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Graviti is committed to the industry's highest standards for managing customer data.
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Graviti, Inc., a pioneering data platform with the mission of empowering enterprises to manage and utilize unstructured data at scale, announced today they have completed the SOC 2® Type 1 attestation.
"Protecting our customers' data is one of our highest priorities," said Alex Li, Chief Technology Officer at Graviti. "This allows us to provide an additional layer of reassurance for our customers in the deployment of Graviti's data platform and validates our ever-growing commitment to securing our customer data. Compliance with SOC 2 requirements shows our ongoing efforts that Graviti is applying best practices to ensure the security of data for our existing and potential customers and for those who care most about data security and privacy."
SOC 2 is a rigorous compliance standard developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) that is designed to specify how organizations should manage customer data. As part of the attestation process, Graviti completed a thorough SOC 2 Type 1 compliance audit, providing documentation on processes, data management infrastructure, and a progressive approach to data access permissions.
To earn this attestation, Graviti partnered with Laika, a compliance-as-a-service platform that helps companies manage infosec and privacy compliance, obtain security certifications and build credibility with their customers. Graviti executed SOC 2 Type 1 by working with Laika's integrated audit feature via Laika Compliance, LLC.
Founded in 2019 by Edward Cui, Graviti is the pioneering data platform with the mission of empowering enterprises to manage and utilize unstructured data at scale. Raised in a Pre-Series-A round of $12 million, Graviti employs domain experts globally including Uber, Google, Airbnb and solves one of the most daunting challenges involved with creating modern AI applications. More information could be found online at www.graviti.com.
Laika offers unified software and services to simplify and automate SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and other information security compliances. Grow faster, build trust, and implement scalable security practices through solutions for certification and attestation, security questionnaires, audit management, and continuous compliance monitoring.
Laika was founded by Austin Ogilvie and Sam Li, both two-time founders and Y Combinator alumni, and industry veteran Eva Pittas, who oversaw global risk and compliance functions at Citigroup for 20 years. Learn more at www.heylaika.com.
Media Contact: Juliet Travis, Liftoff Communications, juliet@liftoffcommunications.com
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SOURCE Laika | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/graviti-completes-soc-2-type-1-attestation-with-laika/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:07Z |
Hemanext signs agreements with leading European healthcare distributors to provide hospitals and clinicians with Hemanext ONE® system, marking the initiation of commercialization activities after CE Mark certification
LEXINGTON, Mass., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hemanext Inc., a leading innovator in blood processing, storage, and transfusion technology, today announced that it has entered into distribution agreements with two leading medical device distributors in the Nordics and Italy, bolstering its sales capabilities across key European markets and strengthening its relationships with key blood centers and clinicians in each region.
The two distribution partners, Nerliens Meszansky, the oldest and one of the largest distributors of medical devices in the Nordics (represented in Sweden, Denmark and Finland through their subsidiary Nordic Biolabs), and Versan & Dafne, an established leader in medical device distribution with long-standing relationships throughout Italy, will be critical partners in Hemanext's commercialization strategy for the Hemanext ONE® system. Both organizations have strong footholds in their respective markets and regularly work with large hospitals and other healthcare institutions.
Martin Cannon, CEO of Hemanext, said: "As we forge ahead on our commercialization path, these agreements will anchor our sales program in Europe, representing a major milestone in bringing our signature product to the market. Following the CE Mark certification and the commencement of post-market studies in Europe, we are confident that Nerliens Meszansky and Versan & Dafne are ideal partners. We will be able to leverage their networks to ensure more patients have access to our Hemanext ONE® system, which has the potential to help improve cost of care and overall quality of life for those grappling with the burdens of transfusion therapy."
Asbjørn Jacobsen, CEO of Nerliens Meszansky, stated: "We are thrilled to be working alongside the Hemanext team to bring this exciting innovation in blood transfusion therapy to clinicians and patients within the Nordics. We have deep experience connecting health organizations with treatments, medical devices, and equipment solutions on the cutting edge of science and we see the Hemanext ONE® system as a natural addition to our portfolio."
Michele Mazzi, CEO of Versan & Dafne, said: "As a leading distributor of medical devices across Italy, we are singularly focused on helping our partners across the healthcare system drive better outcomes for their patients. Given the market for innovative transfusion tools and the enormous potential of Hemanext's technology, we expect strong demand for the Hemanext ONE® system and look forward to expanding the options available to transfusion patients in Italy."
About Hemanext
Hemanext is a privately held medical technology company based in Lexington, MA that is dedicated to improving the quality, safety, efficacy, and cost of transfusion therapy. The company's research and development efforts center on the study of hypoxically stored red blood cells (RBCs). The company's aim is to significantly improve the quality of stored RBCs by limiting oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the storage environment.
About Hemanext ONE®
In the European Union, the Hemanext ONE® system is CE Marked for the processing and storage CPD/PAGGSM Red Blood Cells, Leukocytes Reduced (LR RBC) that have been prepared and processed with the HEMANEXT ONE® system within 24 hours of collection. The HEMANEXT ONE® system limits the O2 and CO2 levels in the storage environment. Red Blood Cells Leukocytes Reduced, O2 /CO2 Reduced may be stored for up to 42 days at 1-6°C. HEMANEXT ONE® is used for volumes no greater than 350 ml of LR RBC1.
In the United States, the product remains available for investigational use only, pending marketing authorization from the FDA.
Preclinical data show that the medical device can maintain RBCs at or below 20% oxygen saturation for up to 42 days1, thereby creating hypoxic RBCs. Clinical studies are underway to measure the impact of hypoxic RBCs on patient outcomes and the potential cost savings.2,3
Visit Hemanext.com to learn more about the Company.
About Nerliens Meszansky
Nerliens Meszansky AS, with roots back to 1917, is the oldest company amongst Norwegian suppliers of laboratory equipment and medical devices for healthcare, industry and R&D. Nerliens Meszansky is an innovative company with a broad product portfolio, a strong reputation for high competency, and a well-developed range of products and services. Nerliens Meszansky is represented in Sweden, Denmark and Finland through its subsidiary, Nordic Biolabs AB. Nerliens Meszansky offers a broad range of advanced specialized instruments for analysis and measurement, equipment dedicated for nuclear techniques and radiation, medical devices and diagnostics for hospitals, basic laboratory equipment and consumables.
About Versan & Dafne
VerSan is a dynamic leader in the healthcare products distribution sector with over 30 years of experience in the field of high-quality medical devices. The company has a deep knowledge of the characteristics of the Italian market that facilitates a rigorous selection of companies and their products.
Hemanext Media Contact:
Nathan Riggs / Hallie Wolff
nathan.riggs@kekstcnc.com / Hallie.Wolff@kekstcnc.com
Stacy Smith
Associate Director Marketing Communications
stacy.smith@hemanext.com
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SOURCE Hemanext Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/hemanext-launches-european-sales-hemanext-one-system-italy-nordics/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:14Z |
SEATTLE, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunexpress, Pty Ltd., a molecular diagnostic company focused on improving outcomes for suspected sepsis patients, announced today the launch of new SeptiCyte RAPID® EDTA blood compatible cartridges for the European market. The updated SeptiCyte® RAPID CE-IVD cartridge adds undiluted EDTA blood as a validated sample type, representing a significant development milestone for this proprietary, first to market host response technology. EDTA blood collection tubes are used routinely in clinical settings for hematology procedures around the world. A multi-site European validation study conducted by Immunexpress achieved high correlation (R2 > 0.9) between whole blood samples from suspected sepsis patients collected in PAXgene® blood RNA or EDTA blood collection tubes across the full SeptiScore® range. Validation of the updated SeptiCyte® RAPID cartridge for the US market is underway with FDA 510(k) studies expected to complete in Q4 2022.
Rollie Carlson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Immunexpress, commented: "The addition of undiluted EDTA blood as a validated sample type for SeptiCyte RAPID CE-IVD addresses a meaningful hurdle, accelerating the clinical adoption for clinical laboratories worldwide. We are excited to launch the new SeptiCyte RAPID® EDTA blood compatible cartridges and anticipate broader and faster adoption of our SeptiCyte® RAPID test, which we believe is poised to transform patient care, lower associated medical costs, and decrease the burden on the healthcare system."
SeptiCyte® RAPID EDTA blood compatible cartridges will be sold in Europe via our distribution partner Biocartis.
About SeptiCyte® RAPID
SeptiCyte® RAPID is a sample-to-answer, cartridge-based, molecular test for sepsis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which quantifies the relative expression levels of host response genes isolated from whole blood. SeptiCyte® RAPID is used in conjunction with clinical assessments, vital signs and laboratory findings as an aid to differentiate infection-positive (sepsis) from infection-negative systemic inflammation in patients suspected of sepsis. SeptiCyte® RAPID generates a score (SeptiScore®) that falls within four discrete Interpretation Bands based on the increasing likelihood of infection-positive systemic inflammation. SeptiCyte® RAPID is intended for in-vitro diagnostic use and is used on the Biocartis Idylla™ System.
SeptiCyte® RAPID is CE Marked as a near-patient sample-to-answer test in European Union (EU) member countries and those harmonized with the EU IVD Directive (98/79/EC). As of November 2021, SeptiCyte® RAPID has been FDA cleared for use in hospitalized patients suspected of sepsis.
About Immunexpress
Immunexpress is a molecular diagnostic company, based out of Seattle, committed to improving outcomes for patients suspected of sepsis. Immunexpress' SeptiCyte® technology can assess a patient's dysregulated immune response by quantifying and analyzing gene expression from whole blood, providing actionable results in about an hour to guide the physician in optimizing patient management decisions. SeptiCyte® RAPID is a lab test for sepsis that combines SeptiCyte® technology with the Biocartis' Idylla™ platform*, empowering clinicians to swiftly differentiate infection positive (sepsis) from infection negative systemic inflammation in patients suspected of sepsis; diagnosing bacterial sepsis, viral sepsis, or fungal infections. This powerful combination of technologies enhances certainty for early sepsis diagnosis, to improve clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
In March 2020, Immunexpress received CE Marking of SeptiCyte® RAPID and announced a commercialization partnership with Biocartis in Europe. In November 2021, Immunexpress received FDA clearance for SeptiCyte® RAPID.
For more information, visit http://www.immunexpress.com/. Follow Immunexpress on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts:
Kathleen Silverman
Russo Partners, LLC
kathleen.silverman@russopartnersllc.com
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SOURCE Immunexpress, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/immunexpress-announces-launch-new-septicyte-rapid-ce-ivd-edta-blood-compatible-cartridges/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:20Z |
Gupta will further the organization's mission to meaningfully improve the lives of seniors
DENVER, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- iN2L + LifeLoop, the senior living industry's most comprehensive engagement, wellness, and community operations platform, today announced it has named Navin Gupta as Chief Executive Officer. Gupta will focus on furthering the combined organization's mission to meaningfully impact the aging experience in North America by accelerating its strategic growth. Lisa Taylor, iN2L's CEO for the past four years, will remain involved as a strategic advisor.
With more than two decades in healthcare, security, and telecommunication, Gupta sits at the nexus of technology and business, and brings a robust, interdisciplinary perspective to the iN2L + LifeLoop team. He has a proven track record of substantial growth and cutting-edge product innovation. With a keen ability to read the market, he drove outsized growth for the Home Health and Hospice division at MatrixCare. Prior to winning three consecutive Best-in-KLAS awards for the company, Gupta spent decades leading product developing teams and creating new patient monitoring and communication solutions for organizations including Philips Healthcare, United Technologies, and Siemens.
"I could not be more thrilled to join the iN2L + LifeLoop family," said Gupta. "There are few industries as ripe for disruption as senior living – and few organizations as well-positioned as ours to affect real change. I look forward to working closely with our deeply passionate team, the true stewards of our mission. This is an organization full of genuine, caring individuals who strive to improve the lives of older adults each and every day. I am honored to join their efforts, and will work diligently to ensure our comprehensive solution brings real joy, wellness, and support to millions of staff, residents and their families."
Gupta will approach the role with a specific focus on market acceleration, product innovation, and deepening customer relationships to expand the organization's ability to support its partner communities and meet the needs of residents and their loved ones. He will be integral in realizing the combined value of iN2L + LifeLoop, and will continue to support the organization's position as category leader through investments in team development, market research, and new feature enhancements that drive strategic growth.
"For more than 20 years, we have built extraordinary experiences that enrich the everyday lives of seniors," said Taylor. "As a trusted partner to thousands of senior living residencies and care facilities today, we help power countless little moments that amount to an immeasurable amount of impact in the lives of seniors, their caretakers, and their loved ones. I will always be the biggest cheerleader for our family here at iN2L + LifeLoop. I cannot wait to see the meaningful change they will continue to create in the industry."
This announcement is the latest in a long series of growth and innovation releases for iN2L + LifeLoop. Over the last 18 months, the organization has maintained constant momentum, with a series of strategic partnerships and key leadership additions, along with its industry-changing acquisition of LifeLoop and its designation as a USAging 'Preferred Partner.'
iN2L + LifeLoop is on a mission to enhance the aging experience. Together, they offer the first and most comprehensive senior living technology platform designed to drive measurable impact across strategic priorities such as resident satisfaction, staff retention, workflow efficiencies, and occupancy rates to demonstrate clear value and achieve substantial ROI. Trusted by 4,500+ nursing homes, assisted and independent living communities, memory care settings, and adult day programs across North America, iN2L + LifeLoop's powerful system holistically supports the entire senior living ecosystem. One mission. One solution. For more information, visit iN2L.com.
Media Contact
John Gonda
616-309-4888
jgonda@sage-growth.com
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SOURCE iN2L + LifeLoop | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/in2l-lifeloop-names-navin-gupta-chief-executive-officer/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:27Z |
Accomplished corporate financial executive Aida Sukys joins fast-growing operational resilience company's drive to protect and secure vulnerable supply chains around the world
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Interos, the leading AI technology company solving the most challenging supply chain problems worldwide, is accelerating its market leadership as the premier operational resilience authority by announcing the addition of Aida Sukys as Chief Financial Officer.
Aida joins Interos from leading HR technology company Justworks, where she led the company to an IPO-ready state. Her appointment bolsters an expanding and seasoned executive leadership team that has positioned Interos as the dominant player in the operational resilience space. The company provides high-profile customers such as the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and a host of Fortune 500 companies with the advanced supply chain transparency technology and counsel needed to detect and respond to crises before they happen.
"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Aida to our leadership team at Interos," says Founder and CEO, Jennifer Bisceglie. "Aida shares our vision to deliver the world's most powerful operational resilience technology to our discerning – and growing – customer base of procurement and other supply chain professionals worldwide. Her extraordinary financial acumen, keen strategic focus, and proven track record to scale growth are perfectly aligned with where we are on our journey in providing our customers the technology from which to build trust and operational resilience with their extended third parties."
With more than 20 years of financial leadership experience, Aida also served as the Group CFO & Global Head of Financial Business Services at Willis Towers Watson, the Fortune 500 risk-management and insurance advisor. There she led efforts to scale the business through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, and closely supported the company's evolution from a private to public organization. Prior to this, Aida held a variety of senior roles with a demonstrated history of success optimizing financial performance, developing investor strategy, leading post-acquisition integrations, and managing risk.
"I'm honored to be joining Interos at this exciting juncture in their history," says Aida. "I can't think of a more important and relevant business to be part of as the world wrestles with so many material supply chain challenges brought on by third party risk. This is an opportunity to be part of a technology disrupter that's led by a talented and passionate team."
Interos is the operational resilience company — reinventing how companies manage their supply chains and business relationships — through our breakthrough SaaS platform that uses artificial intelligence to model and transform the ecosystems of complex businesses into a living global map down to any single supplier, anywhere. The Interos Operational Resilience Cloud helps organizations reduce risk, avoid disruptions, and achieve superior enterprise adaptability. Based in Washington, DC, the fast-growing private company is led by CEO Jennifer Bisceglie and supported by investors Kleiner Perkins, NightDragon, and Venrock. www.interos.ai.
Media Contact:
media@interos.ai
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SOURCE Interos | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/interos-announces-new-chief-financial-officer/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:34Z |
Essentially All Nutrients Plants Need
Enormous Potential for Growing Crops
RENO, Nev., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Itronics Inc. (OTC: ITRO) today reported that it has begun formulation development for a new nutritionally complete liquid multi-nutrient GOLD'n GRO fertilizer that contains essentially all the nutrients that a plant needs to grow and be healthy.
The new fertilizer, made possible by the Company's Advanced Nutrient Transfer Technology (ANT Technology), contains nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, and zinc, and has the targeted formulation GOLD'n GRO 12-1-5 with 2% Ca, 1.0% Fe, 1% Mg, 0.1% Mn, 2% S, 0.5% Zn, and trace amounts of copper, boron, and molydenum.
A stable liquid formulation with such a high and relatively complete nutrient package was not previously possible due to significant chemistry technical barriers. This new technology is a "break through" technology achievement, and for the first time will provide farmers, nursery growers, turf growers, golf courses, and home gardeners the opportunity to use an affordable, complete liquid fertilizer for growing their crops. Severe soil nutrient deficiencies can still be corrected by single nutrient fertilization. The potential for crop improvement using this approach is enormous.
Due to the ANT Technology, the nutrients are expected to be readily available to the plant roots when applied to the soil with drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation, or other methods. Agronomists know that many crops suffer from hidden nutrient deficiencies and from deficiencies that cannot be cost-effectively remedied by single nutrient fertilization. They also know that soils worldwide are being depleted of their nutrients. Having a multi-nutrient liquid fertilizer that contains most of the needed plant nutrients in a stable, readily available form has the potential to improve crop growth, health, and yields by eliminating hidden nutrient deficiencies and to replenish the broad nutrient content of soils that are currently being depleted.
A key aspect of this new formulation will be affordability, made possible by availability of a new multi-nutrient raw material source being developed by Itronics.
Itronics' new Rock Kleen Technology being developed to process spent mine tailings is demonstrating the ability to recover nitrogen, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sulfur, and zinc from gold/silver mine tailings. Rock Kleen processing requires regular removal of a small percentage of the liquid chemistry being used, called a 'bleed stream', which is replaced by new chemistry to prevent the buildup of impurities. The bleed stream is removed after all the non-nutrient metals have been recovered, making this multi-nutrient liquid highly suitable for use as a raw material for manufacturing the fertilizer. Once a Rock Kleen operation is established, the amount of new liquid needed, and the amount of bleed stream liquid will be stable quantities on an ongoing basis.
The Company created the technology for this by developing the ability to demetallize spent silver-bearing photographic liquids and to formulate them for use as a raw material in the manufacture of the GOLD'n GRO fertilizers. The ANT Technology is a direct result of this. The 'Award Winning' GOLD'n GRO fertilizers have been proven environmentally clean, safe, and effective over 30 years of field testing and commercial use on a wide variety of field, vegetable, tree, and vine crops, turf farms and golf courses, and on home lawns and gardens. They have consistently demonstrated the ability to improve crop quality and yield.
The new Rock Kleen bleed stream liquid is expected to become available in large volume from each Rock Kleen project that is developed. Each new Rock Kleen project will expand the raw material supply by a measured amount. Fertilizer consumers will be able to look forward to a large and measured and expanding supply of GOLD'n GRO multi-nutrient fertilizers as the emerging Rock Kleen technology is applied to new projects. Gold/silver mining is a worldwide activity as are tailings from the mining. The Rock Kleen Technology is expected to be useable to process gold/silver mine tailings regardless of where they are located, meaning that the raw material over time would become available on a broad geographic basis.
Rock Kleen is a revolutionary, emerging technology that recovers residual gold and silver, base and ferrous metals, nutrient minerals, and industrial minerals from 'sub-ore grade' gold/silver mine tailings. The Company believes that many of the gold/silver deposits worldwide have similar geochemical systems. Rock Kleen technology has the potential to expand the supply of important raw materials and to significantly improve mining environmental compatibility by utilizing spent "sub ore grade" mine tailings that presently are managed by mining companies, after mining has stopped, to maintain long term environmental safety. Mining companies are under increasing pressure to clean up their tailings. Rock Kleen is emerging as a tailings processing option that mining companies should now consider.
"We would like to thank our investors for their continued support, "said Dr. John Whitney, Founder and President. "It is now becoming clearer how our portfolio of 'Zero Waste Energy Saving Technologies' can make the world cleaner and greener, while the Company continues its drive to profitability."
About Itronics
Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Itronics Inc. is a "Zero Waste Energy Saving Technology" Company that produces GOLD'n GRO multi-nutrient liquid fertilizers, silver bullion, and silver-bearing glass. The Company's environmentally friendly award winning GOLD'n GRO liquid fertilizers are used extensively in agriculture in California. Itronics is adding Rock Kleen Technology to its active business operations.
Follow Itronics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itronicsinc
Follow Itronics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itronicsinc
VISIT OUR WEB SITE: http://www.itronics.com
Contact us (775-689-7696)
("Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements such as statements regarding the Company's growth and profitability, growth strategy, liquidity and access to public markets, operating expense reduction, and trends in the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in risks, uncertainties or assumptions underlying or affecting such statements, or for prospective events that may have a retroactive effect.)
Contact:
Paul Knopick
888.795.6336
investor@itronics.com
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SOURCE Itronics Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/itronics-announces-developing-breakthrough-goldn-gro-multi-nutrient-liquid-fertilizer/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:40Z |
Public Higher Education institutions in Texas can deploy Ivy's solutions with confidence.
BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ivy.ai — an enterprise chatbot and live chat platform for higher education institutions — today announced that they have earned provisional status certification under the Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP), which is a requirement to do business with public colleges and universities in the Lone Star State.
"We're thrilled to have earned this distinction because it proves that our software and infrastructure are secure and compliant with robust protocols and can be safely deployed at scale in both enterprise and public environments," explains Mark McNasby, CEO of Ivy.
Starting Jan. 1, 2023, Texas public sector education customers will be required to purchase TX-RAMP-certified products and services. Because Ivy has now achieved this certification, customers can invest in Ivy's chatbot technology with confidence.
At the same time, customers outside of Texas get the peace of mind of knowing Ivy's solutions provide the security, accessibility and infrastructure requirements that privacy-conscious organizations need in one of the country's most technologically advanced states.
"This demonstrates that Ivy has best-in-class capabilities and can handle data for customers of all sizes securely in a stable and compliant environment," McNasby says.
TX-RAMP provisional status provides a certification that allows state agencies to contract products for up to 18 months before they receive full TX-RAMP certification. Once a provisional certification has been achieved, cloud computing services undergo additional assessments to determine whether they can be fully certified.
The TX-RAMP certification is one of many accolades that Ivy has received. In addition to being awarded numerous requests for proposal (RFPs) across the United States, Ivy was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list.
To learn more about Ivy and its powerful chatbot solutions, visit https://ivy.ai/.
About Ivy.ai
Ivy.ai is more than a chatbot; it's an AI-powered platform that scales communications. As the leading provider of conversational, artificially intelligent chatbots for higher education and government, Ivy.ai's rich feature set expands access to information, reduces staff workloads and increases operational efficiency by providing 24/7, multichannel support. Ivy.ai deploys state-of-the-art chatbots that leverage natural language processing (NLP) to go far beyond basic support, delivering a personalized, conversational experience for each user. Ivy.ai also enhances human intervention with AI-powered tools such as live chat, SMS text, analytics and more. More information is available at https://ivy.ai/.
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SOURCE Ivy.ai | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/ivyai-earns-tx-ramp-provisional-status-proving-its-secure-compliant-chatbot-technology/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:47Z |
Dr. Van Blarcom brings 15 years' experience as a leader in cell therapy research and scientific operations to advance development of Kyverna's Treg and CAR T platforms for autoimmunity
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyverna Therapeutics ("Kyverna"), a cell therapy company engineering a new class of therapies for serious autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointment of Tom Van Blarcom, Ph.D., as Senior Vice President and Head of Research. Dr. Van Blarcom has 15 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience leading research teams which have contributed to multiple chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and bispecific antibodies currently under clinical evaluation. He replaces Kyverna's scientific co-founder Jeffrey Greve, Ph.D., who served as Chief Scientific Officer since the Company's inception in 2018.
