editor-in-chief during the last academic year, said he is a practicing Catholic and believes the Church's teaching that life starts at conception and thus abortion is intentional killing.
"I do wish at times that, I guess, Notre Dame would take, as an institution, a stronger stance in favor of the Catholic position on some of these issues," he said.
He added that he condemned harassment of abortion rights advocates and specifically the threats mentioned in the lawsuit by Kay.
DeReuil said he was confident his reporting was factually correct and hoped the suit would be dismissed, instead of consuming his senior year.
"You'll face pushback, but you can still be a normal, cheerful, happy student," he said. "It's not going to affect you negatively in the long term if you're standing up for what you believe is true."
The Rover's attorney, James Bopp, Jr., said lawsuits like this can create a chilling effect.
"If we fail, it will send the message that if you speak out about the abortion issue, then you risk punishment through the legal system, and particularly if you speak out on the pro-life side," said Bopp, who has worked on major national cases on behalf of anti-abortion and free speech causes.
While the Church's position on abortion is unwavering, not all Catholics agree with it. Some oppose it based on their sense of Catholic teachings about individual conscience or social justice, said professor Samira Mehta, an expert on gender and religion at the University of Colorado.
It's rare to have faculty sue students for libel over an issue broaching "diametrically opposed worldviews," said Jonathan Gaston-Falk, an attorney with the Student Press Law Center. The organization defends press freedom rights for high school and college journalists and their advisors; it is not involved in this litigation.
"Libel can be boiled down to a false statement of fact that harms somebody's reputation" - and is published with knowledge of that falsity and malice if the person is a public figure, Gaston-Falk added.
According to Indiana law, courts have six months to rule on an anti-SLAPP motion.
Indiana was the first state to enact sweeping abortion restrictions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
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Damola Adamolekun to Step Down as CEO; Rohit Manocha Appointed Interim CEO
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. (the "Company") today announced that Damola Adamolekun has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") effective August 1st, 2023. The Board has appointed Rohit Manocha, a shareholder representative and P.F. Chang's board member since 2019, to serve as interim CEO and is working with an independent recruitment firm to conduct a comprehensive search for a successor. Mr. Adamolekun will return to Paulson & Co. Inc. ("Paulson") as a Partner focusing on investments.
"On behalf of the Board and the entire P.F. Chang's team, I want to thank Damola for his invaluable contributions since he joined the Company," said John Paulson, Board Chairman and President of Paulson. "Damola stepped in as CEO in the midst of the Covid-induced economic shut down and successfully pivoted the business to off-premise dining to continue to serve customers and stabilize cash flow. Subsequently, he returned the Company to growth through a total brand refresh and new restaurant openings that position P.F. Chang's for long-term success. We are grateful for his leadership of the Company during this period."
"I'm immensely proud of all that we've accomplished to elevate the customer experience, to build-out the Company's technology infrastructure to enable a robust takeout and delivery business, and to expand our international footprint," said Mr. Adamolekun. "It's been an honor to lead P.F. Chang's, and I wholeheartedly believe the strong team we have in place will continue to drive success in the future."
Mr. Manocha said, "The P.F. Chang's brand and restaurant network are in a great position, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to build on our momentum, drive increased traffic and transition the Company to its next world class leader. Most importantly, we will continue to make our customers' lives better through iconic, authentic food and joyful hospitality."
Mr. Manocha is a seasoned leader with deep experience in the restaurant, retail and investment industries. He is the Co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, a private investment firm, and his responsibilities include serving as chairman of TGI Fridays and a board member of Dover Saddlery and of Mears Transportation.
In the four and half years since acquisition, the Company has invested more than $200mm to open more than ten bistros and two flagships, revitalized the existing store fleet, and upgraded the menu and experience in restaurants to provide customers with the highest quality Asian food in an entertaining and celebratory setting. The Company has significantly expanded its takeout and delivery business, launching a small-footprint P.F. Chang's To Go format so more customers can enjoy P.F. Chang's anywhere. The Company is now in an ideal position to continue to grow and take advantage of the substantial opportunity to bring the P.F. Chang's experience worldwide.