"We are excited to welcome Tom to the Kyverna team. His broad experience in cell therapy research across a wide range of diseases will be invaluable in supporting our work developing engineered T-cell therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases," said Dominic Borie, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Kyverna. "Tom's leadership and extensive industry experience will be a critical pillar of our company as we advance our Regulatory T cell (Treg) platform and CAR T programs to achieve our mission of bringing curative living medicines to life to free patients from the siege of autoimmune disease.
"On behalf of the entire Kyverna team, I want to thank Jeff for his expertise and leadership in helping build Kyverna's transformative Treg platform and establishing an outstanding scientific team," added Dr. Borie.
"Joining Kyverna is an opportunity to partner with a talented management team and help build an innovative company focused on revolutionizing how we treat serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. I am thrilled to apply my experience in cell therapy research toward making new modalities that can potentially cure severe immune-related diseases and change the lives of patients living with autoimmune diseases," said Dr. Van Blarcom.
Dr. Van Blarcom joins Kyverna from Allogene Therapeutics where he most recently served as Executive Director, Head of Protein Engineering and Research Operation; he joined Allogene shortly after the company acquired the allogeneic cell therapy assets from Pfizer. In this role, he contributed to developing the scientific strategy, led cross-functional teams responsible for execution, and oversaw scientific operations. Dr. Van Blarcom also built the Protein Engineering Department that is responsible for protein sciences and technology development and led to co-inventorship on more than fifteen of Allogene's pending or issued patents. Prior to Allogene, Dr. Van Blarcom held several roles of increasing responsibility at Pfizer and was involved in their initial work on allogeneic CAR T cells that is now part of Allogene. He also spent time at Amgen where he began his industry career. His work has resulted in more than twenty peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Van Blarcom received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University.
About Kyverna Therapeutics
Kyverna Therapeutics is a cell therapy company engineering a new class of therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The Kyverna therapeutic platform combines advanced T-cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to suppress and eliminate the autoreactive immune cells at the origin of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In addition to developing next-generation chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies in both autologous and allogeneic settings, Kyverna is creating synReg T cells, a synthetic version of Regulatory T cells (Tregs), powerful natural immune cells that control immune homeostasis through multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms. By offering more than one mechanism for taming autoimmunity, Kyverna is positioned to transform how autoimmune diseases are treated. For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.
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SOURCE Kyverna Therapeutics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/kyverna-therapeutics-names-cell-therapy-expert-tom-van-blarcom-phd-senior-vice-president-head-research/ | 2022-08-23T13:24:54Z |
Addition of internationally recognized experts in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases supports plans to introduce KYV-101, a novel CD19 CAR T for the treatment of lupus nephritis, in the clinic in Q4 2022
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyverna Therapeutics ("Kyverna"), a cell therapy company engineering a new class of therapies for serious autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointment of Georg Schett, M.D., Professor and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine 3, and Vice President of Research, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany, and Peter A. Merkel, M.D., MPH, Chief of Rheumatology and Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, as Scientific Advisors.
"We are thrilled to have Georg and Peter, two internationally recognized experts in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, join our Scientific Advisory Board," said Dominic Borie, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Kyverna. "Georg's pioneering work recently demonstrated that CD19 CAR T-cell therapy can induce rapid and prolonged remission of B-cell driven autoimmune diseases such as severe refractory lupus.1,2 His experience with this transformative approach will be essential to help us successfully introduce KYV-101, a novel CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of lupus nephritis, in the clinic in Q4 2022. Further, as we explore advancing KYV-101 for other B-cell driven autoimmune diseases, Peter's hands-on experience treating B-cell driven diseases and working with industry to bring new approaches to patients with rheumatic diseases is unparalleled."
"Their expertise will be invaluable as we advance our transformative therapeutic platforms and clinical programs to bring new and much-needed treatment options to patients with serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases," added Dr. Borie.
Prof. Dr. Schett's interests include basic, translational, and clinical research on molecular and cellular pathogenesis of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. He most recently reported on the transformative nature of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for severe refractory lupus.1,2 Prof. Dr. Schett serves/has served as Principal Investigator for numerous third-party funded projects including IMMUNOBONE, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) in 2008, which aims to elucidate the interactions between the skeletal and the immune systems; Collaborative Research Centre 1181 (Checkpoints for Resolution of Inflammation), where he has led the program since 2015; ERC Synergy Grant (4D+ NanoSCOPE), which started in 2018; and the BMBF funding project 'MASCARA' (Molecular Assessment of Signatures Characterizing the Remission of Arthritis), which began in 2020. Prof. Dr. Schett was a visiting researcher at Amgen and visiting professor at several institutions around the world. He is a Leopoldina member of the National Academy of Sciences of Germany, a member of the DFG review board, a reviewer for several academic societies and journals and has collaborated on organizing a large number of international congresses. Prof. Dr. Schett is widely published with more than 820 peer-reviewed papers and has been honored with several awards, including the Carol-Nachman Prize from Wiesbaden and the Dr. Franciscus Blondel Medal from the city of Aachen for outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology. He earned his medical degree from the University of Innsbruck and completed his specialty training in internal medicine and rheumatology at the University of Vienna.
Dr. Merkel is an internationally recognized research and clinical expert in vasculitis and scleroderma, two diseases he has studied for more than 25 years and is an author on more than 300 scientific publications. He is the Principal Investigator of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-Sponsored Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium, a leading international research infrastructure for vasculitis clinical investigation. He is also a Trustee and longstanding leader within the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium. Dr. Merkel's research focuses on clinical trial design and conduct, outcome measure development, clinical epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and biomarker discovery. He has been directly involved in several clinical development programs that have led to regulatory approval of drugs for rare autoimmune diseases. Dr. Merkel received his medical degree from Yale University and his MPH from Harvard University. He completed his residency training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and his fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
About Kyverna Therapeutics
Kyverna Therapeutics is a cell therapy company engineering a new class of therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The Kyverna therapeutic platform combines advanced T-cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to suppress and eliminate the autoreactive immune cells at the origin of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In addition to developing next-generation chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies in both autologous and allogeneic settings, Kyverna is creating synReg T cells, a synthetic version of Regulatory T cells (Tregs), powerful natural immune cells that control immune homeostasis through multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms. By offering more than one mechanism for taming autoimmunity, Kyverna is positioned to transform how autoimmune diseases are treated. For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.
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SOURCE Kyverna Therapeutics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/kyverna-therapeutics-names-georg-schett-md-peter-merkel-md-mph-scientific-advisory-board/ | 2022-08-23T13:25:01Z |
Twin appointment forms part of Omnifitness strategy to provide fitness experiences everywhere and through all channels to meet expectations of modern consumers
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Les Mills has doubled down on a new customer-led Omnifitness strategy by appointing two accomplished executives to drive its execution and bolster the senior leadership team.
Amber Taylor (Chief Digital Product Officer) and Luke Waldren (Chief Customer Officer) take up the two newly-created global roles focused on putting the customer at the heart of all transformation and BAU (business as usual) initiatives.
Les Mills CEO Clive Ormerod says the appointments will accelerate the company's mission to create a fitter planet by providing more value and better support to the people it serves.
"Whether it's our Instructors, Club partners, or Consumers engaging via LES MILLS+, Customers have always been integral to the Les Mills mission, so bringing in world-class leaders like Amber and Luke is a case of us being really intentional in our commitment to them.
"We're dedicated to growing the industry by getting more people moving. To achieve this, we need to take an Omnifitness approach that offers world-class workouts however people want to consume them. Making sure our Customers are at the heart of every conversation and innovation will be paramount."
As Chief Customer Officer, Luke Waldren will spearhead efforts to drive closer collaboration with partners, as well as leading global marketing, including acquisition and engagement. He joined Les Mills on 1 August, arriving with 30 years of experience developing brand, marketing and business strategies, both at international advertising agencies – including Ogilvy and Grey Worldwide – and more recently in the wagering industry.
"Having spent the last nine years helping Sportsbet create the strongest brand and content in the category, and supporting Tabcorp in transforming its entire customer experience program and drive deep personalization, I'm excited to bring these learnings into fitness to help Les Mills become closer to customers and get more people moving," says Luke.
"It's an inspiring mission, and as someone who combines a passion for fitness with a drive to help people and teams succeed, this represents a dream role for me."
Amber Taylor joined Les Mills in late June and brings more than 20 years of experience in technology and digital product, most recently from Nike and previously from Amazon. As Chief Digital Product Officer, Amber will lead all digital products serving Clubs, Instructors and Consumers, spanning immersive in-Club experiences, and digital engagement.
"I love building and working with high-functioning teams who innovate on behalf of the Customer. Les Mills has been doing this for over 50 years, so it's been fantastic to join an amazing team and start working on how we deliver even more value for our Customers in future.
"My personal purpose is to help people be their ideal versions of themselves and I believe healthy bodies and minds help individuals be kinder and more helpful in society, so I've felt very inspired since joining such a passionate company."
Media requests: press@lesmills.com
ABOUT LES MILLS
Watch the Les Mills Story: https://youtu.be/pTZ8apUJnA0
Les Mills is the global leader in group fitness and creator of over 20 programs including BODYPUMP™ and BODYCOMBAT™. Les Mills workouts are delivered by 140,000 certified Instructors in 21,000 gyms across 100 countries, as well as via the LES MILLS+. The company was founded by Les Mills – a four-time Olympian and head coach of New Zealand's track and field team – who opened his first gym in 1968 to bring elite sports training to the masses.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1881825/LesMills_Luke_and_Amber_Small.jpg
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SOURCE Les Mills | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/les-mills-dials-up-customer-focus-with-double-slt-appointment/ | 2022-08-23T13:25:08Z |
Company to Accelerate Development of Novel Urologic Device Designed to
Improve Recovery Outcomes Post-Prostatectomy
DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levee Medical, a medical device company designing solutions to improve surgical outcomes following prostate cancer, announced today it has closed an initial oversubscribed series A financing round, raising a total of $6.6 million. The funds will be used to advance product development, scale infrastructure, and expand the team to support the development of the company's Voro™ Urologic Scaffold, a bioresorbable post-prostatectomy implant.
"We are extremely pleased to secure this financing with strong support from our investors. It reflects their confidence in our ability to address a significant unmet need for patients recovering from radical prostatectomy," says Bruce Choi, Founder, and CTO of Levee Medical. "This positive momentum provides the company with a solid foundation as we move towards achieving important development and clinical milestones."
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men with 1 in 8 diagnosed in their lifetime. The primary type of surgery for prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy. However, there are risks associated with this surgery and nearly all men will experience urinary incontinence following the procedure. This will last a few weeks for many, but up to 15% of patients experience chronic incontinence. Patients are faced with less-than-ideal solutions including pads, catheters, or additional surgery. Current treatments for post-prostatectomy incontinence are invasive, inconvenient, and inadequate.
The Voro Urologic Scaffold is the first and only bioresorbable device designed to be placed during the prostatectomy procedure for the treatment of urinary incontinence. It is designed to reduce the stress on the urinary sphincter by managing the geometry of the bladder neck and maintaining urethral length, which is the best predictor of post-op incontinence.
"I strongly believe the Levee technology could significantly decrease the incidence of post-prostatectomy incontinence and vastly change the way both urologists and patients perceive radical prostatectomy," states Jeffrey Dann, M.D., urologist at the Advanced Urology Institute in Palm Coast, FL, and Former Chairman of AUA New Technology Assessment and Coding and Reimbursement Committees. "Providing patients with a cost-effective solution that allows them to return to daily life without the burden of incontinence represents a much-needed breakthrough in the treatment of prostate cancer."
Levee Medical is committed to designing solutions that aim to reduce complications associated with surgical treatment for prostate cancer. The Voro Urologic Scaffold is the first product Levee plans to bring to market. The device is not currently available for sale.
For more information, please visit leveemedical.com
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SOURCE Levee Medical | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/levee-medical-announces-closing-66m-series-financing/ | 2022-08-23T13:25:14Z |
RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second time, MAKO Medical Laboratories, a full-service reference laboratory and national leader in COVID-19 testing, has been ranked among Inc. 5000's fastest growing privately held companies in the nation.
"At MAKO, we are glad to provide the communities we serve with a full suite of medical testing services, including for COVID-19 and Monkeypox, but we wouldn't be able to provide those services without our dedicated team members," said Josh Arant, Chief Operating Officer, MAKO Medical. "We are honored to receive this recognition by Inc. 5000 and look forward to continuing our strong growth."
Founded in 2014, MAKO Medical is a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited laboratory that operates more than 85,000 square feet of laboratory space across three laboratory facilities along the East Coast of the United States. In total, MAKO has capacity to process over 200,000 tests per day.
Since April 2020, MAKO Medical has processed more than 13 million COVID-19 tests utilizing RT-PCR technology and industry-leading testing assays, including the Applied Biosystems TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Assay. The MAKO team also partnered with the CDC to provide next-generation sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 during the height of the pandemic.
MAKO is setting the standard on serving as a diagnostics partner for health care providers, including physicians, hospitals, urgent cares, businesses, and governments across the United States. The MAKO Way delivers turnkey lab services with precision and accuracy.
- August 2022, Inc. Magazine recognized MAKO Medical as one of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies.
- March 2022, Forbes recognized MAKO Medical as one of America's Best Startup Employers.
- May 2021, the Triangle Business Journal recognized MAKO Medical with a 2021 Life Sciences Award.
- August 2020, MAKO Medical announced the company scored 100% on CAP COVID Proficiency Testing, demonstrating MAKO's commitment to quality lab results.
- Committed to the U.S. Military—At MAKO's founding, leaders carved out divisions of the company to hire U.S. military veterans. These teams are foundational to MAKO's elite and high-touch client services model. In November 2021, MAKO held its second annual Veterans Day lunch to honor veterans, handing out more than 400 free meals Vance County veterans and their family members.
Founded in 2014, MAKO Medical is a diagnostics partner for businesses, physicians, urgent care facilities, and hospitals around the United States. MAKO Medical has recruited chemists and scientists to provide industry-leading innovation. MAKO Medical Laboratories' methods and assays are validated for reproducibility, precision, and accuracy. MAKO Medical invests heavily in state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology. To learn more, visit makomedical.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mary Cullen
(630) 272-5691
mary@npstrategy.com
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SOURCE MAKO Medical | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/mako-medical-ranked-top-growing-company-by-inc-5000/ | 2022-08-23T13:25:21Z |
New Fund targets disruptive innovations in life sciences biotech; leverages experienced investment team and extensive proprietary scientific and academic network
NISSEQUOGUE, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Excellence Capital, LLC ("MEC"), an early-stage life science venture firm formed to invest in disruptive technologies in precision health, today announced a $145 million final close of Medical Excellence Capital Partners, LP. MEC was formed to leverage the combination of a proven investment team and a unique network of physician-scientists to focus on company creation and venture investing. Target investment areas include cell therapy, gene therapy, AI/ML applied to drug discovery, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine.
Founded by John Prufeta, founder and general partner, Medical Excellence Capital is closely aligned and networked with Medical Excellence Group (MedEx), an extensive global, private health advisory medical network and family office health care platform, built and refined over the last 15 years by Mr. Prufeta. This platform includes a network of more than 1,200 top physician and scientist leaders across 33 major academic medical centers and research institutions in the US. The Medical Excellence Capital team operates out of the significant health care innovation markets New York, California, and Pennsylvania.
Owing to its alignment with MedEx, the MEC investment team has exclusive access to a carefully selected, domestic and international medical research network and world-class Scientific Advisory Board. Through regular screening of this trusted medical network and scientific board, MEC is able to curate a unique deal flow of emerging, breakthrough technologies. These technologies are in turn thoroughly vetted by experts selected from the network. In addition, the network has been activated to help accelerate portfolio company development and maximize value creation.
Acclaimed innovators themselves in the fields of regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and mitochondrial medicine, the MEC Scientific Advisory Board brings critical perspective to evaluating new opportunities and provide added value to portfolio companies. The MEC Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of:
- Euan Ashley, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford Medical School – Associate Dean and Professor of Genetics and Precision Health Cardiovascular, and Data Science
- Gregg Semenza, M.D., Ph.D., Johns Hopkins Medicine - 2019 Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine; Professor of Genetic Medicine
- Steven Tsang, M.D., Ph.D., Columbia Medicine – Professor of Ophthalmology, and Pathology and Cell Biology; Director of the Columbia Stem Cell Institute
- Douglas Wallace, Ph.D., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) & University of Pennsylvania – Director of the Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine
John Prufeta said, "Through warm relationships in the medical research community cultivated while CEO of MedEx, I became acutely aware of numerous underserved, yet exciting, opportunities to catalyze healthcare innovation. As MEC launched, we were thrilled to add to the MEC investment team three seasoned investment professionals having decades of experience from their tenures at Domain Associates."
Brian Halak, Ph.D., MEC Managing Partner, said, "The MEC team came together as a result of our commitment to a shared mission and values. We believe this decade will be consequential with respect to healthcare innovation, and we are committed to developing companies that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families."
Eric Heil, MBA, MEC Managing Partner, commented, "We are seeing exciting discoveries and technologies in multiple areas of healthcare. We believe that with this exclusive medical network, MEC is well positioned to accelerate the development of these discoveries in critical unmet need areas where patients and doctors can realize significant improvements in patient outcomes."
Kim Kamdar, Ph.D., MEC Managing Partner, added, "We focus our energies on developing successful partnerships with creative scientists whom we believe have the best ideas. Our operating structure is dedicated to fully support early-stage ventures at the Company Creation, Seed, Series A and Series B stages."
Over the past year, the initial close provided funding to drive MEC's investment strategy, as demonstrated in the following seven investments1:
- Aspen Neuroscience is developing induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to address diseases with high unmet medical need, beginning with autologous neuron replacement for both sporadic and genetic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and extending across the brain and affected organs. In the most recent Series B financing, MEC joined GV, LYFE Capital, Revelation Partners, Newton Investment Management, Singapore-based global investor EDBI, LifeForce Capital, Mirae Asset Capital, NS Investment, and others.
- Immunitas Therapeutics is a precision immunotherapy company developing antibodies for oncology directed at novel targets discovered via a proprietary single cell analysis platform. In the Series B financing, MEC joined Agent Capital, 120 Capital, Solasta Ventures, Mirae Asset, Ono Venture Investment, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, NS Investment, BrightEdge (American Cancer Society), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Therapy Acceleration Program® (LLS TAP), Alexandria Venture Investments, Evotec, Leaps by Bayer, M Ventures, Novartis Venture Fund (NVF), and Longwood Fund.
- Nobias Therapeutics is a spinout from CHOP using AI and access to unique clinical datasets that enable the discovery and development of novel drugs.
- Pleno is a disruptive multi-omic platform that allows for multiplex testing in areas and high throughput applications.
- ProJenX is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, cofounded by MEC, developing novel, brain-penetrant, targeted therapies to address debilitating brain diseases, with an initial focus on ALS.
- Rejuvitas is a gene therapy company, cofounded by MEC, that provides novel gene therapies employing metabolic reprogramming and regenerative medicine technologies developed in the lab of acclaimed geneticist, Stephen Tsang, M.D., Ph.D.
- SonoThera, formerly SonoGene Therapeutics, is developing a non-viral approach to gene therapy enabling larger payloads, tissue specific targeting, and repeat-dosing.
Medical Excellence Capital provides company creation, seed, and early-stage capital to innovators in the areas of cell therapy, gene therapy, AI/ML applied to drug discovery, immunology/drug resistance, and regenerative medicine. MEC invests solely in high potential companies where its expertise, insights, and global network can promote acceleration and maximized value creation.
For more information, visit www.medexcelcap.com or email Eric Heil at Eric.Heil@MedExcelCap.com
1 The content herein contains a description of investments made by MEC. References to any investment included herein should not be construed as a recommendation of any particular investment or security. It should not be assumed that investments made in the future will be comparable in quality or performance to the investments described herein.
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SOURCE Medical Excellence Capital | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/medical-excellence-capital-announces-145-million-final-close-inaugural-venture-fund/ | 2022-08-23T13:25:28Z |
The Social Science Research Council is providing USD 7.2 million to 12 teams advancing ambitious, applied social and behavioral science to combat the growing global threat posed by low Covid-19 vaccination rates and public health mis- and disinformation
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) announced it will provide an initial USD 7.2 million in direct research funds to 12 teams working in 17 countries in order to better understand how health mis- and disinformation spreads, how to combat it, and how to build stronger information systems, while increasing Covid-19 vaccination rates. Through the Mercury Project—enabled by The Rockefeller Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation with a total of USD 10.25 million so far—the SSRC is supporting a first cohort of social and behavioral scientists from around the world to generate much-needed new research on locally tailored solutions in Bolivia, Brazil, Côte D'Ivoire, Ghana, Haiti, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, United States, and Zimbabwe.
Following the characterization of inaccurate health information by the U.S. Surgeon General as an "urgent threat," and by the World Health Organization as an "infodemic," the SSRC issued a call for proposals to counter the growing global threats posed by public health mis- and disinformation and low Covid-19 vaccination rates, and received nearly 200 submissions from around the world.
"With Covid-19 prevalent and rapidly evolving everywhere, there is a pressing need to identify interventions with the potential to increase vaccination take-up. Vaccines are only effective if they become vaccinations; vaccines are a scientific marvel but their potential is unfulfilled if they are left on the shelf," said Anna Harvey, President of SSRC. "The large volume of high-quality proposals submitted to the Mercury Project underscores just how eager the social and behavioral science community is to evaluate interventions to increase vaccination demand and build healthier information environments."
Researchers in the Mercury Project's first cohort are affiliated with research institutions and implementing partners around the world:
- Canada: University of Regina
- Côte d'Ivoire: Centre for Research and Action for Peace
- England: The London School of Economics, London School of Health and Tropical Medicine, the University of Bristol, University of Lincoln, and University of Warwick
- France: Aix-Marseille School of Economics
- Ghana: Ghana Health Service, Innovations for Poverty Action, University of Health and Allied Sciences
- Haiti: Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health)
- Kenya: Partnership for African Social and Governance Research
- India: Centre for Policy Research
- Malawi: Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (Partners in Health)
- Mexico: Center for Research and Teaching in Economics, Institute Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
- Sierra Leone: Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Ram Labs, Unicef
- Spain: University Carlos III
- Rwanda: Inshuti Mu Buzima (Partners in Health)
- Tanzania: Economic and Social Research Foundation, National Institute of Medical Research, University of Dar es Salaam
- United States: Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Duke, Harvard and Harvard Medical School, MIT, New York University, Rutgers, St. Augustine University, Stanford, UC Berkeley, University of Southern California, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Yale
"This initial cohort's ideas exemplify the creativity and vision behind the Mercury Project," said Dr. Bruce Gellin, Chief of Global Public Health Strategy at The Rockefeller Foundation. "They go far beyond quick fixes, with the goal of identifying robust, cost-effective, and meaningful solutions that can be widely adopted and scaled. We hope that more, better, and science-based knowledge about what we need to do will lead to increased uptake of reliable information—and serve as a powerful counter to the effects of misinformation and disinformation on vaccine demand."
Funded projects will provide evidence about what works–and doesn't–in specific places and for specific groups to increase Covid-19 vaccination take-up, including what is feasible on the ground and has the potential to be cost-effective at scale. Each of the 12 teams will have access to findings from the other teams while exploring interventions including, but not limited to:
- Conducting literacy training for secondary school students in partnership with local authorities to help students identify Covid-19 vaccine misinformation;
- Equipping trusted messengers with communication strategies to increase Covid-19 vaccination demand;
- Using social networks to share tailored, community-developed messaging to increase Covid-19 vaccination demand.