About P.F. Chang's
Founded in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming, P.F. Chang's is the first internationally recognized multi-unit Asian culinary brand to honor and celebrate the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking as the center of the guest experience. With roots in Chinese cuisine, today's menu at P.F. Chang's spans across all of Asia, honoring cultures and recipes from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond. Each item offers a unique exploration of flavor, whether it's a handcrafted cocktail, wok-fired lunch bowl, or celebratory multi-course dinner. Worldwide, P.F. Chang's has more than 300 restaurants in 22 countries and U.S. airport locations, including a growing number of convenient P.F. Chang's To Go locations offering takeout and delivery. For more P.F. Chang's news, visit pfchangs.com.
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TAMPA, Fla. and WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC ("HealthEdge") and United Western Group ("United Western") announced today that in partnership with Advantage Capital Holdings, LLC ("A-CAP"), they have completed a recapitalization of Veridian Healthcare, LLC ("Veridian" or the "Company"), a leading outsourced manufacturer of private label and branded in-home diagnostic, pain care management, and personal care products.
Veridian, which was founded in 2009 and is based in Gurnee, IL, has distinguished itself as a preeminent distributor of home health and diagnostic products for leading national and regional chain stores, pharmacies, wholesalers, distributors, and e-commerce businesses. The Company's custom private labeling capabilities, robust overseas procurement knowledge and relationships, purchase volumes, and well-established supplier relationships enable Veridian to deliver highly competitive pricing and unmatched service across its wide breadth of product categories. Furthermore, the Company's end-to-end procurement solutions adeptly manage quality testing, compliance, shipping, warehousing, and other logistical intricacies, relieving customers of these administrative burdens. These differentiators underpin Veridian's long-term success and impressive growth rate.
Veridian's products are sold into the large and growing retail in-home diagnostic and pain care management consumer end markets. These categories have demonstrated strong historical growth which is expected to continue due to multiple market tailwinds. These include the COVID-19 impact on increased monitoring of consumers' health at home, a growing interest in personal care, an increasing prevalence of chronic disease states, and an aging US population.
Veridian's Founder and President Steve Bisulca retained a meaningful ownership position in the Company and will continue in his role as Veridian's President. Concurrent with the recapitalization, United Western operating partners Robert Friedberg and John Aldridge will also undertake key C-suite roles at Veridian. Mr. Friedberg will serve as Chief Executive Officer with vast experience leading healthcare delivery platforms, including hospitals, health systems, physician practices, and ancillary services ranging from $50M to $1.3B in revenue. Mr. Aldridge will serve as Chief Digital Health Officer, expanding Veridian's capabilities and client base in the digital health sector through deep experience in remote patient monitoring and healthcare IT.
Jacob Atkinson, Managing Partner of United Western Group, commented, "We are privileged to partner with the Veridian Healthcare management team, HealthEdge, and A-CAP to expand Veridian's capabilities into digital healthcare through the development of remote patient monitoring, kitting, and telehealth programs. Veridian is highly regarded for its expansive SKU portfolio, strong supply chain, and logistical support. They have proven themselves to be an industry leader with a strong management team and an exceptional employee-centric culture."
Scott Heberlein, Partner with HealthEdge added, "We are excited to add Veridian and its talented team as the second platform investment in our fourth fund. The Company, its market position, historical growth, and future potential represent many of the attractive attributes we seek with our investments. We believe the addition of United Western's experienced operators, Robert and John, will help drive Veridian into new, growing markets, and provide key healthcare constituents with cost effective solutions for monitoring patients in the home, ultimately driving superior outcomes."
Holland & Knight LLP served as lead legal counsel to United Western Group. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP served as legal counsel to HealthEdge. William Blair and Company, LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Veridian Healthcare, LLC. Dentons US, LLP served as legal advisor to Veridian Healthcare, LLC.