The complete list of grantees, and descriptions of each project, are at https://www.ssrc.org/mercury-project-grantees.
"The viral, vaccine, and information environments are all rapidly evolving–but that doesn't mean it is impossible to make progress towards more effective and equitable responses," said Heather Lanthorn, Program Director at the Mercury Project. "By funding projects on the ground around the world, this work will help us understand what works where, and why, and identify new ways to harness the power of connection and communication to advance public health goals."
The three-year Mercury Project, which launched in November 2021 with USD 7.5 million in seed funding from The Rockefeller Foundation and additional support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, applies the principles of large-scale, team-based science to the problem of vaccination demand. SSRC carefully selected interdisciplinary, interinstitutional, and international teams—with over 80 participating researchers—to create a network that can work in coordination to tackle the global problems of Covid-19 vaccine misinformation and low vaccination take-up.
Regular convenings, both virtual and in-person, will ensure that grantee research projects are both informed by and inform health and technology decision-makers around the world. The first convening will occur in late August at The Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center in Italy, where thousands of scientists, policymakers, authors, and artists have turned innovative ideas into action since 1959. Grantee teams will share their research designs with each other and with global health policy leaders, and will build a shared research framework to guide evaluations of interventions to increase Covid-19 vaccination demand and create healthier information environments. A second cohort of research teams will receive funding from the National Science Foundation.
More information about the Mercury Project can be found on the Social Science Research Council website.
About the Social Science Research Council
The Social Science Research Council, an independent and international nonprofit, mobilizes necessary knowledge for the public good by supporting social and behavioral science worldwide, generating new research across disciplines and linking researchers with decision-makers. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at ssrc.org and follow us on Twitter @ssrc_org and LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/social-science-research-council.
About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation to enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We work to promote the well-being of humanity and make opportunity universal. Our focus is on scaling renewable energy for all, stimulating economic mobility, and ensuring equitable access to healthy and nutritious food. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @RockefellerFdn.
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SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/mercury-project-boost-covid-19-vaccination-rates-counter-public-health-mis-disinformation-17-countries-worldwide/ | 2022-08-23T13:25:34Z |
Metabolon and the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre will identify new metabolomic biomarkers to advance Parkinson's research and detect new therapeutic targets
MORRISVILLE, N.C., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in providing metabolomics solutions that advance a wide variety of research, diagnostic, therapeutic development, and precision medicine applications, today announced it is partnering with the University of Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre to identify metabolomic biomarkers related to Parkinson's disease progression and prediction and to detect new therapeutic targets.
The Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre (OPDC) is a unique multidisciplinary research program at the University of Oxford. Founded in 2010, OPDC Discovery, also known as the Oxford Discovery Cohort, is a leading Parkinson's biomarker cohort and among the most deeply phenotyped and genotyped Parkinson's cohorts in the world. This unique cohort also includes a population of patients diagnosed with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) that are at risk of developing Parkinson's.
Through this collaboration, Metabolon will perform global metabolomics on longitudinal serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected by OPDC. This will enable Metabolon and Oxford to gain insights into the metabolomic changes occurring during Parkinson's disease progression over many years in this deeply phenotyped cohort. The metabolomic data will be incorporated with clinical and genetic data to provide a holistic view of Parkinson's over the course of the disease.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre to support their mission to improve research and understanding of the biology of early Parkinson's," said Rohan Hastie, Ph.D., President and CEO of Metabolon. "Metabolon's highly accurate data will enable the identification of metabolomic biomarkers crucial to understanding and better predicting Parkinson's disease progression to help improve patient care and the proactive management of symptoms."
"I am excited to be collaborating with Metabolon, who are global leaders in their field and ISO 9001:2015 recertified, reflecting their highest standards of testing and quality assurance. Understanding the unique, real-time fingerprint of an individual's biological system alongside individual clinical and digital measures captured longitudinally across the Oxford Discovery cohort is a powerful combination. I am optimistic this will lead to tailored treatments to reverse deranged metabolic pathways in Parkinson's, as well as biomarkers that capture each individual's response to these therapies," said Professor Michele Hu, University of Oxford.
Metabolon, Inc. is the global leader in metabolomics, with a mission to deliver biochemical data and insights that expand and accelerate the impact of life sciences research. Over 20 years, 10,000+ projects, 2,800+ publications, and ISO 9001:2015 and CLIA certifications, Metabolon has developed industry-leading scientific, technology, and bioinformatics techniques. Metabolon's Precision Metabolomics™ platform is enabled by the world's largest proprietary metabolomics reference library. Metabolon's industry-leading data and translational science expertise help customers and partners address some of the most challenging and pressing questions in the life sciences, accelerating research and enhancing development success. The company offers scalable, customizable metabolomics and lipidomics solutions supporting customer needs from discovery through clinical trials and product life-cycle management. For more information, please visit www.metabolon.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Metabolomics, the large-scale study of all small molecules in a biological system, is the only 'omics technology that provides a complete current-state functional readout of a biological system. Metabolomics helps researchers see beyond the genetic variation of individuals, capturing the combined impact of genetic as well as external factors such as the effect of drugs, diet, lifestyle, and the microbiome on human health. By measuring thousands of discrete chemical signals that form biological pathways in the body, metabolomics can reveal important biomarkers enabling a better understanding of a drug's mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile, as well as individual responses to therapy.
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SOURCE Metabolon, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/metabolon-partners-with-university-oxford-parkinsons-disease-centre/ | 2022-08-23T13:25:41Z |
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Myeloid Therapeutics, Inc. ("Myeloid"), a clinical stage mRNA-immunotherapy company harnessing the power of myeloid and innate biology to engineer novel therapies that elicit a broad immune response for cancer and autoimmune diseases, today announced that it has expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the appointments of Jerome Chal, Ph.D., as Vice President, Process Development, and Eric Chapdelaine as Vice President, CMC Operations.
"We are thrilled to continue to attract the highest levels of talent to Myeloid, as we expand our manufacturing capabilities to support our clinical-stage cell therapy programs and the advancement of our in vivo cell programming programs into the clinic next year," said Daniel Getts, Ph.D., CEO of Myeloid. "Jerome and Eric bring a diverse set of skills with significant quality and CMC experience at leading companies like Vertex, Alnylam, and Genzyme. As senior leaders, they will provide invaluable stewardship as we advance and expand our pipeline and read out more clinical data. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Myeloid team, and we look forward to their contributions to our technology and the cell therapy field generally."
Dr. Chal brings to Myeloid over twenty years of experience in the biotechnology industry, with a focus on CMC leadership across multiple therapeutic modalities, including cell and gene therapies, with landmark achievements in the field. Prior to Myeloid, Jerome was Executive Director, Analytical Sciences at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, where he provided strategic leadership to a multi-site and multi-department CMC organization across the T1D, blood disorders and DMD programs, along with end-to-end implementation of all analytical CMC activities from preclinical to pivotal stage. Prior to Vertex, Dr. Chal was Associate Director, Cell and Analytical Development at Semma Therapeutics, where he directed cell, process and assay development programs for cell therapy products based on a proprietary preclinical-stage PSC-based pancreatic islets (SC-islets) platform. Earlier in his career, he held positions of increasing responsibility at Coyne Scientific, IGBMC in Strasbourg, France, and faculty scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chal received his MS in Biology-Biochemistey from ENS Paris, Paris 7 University, an MS in Molecular and Cellular Developmental Biology from Sorbonne University, and a Ph.D. in Stem Cell and Developmental Biology from Sorbonne University/Stowers Institute, Kansas City, MO. Dr. Chal is a decorated scientist with multiple patents and over twenty peer-reviewed publications in the fields of cell and gene therapy.
Mr. Chapdelaine has over twenty years of experience leading Manufacturing, CMC, Quality (QC+QA), Analytical Development, and Regulatory Affairs organizations in cell and gene therapy. Eric has overseen and led IND and NDA filings for multiple products that received approval in the US and EU. Prior to joining Myeloid, Eric was Senior Vice President of Operations at iVexSol, Inc., where he designed and optimized the manufacturing facility layout, flow and associated office space, as well as overseeing the buildout of the cGMP manufacturing facility. Earlier, he was Vice President of Manufacturing at Genprex, Inc., where he was responsible for translating the corporate strategy into supportive strategies for global pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, supply chain, logistics and quality control from early product development through global manufacturing for commercial products. He has also held senior positions at Cognate Bioservices, Inc., and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, where he was responsible for authoring CMC sections for regulatory submissions, IMPD/IND/NDA, for Patisiran and Givosiran, which are the first two RNA interference therapeutics approved for commercialization in the US and EU. Eric started his career in positions within quality control, manufacturing and CMC at Genzyme Corporation, VaxInnate Corporation, and Pfizer, Inc, respectively. Mr. Chapdelaine holds a Bachelor's of Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Masters of Science, Chemistry, from Vanderbilt University.
Myeloid Therapeutics is a clinical stage mRNA-immunotherapy company harnessing the power of myeloid cell biology to engineer new therapeutic alternatives for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. Integrating the fields of RNA biology, immunology, and medicine, the Company's proprietary platform provides clinical solutions that match therapeutic modalities to disease conditions, including use of autologous cell therapies, in vivo cell programming using mRNA, RNA-based gene-editing using RetroT™ and multi-targeted biologics. Myeloid is advancing a broad portfolio of clinical and preclinical candidates designed to enable full immune system responses. Myeloid has entered into strategic partnerships with Prime Medicine and Acuitas and is supported by well-known biotechnology investors. Myeloid is headquartered in Boston, MA. For more information, visit https://www.myeloidtx.com/.
Investor and Media Contact
Amy Conrad
Juniper Point
Amy@juniper-point.com
858-914-1962
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- Nanostics' biomarker and machine learning-powered test, ClarityDX Prostate®, received a CE-IVD Mark.
- A CE-IVD Mark is required for all in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices to be placed in the EEA, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein and allows Nanostics to market and sell ClarityDX Prostate® in these countries.
- The ClarityDX Prostate® test provides patients and physicians with an accurate prediction of clinically significant prostate cancer to support decision-making and improve health outcomes for men suspected of having prostate cancer.
EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Nanostics Inc., a precision health diagnostics company, is excited to announce today that it has received the CE-IVD Mark for its ClarityDX Prostate® test. This regulatory milestone allows Nanostics to market and sell ClarityDX Prostate® in Europe, as well as other countries that require the CE Mark for market access.
The ClarityDX Prostate® test uses a proprietary machine-learning algorithm that combines data from biological and clinical biomarkers to generate a risk score for clinically significant prostate cancer, defined as Gleason grade group 2 or higher, on prostate biopsy. The ClarityDX Prostate® test is intended to be used as a reflex test for men with elevated levels of PSA and is designed to help physicians and patients make a more informed decision on whether to proceed with a biopsy or not.
"We're excited to reach this regulatory milestone for our ClarityDX Prostate® test built on our robust biomarker and machine learning platform," said John Lewis, CEO of Nanostics. "Using ClarityDX Prostate® as a reflex test for men with elevated PSA levels will help physicians, patients, and their families make more-informed decisions on how best to proceed with prostate cancer screening and result in better health outcomes for men with prostate cancer."
Recently, Nanostics announced positive results from its 1,500-patient clinical validation study of its ClarityDX Prostate® test, showing 94% sensitivity, 37% specificity, 49% positive predictive value, and 90% negative predictive value for predicting clinically significant (grade group ≥2) prostate cancer. Implementation could eliminate up to 37% of unnecessary biopsies and significantly reduce the number of unnecessary treatments for prostate cancer.
Compliance with the relevant EU legislation and attainment of the CE-IVD mark represents Nanostics' commitment to developing and marketing in vitro diagnostic medical devices that meet stringent regulatory requirements. Nanostics is committed to expanding its regulatory portfolio to allow for market access in different jurisdictions.
About Nanostics Inc.
Nanostics is a private Canadian company focused on the development and commercialization of novel and noninvasive diagnostic tests. Its core technology, ClarityDX®, uses advanced machine learning algorithms to create a disease risk score. ClarityDX® is applicable to a wide range of cancers and other diseases. Nanostics' lead product, ClarityDX Prostate®, is a test that improves the accuracy of detecting clinically significant prostate cancer. Read more at: www.nanosticsdx.com.
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NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With the aim of becoming the premier adviser to property technology ("proptech") companies across office, multi-family, single-family, industrial, storage, retail and hospitality verticals, investment banker / private equity real estate fund manager Sandor Valner, alongside proptech expert Paul Stanton, have launched their own firm.
"We want to be exclusively focused on proptech with the goal of being the leading investment banking boutique in the sector," Valner said. "Paul and I are both passionate about this space and believe we can bring a lot of value to companies navigating this period of intense innovation, growth and consolidation in the market. We really feel that larger firms are not equipped to effectively service the entrepreneurs and the growing companies within the industry and smaller firms lack the combination of sector knowledge and investment banking and real estate expertise."
"We're looking to build relationships with entrepreneurs and their team to be their partners – helping them plan for growth and shape their business so they maximize shareholder value and are in the best position for an exit," Stanton added.
The firm will provide M&A and capital raising services to companies of all sizes in the proptech world.
"Real Estate owners are starting to recognize the roles technology can play in increasing operational efficiencies and in creating a competitive advantage. Investors are leveraging the benefits of more data, increased transparency, and reduced transaction costs. Technology also allows more flexibility to real estate users. All of this promises to continue fueling growth of the proptech sector in years to come" Valner said.
"It's a very robust market for strategic assets," Stanton added. "Any well-established growing technology on trend now – ESG management, flexible office, vacation rental platforms — will get significant interest from the large growing strategic players and financial players."
"The larger real estate companies are looking to reinvent how they service their respective markets in light of changing work-life-travel trends and a lot of the smaller companies are doing a good job at innovating to meet new demands," Stanton added.
Valner and Stanton plan to partner with leading consultancies and market influencers from the proptech industry who have experience with the inner workings of how various point solutions are being integrated to deliver holistic technology and data solutions for a range of asset types.
"We believe we can bring a unique combination of technical understanding, in depth real estate expertise, proptech space knowledge and years of experience in raising capital, helping companies grow and creating an exit," Valner said.
Valner and Stanton have led M&A, capital raising and real estate investment transactions in excess of $20bn. Valner, who has a background in investment banking and private equity real estate, has built three successful investment banking and asset management platforms previously. Stanton has successfully been advising proptech companies and landlords for the last 7 years.
Proptech Bankers will function under March Capital, a U.S. registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA
For more information:
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SOURCE Proptech Bankers | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/new-investment-banking-boutique-launches-focus-exclusively-property-technology-industry/ | 2022-08-23T13:26:01Z |
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearl TV, the coalition of U.S. broadcasters transitioning to NEXTGEN TV, today announced new NEXTGEN TV models from Hisense. Its U7H and U8H, are now available at retail, starting at $799 MSRP. Hisense joins manufacturers—Sony, Samsung and LG Electronics—which already have more than 70 models at retail. As the marketplace for NEXTGEN TVs expands across devices and cities on air, consumers can research and explore the value they can gain with purchase through a variety of educational sources at www.watchnextgentv.com.
"Hisense has long been recognized as a high-tech, high-quality brand at an affordable price point. Its NEXTGEN TV models underscore once again how it pushes the boundaries of innovation to deliver value to consumers," stated Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV. "When the consumer looks for the logo, whether the consumer buys online or in-store, they can feel confident that the Hisense NEXTGEN TV purchased today will keep up with future technology enhancements."
NEXTGEN TV is a broadcast technology standard, otherwise known as ATSC 3.0, and is the first major overhaul to the Advanced Television Systems Committee's (ATSC's) standard for receiving over-the-air (OTA) signals since ATSC 1.0 was introduced in 1996. NEXTGEN TV is a free, OTA service based on internet protocol technology for interactivity, presenting the best combination of online and broadcast television, and continued innovation as new services are developed.
With NEXTGEN TV technology integrated into two of its model series, and a third series to follow later in the year, Hisense brings more broadcast options and upgrades to viewers who are ready for 4K OTA content and the latest upgrades:
- U7H Series—The TV for everything. IMAX enhanced, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, SL-HDR-1/HDR 10/10+/adaptive, Quantum Dot, FreeSync Premium and the newly integrated NEXTGEN TV ATSC 3.0 tuner bring a 4K HDR beautiful picture to the screen no matter the content. Premium audio enhancements such as Dolby Atmos, eARC and WiSA deliver immersive audio, and the 120Hz refresh rate not only brings smooth clarity but also fluid motion for fast-action gaming, sports and movies. The U7H series offers screen sizes spanning 55-85 inches and starts at $799.99 MSRP. Available now at retailers including Best Buy and Amazon.
- U8H Series—Big on technology, not on price. Featuring a Mini LED upgrade paired with Hisense's ULED technology and Quantum Dot, the U8H delivers vibrant colors, impressive contrast, and its trademark bright picture for a fantastic HDR experience. With a 120Hz refresh rate, a peak brightness up to 1500 nits, and picture upgrades like IMAX enhanced, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision, state-of-the-art picture quality with Dolby IQ™, SL-HDR-1, and HDR10+, the U8H delivers superior features. The U8H series offers 55 to 75-inch screen sizes and starts at $1099 MSRP. U8H is now available at retailers including Best Buy and Amazon.
"Great performance and picture quality are at the foundation of all Hisense product offerings, and our U7H and U8H NEXTGEN TV models are a testament to this commitment by putting even more premium options within people's reach," commented David Gold, President of Hisense USA. "As consumers continue to seek a top-notch viewing experience and excellent value package, we are proud to deliver this with NEXTGEN TV."
A study earlier this year by Magid Research in conjunction with Dolby and the Pearl TV business group revealed that consumer awareness continues to grow, citing that 40% were aware of NEXTGEN TV, up 25% from last year among those in markets where it is available. Contributing to that awareness are new additional resources that consumers can use to see if NEXTGEN TV is on air in their city, an e-commerce page where consumers can research models and purchase, and an informative video of the "Johnson Family." As the Johnsons gather around their NEXTGEN TV, much like other families across the U.S., they're blown away by the interactive and personal features, in addition to dialogue enhancement, consistent volume and cinema-quality sound enabled by the Dolby Audio experience integrated within.
Now broadcasting in more than 50 markets, NEXTGEN TV now reaches half of the U.S. population. According to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), 4.5 million units are projected to be sold in 2022, up from 3 million units that were shipped in 2021.
About Pearl TV
Pearl TV is a business organization of U.S. broadcast companies with a shared interest in exploring forward-looking broadcasting opportunities, including innovative ways of promoting local broadcast TV content and developing digital media and wireless platforms for the broadcast industry. Pearl's membership, comprising more than 820 TV stations, includes eight of the largest broadcast companies in America: Cox Media Group, Graham Media Group, Gray Television, Hearst Television Inc., Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the E.W. Scripps Company, and TEGNA Inc.
About Hisense USA Corporation
Established in 2001, Hisense USA Corporation offers a range of technology products including televisions, laser TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, beverage coolers, and freezers – with a mission of delivering feature-packed products at a fraction of the cost. In 2021, the company was the fastest-growing among the top five TV brands in North America and continues to grow year after year domestically and globally. Hisense USA Corporation is a subsidiary of Hisense Company, Ltd., a multi-national consumer technology manufacturer and one of the largest television brands in the world.
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VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. (TSXV: ROOF) (OTCQB: ROOOF) ("Northstar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to file its unaudited quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") on SEDAR for the three months ended June 30, 2022, on Monday, August 29, 2022. These documents will also be available on the Company's website at www.northstarcleantech.com.
The Company has scheduled a virtual investor webcast to discuss these financial results and to provide a business update to the investment community on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 2:00 pm PST / 5:00 pm EST. Details are provided below.
Topic: Northstar Clean Technologies Second Quarter Financial Results Webcast
Date: August 30, 2022
Time: 14:00 PST / 17:00 EST
Webcast URL: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9016497132073/WN_huHe01fYSJiwddHlDZhF_Q
Approximately two hours after the Q&A session has ended, an archived version of the webcast will be available via the webcast URL above.
Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. is a Canadian-based clean technology company focused on the sustainable recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles. Northstar has developed a proprietary design process for taking discarded asphalt shingles, otherwise destined for already over-crowded landfills, and extracting the liquid asphalt for usage in new hot mix asphalt, shingle manufacturing and asphalt flat roof systems, and aggregate and fiber for usage in construction products and other industrial applications. Focused on the circular economy, Northstar plans to reprocess used or defective asphalt shingle waste back into its three primary components for reuse/resale at both its Empower Pilot Facility in Delta, British Columbia and its first commercial scale up facility in Calgary, Alberta. As an emerging innovator in sustainable processing, Northstar's mission is to be the leader in the recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles in North America, extracting the recovered components from asphalt shingles that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
For further information about Northstar, please visit www.northstarcleantech.com.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors,
Aidan Mills
President & CEO, Director
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
This press release may contain forward‐looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which forward‐looking information reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include those concerning the plans to file the quarterly financial statements and MD&A and the timing of that filing, as well as the plans to conduct a virtual investor webcast and the timing thereof. Forward‐looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward‐looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the final prospectus of the Company dated June 18, 2021. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward‐looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. The Company does not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
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ISO 13485:2016 certification demonstrates Nucleus Biologics' commitment to maintaining premium quality standards.
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nucleus Biologics, The Cell Performance Company™, the industry-leading provider of small lot custom media for the cell and gene therapy industry announced today that it has been granted ISO 13485:2016 certification from BSI for the manufacture and distribution of media for the cell and gene therapy industry. BSI is among the largest, most reputable and experienced management systems certification bodies in the world, with more than 35,500 registrations worldwide.
ISO 13485 is the industry standard for quality management systems regulating medical devices and related services that ensures the quality of a product's design, development, and production consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international nongovernmental organization that publishes and governs a wide range of standards to ensure the safe, reliable, and quality production of products.
"This milestone is the result of years of effort to extend our leadership in custom cell culture media for the cell and gene therapy market," said David Sheehan, Founder and CEO of Nucleus Biologics. "Now, therapy developers have one partner that can offer everything from formulation development support to cGMP 2,000-liter media manufacturing — all governed by strict adherence to the ISO 13485 level quality system. Our history of product innovations, quality, and collaborations will only expand as we help our customers speed the time from discovery to cure."
Cell culture media is a critical raw material for the development of cell-based therapies. With ISO 13485:2016 certification, Nucleus Biologics is well positioned and committed to supporting cell and gene therapy development with the manufacturing and delivery of media products that meet the highest standards for quality, product performance, and reliability.
Nucleus Biologics, The Cell Performance Company, is the leading provider of custom cell-growth media, tools, and technologies for cell and gene therapy. Its mission is to speed the time from scientific discovery to cure by delivering innovative, transparent, and cGMP products and services with the goal of disrupting the market and eliminating antiquated practices and products. Ultimately, Nucleus Biologics strives to create a new paradigm that serves both scientists and clinicians, while reducing the environmental footprint of cell culture.
Media Contact:
Brad Taylor, Ph.D.
Vice President, Marketing
630-857-0556
btaylor@nucleusbiologics.com
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SOURCE Nucleus Biologics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/nucleus-biologics-obtains-iso-134852016-certification/ | 2022-08-23T13:26:21Z |
MIAMI and NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Foundation and Parkinson's UK, an organization based in the United Kingdom that funds research and provides life-changing support for people with Parkinson's disease (PD), have announced a new international strategic partnership to boost investment in groundbreaking research leading the search for new treatments for PD, which affects 10 million people worldwide.
Over the next three years, the Parkinson's Foundation will invest a minimum of $3 million into the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech, the drug development arm of Parkinson's UK. The money, in addition to Parkinson's UK's ongoing investment, will accelerate research into the scientific breakthroughs that have the greatest potential to become life changing medications. Parkinson's UK has invested over $19 million (£16 million) in Virtual Biotech projects since it started in 2017.
By operating like a biotech but without the additional costs of full-time staff and buildings, the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech is a uniquely innovative approach to drug development within the charity sector. Led by pharma and biotech experts, the Virtual Biotech team reviews and curates the most promising research from the thousands of studies underway at any given time. The experts identify projects with strong potential that would otherwise struggle to find private sector investors. Then the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech invests in these directly, providing ongoing oversight and stewardship, and identifying the right global partners to work with.
Currently the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech is fast tracking nine promising projects including the potential of cannabidiol to treat psychosis in PD, whether a common anti-sickness drug could manage hallucinations, and if it's possible to develop therapies that restore mitochondrial function to slow or stop the condition.
Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and currently there is no cure. Nothing can slow, stop or reverse the condition's progression. Existing treatments can help manage symptoms but often come with side effects and get less effective over time.
Arthur Roach, PhD, director of research at Parkinson's UK, said "Drug development is ultimately what will lead to new treatments, but it comes with high risk, high costs and long timelines. Our innovative approach takes methods from the private sector and venture capital financing and adapts them to the charitable context, allowing us to be agile and tactical in how we invest, monitor and keep projects moving.
"This is an exciting new phase for the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech. We've been growing steadily and are starting to see the first successes from the early projects we've invested in over the last five years. But we've always known that there is much more to be done than we can manage on our own, and hoped that by championing this innovative approach, we could inspire others to collaborate with us in this next phase and create a truly international movement.
"Through this long-term strategic partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation, we will together be able to invest more funding into more projects, both new and existing. Together, we can deliver much needed new treatments for Parkinson's in years, not decades."
The two transatlantic charities have a long history of working together. They share a decade-long active collaboration to accelerate research through effective patient involvement. A new phase of collaboration began with the Parkinson's Foundation's first grant to support the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech in September 2019. The partnership has been driven by a shared mission to deliver better treatments for the global PD community, focusing on the most pressing needs.
"We are pleased to partner with Parkinson's UK to further drug discovery development, as part of our newly established Venture Philanthropy Fund, that will help the international Parkinson's community," said John L. Lehr, president and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation. "This collaboration will help us better serve people living with Parkinson's today while furthering the promise of a cure tomorrow."
The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $400 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or call (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636).
A groundbreaking global movement to deliver life-changing new treatments in years not decades.
Like other biotechs, the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech uses cutting edge biological and chemical research to come up with new treatments. But it's driven by people with Parkinson's, not profit. Collaborative and agile, it adapts successful methods from the business world to deliver new treatments faster. Founded by Parkinson's UK in 2017, the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech is now an international programme in partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation. We believe we'll get to a cure faster by collaborating, not competing.
The innovative approach is working. The next treatment is closer than ever. To find out more, visit https://www.parkinsonsvirtualbiotech.co.uk/.
Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Around 145,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's.
We are Parkinson's UK. Here for everyone affected by the condition. Funding research into the most promising treatments, taking us closer to a cure every day. Fighting for fair treatment and better services. Read more facts and statistics.
Further information, advice and support is available on our website, www.parkinsons.org.uk or our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marissa Cruz
Parkinson's Foundation
mcruz@parkinson.org
305-537-9926
Parkinson.org
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SOURCE Parkinson's Foundation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/parkinsons-foundation-parkinsons-uk-strike-strategic-partnership-accelerate-drug-development/ | 2022-08-23T13:26:28Z |
Rich, familiar flavors of fall return with premium, hand crafted beverages including creamy oat milk options and new Pumpkin Spice K-Cup® pods for home brewing indulgence
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Coffee lovers can savor all the fall feels as Peet's Coffee debuts their anticipated new fall menu on August 24 nationwide. This season's food and beverage offerings are inspired by the comforting and decadent tastes of fall with notes of ground cinnamon, spiced pumpkin, baked apple, and creamy caramel, all expertly matched with Peet's Espresso Forte® or Baridi Cold Brew. The retail Coffeebar menu reunites Peetnik's with Peet's best-selling Chicken & Waffles Sandwich for all day enjoyment. For home and office coffee cravings, Peet's Coffee has added its first-ever seasonal flavored K-Cup® pods in Pumpkin Spice to its full line of packaged coffee offerings.
Peet's experts developed this fall's new beverages with customization in mind. As more consumers enjoy iced coffee and espresso beverages year-round, Peet's Coffee has a new twist on pumpkin beverages that includes the Pumpkin Cold Brew Oat Latte with Brown Sugar Jelly. Oat milk is a key ingredient in many Peet's Coffee beverages this year. With its luscious and creamy texture, easy blending, and rich taste, oat milk complements harvest flavors like baked apple as featured in the Apple Cinnamon Oat Latte and spiced pumpkin when added to Peet's Pumpkin Latte. By substituting oat milk in Pumpkin Latte, Peet's seasonal beverage becomes plant-based, continuing to build on their customization offerings. For extra flavor and fun, Brown Sugar Jelly can be added to any cold beverage for an additional $0.75.
Peetnik Rewards Members will have early access to the menu as well as an exclusive beverage, Peet's Apple Cinnamon Oat Latte, that can be enjoyed hot or iced, and ordered in advance on the Peet's app and online at www.peets.com.
"Each seasonal menu at Peet's provides an opportunity to showcase our obsession with quality which runs through each step of our roasting and crafting process. Peet's begins with responsibly sourcing the best coffee beans from the highest quality growing locations around the world," explained Patrick Main, Senior Beverage Innovator at Peet's Coffee. "From there, we layer our proprietary Espresso Forte which is known for its rich flavor, stout body, and ability to complement any dairy or non-dairy option, with perfectly balanced spices and flavors that provide the right hint of sweetness. We invest a lot of time and attention into training our baristas on specialized techniques to prepare a hand-crafted, premium coffee or espresso beverage that fully embodies the tastes of fall and is distinctly Peet's."
Peet's Coffee Fall Offerings Include:
- Caramel Apple Latte – New fall feature
Rich, seasonal caramel apple butter syrup is layered with Espresso Forte and perfectly steamed milk, topped with Peet's signature caramel swirl. Available hot or iced.
- Pumpkin Cold Brew Oat Latte with Brown Sugar Jelly – New fall feature
Luscious oat milk and classic pumpkin pie syrup are whipped together, poured over ice with a scoop of Brown Sugar Jelly, all topped with a float of Baridi Cold Brew concentrate and finished with a dusting of decadent baking spice. Plant-based.
- Apple Cinnamon Oat Latte – New fall feature exclusive to Peetnik Rewards Members
Comforting caramel apple syrup sweetens freshly steamed oat milk and smooth Espresso Forte for a seasonal and sophisticated sip. Available hot or iced.
- Pumpkin Latte – Returning fall favorite
Hand-pulled Espresso Forte and steamed milk meet with the richness of a pumpkin pie in this indulgent seasonal favorite. Topped with a sprinkling of seasonal spices for an essential autumn treat. Available hot or iced.
- Peet's Chicken & Waffles Sandwich – Returning favorite
The fan favorite is back! First released in 2021, Chicken and Waffles is the second-highest selling sandwich at Peet's following Everything Plant-Based Sandwich. Featuring two maple waffles, one topped with a crispy layer of toasted gouda cheese, combined with savory chicken sausage, bacon, and a custom sweet & spiced spread, Peet's take on Chicken and Waffles is sweet, salty, and subtly spicy. Available at participating Coffeebar locations.
- Pumpkin Spice Flavored K-Cup pods – New fall feature
Seasonal and aromatic, with comforting notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each decadent cup features a full body and smooth finish, perfect on its own or enhanced with choice of milk or cream. No artificial flavors and available for a limited time only in grocery stores, Amazon, and online at peets.com.
- Vine & Walnut Blend – Returning favorite
Each fall for the last six years, Peet's roasts a medium-style blend named after the location of the original coffee shop in Berkeley where Alfred Peet first served his famous hand-roasted coffee. This limited-edition blend unites a natural processed coffee from Yemen that brings sweet notes of dates with a wet-hulled Sumatra Batak, which lends its complexity and warm spice, finished with a washed coffee from Burundi that balances the blend with essence of toasted marshmallow and touch of cranberry tang. Vine & Walnut is a medium roast blend perfectly suited to brighten the shorter days of fall. Available in Coffeebars and online at peets.com.
Peet's recently announced that all its coffee is 100 percent responsibly sourced per Enveritas standards. Enveritas is an independent, third-party global non-profit committed to tracking social, economic, and agricultural impact on coffee farms and smallholder farmers. This process allows Peet's to better understand the most challenging sustainability issues facing these coffee providers and their communities, and provide real time, equitable solutions. Peet's currently operates 39 social and environmental impact programs in 24 regions globally, including the Lingtong Farmer Training which is connected to the Indo-Pacific component of the limited-release Vine & Walnut Blend. Through this project, farmers receive educational support and training to become stronger stewards of their land, improve productivity, and build crop resilience.
Peet's Coffeebars will also celebrate fall with seasonal, artisan-baked goods like spiced apple and pumpkin scones, a sweet sugar cookie, and new Apple Danish. Specific baked selections vary by location since Peet's sources from local bakeries. Peet's fall menu is available at participating Peet's Coffeebars while supplies last through November 1st, 2022, and Chicken & Waffles Sandwich will be available until January 3, 2023. Learn more at peets.com/fall.
When Alfred Peet founded Peet's Coffee® in Berkeley, California in 1966, he introduced an artisan movement creating the U.S. specialty coffee industry. Considered the "Big Bang of coffee," Peet's legacy – sourcing the world's best beans, artisan roasting for rich, premium taste and crafting beverages by hand – lives on today in every cup, whether ordered online, selected at a grocery store then brewed at home or served in any one of over 360 Peet's Coffee locations in the U.S and China. Peet's Coffee is committed to the welfare of people and the planet, with 100 percent of its coffee purchases verified as responsibly sourced per Enveritas standards. The company operates the first LEED® Gold certified roastery in the United States. Visit www.peets.com and connect @peetscoffee.
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SOURCE Peet's Coffee Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/peets-coffee-welcomes-fall-with-new-caramel-apple-latte-pumpkin-cold-brew-oat-latte-with-brown-sugar-jelly/ | 2022-08-23T13:26:35Z |
LJUBJANA, Slovenia, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After their initial success with PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) devices for human use through Omnipemf, the same team announces their first ever programmable and gesture-controlled PEMF pad for pets- the Petspemf Pad.
The whole body of the pet is an electrochemical organ and hence can be influenced by electromagnetic frequencies. PEMF technology products apply non-invasive frequencies into the pets' bodies, enhancing their natural corresponding frequencies.
What makes Petspemf Pad special?
Petspemf Pad is a high-quality product made from durable, anti-scratching materials. It has a waterproof inner cover and is gesture and app controlled. The three programs it has offer pain relief, stress relief, or accelerated healing to pets. This PEMF pad for pets is lightweight and has a rechargeable battery making it suitable for transporting. It can be used in the pets' beds, transporters, crates, etc.
25 scientific studies support the effectiveness of PEMF in aiding animals by using scientifically and clinically proven frequencies.
"Helping people with PEMF devices and hearing their positive experiences always comes with a nice feeling. We saw that many people use their devices on their beloved pets, so we decided to create a new product that fits the pets' needs specifically. That is how Petspemf was born" says Marko Kadunc the CEO of Petspemf.
Omnipemf started as one of the top 1% crowdfunding campaigns on Indiegogo, and now Petspemf is being launched the same way.
"It is amazing to see how many people responded positively to Petspemf even before we launched the product. This comes as no surprise though as more and more people consider their pets a part of their families which makes the veterinary care industry one of the fastest-growing segments in the pet product industry" adds Aleksandra Petrovska, the growth marketing manager of Petspemf.
About Petspemf
Petspemf is a brand of innovative PEMF devices for pets, available worldwide. Their devices aim to help thousands of pets day after day to calm down, live pain-free, heal faster and have a better quality of life overall. For more information, visit the Petspemf website.
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SOURCE MDCN TECH Ltd. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/petspemf-launches-first-programmable-gesture-controlled-pemf-pad-pets/ | 2022-08-23T13:26:42Z |
Attaching great importance to shareholder returns, annual cash dividend per share grows by 4.5% year on year
HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An", the "Company" or the "Group", HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318) today announced its 2022 interim results for the six month period ended 30 June 2022.
2022 is a critical year for Ping An's cultural reshaping, strategic upgrade, and reform and transformation. Ping An pressed firmly ahead with Ping An Life's quality-oriented reform and transformation, continuously strengthened the advantages of integrated finance, and built the "managed care model". Ping An laid a solid foundation for long-term sustainable, healthy growth by providing customers with "worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving" experience under the philosophy of "Expertise creates value". Capitalizing on the "integrated finance + healthcare" strategy and digital transformation, Ping An maintained steady development despite the complex, challenging international environment and continued impact of COVID-19 in China in the first half of 2022. Ping An achieved an annualized operating ROE of 20.4% in the first half of 2022, with operating profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company rising 4.3% year on year to RMB85,340 million. Net Profit reached RMB71,676 million. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company increased 3.9% year on year to RMB60,273 million. Ping An attaches importance to shareholder returns and will pay an interim dividend of RMB0.92 per share in cash, up 4.5% year on year.
Top business highlights in 1H2022:
- Profit grew steadily, and cash dividends continued to rise. Ping An achieved an annualized operating ROE of 20.4% in the first half of 2022, with operating profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company rising 4.3% year on year to RMB85,340 million. Ping An attaches importance to shareholder returns and will pay an interim dividend of RMB0.92 per share in cash, up 4.5% year on year.
- The integrated financial services model continued to progress steadily. Ping An's retail customers exceeded 225 million and contracts per retail customer grew steadily by 1.4% year to date to 2.95 as of June 30, 2022. Written premium of the corporate channel achieved through cross-selling rose 7.0% year on year in the first half of 2022.
- Reform and transformation of life insurance business is showing results continuously. Despite the impact of multiple factors including COVID-19, NBV per agent increased 26.9% year on year, and the 13-month persistency ratio of insurance policies improved by 4.1 pps year on year in the first half of 2022, driven by the quality-oriented transformation of the agent force. Operating profit of the life and health insurance business rose 17.4% year on year to RMB58,993 million in the first half of 2022.
- Ping An Property & Casualty maintained stable business growth and healthy business quality. Premium income increased 10.1% year on year to RMB146,792 million and combined ratio was 97.3% in the first half of 2022.
- Ping An Bank maintained stable, healthy business growth and asset quality. Revenue grew 8.7% year on year to RMB92,022 million and net profit rose 25.6% year on year to RMB22,088 million in the first half of 2022. Non-performing loan ratio remained unchanged year to date at 1.02%, and provision coverage ratio was 290.06% as of June 30, 2022, indicating adequate risk provisions.
- Ping An continued to implement its healthcare ecosystem strategy by exploiting synergies with financial businesses. As of June 30, 2022, Ping An's healthcare ecosystem had partnered with all top 100 hospitals and 3A hospitals as well as 208,000 pharmacies in China; Ping An Smart Healthcare cumulatively served 187 cities and over 55,000 medical institutions, and empowered over 1.42 million doctors. More than 64% of Ping An's over 225 million retail customers used services from the healthcare ecosystem.
- Ping An continued to strengthen its core technological capabilities and achieved results in empowering financial businesses with technologies. Ping An's technology patent applications increased by 4,674 year to date to 43,094 as of June 30, 2022, more than most other international financial institutions'. In the first half of 2022, sales realized by AI service representatives increased 39% year on year; customer services provided by AI service representatives accounted for 83% of Ping An's total customer service volume.
- Ping An further advanced its green finance initiative to support the sustainable development of society. Ping An's green investment and financing, and green banking business totaled RMB249,355 million and RMB161,735 million respectively as of June 30, 2022. Premium income of environmentally sustainable insurance products totaled RMB76,971 million in the first half of 2022. Moreover, Ping An continued to advance the "Ping An Rural Communities Support" and implemented the innovative project of "bringing insurance, finance, and healthcare to rural areas." Ping An cumulatively provided RMB49,720 million for poverty alleviation and industrial revitalization as of June 30, 2022.
- Brand value continued to increase. In 2022, Ping An ranked 25th in the Fortune Global 500 list (4th among global financial services companies), 4th in the Fortune China 500 list, and 17th in the Forbes Global 2000 list.
Integrated finance: Customer development improved continuously. Life insurance's reform achieved results. Property & Casualty maintained good business quality. The banking business grew steadily
Ping An's integrated finance strategy has focused on the development of both retail customers and corporate customers under a customer-centric philosophy. In retail business, Ping An leverages advantages in its ecosystems to build a brand of "heartwarming financial services" by providing one-stop integrated finance solutions. Ping An's retail operating profit increased 9.0% year on year to RMB75,437 million in the first half of 2022, accounting for 88.4% of its operating profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company. Ping An's retail customers exceeded 225 million as of June 30, 2022, up 1.5% year to date. Contracts per retail customer grew 1.4% year to date to 2.95. As the Group's retail cross-selling continued to deepen, nearly 40% of retail customers held multiple contracts with different subsidiaries. Ping An's corporate business strategy focuses on tiered customer development and yielded good results in the first half of 2022, with improving customer services and a constantly expanding business scale. Written premium of the corporate channel achieved through cross-selling rose 7.0% year on year in the first half of 2022.
The Life & Health insurance business advanced reform and transformation to pursue high-quality development. Operating profit after tax of the life and health insurance business rose 17.4% year on year to RMB58,993 million in the first half of 2022. Ping An Life firmly advanced the quality-oriented transformation of the agent force. Monthly income per agent rose 35.1% year on year to RMB7,957 and NBV per agent increased 26.9% year on year in the first half of 2022. Ping An Life continued to advance the "channel + product" reform strategy, adhering to the value-oriented philosophy. In respect of channels, Ping An furthered its reform of the agent channel and achieved initial results. Ping An Life refined the tiered management of its agent force to optimize the team structure, aiming to build a team of "high-competence, high-performing, and high-quality" agents. The proportion of agents with a college education background and above rose 4 pps year on year as of June 30, 2022. Ping An Life continued to improve Diamond Agents' capabilities. FYP per Diamond Agent was 4.7 times the average of all agents, and the number of top performers rose 7.7% year on year in the first half of 2022. Bancassurance and other innovative channels such as Community Grid and the lower-tier channel were being developed simultaneously. In respect of products, Ping An Life created differentiation advantages with three core services, namely "insurance + health management", "insurance + home-based elderlycare", and "insurance + high-end elderlycare" by leveraging the Group's healthcare ecosystem under the philosophy of "developing heartwarming insurance". Upselling rate of customers who used healthcare services is 3.5 times that of those who didn't. Customers using service benefits contributed 46% of the NBV. Due to the continuous impact of COVID-19, offline sales promotion activities were hindered in multiple regions in the first half of 2022. Consequently, NBV of the life and health insurance business dropped 28.5% year on year to RMB19,573 million.
Ping An P&C maintained steady business growth and healthy business quality. Premium income increased 10.1% year on year to RMB146,792 million and combined ratio was 97.3% in the first half of 2022. Ping An P&C proactively applies technologies to data-driven online customer development to offer superior user experience. "Ping An Auto Owner," the largest automotive service app in China, had over 159 million registered users, and over 99 million vehicles had been linked with the app as of June 30, 2022. Ping An P&C's pioneering video-based auto insurance claim investigations take only five minutes on average. 92.9% of auto insurance claim payments were made within one hour in the first half of 2022.
Ping An Bank maintained stable, healthy business growth. Revenue and net profit for the first half of 2022 grew 8.7% and 25.6% year on year, respectively. Asset quality remained stable. Non-performing loan ratio remained unchanged year to date at 1.02%, and provision coverage ratio was 290.06% as of June 30, 2022, indicating adequate risk provisions. Ping An Bank maintained steady growth in retail business. Retail AUM rose 9.1% year to date to RMB3,472,148 million, and registered users of the "Ping An Pocket Bank" app reached 143.7985 million, up 6.6% year to date as of June 30, 2022.
Ping An's investment portfolio of insurance funds grew 9.0% year to date to over RMB4.27 trillion as of June 30, 2022. Investment income on the Group's investment portfolio of insurance funds was under pressure in the first half of 2022 due to volatile capital markets. The annualized net investment yield was 3.9%, and the annualized total investment yield was 3.1%. Ping An continued to optimize the duration gap between assets and liabilities despite a market-wide shortage of long-duration assets. The Group further improved investment risk management by strengthening risk review, refining risk limits, and tightening concentration risk management and post-investment management.
Healthcare: Ping An launched an innovative Chinese version of the "managed care model" and exploited synergies with main financial businesses
Ping An launched a Chinese version of the "managed care model" with Ping An's characteristics to meet Chinese customer needs. Ping An serves as a payer, and integrated medical, healthcare management, and elderlycare service providers to provide customers with cost-effective "worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving" healthcare services, including membership-based family doctor and elderlycare concierge services.
The Group continued to implement its healthcare ecosystem strategy and achieved over RMB70 billion in health insurance premium income in the first half of 2022. As of June 30, 2022, Ping An's healthcare ecosystem had partnered with all top 100 hospitals and 3A hospitals, over 100,000 healthcare management institutions, as well as 208,000 pharmacies in China; Ping An Smart Healthcare cumulatively served 187 cities and over 55,000 medical institutions, and empowered over 1.42 million doctors.
Ping An's healthcare ecosystem empowered its main financial businesses and began to generate synergies. More than 64% of Ping An's over 225 million retail customers used services from the healthcare ecosystem. These customers held approximately 3.39 contracts and approximately RMB52,900 in AUM per capita respectively, 1.6 times and 2.8 times those held by customers who did not use these services respectively.
As an integral part of the Group's "managed care model", Ping An Health developed an online-merge-offline "medical + healthcare" services platform to provide users with high-quality and more convenient medical and healthcare services, capitalizing on its online-to-offline (O2O) service network. Revenue of Ping An Health reached RMB2,828 million in the first half of 2022. The number of cumulative paying users exceeded 40 million for the 12 months ended June 30, 2022. Ping An Health's in-house doctors and contracted external doctors totaled nearly 49,000 as of June 30, 2022, including over 1,500 contracted renowned doctors. Moreover, Ping An Health has built seven specialty medical centers, providing users with diverse medical and healthcare services.
Technology Innovation: Ping An continued to strengthen its core technological capabilities to empower financial business.
Ping An continued to focus on developing core technologies to build leading technological capabilities, which have been widely utilized to empower its main financial businesses and healthcare ecosystem. Ping An's technology patent applications increased by 4,674 year to date to 43,094 as of June 30, 2022. The Group ranked first globally by the number of AI, fintech and digital healthcare patent applications.
Aiming to transform and upgrade the main businesses, Ping An utilized technology to enhance its financial business by promoting sales, increasing cost-effectiveness and controlling risks. Ping An empowered human service representatives with AI. The amount of services provided by AI service representatives reached approximately 1.25 billion times in the first half of 2022, representing 83% of Ping An's total customer service volume. Sales realized by AI service representatives reached approximately RMB176.9 billion in the first half of 2022, accounting for 43.1% of the total sales volume of all service representatives.
Lufax Holding was committed to serving small and micro-enterprises and maintained steady business growth. Lufax Holding continuously furthered its strategic transformation in the first half of 2022 in line with the trends of financial regulations and changes in the market environment. Revenue grew 8.4% year on year to RMB32,604 million and net profit fell 16.2% year on year to RMB8,188 million. Lufax helped nearly 160,000 small and micro-enterprises obtain RMB58.2 billion in funding in the first half of 2022.