ABOUT VERIDIAN HEALTHCARE
Veridian Healthcare is a nationally recognized distributor of in-home diagnostics and pain relief products. Since its establishment in 2009, Veridian has consistently provided innovative products to the growing healthcare market, focusing on brand development and strategic partnerships while expanding its blue-chip wholesale and retail customer portfolio. Veridian offers over 50 years of combined management and sales experience, providing competitively priced and high-quality products designed to meet the standards of today's healthcare professionals.
For more information on Veridian, visit www.VeridianHealthcare.com.
ABOUT UNITED WESTERN GROUP
United Western Group is a private equity firm based in Washington, D.C. that partners with managers and entrepreneurs to invest in strategically viable, market-leading companies across a wide range of industries. United Western employs a collaborative value creation model through aggressive organic and inorganic growth strategies. United Western seeks investment targets in North American companies with $10 to $200 million in revenue.
For more information on United Western Group, visit www.UnitedWestern.com.
ABOUT HEALTHEDGE
HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC is an operating-oriented private equity firm founded in 2005 that focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry. HealthEdge seeks to achieve superior returns by investing in businesses that benefit from the knowledge, experience, and network of relationships of its partners. HealthEdge's partners have more than 100 years of combined operating experience in healthcare as CEOs and investors.
For more information on HealthEdge, visit www.HealthEdgePartners.com.
ABOUT A-CAP
Advantage Capital Holdings, LLC is a premier risk solution and service provider to policyholders, insurers, and capital partners. A-CAP owns multiple businesses within the insurance company vertical, including primary carriers, reinsurance vehicles, an investment adviser, and a marketing organization. Additionally, A-CAP offers both debt and equity investment opportunities in businesses meeting desired return profiles and mitigating downside risks. With a diverse and successful management team, A-CAP excels across the insurance, reinsurance, and investment sectors.
For more information on ACAP, visit www.ACAP.com.
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FAST Accelerator program to empower local startups and small/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Flapmax, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced today its strategic partnership with Intel, the global technology leader, to foster AI innovation and drive economic empowerment in Africa. The collaboration will provide technology access, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, starting with Africa, through the FAST Accelerator program. FAST is designed to help startups that are building cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services supporting communities, companies, and governments.
"Flapmax has been working with Intel to develop sustainable digital solutions that readily expand AI accessibility in underserved communities, and we are excited to build on our momentum with the FAST Accelerator program," said Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax. "Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is key to creating meaningful social impact. Through this partnership with Intel, Flapmax will bring cutting-edge technology and advanced curricula, including generative AI, robotics, and deep tech, to innovators in Africa and other technologically underserved communities."
Created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, FAST Accelerator combines business development, AI integration, funding, and community building opportunities designed to enable startups to scale more rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program. Startup leaders are encouraged to apply to this year's FAST Accelerator program. The top startup participants will embark on an enriching five-week program in Silicon Valley, California, forging relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax's vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.
"Intel's mission to shape the future of computing and enable a more intelligent, connected, and productive world aligns perfectly with Flapmax's vision to bring AI technology to all aspects of life, inclusive of underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets," said Michael Campbell, General Manager, Education Client Division, Intel Corporation. "The partnership with Flapmax will greatly accelerate AI adoption for these communities, driving scalable business growth, optimized operations, and contributing to a more sustainable world."
Program participants will collaborate closely with Intel through extensive mentorship and coaching, ranging from co-innovation projects to sales & marketing support and go-to-market enablement to expand their reach to a broader audience. Members of the Flapmax engineering team will help startups apply new Intel-optimized AI hardware and software solutions as well as scale and fine-tune their AI models on Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Participants will benefit from additional perks, including Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $150,000 of cloud credits) and Azure OpenAI (including ChatGPT, DALL·E 2, and other Large Language Models: LLM releases), as well as access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes.
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore's Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers' greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel's innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.