OneConnect continued to improve its operating performance with a focus on products and clients. Revenue of OneConnect grew 20.4% year on year to RMB2,153 million, and premium plus customers increased by 21 to 134 in the first half of 2022. On July 4, 2022, OneConnect successfully listed its ordinary shares on HKEX by way of introduction, and became the first technology-as-a-service provider that debuted on HKEX in a dual-primary listing.
Autohome continuously upgraded its "ecosystem strategy" by providing comprehensive services for consumers, automakers, and various players in the auto ecosystem. Autohome's revenue and net profit reached RMB3,204 million and RMB910 million respectively in the first half of 2022. Revenue contributions from online marketplace and other businesses under innovative business models, such as data products, new energy vehicle transactions, and used car transactions, accounted for 29.5% of Autohome's revenue in the first half of 2022.
Ping An actively fulfilled its social responsibility and comprehensively upgraded the green finance initiative. The Group actively contributed to China's carbon peak and neutrality goals by expanding the scale of green insurance, green investment, and green credit. Meanwhile, the Group further advanced the "Ping An Rural Communities Support" program and cumulatively provided RMB49,720 million for poverty alleviation and industrial revitalization as of June 30, 2022.
Looking ahead, Ma Mingzhe, Chairman of Ping An, said, substantial uncertainties will remain regarding COVID-19 as well as in the domestic and overseas environment in the second half of 2022. Facing severe challenges, Ping An still has far to go in reform and innovation. Ping An is comprehensively reshaping and promoting the new value-oriented culture, taking "value maximization as the only criterion for performance appraisal". "Expertise makes life simple" will always be Ping An's cultural philosophy and brand commitment. The new value-oriented culture will support the Group's strategic upgrades and empower the business management, thus create steadily growing value for customers, employees, shareholders, and society. Ping An will adhere to the policy of "focusing on main businesses, optimizing portfolios, increasing cost-effectiveness, and ensuring compliance" in the second half of 2022 and continue to implement the technology-driven "integrated finance + healthcare" strategy. By upgrading its financial and insurance businesses, Ping An will seize huge opportunities from the development of the healthcare ecosystem, and build its presence in "finance + elderlycare" and "finance + healthcare" industry ecosystems to serve the real economy, and lay a solid foundation for high-quality development in the new era.
About Ping An Group
Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An") strives to become a world-leading retail financial services group. With over 225 million retail customers and nearly 668 million internet users, Ping An is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation, and employs technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of its financial businesses and enhance risk management. The Company believes "Expertise Creates Value" and "Expertise makes life simple". Ping An develops the "integrated finance + healthcare" service system and builds the "finance + elderlycare" and "finance + healthcare" industry ecosystems to provide professional "financial advisory, family doctor, and elderlycare concierge" services. As China's first joint stock insurance company, Ping An is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate reporting and corporate governance. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Ping An ranked 17th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2022 and ranked 25th in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2022.
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SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/ping-an-reports-steady-yoy-growth-43-operating-profit-attributable-shareholders-parent-company-1h2022/ | 2022-08-23T13:26:48Z |
Agreement with DIRECTV for Business ensures NFL fans have access to Prime Video's exclusive prime time package of TNF games in high definition while out with friends and family
NEW YORK and EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazon and DIRECTV have entered into a multi-year agreement to offer Prime Video's exclusive Thursday Night Football lineup to NFL fans visiting more than 300,000 sports bars, restaurants, hotel lounges, casinos and sports books, retail shops and services, and many other venues nationwide.
DIRECTV for BUSINESS will now deliver live TNF action to not only well-recognized national chains, several of which boast 1,000 locations or more, but also your favorite local pub just down the street. Fans visiting any of these same venues will receive Thursday Night Football's extensive pregame, halftime and postgame coverage.
"The sports media landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and the focus on delivering a great experience to our entire range of customers must remain at the center of that evolution," said Rob Thun, DIRECTV Chief Content Officer. "This agreement between Amazon and DIRECTV for Business comes at an important time when more streaming companies are obtaining exclusive rights to marquee sports programming and fans want to cheer on their teams at home and while out at bars, restaurants and other businesses with friends, family and coworkers."
The first TNF game available to commercial accounts through DIRECTV for Business is the final NFL preseason matchup on Thursday, Aug. 25 between the San Francisco 49ers at the Houston Texans. The agreement also includes the entire 15-game completement of regular season Thursday Night Football games, starting Thursday, Sept. 15 when the Los Angeles Chargers visit the defending AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Any current DIRECTV for BUSINESS customers subscribing to Business Entertainment, Business Xtra, Commercial Entertainment, Commercial Xtra, Commercial Choice PLUS and the Spanish-language Commercial Mas Ultra will automatically receive this new Prime Video TNF feed for no additional cost. The new Prime Video content will reside on DIRECTV channel 9526 adjacent to other major sports streaming services and events.
Thursday Night Football Schedule:
Pregame Coverage Begins at 7 p.m. EDT. Kickoff Time 8:15 p.m. EDT.
Preseason Week 3 – Aug. 25: San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans (NRG Stadium, Houston, TX)
Week 2 - Sept. 15: Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO)
Week 3 - Sept. 22: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH)
Week 4 - Sept. 29: Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals (Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH)
Week 5 - Oct. 6: Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO)
Week 6 - Oct. 13: Washington Commanders at Chicago Bears (Soldier Field, Chicago, IL)
Week 7 - Oct. 20: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals (State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ)
Week 8 - Oct. 27: Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL)
Week 9 - Nov. 3: Philadelphia Eagles at Houston Texans (NRG Stadium, Houston, TX)
Week 10 - Nov. 10: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC)
Week 11 - Nov. 17: Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers (Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI)
Week 13 - Dec. 1: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA)
Week 14 - Dec. 8: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA)
Week 15 - Dec. 15: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Lumen Field, Seattle, WA)
Week 16 - Dec. 22: Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ)
Week 17 - Dec. 29: Dallas Cowboys at Tennessee Titans (Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN)
About DIRECTV
Since its launch in 1994, DIRECTV has continually evolved its product, best-in-class content, service, and user experience to provide customers with an industry-leading video offering. DIRECTV offers the industry's best picture format and exciting content in 4K HDR. It is the undisputed leader in sports, bringing NFL Sunday Ticket customers every live out-of-market NFL game, every Sunday during the NFL season. DIRECTV also gives customers the choice of watching movies and TV shows from virtually anywhere – on their TVs at home or their favorite mobile devices via the DIRECTV app. DIRECTV STREAM, the streaming video service, is designed for the household that wants the best of live TV and on-demand, compelling live TV packages, sports and, when using a DIRECTV STREAM device, access to more than 7,000 apps on Google Play.
America's commercial video industry leader, DIRECTV for BUSINESS already serves more than 300,000 sports bars, restaurants, hotel lounges, barbershops and salons, quick-serve restaurants, and other places where fans may gather to watch games. It enables travelers on airplanes and trains, watching live in stadium suites and casinos, and others on remote locations including offshore oil rigs the opportunity to always remain connected with their favorite teams.
About Prime Video Sports
Prime Video supports a growing lineup of live sports globally, including Thursday Night Football, the WNBA, the Seattle Storm, the New York Yankees, and Seattle Sounders FC in the United States; Premier League in the United Kingdom; US Open Tennis, ATP, and WTA in the United Kingdom and Ireland; UEFA Champions League football in Germany and Italy; Roland-Garros and Ligue 1 in France; Australian Swimming globally; and New Zealand Cricket in India. While availability varies by marketplace, fans can also subscribe to streaming services such as Eurosport, FOX Sports (Mexico), LaLigaTV, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NBA TV, and Premiere FC (Brazil) through Prime Video Channels. This is in addition to a selection of Amazon Original All or Nothing sports docuseries including All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur, All or Nothing: Juventus, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, and All or Nothing seasons with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as the NCAA's Michigan Wolverines football team.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
Follow Prime Video Sports PR on Twitter: @PrimeSportsPR
Follow @directvbusiness and @directvnews on Twitter for latest company news and updates
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SOURCE DIRECTV | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/prime-video-directv-provide-thursday-night-football-300000-sports-bars-restaurants-hotel-lounges-other-venues/ | 2022-08-23T13:26:55Z |
HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. ("RASi"), A Lexitas Company, announced its acquisition of Allstate Corporate Services. Headquartered in New York, Allstate has been a leading Corporate Filing and Registered Agent company for over 19 years. This acquisition demonstrates RASi's continued accelerated growth in the Registered Agent industry and expands their footprint in the Tri-State region.
"With over 15 years of working closely together, we have built a tremendous partnership in which our companies have been well-aligned and successful in servicing thousands of mutual clients. It is fitting that this acquisition is the next step in formalizing this partnership and our commitment to all the employees and clients we collectively serve," said Sean Prewitt, President of RASi.
Sal Abecasis, President of Operations at Allstate, stated "We are excited about joining RASi who has been our trusted partner for so many years. We look forward to the combined synergies of two companies that share the same culture and vision in servicing the needs of our clients."
"We are thrilled to become part of the Lexitas group of companies. By formally joining the RASi division, we are able to streamline the process for our registered agent clients and add more service offerings to our joint service operations," said Steven Weiss, VP of Operations at Allstate.
RASi is a professional registered agent service company, which provides the best value for corporate and registered agent services through innovative technologies, competitive pricing, and quality service. With offices in all 50 States, DC, and international jurisdictions, RASi represents thousands of companies across the nation. RASi was acquired by Lexitas in 2020. For more information visit https://www.rasi.com/ and https://allstatecorporateservices.com/.
Founded in 1987, Lexitas is a leading national provider of legal support services to law firms, corporations, and insurance companies and is a portfolio company of funds advised by Apax. Services include court reporting, record retrieval, registered agent, process service, legal staffing, document review and commercial contracts outsourcing. For more information visit https://lexitaslegal.com.
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SOURCE Lexitas | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/rasi-lexitas-company-announces-acquisition-allstate-corporate-services/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:01Z |
Capital Campaign Groundbreaking Wednesday, August 24 with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and City of Atlanta Dept. of Parks & Recreation
ATLANTA, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After a 46% increase in demand for therapeutic riding sessions last year, Chastain Horse Park (CHP) is planning for exponential growth within its therapeutic programs. This will translate to more than 5,000 sessions in 2022, 36% of which will be subsidized by non-profit CHP and its partners. To double impact of the program, the new facility will enable the campus to shift its focus from individual to group sessions and broaden its community outreach to include additional underserved and at-risk individuals. It is one of only two remaining urban horse parks in the U.S. and is Premier Accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International.
COVID triggered increased interest in outdoor activities and therapies across the board, including demand for outdoor activities with horses. Serious physical and mental health issues have also grown with COVID. Along with facility rental, paid horse boarding and riding lessons help support scholarships for equine assisted services, which many insurance companies still consider "investigative" despite compelling outcomes data. Other scholarship supporters include Boehringer Ingelheim's BI Cares Foundation (animal and human pharmaceuticals), Junior League, RISE Scholarship Foundation and many other donors.
Why the Horse?
"The horse's brain has a large limbic system. Size-wise, the horse cerebellum accounts for about a third of the horse's brain. And, because the horse is a motor/sensory animal, the horse is all but ruled by the cerebellum. Humans, on the other hand, are ruled by the frontal lobe. You could interpret this as humans being more of a 'thinking' species, while horses are more of a sensory and feelings species. Horses have an amazing network of neurons governing emotionality that give them a remarkable ability to read human feeling and intention—and respond to it," says Kelcy Rainer, CHP Therapeutic Program Director. They are herd and prey animals – not predators -- which means that they have a strong emotional sense and use this sense as a survival tool; Additionally, the horse's gait mimics the movement of the human body and thus acts as a 3-dimensional form of modality when working with physical and cognitive disabilities.
"Horses never hide their emotions. Because of these qualities, horses can be used to help people heal from a variety of physical and psychological issues. Horses are an incredible partner in improving the physical and cognitive wellbeing of humans while also being an emotional mirror helping participants identify their feelings," continues Rainer.
The 15-acre campus is devoted to a mission that "empowers individuals of all abilities through life changing relationships with horses." It has inspired not only a large volunteer corps, but employees who have found that marrying their passion for horses with work in the non-profit arena satisfies a strong desire to work for the greater good of people with special needs.
For example, Rainer, a 10-year veteran of CHP, was an internationally recognized Saddlebred competitor with a lifelong love of horses. She is also a PATH, International Advanced Certified instructor and knew from an early age that she wanted to blend two passions for career satisfaction: her commitment to social activism with her love of horsemanship. Trish Gross, CHP's Executive Director and a former technology executive, wanted to learn to ride after her husband's job led them from California to Atlanta. While taking lessons at CHP, she became inspired and sought out an opportunity to lead the organization.
"We are a strong community of people who are committed to serving children, teens, and adults with physical cognitive and emotional disabilities in a unique setting. CHP is in Chastain Park, a City of Atlanta Park campus offering baseball and football fields, a golf course, a pool, tennis courts, and walking paths. Horses dedicated to the common good and welfare of the community always add interest and excitement to the park. Combine that with Georgia's growing population of individuals with disabilities, our capital campaign came at the perfect time," adds Trish Gross, Executive Director.
New and Expanded Facilities
The expansion is the result of a successful "Healing Through Horses" capital campaign that will renovate and grow facilities and help underwrite therapeutic sessions for City of Atlanta residents, many of whose household incomes are under $28,600.
Gross believes a new therapeutic horsemanship center, including clinical and educational spaces, could inspire healthcare professionals to embrace the role of the horse in therapeutic services. She is also hopeful that the center's work and outcomes will help persuade insurers to consider reimbursement for such services.
She said, "A horse's response to a client helps to inform the therapist or instructor what physical and cognitive challenges are present, or which behaviors to discuss. If you watch a session in action, it's hard not to wonder, 'Who's the therapist here: the horse or the therapist?' Horses are sentient, and while clients might not appear ready to discuss issues facing them. The horse is ready to accept and communicate."
The invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony takes place Wednesday, August 24 and will launch the largest initiative for CHP since it began in 1939, enabling it to scale rapidly to meet demand.
Link to Editors' Fact Sheet Above
Ann Lally 4049064487
Annlally1@gmail.com
Trish Gross: 2068505686
director@chastainhorsepark.org
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SOURCE Chastain Horse Park | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/record-demand-atlanta-therapeutic-horsemanship-drives-chastain-horse-park-9-million-expansion/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:08Z |
Innovative, upcycled fruit brand sees significant increase in distribution of its sustainable, peel-powered snacks to 10,000+ locations across the U.S.
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RIND® Snacks, the sustainable snack brand on a mission to maximize nutrition and minimize waste, is proud to announce its national expansion with The Kroger Co., the nation's largest grocery chain. As a continuation of RIND®'s success in key regional markets over the last three years, this move significantly increases the upcycled snack brand's overall footprint, bringing healthier-for-you options to the fruit snack aisle across more than 10,000 stores nationwide.
An early pioneer in the upcycled food movement, RIND® recognizes sustainable snacking as more than just a trend but a lifestyle. The brand's increased distribution will make its wholesome, single-ingredient products more widely accessible, a-peel-ing to today's snackers seeking convenient and nutritious options that support a healthy lifestyle.
"The fruit snack category was ripe for disruption and our partnership with America's leading grocer is a huge milestone for RIND® and our 'Keep it Real, Eat the Peel' approach to snacking," said Matt Weiss, RIND®'s founder & CEO. "We're thrilled to partner with Kroger to answer consumers' growing desire for delicious, nutrient-rich snacks—ones that also align with their interest to support mission-driven brands that promote sustainable snacking."
RIND's award-winning snacks will be available in 1,900 U.S. Kroger stores beginning August, including its best-selling Straw-Peary Blend as well as Organic Coconut Crisps, an online fan favorite.
"From our first retail launch in 2018 to now crossing our 10,000th store with the largest grocer in America, we are incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to bring the benefits of RIND®'s whole fruit snacks to more families nationwide," added Weiss.
Earlier this year, RIND launched into regional market leaders H-E-B and Metropolitan Market, and leading travel and convenience chains such as Hudson News, Sheetz and Royal Farms. With back-to-school season in full swing, RIND® is further expanding with new and existing partners this fall, including CVS and Whole Foods Market as well as select Costco and Target stores.
About RIND®
RIND® is a line of functional and sustainable whole-fruit snacks that encourage consumers to 'Keep it Real & Eat the Peel.' Launched in 2018, RIND® is the result of a multigenerational family focus on delicious, all-natural foods that sustain personal and planetary health. By gently dehydrating whole fruit with its nutrient-rich skins intact, RIND® is packed with fiber and vitamins and helps fight food waste by using upcycled produce that would otherwise go to waste. RIND® products are non-GMO Verified, Kosher, naturally vegan and gluten free. For more info, visit rindsnacks.com or follow @rindsnacks on social.
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SOURCE RIND Snacks | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/rind-snacks-peels-onto-shelves-kroger-stores-nationwide/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:14Z |
Announces new clients, new partnerships, and sustained growth
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Shift Paradigm, a marketing and revenue operations consultancy focused on helping organizations align people, processes and technology around growth, announced today that it has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The Texas-based consultancy ranked 1914 on this year's list with a revenue growth rate of 316%.
"It's been an exciting year at Shift Paradigm helping B2B and B2C technology and revenue teams harness the power of data to reveal truth and create experiences that drive trusted relationships with their customers," said Elizabeth Ross, chief executive officer at Shift Paradigm. "While operating in the vanguard of strategy, technology and process is not for the faint of heart, the rapidly changing landscape drives us to think more creatively than ever to ensure our customers outperform their competition, in any market climate. This award is validation that our unique approach to integrated services is working, that our customers are growing, and that our outlook is bright."
Shift Paradigm's sustained growth comes from expanded capabilities, strategic acquisitions and partnerships, coupled with a truth through data mindset. The company's year over year growth rate currently paces at 23% over last year's record growth figures. Notable new clients include growth-focused organizations such as NEC, Freeman, Spring Health and SHI International.
In addition to team and revenue growth, Shift Paradigm has continued to forge key partnerships with leading technology providers in established, as well as emerging spaces. Recent entrants in the Shift Paradigm partner ecosystem include Tealium, Blueconic, Braze, Fivetran, and Segment. With the addition of these partners also comes purpose built service offerings, designed not only to drive success with these powerful technologies, but also the connective tissue necessary to amplify their potential across a comprehensive revenue stack.
To learn more about Shift Paradigm, please visit www.shiftparadigm.com.
Shift Paradigm, the consultancy that executes like an agency, represents an end-to-end shift in the way organizations align around growth. After pioneering the email marketing and marketing automation movements by helping thousands of organizations implement marketing technology platforms, we know that technology alone can't get your business growing. Usually, it takes a paradigm shift in the way we work.
We're built specifically to solve the problems that hurt revenue performance and help organizations align from top-to-bottom around growth. By breaking down the typical siloes of technology and strategy, we collaborate with clients to increase revenues, align teams, and engage your best customers. As a result, we're shifting the traditional paradigms of sales and marketing, for the better. For more information, visit us at www.shiftparadigm.com or email us at go@shiftparadigm.com.
The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference, visit http://conference.inc.com.
Shift Paradigm and the Shift Paradigm logo are trademarks of Shift Paradigm. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Shift Paradigm | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/shift-paradigm-named-one-inc-5000-fastest-growing-companies-2022/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:21Z |
- Siemens Energy and Duke Energy have achieved the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the "most powerful simple cycle gas power plant"
- Siemens Energy's SGT6-9000HL turbine at Duke Energy's Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station in North Carolina achieved an output of 410.9 megawatts
- Highly efficient and flexible gas turbine technology supports the expanding use of renewables
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy's Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station, powered by Siemens Energy's SGT6-9000HL (60Hz) turbine, has been certified with the official Guinness World Records title for the "most powerful simple-cycle gas power plant" with an output of 410.9 megawatts.
As part of an innovative agreement, Siemens Energy installed and is currently testing its SGT6-9000HL turbine at Duke Energy's Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station near Denver, N.C., about 25 miles north of Charlotte, N.C. The new unit can generate enough energy to power more than 300,000 homes.
Siemens Energy's SGT6-9000HL is designed to run longer between maintenance cycles and will be the most efficient of its type in Duke Energy's fleet (about 34% more efficient than the existing combustion turbines at the Lincoln site).
"Power output, efficiency and operational flexibility are crucial elements for the decarbonization of the energy sector," says Karim Amin, executive board member at Siemens Energy. "This GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title demonstrates our capability as a technology leader working together with Duke Energy to accelerate the path towards net-zero emissions."
"Duke Energy is pursuing an aggressive clean energy transition, already achieving more than 40% carbon reduction since 2005," said Kevin Murray, vice president of Project Management & Construction at Duke Energy. "The new gas turbine at our Lincoln site will become the most fuel-efficient gas turbine in our fleet. The unit's fast start and high ramp rate capability will support the increase in renewables we are placing on our system while complementing our journey to net-zero carbon from electricity generation by 2050."
The power output of the unit is complemented by its agility. When renewables like solar or wind fluctuate, power from the HL-class turbine can quickly be added to the grid to meet market demands and help stabilize the power supply. The equipment that achieved the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title was delivered to the Lincoln site in November of 2019 and was started for the first time in April 2020. It is the first 60Hz HL-class turbine from Siemens Energy.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least a 50% carbon reduction from electric generation by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2050 net-zero goals also include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Siemens Energy
Siemens Energy is one of the world's leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain – from power generation and transmission to storage.
The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technology, such as gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers. More than 50 percent of the portfolio has already been decarbonized. A majority stake in the listed company Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy.
Siemens Energy employs around 91,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of €28.5 billion in fiscal year 2021. www.siemens-energy.com.
Contact: Ben Williamson
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/siemens-energy-duke-energys-gas-power-plant-achieves-guinness-world-records-title/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:27Z |
MIAMI, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Storylines residential ships and Brodosplit shipyard in Split, Croatia, have signed a construction contract to build the world's first environmentally sustainable private residence ship. Brodosplit, part of the DIV Group, has commenced the engineering phase of the 753-foot (229 meters) passenger vessel with 547 private residences on board. The ship, to be named MV Narrative, is the first residential ship powered by liquid natural gas propulsion (LNG).
"We are thrilled to be partnering with such a reputable European yard with a long history of delivering high-quality passenger ships," said Storylines CEO Alister Punton. "Our resident owners can hardly wait to move onboard the state-of-the-art ship so they can travel the world from the comfort of home."
The ship is different from a vacation cruise ship in that it is purposely built for residential life at sea. It is intended to be a floating community and includes a post office, school, library, hospital, bank, pools, office spaces and 20 dining and bar venues. It features the largest wellness center at sea with a 10,000-square foot area for the spa, gym and anti-aging clinic. The ship's amenities also include a waterfront marina with personal watercraft, bowling alley, hydroponic garden farm and an open-air fitness deck with racquet sports, yoga sun deck and running track.
- Total sales revenue of the project valued at US$1.5B
- 2025 delivery
- 547 residences
- Powered by liquid natural gas (LNG)
- World's most environmentally sustainable passenger ship
LNG is the most environmentally friendly option currently available for powering ships. Other initiatives onboard include converting waste into energy and growing produce at the solar powered hydroponic garden. A first-of-its-kind zero-waste farmer's market will also be available with locally sourced products where everything is compostable or recyclable.
"We are pleased to be building this innovative ship with Storylines," said Brodosplit President of the board, Tomislav Debeljak. "We always enter into projects that bring development to the industry and include new technologies. This vessel is equipped with various energy saving features, has dual fuel powered engines (fuel oil and LNG) and will be optimized to have the lowest possible emission of harmful particles and gasses. There are many new green technologies and ship systems we are pioneering, which makes this a very exciting project for us."
Pricing of the residences on the ship ranges from $1 to $8 million for the lifetime of the vessel with a limited number of 24-year leases available starting at $647,000. For more information, please visit www.storylines.com.
About Storylines
Storylines is creating an environmentally sustainable ocean residential community and a way of life that is attracting adventure seekers looking for immersive cultural experiences on a global scale. The vision was ideated by founders Shannon Lee and Alister Punton to give global travelers the ability to live out their passion for exploration while still maintaining work, family and home life. Owners of the 547 luxury residences onboard the continuously circumnavigating vessel can travel the world from the comfort of home. As conscientious global citizens, residents spend an average of three days in each port and give back to local communities. Experiential learning is integrated into curated itineraries and immersive shore excursions.
About Brodosplit
Brodosplit JSC is a member of DIV Group, which consists, besides the shipyard, of six factories in three countries in the region, and dozens of production and support facilities in the shipbuilding industry. Brodosplit recently delivered the state of the art expedition vessel 'Ultramarine' the SRtP Polar Class 6 vessel, as well as the largest sailing ship with cross masts in the world, 'Golden Horizon'. Brodosplit is now completing polar expedition cruise vessels including sistership of the first PC6 vessel 'Hondius' and is the leader among European builders of polar cruise vessels. Brodosplit's next ambition in the shipbuilding industry is to secure a dominant position in the mega and super yachts, and residential vessels markets.
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SOURCE Storylines | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/storylines-brodosplit-shipyard-sign-ship-building-contract-worlds-first-environmentally-sustainable-residential-community-sea/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:33Z |
Promising new clinical research offers a trusted natural option for those who suffer from disruptive leg sensations that are often missed and dismissed in diagnosis
HOBOKEN, N.J., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New scientific findings offer hope and a natural solution to those who suffer from sensations of crawling, pulling, throbbing, aching and itching in the legs, often resulting in sleep disruption and the uncontrollable urge to move. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) impacts nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population and can lead to other health concerns. A new study found Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract, a leading natural anti-inflammatory and circulation booster, to significantly relieve and prevent symptoms associated with Restless Legs Syndrome.
"Restless Legs Syndrome is often missed or dismissed in diagnosis, but it's a real health condition often rooted in microcirculation. Many patients feel helpless and unheard because the symptoms seem to be exaggerated or imagined. It's not in your head – it's in your legs, and this research shows there are steps you can take with a powerful natural ingredient that may help you feel better," says author and renowned natural physician, Dr. Fred Pescatore.
Frustrating symptoms can begin at any age and worsen. Most who suffer from this condition feel sensations of crawling, pulling and throbbing after long periods of sitting or lying down, such as sleeping or sitting at a desk. Moving the legs typically temporarily relieves the discomfort, but the sensations can reoccur after movement stops. Those who have Restless Legs Syndrome can also suffer from poor sleep quality, fatigue and higher stress levels, which can impact other aspects of daily life.
The study, published in Panminerva Medica, tested 45 subjects with Restless Legs Syndrome. Twenty-one (21) subjects supplemented with 150 mg of Pycnogenol® per day, while another 24 subjects followed a standard management routine in the control group. After four weeks, subjects in the Pycnogenol® group showed significant improvement in all prominent symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome, including:
- 33 percent decrease in crawling (vs. 3 percent decrease in control group)
- 30 percent decrease in creeping (vs. 7 percent decrease in control group)
- 41 percent decrease in pulling (vs. 7 percent decrease in control group)
- 63 percent decrease in throbbing (vs. 6 percent decrease in control group)
- 72 percent decrease in aching (vs. 3 percent decrease in control group)
- 48 percent decrease in itching (vs. 10 percent decrease in control group)
- 52 percent decrease in electric shocks (vs. 17 percent decrease in control group)
- 61 percent decrease in sleep problems (vs. 16 percent decrease in control group)
Research indicates that as many as 22 percent of those with Restless Legs Syndrome also have venous insufficiency. While additional research is needed to determine the relationship between Restless Legs Syndrome and edema, this study found that 81 percent of subjects in the Pycnogenol® group improved their status of minimal edema.
Additionally, after four weeks, the need for pain managements was significantly reduced for those in the Pycnogenol® group.
"Even when Restless Legs Syndrome is properly diagnosed, medication to treat the condition includes pharmaceuticals that increase dopamine in the brain, resulting in side effects like nausea and sleepiness. Opioids or narcotic medications may be used to relieve more severe symptoms and can be extremely addictive," says Dr. Pescatore.
"Pycnogenol® is an all-natural solution. Decades of research and global market availability show this circulation booster is safe and effective and is especially recognized as an ingredient at the forefront of naturally improving blood circulation. This study now shows its effects specifically on symptoms related to Restless Legs Syndrome," said Dr. Pescatore.
To review clinical research and additional information on Pycnogenol®, visit www.pycnogenol.com. Pycnogenol® is available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements and health products worldwide.
About Pycnogenol®
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 450 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements and health products worldwide. For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.
About Horphag Research
Horphag Research is the exclusive worldwide distributor for Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract. Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research. For its patented ingredient, Pycnogenol®, Horphag Research has been awarded the Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award, Nutraceutical Business & Technology Safety & Quality Award, SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and The American Botanical Council's Tyler Research Award. Horphag Research has the exclusive rights to market and sell Pycnogenol® worldwide and benefits from more than 40 years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement.
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SOURCE Pycnogenol | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/study-pycnogenol-helps-relieve-may-prevent-symptoms-restless-legs-syndrome/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:40Z |
Offering family trainings across Kansas
LENEXA, Kan., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunflower Health Plan (Sunflower) is partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kansas to help increase access to educational resources for family members and supporters of those living with mental illness.
Through the partnership, Sunflower will support NAMI's Family-to-Family, a free, eight-session educational program for families, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions and Family Support Groups, peer-led support groups for adults with loved ones experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. The groups allow family members to share their experiences and gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar situations.
Approximately 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24. Families can recognize the signs early on with the help of this type of trainings.
"During the first year of the pandemic, prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by an alarming 25 percent," said Michael Stephens, Sunflower president & CEO. "Partnering with organizations like NAMI Kansas helps Sunflower increase access to needed programs and resources for our members, their families and local communities. Addressing mental health conditions can help them live better, healthier lives"
NAMI Kansas conducts training for new leaders and teachers so they can deliver these valuable programs in their communities or online. Sunflower's sponsorship will help fund these trainings.
In addition to the state training support, Sunflower is funding Zoom accounts for each of the 13 NAMI Kansas affiliates to leverage the online platform for additional services, programs, and groups across the state.
"We are honored to partner with Sunflower to provide life-saving services to family members and friends who have loved ones experiencing mental illness," said Sherrie Vaughn, executive director of NAMI Kansas. "Through these collaborative efforts, our peer-led programs provide families and friends with cost-free education, skills training, and support that increase their own understanding of mental health conditions, while enabling them to develop strong and empowering coping and advocacy skills. Together, we aim to increase the number of program leaders and number of services offered across the state to raise awareness, increase access to care, and save lives."
Upcoming teacher training opportunities can be found on the NAMI Kansas calendar.
About Sunflower Health Plan
Sunflower Health Plan, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, is a managed care organization established to deliver quality healthcare in the state of Kansas through local, regional, and community-based resources. Sunflower is committed to improving the health of its beneficiaries through focused, compassionate and coordinated care in an approach based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally. For more information, please visit www.sunflowerhealthplan.com.
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SOURCE Sunflower Health Plan | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/sunflower-partners-with-nami-kansas-educate-families-mental-health/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:47Z |
HONG KONG, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Taoping Inc. (NASDAQ: TAOP, the "Company" or "TAOP"), a provider of blockchain technology and smart cloud services, today announced it plans to accelerate the expansion of its e-bike charger network into 50 cities in China by the end of 2022. Taoping is leveraging its trusted brand, extensive partner network and safe chargers, which are used today in major cities including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Quanzhou, Zhenjiang, Nanyang, Meizhou, and Maoming, among others. The Company has already received in excess of 320,000 orders for its e-bike charging solution, which it developed in strategic cooperation with Shenzhen Zhicheng Chuangtou New Energy Co., Ltd., a company focuses on the construction, operation and service of the infrastructure for smart cities.
Mr. Lin Jianghuai, Chairman and CEO of Taoping, said, "We are seeing explosive growth in the e-bike market, with China's total e-bikers expected to far outpace other countries. The rapid growth is being led by the push for environmentally friendly, energy secure sources of transportation. Growth accelerated even faster around COVID, with gyms and other exercise venues closed. Taoping is positioned to seize an even greater share of the lucrative e-bike charging opportunity given the existing footprint of our national partner networks, the faster speed of our proprietary chargers and our trusted band. Underpinning everything is our unwavering commitment to safety – from production through daily operation – which further differentiates Taoping and gives our e-bike chargers a premium as the sought after charging solution."
The Taoping Alliance is focused on further expanding its platform in key markets by building on the Company's close relationships with local governments, local communities, and property operators, to speed installation of its e-bike chargers in urban and suburban settings, office buildings, shopping malls and more. In Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, for example, more than 200 of the Company's e-bike chargers have already been installed at the Zhenjiang National University Science Park, Zhenjiang New Area New Energy Industrial Park, Xuelin Ya County Community, Wujun New Residence Community, Hongda Commodity Mall, and many other locations.
The number of electric bicycles in China has grown to more than 340 million currently, with an expected 5% CAGR over the next five years. (source: China Bicycle Association). But the charging infrastructure was estimated to reach just 10.5 million electric bicycle charging piles, with a CAGR of 8.12% at the end of 2021. (source: Zhongyan.com). Despite the obvious growth rate, there is still a significant gap between charging facilities and the number of electric bicycles. Taoping is actively working to reduce the significant gap between charging facilities and the number of electric bicycles.
About Taoping Inc.
Taoping Inc. (NASDAQ: TAOP) is a blockchain technology and smart cloud services provider. The Company is dedicated to the research and application of blockchain technology and digital assets, and continues to improve computing power and create value for the encrypted digital currency industry. Relying on its self-developed smart cloud platform, TAOP also provides solutions and cloud services to industries such as smart community, new media and artificial intelligence. To learn more, please visit http://www.taop.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, strategy and plans, and our expectations for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "anticipates," "believes," "can," "continue," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "should," or "will" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including: our potential inability to achieve or sustain profitability or reasonably predict our future results due to our limited operating history of providing blockchain technology and smart cloud services, the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the emergence of additional competing technologies, changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes, uncertainties related to China's legal system and economic, political and social events in China, the volatility of the securities markets; and other risks including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and TAOP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.
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SOURCE Taoping Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/taoping-expand-e-bike-charging-network-50-cities-china-by-end-2022/ | 2022-08-23T13:27:53Z |
ALPHARETTA, Ga., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TaxConnex™, a technology-enabled sales tax outsource provider, shared that they have been chosen to speak by the Georgia Society of CPAs at two events this fall. They will also be exhibiting at the annual Southeastern Accounting Show, hosted by the GSCPA, in Atlanta, GA this week. They will be showcasing their sales tax compliance services as well as discussing potential partnerships with CPA firms and other alliances looking to add to their service offerings and gain a trusted sales tax provider for their clients. Later in the year, TaxConnex will be speaking at two additional GSCPA events – the Georgia Tax Forum November 2-3 and the Business and Industry Conference on November 16-17.
"We are excited to work with GSCPA at these three events" explained TaxConnex Partner and Chief Revenue Officer, Brian Greer. "It's been a long time since these events have been in person and we're glad to be back out there speaking and meeting with our partners, clients, and future clients. We are grateful GSCPA has asked us to help shed a light on the complexities of sales tax in our sessions."
On November 3 at 11:20 am, TaxConnex's Partner and Consulting Practice Leader, Jeff Meigs, will be speaking on Sales Tax Hot Topics, digging into some of the more complex areas of sales tax that tend to cause business blunders at GSCPA's Georgia Tax Forum.
And then on November 17th, TaxConnex will present during two mid-morning sessions at GSCPA's Business and Industry Conference. Jeff Meigs will be speaking on How Sales Tax Impacts Mergers & Acquisitions and in a different session, Brian Greer, Partner and CRO at TaxConnex, will be speaking on Sales Tax Hot Topics.
The Southeastern Accounting Show is this week (August 24-25) at the Cobb Galleria. TaxConnex will be located at booth #302 where they will be showcasing their white-glove sales tax outsourcing service offerings. If you are attending, TaxConnex hopes to meet you in-person. Be sure to stop by and enter their giveaway.
To learn more about TaxConnex's sales tax compliance offerings and world class customer service, visit www.TaxConnex.com or call 877.893.5304
TaxConnex™ is a technology-enabled sales and use tax provider, focused on delivering an outsourced sales tax service to businesses and corporations that have a multi-state sales tax responsibility and lack the sales tax knowledge and capability to manage it on their own. TaxConnex helps eliminate the sales tax burden – no matter how many states you're in or how often regulations change. Learn more at: www.taxconnex.com
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SOURCE TaxConnex | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/taxconnex-selected-speak-two-gscpa-events-this-fall/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:00Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestorsObserver issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for APRN, CORZ, LMFA, ASTS, and CANO.
To see how InvestorsObserver's proprietary scoring system rates these stocks, view the InvestorsObserver's PriceWatch Alert by selecting the corresponding link.
- APRN: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=APRN&prnumber=082320221
- CORZ: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=CORZ&prnumber=082320221
- LMFA: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=LMFA&prnumber=082320221
- ASTS: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=ASTS&prnumber=082320221
- CANO: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-stocks-lp-2/?symbol=CANO&prnumber=082320221
(Note: You may have to copy this link into your browser then press the [ENTER] key.)
InvestorsObserver's PriceWatch Alerts are based on our proprietary scoring methodology. Each stock is evaluated based on short-term technical, long-term technical and fundamental factors. Each of those scores is then combined into an overall score that determines a stock's overall suitability for investment.
InvestorsObserver provides patented technology to some of the biggest names on Wall Street and creates world-class investing tools for the self-directed investor on Main Street. We have a wide range of tools to help investors make smarter decisions when investing in stocks or options.
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SOURCE InvestorsObserver | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/thinking-about-buying-stock-blue-apron-core-scientific-lm-funding-america-ast-spacemobile-or-cano-health/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:07Z |
DENVER and CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TTEC Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTEC), one of the largest global customer experience (CX) technology and services innovators for end-to-end digital CX solutions, today announced the opening of a new global delivery center in South Africa.
TTEC will initially provide CX services for a global automotive leader in Cape Town with additional industry delivery emerging later this year.
"Opening our new site in Cape Town is an exciting next step for TTEC as we continue to expand our geographic footprint to meet the needs of our clients and drive exceptional value," said Shelly Swanback, CEO, TTEC Engage. "South Africa is a leading offshore and nearshore location and we believe it will help us to continue delivering excellent customer experience."
South Africa is a proven delivery location for outsourcing excellence. Traditionally a popular nearshore location for clients in the United Kingdom, South Africa is gaining interest from US clients. The country is one of the most favorable offshore delivery locations in the world thanks to the pool of talent and strong English language capabilities. Through its joint venture with Ford Motor Company, Percepta, TTEC has been in the South African delivery market since 2008, ensuring a strong foundation for growth in the country.
"We know how important it is to help brands increase efficiencies and cost savings while providing excellent customer service, especially now as economies face mounting challenges," said Swanback. "Our ongoing geographic expansion into countries like South Africa, combined with our proven solutions, will help our clients attract and retain their loyal customers."
TTEC operates more than 70 centers across 20 countries and supports 50 languages. The company has nearly four decades of experience in key markets and strategically tailors its geographic footprint to the unique needs of its clients. TTEC will continue to expand into new countries that will help the company add new delivery center capabilities, partners, and clients.
About TTEC
TTEC Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTEC) is one of the largest, global CX (customer experience) technology and services innovators for digital CX transformation. The Company delivers leading CX technology and operational CX orchestration at scale through its proprietary cloud-based CXaaS (Customer Experience as a Service) platform. Serving iconic and disruptive brands, TTEC's outcome-based solutions span the entire enterprise, touch every virtual interaction channel, and improve each step of the customer journey. Leveraging next gen digital and cognitive technology, the Company's Digital business designs, builds, and operates omnichannel contact center technology, conversational messaging, CRM, automation (AI / ML and RPA), and analytics solutions. The Company's Engage business delivers digital customer engagement, customer acquisition & growth, content moderation, fraud prevention, and data annotation solutions. Founded in 1982, the Company's singular obsession with CX excellence has earned it leading client NPS scores across the globe. The Company's nearly 60,000 employees operate on six continents and bring technology and humanity together to deliver happy customers and differentiated business results. To learn more visit us at https://www.ttec.com
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SOURCE TTEC Holdings, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/ttec-opens-global-delivery-center-south-africa/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:13Z |
WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TYGES is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for the second year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at TYGES. This year, 100% of employees said it's a great place to work – 43 points higher than the average U.S. company.
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.
"Great Place to Work Certification™ isn't something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience," said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. "It's the only official recognition determined by employees' real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that TYGES is one of the best companies to work for in the country."
Over the past year, TYGES has increased its workforce by over 25%. TYGES prides itself on its strong company culture which includes a generous liberal leave policy combined with employee recognition, healthy work-life balance, and team-based activities.
According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, are twice as likely to be paid fairly, and have a fair chance at promotion.
TYGES IS HIRING!
Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit: www.tyges.com.
TYGES is an executive and professional search firm placing leaders at all levels and guided by its core values: integrity, respect, accountability, determination, and courage. THE TYGES WAY is a proven process bringing your organization the talent you need. When you entrust your talent search to TYGES, you are forming a partnership that it takes seriously.
Learn more at tyges.com and on LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Great Place to Work® Certification™ is based entirely on what employees report about their workplace – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. This certification is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified.
Learn more at greatplacetowork.com.
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SOURCE TYGES | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/tyges-earns-2022-great-place-work-certification/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:20Z |
Mr. George Bee, President and CEO, to provide an update on the Company's advanced gold and copper asset, the CK Gold Project, in Southeast Wyoming
Mr. Travis Deti, Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association, discusses the benefits of the CK Gold Project for Wyoming
CHEYENNE, Wyo., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Gold Corp. (NASDAQ: USAU) (the "Company" or "U.S. Gold"), a gold exploration and development company, announced that its management team will be speaking at the 66th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Convention being held at the Snow King Resort in Jackson, Wyoming, on August 24-26, 2022.
On Thursday, August 25th, George Bee, U.S. Gold's President and CEO will be presenting an update on the Company's CK Gold Project as well as providing an overall update on U.S. Gold Corp. George Bee commented, "We look forward to attending the Wyoming Mining Association's Annual Convention and learning more about the resources and support the association provides its members. In addition, I am excited to present an update on our flagship asset, the CK Gold Project, to the association, its members and distinguished guests as we continue to advance the project."
Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association, Mr. Travis Deti, is featured in a video discussing the benefits around the CK Gold Project along with the socioeconomic contributions the project would have on the local and surrounding communities. Click below to see Mr. Deti's remarks. https://vimeo.com/739802997
About U.S. Gold Corp.
U.S. Gold Corp. is a publicly traded, U.S. focused gold exploration and development company. U.S. Gold Corp. has a portfolio of exploration properties. The CK Gold Project is located in Southeast Wyoming and has a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) technical report, which was completed by Gustavson Associates, LLC. Keystone and Maggie Creek are exploration properties on the Cortez and Carlin Trends in Nevada. The Challis Gold Project is located in Idaho. For more information about U.S. Gold Corp., please visit www.usgoldcorp.gold.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "estimated," and "intend," among others. These statements include the projected economic impact of the CK Gold project, including employment and projected tax benefits. These forward-looking statements are estimates based on third party projections and actual results could differ materially from such statements. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks arising from: market and other conditions, the prevailing market conditions for metal prices and mining industry cost inputs, environmental and regulatory risks, COVID-19 uncertainties, risks faced by junior companies generally engaged in exploration activities, whether U.S. Gold Corp. will be able to raise sufficient capital to develop the CK Gold Project, the success or failure of future drilling programs, delays in obtaining the necessary permits for the CK Gold Project, and other factors described in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be reviewed at www.sec.gov. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and assumptions about future events. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other risks, contingencies, and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no duty to correct or update any information contained herein.
U.S. Gold Corp. Investor Relations:
+1 800 557 4550
ir@usgoldcorp.gold
www.usgoldcorp.gold
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SOURCE U.S. Gold Corp. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/us-gold-corp-management-speak-66th-annual-wyoming-mining-association-convention-august-25-2022/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:27Z |
"The Bottom Line" webinar series will bring together SBA officials, small business advocates, and economic experts for discussions on how to address economic challenges facing small businesses today.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, August 22, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America's 33 million small businesses in President Biden's Cabinet, and John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, signed a co-sponsorship agreement to partner on a new webinar series, "The Bottom Line", to introduce our small businesses across America to SBA tools and resources to address timely economic challenges, on the heels of President Biden's signing of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Please click here to view video from the signing event.
"This alliance between the SBA and Small Business Majority will help expand and deepen the SBA's outreach network to better connect with small businesses and entrepreneurs in every corner of our nation. Throughout COVID, with the support of our incredible network, the SBA has helped small businesses pivot and survive during COVID with relief from the American Rescue Plan. This collaborative training series comes at a critical time as small businesses continue to navigate inflation, supply chain disruptions, and workforce challenges," said Administrator Guzman. "With Small Business Majority, we will be working to provide relevant educational webinars and better communicate to small businesses owners about the vital resources the SBA offers that can help them strengthen their balance sheets and leverage the opportunities and benefits in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower health and energy costs, bolster our clean energy economy and supply chains, and shrink our federal deficit – all while strengthening success pathways to the American Dream for our entrepreneurs."
Announced following the passage of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which opens the door to enacting more robust, targeted policies that benefit Americans and small business owners still navigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including lowering healthcare and energy costs, reducing the federal deficit, and investing in clean energy solutions that create new opportunities for small manufacturers, the SBA and Small Business Majority have committed to helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and other issues addressed in the IRA.
Through these webinars, members of the small business community will be connected to a diverse suite of SBA and resource partner tools and strategies for long-term, stable growth, facilitate networking connections, and receive insight on the Biden-Harris Administration's policy priorities.
"Small business ownership is a potent force that can help address economic inequality and build dignity," said John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO, Small Business Majority. "A healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem provides an innovative pathway for women, people of color, young adults, veterans, disabled people, immigrants, and rural residents to enter the mainstream American economy and build income and independence. We are excited to join in this collaboration with the SBA to bring forth knowledge-based and useful tools and resources that will help to enhance the business ecosystem and support a drive toward confident entrepreneurship."
The first webinar in this series is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6, titled "How to Combat Inflation as a Small Business Owner." This session will provide an overview of operational strategies, funding options, and resources that can help business owners deal with inflation and will be a partner collaboration with organizations like the Urban League, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, and Prosperity Now.
SBA and Small Business Majority remain steadfast in lowering the barriers to opportunity for smaller firms and businesses and ensuring entrepreneurs, especially those in under-resourced areas, have equitable access to capital, essential benefits, and a solid pathway toward sustainable growth.
For additional information on "The Bottom Line" webinar series, please visit https://smallbusinessmajority.org/events/the-bottom-line-webinar-series-with-the-sba. Additional information on SBA funding opportunities can be found at www.sba.gov/funding-programs.
Co-sponsorship Authorization No: 22-42-C: The SBA's participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
This website is provided as a public service under co-sponsorship Authorization #22-42-C. It is not an official U.S. government website, and it may contain links to non-U.S. government information. The inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA. The SBA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of linked information.