About Flapmax
Flapmax is a data and AI technology company partnering with leading technology providers around the globe to identify and accelerate sustainable technology solutions to improve communities worldwide. Our mission is to empower and transform lives through the widespread adoption of AI technology. Flapmax is scaling collaboration across borders and connecting entrepreneurs and innovators with digital transformation solutions, advanced AI models, and global partnerships.
For media inquiries, please contact: team@fastaccelerator.com
Website: www.fastaccelerator.com
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BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VICE Media Group today announced the completion of its sale to a consortium of its former lenders (the "Investor Group"), which consists of funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC ("Fortress"), Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital.
"This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for VICE," said Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, VICE's Co-Chief Executive Officers. "With the support of our Investor Group, we now have the resources to strengthen our business, our partnerships and our content creation across all platforms. Under new ownership and with this leadership team, VICE is positioned to drive our uniquely differentiated brand of news, entertainment and lifestyle content that makes VICE a trusted brand for global audiences and a valued partner to brands, agencies and platforms."
"We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of VICE and we are excited to build upon the achievements of one of the most iconic brands in news and entertainment," the Investor Group said in a joint statement. "We look forward to growing a strong business that is committed to serving audiences, brands and partners with award-winning content. With a strong management team in place, VICE is well-positioned to grow its uniquely compelling world class businesses and drive value during its next chapter."
VICE Media Group is a multi-platform media company with a global reach of over 400 million people. Its Emmy and Peabody award-winning News division is one of the most trusted news sources among Gen Z and is watched on TikTok and other social platforms by hundreds of millions of people. Its studio group, including VICE Studios and Pulse Films, produced Bamarush for HBO Max, Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now for Netflix, The American Gladiators Documentary for ESPN, Gangs of London for Sky, and Tell Me Lies for Hulu. Its award-winning publishing division includes VICE.com, Refinery29 and the fashion bible i-D. Its advertising, commercial and music video teams, including the creative agency Virtue, work with brands including Coke and Target and artists such as Harry Styles, and has created award-winning campaigns such as "Backup Ukraine" and "Unfiltered History." VICE TV is home to shows including Tales from the Territories, produced by Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson and the Dark Side franchise, including the breakout hit Dark Side of the Ring.
About VICE Media Group
VICE Media Group is a global multi-platform media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices across multiple countries and a focus on five key businesses: An award-winning network of digital content; an Oscar-nominated feature film and television production studio; an Emmy-winning international television network, VICE TV; a Peabody and Emmy award-winning News division; and a global, full-service creative agency, Virtue. VICE Media Group's portfolio includes Refinery29, a leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; Pulse Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with an office in Los Angeles; and i-D, a global digital and quarterly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture and design.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Bing
jonathan.bing@vice.com
(818) 643-0146
or
Sophie Throsby / Lyle Weston
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
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SOURCE VICE Media Group | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/vice-media-group-completes-sale-lenders/ | 2023-07-31T14:31:08 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/vice-media-group-completes-sale-lenders/ |
UVALDE, Texas -- A little more than a year after a gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killed 19 children and two teachers, actor Matthew McConaughey hopes to make schools safer through his Greenlights Grant Initiative.
The video is from a previous report.
In an interview with ABC "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl on Sunday, McConaughey, a Uvalde native, reflected on his experience in the weeks following the massacre, a period that saw him visit both his hometown and the White House -- and he shared his thoughts on how people with differing values can find consensus on policies to reduce gun violence.
"My wife was out of the country," McConaughey said, recalling the aftermath of the shooting. "She heard about the news, immediately writes me and says, 'We got to go down there.' She cut her trip short, flew in. We packed up and headed out."
McConaughey and his wife, Camila, met the representative for Uvalde, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, who introduced them to relatives of the dead, McConaughey said.
"We had families invite us in to come for the first viewing of their child. And that, to us, felt like we were trespassing," McConaughey said. "But the mother and father go, 'No, please come in.' And when we left there, the consensus was, 'Can you help make their lives matter?' So that led to us ending up in D.C."