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Small Business Majority is a national small business organization that empowers America's diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy. We engage our network of more than 85,000 small businesses and 1,500 business and community organizations to deliver resources to entrepreneurs and advocate for public policy solutions that promote inclusive small business growth. Our work is bolstered by extensive research and deep connections with the small business community that enable us to educate stakeholders about key issues impacting America's entrepreneurs, with a special focus on the smallest businesses and those facing systemic inequities. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Contact: press_office@sba.gov, www.sba.gov/news
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram
Release Number: 22-65
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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/us-small-business-administration-small-business-majority-announce-new-collaboration-amp-webinar-series-help-small-business-community-navigate-todays-economic-challenges/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:33Z |
The MIPI Alliance, Valens Semiconductor, and OMNIVISION to Demonstrate Next-Gen Connectivity for Sensors
Valens Semiconductor to Present a Chinese-Language Webinar on Leveling Up In-Vehicle Connectivity
HOD HASHARON, Israel, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Valens Semiconductor (NYSE: VLN), a premier provider of high-speed connectivity solutions for the automotive and audio-video markets, will co-host two webinars in September 2022, to demonstrate how the VA7000 chipsets enable automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to benefit from high-speed in-vehicle video connectivity.
Valens Semiconductor and OMNIVISION on MIPI A-PHY: The Automotive Standard for Next-Gen Sensor Connectivity (Language: English)
Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM CET – registration link.
The MIPI A-PHY ecosystem is evolving rapidly, as key automotive players continue to add A-PHY-standard connectivity to their next-generation Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) offerings. OMNIVISION, a leading global developer of semiconductor solutions, advanced digital imaging, analog, and touch & display technology, has partnered with Valens Semiconductor to integrate MIPI A-PHY connectivity into its Automotive Reference Design System (ARDS) camera modules.
Raj Kumar Nagpal, MIPI A-PHY Working Group Co-Chair and Senior Staff Engineer at Synopsys, will present the design benefits of MIPI A-PHY for scalable Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous architectures, supporting high-speed sensor connectivity. The webinar will include demonstrations of OMNIVISION's Automotive Reference Design System (ARDS) and Valens Semiconductor's multi-gig connectivity solution over unshielded wiring. OMNIVISION will be represented by Brian Pluckebaum, Sr. Automotive Marketing Manager at OMNIVISION, and Valens Semiconductor will be represented by Moshe Doron, VP Product. The demonstrations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session.
Leveling Up In-Vehicle Connectivity Webinar (Language: Chinese)
Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 2:00 PM BJT – registration link
Valens Semiconductor's VA7000 chipsets are the first on the market to implement the MIPI A-PHY standard for in-vehicle high-speed connectivity and enhanced ADAS capabilities. This webinar, which will include a Q&A session, will highlight the unprecedented capabilities of the VA7000 through video demonstrations in collaboration with industry leaders, including connectivity of a remote 8 Mega Pixel camera as well as a surround view system over Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling. The webinar will be hosted by Louis Zhang, Director, Business Development and Technical Marketing at Valens Semiconductor.
About Valens Semiconductor
Valens Semiconductor pushes the boundaries of connectivity by enabling long-reach, high-speed video and data transmission for the Audio-Video and Automotive industries. Valens' HDBaseT® technology is the leading standard in the Audio-Video market with tens of millions of Valens' chipsets integrated into thousands of products in a wide range of applications. Valens' Automotive chipsets are deployed in systems manufactured by leading customers and are on the road in vehicles around the world. Valens is a key enabler of the evolution of ADAS and autonomous driving and its advanced technology is the basis for the new industry standard for high-speed in-vehicle connectivity. For more information, visit https://www.valens.com/.
Valens Media Contact:
Yoni Dayan
Head of Communications
Valens Semiconductor Ltd.
Yoni.dayan@valens.com
Valens Investor Contacts:
Daphna Golden
Vice President Investor Relations
Valens Semiconductor Ltd.
investors@valens.com
Moriah Shilton
Financial Profiles, Inc.
Valens@finprofiles.com
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1517334/Valens_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Valens Semiconductor | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/valens-semiconductor-host-automotive-connectivity-webinars-va7000-mipi-a-phy-compliant-chipset-family/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:40Z |
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer technologies for the global markets, today provided updates on the multi-year award the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, VOXX Automotive Corporation ("VAC") received from Oshkosh Defense. The initial award is estimated to be approximately $50 million to start, with a longer-term potential value of over $150 million.
In February 2021, Oshkosh Defense was awarded a 10-year, multi-billion-dollar contract from the U.S. Postal Service ("USPS") as part of their efforts to modernize its fleet and transform USPS into the Preferred Delivery Service Provider for the American public. Under the contract's initial $482 million investment, Oshkosh Defense was to finalize the production design of the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle ("NGDV"). That award called for the manufacturing and assembly of between 50,000 to 165,000 NGDVs over a 10-year period.
After a rigorous due diligence process, VOXX Automotive Corporation was selected by Oshkosh Defense to be the provider of in-vehicle camera systems for the new fleet of NGDVs. The VOXX 360 camera system is a new, 4-camera system, with an electronic control unit and touchscreen display. The VOXX 360 camera provides a birds eye view of the vehicle while in reverse and at the driver's command through a touchscreen display. It also comes equipped with an Event Data Recorder, which automatically turns on in the case of an event such as any form of car crash, vehicle shock, or tow. VOXX will also be supplying shock and tilt sensors as well as interior and exterior speakers. These new systems from VAC will be in all new NGDV's built.
VAC has received approximately $50 million of initial awards from Oshkosh to support the production and shipment of the first 50,000 NGDV's. The Company expects to begin mass production in its Fiscal 2023 third quarter, with this revenue realized over a four to five year period. The USPS intends to deploy up to 165,000 U.S.-built vehicles over the next decade.
Commenting on today's announcement, Pat Lavelle, President and Chief Executive Officer of VOXX International Corporation stated, "This is another milestone for our Company and we are honored to be partnering with Oshkosh Defense and the USPS in this significant initiative to modernize the USPS fleet and enhance the environment through cleaner technologies. It is also a testament to our commitment to innovation as we continue to enhance our engineering capabilities and customize products and solutions for a growing range of customers. We have a number of new awards going into production now and in the coming years, and believe we are well positioned to capture additional business, not only in our Automotive segment, but across the board."
The NGDV vehicles will include air conditioning and heating, improved ergonomics, and some of the most advanced vehicle technology — including 360-degree cameras, advanced braking and traction control, air bags, a front- and rear-collision avoidance system that includes visual, audio warning, and automatic braking, shock and tilt sensors and speaker systems. The vehicles will also have increased cargo capacity to maximize efficiency and better accommodate higher package volumes stemming from the growth of eCommerce.
About VOXX International Corporation
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has grown into a leader in Automotive Electronics and Consumer Electronics, with emerging Biometrics technology to capitalize on the increased need for advanced security. Over the past several decades, with a portfolio of approximately 35 trusted brands, VOXX has built market-leading positions in in-vehicle entertainment, automotive security, reception products, a number of premium audio market segments, and more. VOXX is a global company, with an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and many of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxintl.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information contained herein, statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements and thus may involve certain risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include, but are not limited to the: risk factors described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022, and other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC. The factors described in such SEC filings include, without limitation: the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company's results of operations, global supply shortages and logistics costs and delays; cybersecurity risks; risks that may result from changes in the Company's business operations; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; significant competition in the automotive electronics, consumer electronics and biometrics businesses; our relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price and product competition; new product introductions; foreign currency fluctuations; and restrictive debt covenants. Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the War in the Ukraine and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE VOXX International Corporation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/voxx-automotive-corporation-provides-update-its-award-oshkosh-defense-support-us-postal-service-their-initiative-modernize-postal-delivery-vehicle-fleet/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:47Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the United Nations global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, issued its new "We Have Promises to Keep: Annual Results Report" today indicating that ECW investments with strategic partners have reached close to 7 million children and adolescents – 48.4% of whom are girls – since the Fund became operational in 2017.
Through its strategic partnerships, ECW reached 3.7 million children across 32 crisis-impacted countries in 2021 alone. An additional 11.8 million children were reached through the Fund's COVID-19 interventions that same year, bringing the total number supported through the COVID-19 interventions to 31.2 million.
ECW mobilized a record-breaking US$388.6 million in 2021, and total contributions to the Fund now top US$1.1 billion.
"There is no dream more powerful than that of an education. We must keep our promise to provide inclusive, equitable quality education for all," said The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group.
The results report comes on the back of shocking new estimates indicating that 222 million school-aged children and adolescents caught in crises globally are in urgent need of educational support. These include 78.2 million who are out of school and 119.6 million who are in school but not achieving minimum competencies in mathematics and reading.
According to the report, conflict, forced displacement, climate-induced disasters and the compounding effect of the COVID-19 pandemic fueled increased education in emergencies needs with funding appeals reaching US$2.9 billion in 2021, compared with US$1.4 billion in 2020. While 2021 saw a record-high US$645 million in education appeal funding - the overall funding gap spiked by 17%, from 60% in 2020 to 77% in 2021.
ECW's High-Level Financing Conference to be held in Geneva in February 2023 and 222 Million Dreams campaign calls on government donors, the private sector, foundations and high-net-worth individuals to turn commitments into action by making substantive funding contributions to ECW.
"ECW's solid results in our first five years of operation are proof that we can empower crises-affected girls and boys with the hope, protection and opportunity of quality education," said Yasmine Sherif, Director of Education Cannot Wait.
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SOURCE Education Cannot Wait | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/we-have-promises-keep-education-cannot-wait-investments-reach-7-million-crisis-impacted-children/ | 2022-08-23T13:28:53Z |
BEIJING, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WeTrade Group Inc. ("WeTrade" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WETG), an emerging growth company engaged in the business of providing software-as-a-services (SAAS) and cloud intelligent systems for micro-businesses, today announced the Company has entered into strategic cooperation and partnership with Guyguide Limited, a leading travel agent in Hong Kong, to exclusively design and provide Monkeypox testing kits and insurance coverage products for traveling packages to US, Canada, Australia and European countries.
Guyguide Limited, through its partnerships with other Hong Kong well-known travel agents, including WWPKG Holdings Company Limited, engages in designing, developing, and selling package tours; air tickets and hotel accommodations, as well as ancillary travel related products and services.
Since early May 2022, cases of Monkeypox have been reported from countries where the disease is not endemic, and continue to be reported in several endemic countries, being the first time that monkeypox cases and clusters have been reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in widely disparate geographical areas. Given the 2022 Monkeypox outbreak primarily in the North America, Europe and even Australia, travelers are in desperately high need for Monkeypox testing kits and relevant insurance coverage products to get themselves well protected.
Mr. Pijun Liu, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, "The concrete partnership between Wetrade and Guyguide Limited will bring the long-waiting travelers from Hong Kong and Macau a 360 degree protection for both testing and insurance coverage on Monkeypox when they are traveling to those Monkeypox outbreak areas. Hong Kong is expected to soon ease its COVID-19 measures and re-open to the world. The coming dramatic increase in outbound traveler numbers will definitely become a quite positive driver for travel agents' businesses, which further brings a rocketing need for our exclusive Monkeypox testing kits and insurance coverage products."
About WeTrade Group Inc.
WeTrade Group Inc. is a technical service provider of SAAS and Cloud Intelligent System for micro-businesses, and a pioneer in offering internationalized system in the global micro-business cloud intelligence field and a leader, innovator and promoter of the world's cloud intelligent system for micro-businesses. WeTrade Group independently developed the cloud intelligent system for micro-businesses (Abbreviation: YCloud). YCloud strengthens users' marketing relationship and CPS commission profit management through leading technology and big data analysis. It also helps improve the payment scenarios to increase customers' revenue by multi-channel data statistics, AI fission and management as well as improved supply chain system. As of today, YCloud's business has successfully landed in mainland China and Hong Kong, covering the micro business industry, tourism industry, hospitality industry, livestreaming and short video industry, aesthetic medical industry and traditional retail industry. For more information, please visit https://ir.wetg.group.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains information about the Company's view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from historical results or those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with its ability to raise additional funding, its ability to maintain and grow its business, variability of operating results, its ability to maintain and enhance its brand, its development and introduction of new products and services, the successful integration of acquired companies, technologies and assets into its portfolio of products and services, marketing and other business development initiatives, competition in the industry, general government regulation, economic conditions, dependence on key personnel, the ability to attract, hire and retain personnel who possess the technical skills and experience necessary to meet the requirements of its clients, and its ability to protect its intellectual property. The Company's encourages you to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's annual reports and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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SOURCE WeTrade Group INC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/wetrade-entered-into-strategic-partnership-with-guyguide-limited-one-leading-travel-agents-hong-kong-exclusively-design-provide-monkeypox-testing-kits-insurance-coverage-products-traveling-packages-us-canada-australia-european-countries/ | 2022-08-23T13:29:00Z |
As Amazon grows, so does its eye on consumers
(AP) - From what you buy online, to how you remember tasks, to when you monitor your doorstep, Amazon is seemingly everywhere.
And it appears the company doesn’t want to halt its reach anytime soon. In recent weeks, Amazon has said it will spend billions of dollars in two gigantic acquisitions that, if approved, will broaden its ever growing presence in the lives of consumers.
This time, the company is targeting two areas: health care, through its $3.9 billion buyout of the primary care company One Medical, and the “smart home,” where it plans to expand its already mighty presence through a $1.7 billion merger with iRobot, the maker of the popular robotic Roomba vacuum.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a company known for its vast collection of consumer information, both mergers have heightened enduring privacy concerns about how Amazon gathers data and what it does with it. The latest line of Roombas, for example, employ sensors that map and remember a home’s floor plan.
“It’s acquiring this vast set of data that Roomba collects about people’s homes,” said Ron Knox, an Amazon critic who works for the anti-monopoly group Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “Its obvious intent, through all the other products that it sells to consumers, is to be in your home. (And) along with the privacy issues come the antitrust issues, because it’s buying market share.”
Amazon’s reach goes well beyond that. Some estimates show the retail giant controls roughly 38% of the U.S. e-commerce market, allowing it to gather granular data about the shopping preferences of millions of Americans and more worldwide. Meanwhile, its Echo devices, which house the voice assistant Alexa, have dominated the U.S. smart speaker market, accounting for roughly 70% of sales, according to estimates by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.
Ring, which Amazon purchased in 2018 for $1 billion, monitors doorsteps and helps police track down crime — even when users might not be aware. And at select Amazon stores and Whole Foods, the company is testing a palm-scanning technology that allows customers to pay for items by storing biometric data in the cloud, sparking concerns about risks of a data breach, which Amazon has attempted to assuage.
“We treat your palm signature just like other highly sensitive personal data and keep it safe using best-in-class technical and physical security controls,” the company said on a website that provides information about the technology.
Even consumers who actively avoid Amazon are still likely to have little say about how their employers power their computer networks, which Amazon — along with Google — has long dominated through its cloud-computing service AWS.
“It’s hard to think of another organization that has as many touch points as Amazon does to an individual,” said Ian Greenblatt, who heads up tech research at the consumer research and data analytics firm J.D. Power. “It’s almost overwhelming, and it’s hard to put a finger on it.”
And Amazon — like any company — aims to grow. In the past few years, the company has purchased the Wi-Fi startup Eero and partnered with the construction company Lennar to offer tech-powered houses. With iRobot, it would gain one more building block for the ultimate smart home — and, of course, more data.
Customers can opt out of having iRobot devices store a layout of their homes, according to the vacuum maker. But data privacy advocates worry the merger is another way Amazon could suck up information to integrate into its other devices or use to target consumers with ads.
In a statement, Amazon spokesperson Lisa Levandowski denied that’s what the company wants to do.
“We do not use home maps for targeted advertising and have no plans to do so,” Levandowski said.
Whether that will relieve concerns is another matter, especially in light of research about Amazon’s other devices. Earlier this year, a group of university researchers released a report that found voice data from Amazon’s Echo devices are used to target ads to consumers — something the company had denied in the past.
Umar Iqbal, a postdoc at the University of Washington who led the research, said he and his colleagues found Echo devices running third-party Skills, which are like apps for Alexa, that communicate with advertisers.
Levandowski said consumers can opt out of receiving “interest-based” ads by adjusting their preferences on Amazon’s advertising preferences page. She also said Amazon doesn’t share Alexa requests with advertising networks.
Skills that collect personal information are required to post their privacy policies on a detail page in Amazon’s store, according to the company. Researchers, however, found only 2% of Skills are clear about their data collection practices, and the vast majority don’t mention Alexa or Amazon at all.
For companies like Amazon, data collection is for more than just data’s sake, noted Kristen Martin, a professor of technology ethics at the University of Notre Dame.
“You can almost see them just trying to paint a broader picture of an individual,” Martin said. “It’s about the inferences that they’re able to draw about you specifically, and then you compared to other people.”
Amazon’s One Medical deal, for instance, has sparked questions about how the company would handle personal health data that would fall into its lap.
Should the deal close, Levandowski said customers’ health information will be handled separately from all other Amazon businesses. She also added Amazon wouldn’t share personal health information outside of One Medical for “advertising or marketing purposes of other Amazon products and services without clear permission from the customer.”
But Lucia Savage, a chief privacy officer at the chronic care provider Omada Health, said that doesn’t mean One Medical wouldn’t be able to get data from other arms of Amazon’s business that could help it better profile its patients. The information just has to flow one way, she said.
To be sure, privacy concerns are not limited to Amazon. In the aftermath of Roe v Wade being overturned, for instance, Google said it would automatically get rid of information about users who visit abortion clinics amid pressure from Democratic lawmakers. Meanwhile, Meta, which owns Facebook, settled a class action lawsuit in February over its use of “cookies” about a decade ago that tracked users after they logged off Facebook.
But unlike Meta and Google, whose focus is mainly on selling ads, Amazon might benefit more from collecting data because its primary goal is to sell products, said Alex Harman, director of competition policy at the anti-monopoly group Economic Security Project.
“For them, data is all about getting you to buy more and be locked into their stuff,” Harman said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/amazon-grows-so-does-its-eye-consumers/ | 2022-08-23T13:35:37Z |
NPR's Karen Grigsby Bates talks with Scott-Martin Kosofsky about his new work, The Book of Customs: A Complete Handbook for the Jewish Year. The author researched several centuries-old guidebooks on Jewish rituals and customs to write a contemporary version for American readers.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2004-09-28/the-book-of-customs-a-jewish-guide-for-americans | 2022-08-23T14:04:13Z |
As Amazon grows, so does its eye on consumers
(AP) - From what you buy online, to how you remember tasks, to when you monitor your doorstep, Amazon is seemingly everywhere.
And it appears the company doesn’t want to halt its reach anytime soon. In recent weeks, Amazon has said it will spend billions of dollars in two gigantic acquisitions that, if approved, will broaden its ever growing presence in the lives of consumers.
This time, the company is targeting two areas: health care, through its $3.9 billion buyout of the primary care company One Medical, and the “smart home,” where it plans to expand its already mighty presence through a $1.7 billion merger with iRobot, the maker of the popular robotic Roomba vacuum.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a company known for its vast collection of consumer information, both mergers have heightened enduring privacy concerns about how Amazon gathers data and what it does with it. The latest line of Roombas, for example, employ sensors that map and remember a home’s floor plan.
“It’s acquiring this vast set of data that Roomba collects about people’s homes,” said Ron Knox, an Amazon critic who works for the anti-monopoly group Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “Its obvious intent, through all the other products that it sells to consumers, is to be in your home. (And) along with the privacy issues come the antitrust issues, because it’s buying market share.”
Amazon’s reach goes well beyond that. Some estimates show the retail giant controls roughly 38% of the U.S. e-commerce market, allowing it to gather granular data about the shopping preferences of millions of Americans and more worldwide. Meanwhile, its Echo devices, which house the voice assistant Alexa, have dominated the U.S. smart speaker market, accounting for roughly 70% of sales, according to estimates by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.
Ring, which Amazon purchased in 2018 for $1 billion, monitors doorsteps and helps police track down crime — even when users might not be aware. And at select Amazon stores and Whole Foods, the company is testing a palm-scanning technology that allows customers to pay for items by storing biometric data in the cloud, sparking concerns about risks of a data breach, which Amazon has attempted to assuage.
“We treat your palm signature just like other highly sensitive personal data and keep it safe using best-in-class technical and physical security controls,” the company said on a website that provides information about the technology.
Even consumers who actively avoid Amazon are still likely to have little say about how their employers power their computer networks, which Amazon — along with Google — has long dominated through its cloud-computing service AWS.
“It’s hard to think of another organization that has as many touch points as Amazon does to an individual,” said Ian Greenblatt, who heads up tech research at the consumer research and data analytics firm J.D. Power. “It’s almost overwhelming, and it’s hard to put a finger on it.”
And Amazon — like any company — aims to grow. In the past few years, the company has purchased the Wi-Fi startup Eero and partnered with the construction company Lennar to offer tech-powered houses. With iRobot, it would gain one more building block for the ultimate smart home — and, of course, more data.
Customers can opt out of having iRobot devices store a layout of their homes, according to the vacuum maker. But data privacy advocates worry the merger is another way Amazon could suck up information to integrate into its other devices or use to target consumers with ads.
In a statement, Amazon spokesperson Lisa Levandowski denied that’s what the company wants to do.
“We do not use home maps for targeted advertising and have no plans to do so,” Levandowski said.
Whether that will relieve concerns is another matter, especially in light of research about Amazon’s other devices. Earlier this year, a group of university researchers released a report that found voice data from Amazon’s Echo devices are used to target ads to consumers — something the company had denied in the past.
Umar Iqbal, a postdoc at the University of Washington who led the research, said he and his colleagues found Echo devices running third-party Skills, which are like apps for Alexa, that communicate with advertisers.
Levandowski said consumers can opt out of receiving “interest-based” ads by adjusting their preferences on Amazon’s advertising preferences page. She also said Amazon doesn’t share Alexa requests with advertising networks.
Skills that collect personal information are required to post their privacy policies on a detail page in Amazon’s store, according to the company. Researchers, however, found only 2% of Skills are clear about their data collection practices, and the vast majority don’t mention Alexa or Amazon at all.
For companies like Amazon, data collection is for more than just data’s sake, noted Kristen Martin, a professor of technology ethics at the University of Notre Dame.
“You can almost see them just trying to paint a broader picture of an individual,” Martin said. “It’s about the inferences that they’re able to draw about you specifically, and then you compared to other people.”
Amazon’s One Medical deal, for instance, has sparked questions about how the company would handle personal health data that would fall into its lap.
Should the deal close, Levandowski said customers’ health information will be handled separately from all other Amazon businesses. She also added Amazon wouldn’t share personal health information outside of One Medical for “advertising or marketing purposes of other Amazon products and services without clear permission from the customer.”
But Lucia Savage, a chief privacy officer at the chronic care provider Omada Health, said that doesn’t mean One Medical wouldn’t be able to get data from other arms of Amazon’s business that could help it better profile its patients. The information just has to flow one way, she said.
To be sure, privacy concerns are not limited to Amazon. In the aftermath of Roe v Wade being overturned, for instance, Google said it would automatically get rid of information about users who visit abortion clinics amid pressure from Democratic lawmakers. Meanwhile, Meta, which owns Facebook, settled a class action lawsuit in February over its use of “cookies” about a decade ago that tracked users after they logged off Facebook.
But unlike Meta and Google, whose focus is mainly on selling ads, Amazon might benefit more from collecting data because its primary goal is to sell products, said Alex Harman, director of competition policy at the anti-monopoly group Economic Security Project.
“For them, data is all about getting you to buy more and be locked into their stuff,” Harman said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/23/amazon-grows-so-does-its-eye-consumers/ | 2022-08-23T14:10:48Z |
AP-NORC poll: Most in US say they want stricter gun laws
CHICAGO (AP) — Most U.S. adults want to see gun laws made stricter and think gun violence is increasing nationwide, according to a new poll that finds broad public support for a variety of gun restrictions, including many that are supported by majorities of Republicans and gun owners.