RELATED: Judge says DPS must release documents related to Uvalde shooting response
Not long after McConaughey's visit to the White House, in June 2022, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the first major piece of gun legislation enacted into law in decades.
The bill approved funding for schools to address gun violence by increasing mental health support for students, enhancing background checks and supporting the implementation of "red flag" laws to temporarily prevent access to weapons for people who could be a danger to themselves or others.
But while the BSCA is "already working in some ways," there are also "billions of dollars that are still left to be spent," McConaughey said.
"Billions of dollars for school safety," Karl emphasized. "Great. That's awesome. And then you find out ... a year later and the money hasn't gone out yet. Most of it hasn't."
In fact, McConaughey said, Rep. Gonzales told him and his wife that some three months after the Uvalde shooting, only 12 schools in the area had applied for government funding but zero of them had been awarded the money.
"What are we doing?" McConaughey said, adding, "That's a 0% success rate. One, way too few applications. No. 2, the 12 applications, we went 0-for-12?"
"The government admits that it shouldn't be this complicated," he said. (Government agencies have, more recently, announced hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to numerous recipients, including for mental health and public safety support.)
McConaughey hopes his work with his wife will be helpful, too.
"You got 14,000 something schools. This grant initiative is going to connect those districts to those billions of dollars that's there, available, and wants to be used to make our kids safe," he said.
RELATED: Uvalde school shooting, 1 year later: Families of victims, survivors recount what happened that day
More broadly, Karl asked McConaughey if he believes the way gun policy debates are framed becomes an obstacle to making change.
"A lot of people that consider themselves strong Second Amendment supporters, they think any measure is a measure towards confiscating all guns. So how do you speak to those people?" Karl asked.
McConaughey said his solution starts simple.
"I'd change the word from gun 'control' to 'responsibility,'" he said.
"No one wants to be controlled," he continued. "But responsibility is still something that we can all go, 'Yeah, I'll take responsibility.' The Second Amendment defenders could talk responsibility. They could look you in the eye and talk responsibility with someone from the other side of the aisle."
Karl noted polling that shows broad support for further regulations, such as universal background checks and waiting periods for firearm purchases -- "yet none of those things have been done."
McConaughey said he believes that the majority public view on the issue is not being represented by politicians right now. "That math should add up. And right now, it doesn't," he said.
"Do you have advice to, particularly Democrats on this issue ... do you have any advice on how they can speak?" Karl asked.
"There's a whole lot of Americans that need you to at least meet them where they are and what they're understanding and how they've grown up on this issue with guns in their lives and how they, most of them, do handle them responsibly," McConaughey said. "So don't cast them down as being archaic or cavemen."
Polarization can be a powerful force, McConaughey acknowledged, but so can compromise.
"We love the wreck. It's entertainment," he said, adding, "We don't love to watch health as much as. We like to watch disease. These two extremes have the microphone."
In light of McConaughey's increasingly outspoken views on gun policy and reducing gun violence, Karl asked if he could ever see himself seeking elected office. "Or can you do more outside? Like what you're doing here."
"There's a great question that I'm still answering," McConaughey said. "And as of right now, to be a private citizen with my wife and to come up with an idea like the Greenlights Grant Initiative -- to work with the government publicly to help them, not doing the job for them, helping them pull off what they set out to do in the first place -- there is an argument that that's more useful, what I'm doing right now, in a small way."
"But to do the kind of big change?" Karl followed up.
"Well, to do the big change ... I'd have to be convinced that that's a category that I could be quite useful in," McConaughey said. "And it's something that I think about all the time."
"You do?" Karl said.
Of course, McConaughey said: "Starting as the man I am, as a concerned father, as a husband, as a person who believes in people, as a Texan, as an American is like, man, come on, I believe in us." | https://abc7ny.com/uvalde-mass-shooting-in-texas-school-safety-schools/13574810/ | 2023-07-31T14:31:11 | 0 | https://abc7ny.com/uvalde-mass-shooting-in-texas-school-safety-schools/13574810/ |