The poll by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows 71% of Americans say gun laws should be stricter, including about half of Republicans, the vast majority of Democrats and a majority of those in gun-owning households.
The poll was conducted between July 28 and Aug. 1, after a string of deadly mass shootings — from a New York grocery store to a school in Texas and a July 4 parade in Illinois — and a 2020 spike in gun killings that have increased attention on the issue of gun violence. Overall, 8 in 10 Americans perceive that gun violence is increasing around the country, and about two-thirds say it’s increasing in their state, though less than half believe it’s increasing in their community, the poll shows.
The question of how to prevent such violence has long divided politicians and many voters, making it difficult to change gun laws. In June, a conservative majority on the Supreme Court expanded gun rights, finding a constitutional right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.
Later that same month, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan gun safety bill. The package, approved in the wake of shootings like the one that killed 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, was both a measured compromise and the most significant bill addressing gun violence to be approved in Congress in decades — an indication of how intractable the issue has become.
The poll finds that majorities of U.S. adults view both reducing gun violence and protecting gun ownership as important issues.
Nicole Whitelaw, 29, is a Democrat and gun owner who grew up hunting and target shooting in upstate New York with her strongly Republican family. Whitelaw, who now lives along Florida’s Gulf Coast, supports some gun restrictions, such as prohibiting people convicted of domestic violence from owning firearms and a federal law preventing mentally ill people from purchasing guns.
She said other restrictions — such as banning sales of AR-15 rifles — are “going too far” and may not solve the problem. Whitelaw pointed to the the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people bought up all the toilet paper they could find.
“I think people would start trying to hoard guns,” she said, adding that a better approach is to make smaller changes and see what impact they have.
The poll shows bipartisan majorities of Americans support a nationwide background check policy for all gun sales, a law preventing mentally ill people from purchasing guns, allowing courts to temporarily prevent people who are considered a danger to themselves or others from purchasing a gun, making 21 the minimum age to buy a gun nationwide and banning those who have been convicted of domestic violence from purchasing a gun.
A smaller majority of Americans — 59% — favor a ban on the sale of AR-15 rifles and similar semiautomatic weapons, with Democrats more likely to support that policy than Republicans, 83% vs. 35%.
Chris Boylan, 47, from Indianapolis, opposes restrictions on guns. As a teacher for many years, Boylan said he has “buried more kids than I care to count” and believes gun violence is a major problem. But the Republican, who said he leans more toward Libertarian in his personal stances, believes the issue is more about mental health and a too-lenient criminal justice system.
“Blaming the gun is an oversimplification of what the issues really are,” Boylan said. “It’s not the gun. It’s a hearts-and-minds issue to me.”
The new poll finds 88% of Americans call preventing mass shootings extremely or very important, and nearly as many say that about reducing gun violence in general. But 60% also say it’s very important to ensure that people can own guns for personal protection.
Overall, 52% of Americans -- including 65% of Republicans and 39% of Democrats -- say both reducing mass shootings and protecting the right to own guns for personal protection highly important.
University of Chicago professor Jens Ludwig said the poll’s findings show that concerns raised by opponents of gun restrictions are “very off base.” Led by the National Rifle Association, the gun lobby argues that any new limitations on who may have a gun or what type of firearms may be sold will lead to nationwide bans on all weapons and ammunition.
The poll showed most Americans’ opinions are more nuanced and there is support for some changes even among Republicans, who as elected officials typically oppose gun control, said Ludwig, who also is director of the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab.
“It should shut the door to some of the ‘slippery slope’ arguments,” he said.
The poll also found that only about 3 in 10 Americans support a law allowing people to carry guns in public without a permit. Seventy-eight percent of Democrats are opposed. Among Republicans, 47% are in favor and 39% are opposed.
Ervin Leach, 66, lives in Troutman, North Carolina, north of Charlotte, believes gun violence is a major problem and says that laws should be much more strict. A Democrat, Leach said he supports measures like background checks — or what he said should be “in-depth studies” — and a minimum age of 21 to buy a gun.
The poll found 1 in 5 people have experienced gun violence themselves in the last five years, such as being threatened with a gun or a shooting victim, or had a close friend or family member who has. Black and Hispanic Americans are especially likely to say that they or someone close to them has experienced gun violence.
Leach, who is Black, said the gun violence he sees in the news has made him more cautious.
“I don’t like people approaching me,” he said. “It used to be if someone was on the side of the road, you’d stop to help. Now, you go to help somebody, you might lose your life.”
All the killings have caused Leach to contemplate buying a gun for his own protection. While he hasn’t had a chance yet to get his gun permit, he said, “That is my intention.”
___
AP Polling Reporter Hannah Fingerhut in Washington contributed to this report.
___
The poll of 1,373 adults was conducted July 28-Aug. 1 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of gun violence at https://apnews.com/hub/gun-violence.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/23/ap-norc-poll-most-us-say-they-want-stricter-gun-laws/ | 2022-08-23T14:10:55Z |
Date rape drug test strips handed out in California city as precaution
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KCAL/KCBS) - A plan to purchase and hand out date rape drug testing kits has been approved in West Hollywood.
It’s all to drive down the number of sexual assaults happening in the area.
“If this would have been available to me at the nightclub New Year’s Eve seven years ago. I would not have been drugged, and I would not have been assaulted,” Keely Field said.
It’s very personal for Field, who advocates for others who have survived sexual assault, “because once they’ve survived it, they’re terrified, they’re scarred for life. And all I can do is help prevent it. It’s preventable.”
Stories like hers that inspired the city council to purchase and hand out drink spiking test strips at bars and nightclubs all over West Hollywood.
With a drop into a cocktail, they test for two common date rape drugs, ketamine and GHB.
The idea is that bars can make them available for any customers who want them so that people have proof if their drink was spiked and a QR code with safety information on what to do next.
“It is a growing problem everywhere,” said Sepi Shyne, mayor pro tem of West Hollywood.
She wants people to know that this program is just one part of a larger push to make nightlife here safer “and to let any predators know you will be caught. You will be caught. We are giving people test strips. Don’t come into our city anymore.”
At a meeting addressing nighttime safety, West Hollywood addressed recent reports about people who believe they were secretly drugged while out on the town.
“Between 2016 and 2021 a report came out in January that there were 30 sexual assaults tied to drink-spiking incidents in the city of West Hollywood, and only three of those have cases filed with the DA,” said Jackie Steele, public safety commissioner.
Steele said 53% of those alleged assaults happened at the same establishment.
She said she wants to see better training and transparency, particularly at that business, as well as updated reports on those cases and better communication between all the departments that work with victims.
Officials are also considering creating a sexual assault task force and looking into getting a mobile unit to help potential victims.
Copyright 2022 KCAL/KCBS via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/23/date-rape-drug-test-strips-handed-out-california-city-precaution/ | 2022-08-23T14:11:02Z |
Former Twitter security chief files whistleblower complaints
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former head of security at Twitter has filed whistleblower complaints with U.S. officials, alleging that the company misled regulators about its cybersecurity defenses and its problems with fake accounts, according to reports by The Washington Post and CNN.
Peiter Zatko, Twitter’s security chief until he was fired early this year, filed the complaints last month with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice.
The Post, which obtained the complaint, reported that among the most serious accusations is that Twitter violated the terms of a 2010 FTC settlement by falsely claiming that it had a strong security plan.
Zatko didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday but told the Post he “felt ethically bound” to come forward.
Twitter said in a prepared statement Tuesday that Zatko was fired for “ineffective leadership and poor performance” and that the “allegations and opportunistic timing appear designed to capture attention and inflict harm on Twitter, its customers and its shareholders.”
“What we’ve seen so far is a false narrative about Twitter and our privacy and data security practices that is riddled with inconsistencies and inaccuracies and lacks important context,” the company said.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Senate’s intelligence committee, Rachel Cohen, said the committee has received the complaint and “is in the process of setting up a meeting to discuss the allegations in further detail. We take this matter seriously.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/23/ex-twitter-executive-alleges-reckless-cybersecurity-policies/ | 2022-08-23T14:11:09Z |
Park outside: Fire risk prompts Hyundai, Kia hitch recalls
DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are telling owners of some large SUVs to park them outdoors and away from structures after a series of fires involving trailer hitch wiring.
The Korean automakers are recalling more than 281,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of the problem, but they haven’t figured out how to fix it yet.
The recalls cover more than 245,000 Hyundai Palisade and over 36,000 Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020 through 2022 model years.
The companies said debris and moisture can accumulate in a circuit board.
That can cause an electrical short, which can lead to a fire.
Hyundai said that dealers will inspect the wiring and remove a fuse as an interim repair. The companies say a final repair is being developed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/23/park-outside-fire-risk-prompts-hyundai-kia-hitch-recalls/ | 2022-08-23T14:11:16Z |
Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund talks to NPR's Tavis Smiley about the American election system and its vulnerability to fraud and abuse. That's the subject of Funds' new book, Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens Our Democracy.
Copyright 2004 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2004-10-04/stealing-elections-john-fund-on-vote-fraud | 2022-08-23T14:17:16Z |
NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to UCLA European history professor Geoffrey Symcox, who has just edited the 13th volume of a history of Christopher Columbus using documents written during the 15th and 16th centuries. His book Christopher Columbus and the Enterprise of the Indies: A Brief History with Documents will be available in paperback in January 2005.
Copyright 2004 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2004-10-11/a-contemporary-history-of-columbus | 2022-08-23T14:17:23Z |
Goldman Tells Story of 19th Century Central America NPR | By Renee Montagne Published October 26, 2004 at 10:00 PM MDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Flipboard Listen • 0:00 Cover of The Divine Husband by Francisco Goldman Copyright 2004 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2004-10-26/goldman-tells-story-of-19th-century-central-america | 2022-08-23T14:17:29Z |
Cleveland has been hailed by some as the "new American city" tucked in the heart of the Midwest. But Cleveland is also a city rocked by deep unemployment and grinding poverty. Sam Fulwood III, a columnist for The Cleveland Plain Dealer and author of Full of It: Strong Words and Fresh Thinking for Cleveland, talks to NPR's Tavis Smiley about his dynamic but troubled city, and about speaking his mind as a journalist.
Copyright 2004 NPR | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2004-11-16/cleveland-a-new-american-city-in-transition | 2022-08-23T14:35:40Z |
The Coalition for Neighborhood Self-Determination describes that zoning as racist and discriminatory. The neighborhood coalition and local environmental justice advocates recently filed a complaint with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The complaint alleges that the zoning is harming health and economic prosperity in communities of color.
“Many of the industrial uses emit pollution and cause harmful and nuisance effects for Black and Hispanic residents of those homes. This burden is disproportionately placed on neighborhoods of color. The City has been asked to change the zoning but has not acted to do so,” the complaint states.
KERA contacted the City of Dallas for comment but had not received a response prior to publication.
Residents of low-income communities of color have long complained that they bear a disproportionate burden of exposure to toxic chemicals coming from industry. Examples of toxic sites in those communities can be found across Dallas.
For example, residents of the Floral Farms neighborhood in southeast Dallas are still fighting to get the property next door zoned for a park — more than a year after a massive pile of discarded roofing materials known as Shingle Mountain was removed.
“Shingle Mountain wouldn’t have happened if the land next to my home were not zoned heavy industrial,” Floral Farms resident Marsha Jackson said recently.
“The nightmare is ongoing because the property next to my house is still zoned heavy industrial, and is currently being used as an illegal truck storage lot, and is permitted for metal scrap and salvage.”
Another example: Residents in West Dallas say the GAF asphalt factory located a block away from their homes is polluting their air. They are pushing the city to kick the factory out.
The HUD complaint details how Dallas’ industrial zoning adjacent to single-family neighborhoods of color violates the Fair Housing Act.
“The City’s industrial zoning unfairly makes dwellings and the financing for the sale and repair of dwellings unavailable for Black and Hispanic neighborhoods while unfairly sparing White non-Hispanic neighborhoods from the same restrictions” the complaint states.
The neighborhood coalition said residents are harmed by the inability to sell or buy homes and obtain loans for their homes because of the way their homes or properties next to their homes are zoned.
The group proposed a way to fix the zoning issue earlier this year. They wanted the city to work with them to identify where in Dallas homes are in industrially zoned areas, and homes are adjacent to areas zoned for Industrial Research and Industrial Manufacturing. And then through the creation of an “Environmental Justice overlay district” both entities could work to change the zoning from industrial to residential.
"Let's get rid of the current polluters and future polluters by changing the zoning itself. And then also respect the neighborhood's sovereignty by giving them the status of being homes residentially zoned,” said Evelyn Mayo, who heads the environmental group Downwinders at Risk and is a fellow at Paul Quinn College.
Mayo said there is a connection between the environment and land-use planning. She said this is a local policy issue and city government has the power to work with communities to find solutions.
"Unfortunately, the city often doesn't pay attention to issues until there might be some kind of federal or legal implications for their inaction. And so we're hoping that this is the push they need to finally take this issue seriously,” Mayo said.
Got a tip? Email Alejandra Martinez at amartinez@kera.org. You can follow Alejandra on Twitter @alereports.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you. | https://www.keranews.org/news/2022-08-23/dallas-lets-polluters-build-in-black-and-latino-neighborhoods-complaint-alleges | 2022-08-23T14:48:43Z |
AP-NORC poll: Most in US say they want stricter gun laws
CHICAGO (AP) — Most U.S. adults want to see gun laws made stricter and think gun violence is increasing nationwide, according to a new poll that finds broad public support for a variety of gun restrictions, including many that are supported by majorities of Republicans and gun owners.
The poll by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows 71% of Americans say gun laws should be stricter, including about half of Republicans, the vast majority of Democrats and a majority of those in gun-owning households.
The poll was conducted between July 28 and Aug. 1, after a string of deadly mass shootings — from a New York grocery store to a school in Texas and a July 4 parade in Illinois — and a 2020 spike in gun killings that have increased attention on the issue of gun violence. Overall, 8 in 10 Americans perceive that gun violence is increasing around the country, and about two-thirds say it’s increasing in their state, though less than half believe it’s increasing in their community, the poll shows.
The question of how to prevent such violence has long divided politicians and many voters, making it difficult to change gun laws. In June, a conservative majority on the Supreme Court expanded gun rights, finding a constitutional right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.
Later that same month, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan gun safety bill. The package, approved in the wake of shootings like the one that killed 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, was both a measured compromise and the most significant bill addressing gun violence to be approved in Congress in decades — an indication of how intractable the issue has become.
The poll finds that majorities of U.S. adults view both reducing gun violence and protecting gun ownership as important issues.
Nicole Whitelaw, 29, is a Democrat and gun owner who grew up hunting and target shooting in upstate New York with her strongly Republican family. Whitelaw, who now lives along Florida’s Gulf Coast, supports some gun restrictions, such as prohibiting people convicted of domestic violence from owning firearms and a federal law preventing mentally ill people from purchasing guns.
She said other restrictions — such as banning sales of AR-15 rifles — are “going too far” and may not solve the problem. Whitelaw pointed to the the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people bought up all the toilet paper they could find.
“I think people would start trying to hoard guns,” she said, adding that a better approach is to make smaller changes and see what impact they have.
The poll shows bipartisan majorities of Americans support a nationwide background check policy for all gun sales, a law preventing mentally ill people from purchasing guns, allowing courts to temporarily prevent people who are considered a danger to themselves or others from purchasing a gun, making 21 the minimum age to buy a gun nationwide and banning those who have been convicted of domestic violence from purchasing a gun.
A smaller majority of Americans — 59% — favor a ban on the sale of AR-15 rifles and similar semiautomatic weapons, with Democrats more likely to support that policy than Republicans, 83% vs. 35%.
Chris Boylan, 47, from Indianapolis, opposes restrictions on guns. As a teacher for many years, Boylan said he has “buried more kids than I care to count” and believes gun violence is a major problem. But the Republican, who said he leans more toward Libertarian in his personal stances, believes the issue is more about mental health and a too-lenient criminal justice system.
“Blaming the gun is an oversimplification of what the issues really are,” Boylan said. “It’s not the gun. It’s a hearts-and-minds issue to me.”
The new poll finds 88% of Americans call preventing mass shootings extremely or very important, and nearly as many say that about reducing gun violence in general. But 60% also say it’s very important to ensure that people can own guns for personal protection.
Overall, 52% of Americans -- including 65% of Republicans and 39% of Democrats -- say both reducing mass shootings and protecting the right to own guns for personal protection highly important.
University of Chicago professor Jens Ludwig said the poll’s findings show that concerns raised by opponents of gun restrictions are “very off base.” Led by the National Rifle Association, the gun lobby argues that any new limitations on who may have a gun or what type of firearms may be sold will lead to nationwide bans on all weapons and ammunition.
The poll showed most Americans’ opinions are more nuanced and there is support for some changes even among Republicans, who as elected officials typically oppose gun control, said Ludwig, who also is director of the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab.
“It should shut the door to some of the ‘slippery slope’ arguments,” he said.
The poll also found that only about 3 in 10 Americans support a law allowing people to carry guns in public without a permit. Seventy-eight percent of Democrats are opposed. Among Republicans, 47% are in favor and 39% are opposed.
Ervin Leach, 66, lives in Troutman, North Carolina, north of Charlotte, believes gun violence is a major problem and says that laws should be much more strict. A Democrat, Leach said he supports measures like background checks — or what he said should be “in-depth studies” — and a minimum age of 21 to buy a gun.
The poll found 1 in 5 people have experienced gun violence themselves in the last five years, such as being threatened with a gun or a shooting victim, or had a close friend or family member who has. Black and Hispanic Americans are especially likely to say that they or someone close to them has experienced gun violence.
Leach, who is Black, said the gun violence he sees in the news has made him more cautious.
“I don’t like people approaching me,” he said. “It used to be if someone was on the side of the road, you’d stop to help. Now, you go to help somebody, you might lose your life.”
All the killings have caused Leach to contemplate buying a gun for his own protection. While he hasn’t had a chance yet to get his gun permit, he said, “That is my intention.”
___
AP Polling Reporter Hannah Fingerhut in Washington contributed to this report.
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The poll of 1,373 adults was conducted July 28-Aug. 1 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of gun violence at https://apnews.com/hub/gun-violence.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/ap-norc-poll-most-us-say-they-want-stricter-gun-laws/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:23Z |
Chicken wing prices drop to pre-pandemic levels
Published: Aug. 23, 2022 at 10:34 AM EDT|Updated: 14 minutes ago
(CNN) - A popular item at most football tailgating parties won’t be as expensive this season.
Chicken wings are now less than they were when the COVID-19 pandemic started.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the cost of wings was $1.68 per pound in July. That is the lowest monthly average since May 2020.
Poultry is in high demand across the country.
A study from the National Chicken Council Study found 37% of those polled planned to eat more chicken over the next year. Less than half of that percentage said the same about beef and pork.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/chicken-wing-prices-drop-pre-pandemic-levels/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:25Z |
Harrisonburg Electric Commission launches new solar program
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) has launched the Friendly City Solar Program.
Eligible HEC customers can now enroll in the program to have a portion of their energy purchases generated locally at Acorn Solar in Harrisonburg.
This program enables customers to support renewable energy without having the high upfront costs or ongoing maintenance of installing solar panels on their homes.
“We’ve worked hard to develop this program for our community,” said Brian O’Dell, General Manager at HEC. “It’s been a long time coming and we’re excited to be able to open up the opportunity to our customers.”
Interested participants can now sign up and purchase renewable energy in 50 kWh blocks, up to 25% of their home’s average monthly usage.
Each solar energy block costs $5.75, which is only $1.50 more than the current cost of electricity, and that rate will not increase even if the cost of electricity does.
Since fuel adjustment charges don’t apply to the renewable energy blocks, the net cost to customers will be further reduced.
The program is open to residential customers only, and those who enroll will see the new charges reflected beginning with their October bill.
“There’s been a lot of talk about ways to help introduce renewable energy in our community, so we’re proud to finally be able to offer this to our customers,” O’Dell said.
Sign ups and complete program information about Friendly City Solar can be found on HEC’s website. Customers can expect to receive additional information via email and with their monthly bill in the coming weeks. Questions and comments about the Friendly City Solar program can be sent to solarinfo@hbgelec.com.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/harrisonburg-electric-commission-launches-new-solar-program/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:27Z |
James Webb Space Telescope shows Jupiter’s auroras, tiny moons
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The world’s newest and biggest space telescope is showing Jupiter as never before, auroras and all.
Scientists released the shots Monday of the solar system’s biggest planet.
The James Webb Space Telescope took the photos in July, capturing unprecedented views of Jupiter’s northern and southern lights, and swirling polar haze. Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, a storm big enough to swallow Earth, stands out brightly alongside countless smaller storms.
One wide-field picture is particularly dramatic, showing the faint rings around the planet, as well as two tiny moons against a glittering background of galaxies.
“We’ve never seen Jupiter like this. It’s all quite incredible,” said planetary astronomer Imke de Pater, of the University of California, Berkeley, who helped lead the observations.
“We hadn’t really expected it to be this good, to be honest,” she added in a statement.
The infrared images were artificially colored in blue, white, green, yellow and orange, according to the U.S.-French research team, to make the features stand out.
NASA and the European Space Agency’s $10 billion successor to the Hubble Space Telescope rocketed away at the end of last year and has been observing the cosmos in the infrared since summer. Scientists hope to behold the dawn of the universe with Webb, peering all the way back to when the first stars and galaxies were forming 13.7 billion years ago.
The observatory is positioned 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/james-webb-space-telescope-shows-jupiters-auroras-tiny-moons/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:33Z |
Park outside: Fire risk prompts Hyundai, Kia hitch recalls
DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are telling owners of some large SUVs to park them outdoors and away from structures after a series of fires involving trailer hitch wiring.
The Korean automakers are recalling more than 281,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of the problem, but they haven’t figured out how to fix it yet.
The recalls cover more than 245,000 Hyundai Palisade and over 36,000 Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020 through 2022 model years.
The companies said debris and moisture can accumulate in a circuit board.
That can cause an electrical short, which can lead to a fire.
Hyundai said that dealers will inspect the wiring and remove a fuse as an interim repair. The companies say a final repair is being developed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/park-outside-fire-risk-prompts-hyundai-kia-hitch-recalls/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:39Z |
Plein air painting program at Shenandoah National Park on Aug. 27
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - On Saturday, August 27, there will be a public program on Plein air painting at Shenandoah National Park.
The program will be led by the park’s Artist-in-Residence, Ken Michael Heyman. Heyman has been painting for 25 years and says he has painted inside Shenandoah for more than a decade.
“The difference between painting regularly in the park and actually being an Artist-in-Residence is the ability to paint all day, on several large-scale pieces of work,” Heyman explained.
Heyman is a Virginia native, living in Alexandria and now spends time creating pieces of art in Plein air at Shenandoah National Park. He says Plein Air is French for in the plain air.
“It is a much more spontaneous way to paint and of course, there are so many challenges associated with painting in nature in the sun or the wind and with the changing conditions, those challenges, to me, bring so much spontaneity and joy to me, and that for me is part of the real pleasure,” Heyman explained.
If you are interested in attending be sure to get an SNP entrance permit or pass. Heyman will run the program as more of a demonstration.
“I’ll actively be painting but I also will be showing some of my setup: the pallet, the process about how one goes about painting so quickly in nature that way,” Heyman said.
The event will be at the Jewell Hollow Overlook. Donations to the SNP Trust support the Shenandoah National Park’s Artist-in-Residence program. You can view Heyman’s latest work on Instagram @ken_hey_you.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/plein-air-painting-program-shenandoah-national-park-aug-27/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:44Z |
Rockingham County School Board gets update on lab school program
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The Rockingham County School Board met Monday night. During the meeting, the board got an update from JMU on plans for a lab school program that would begin in 2023.
Rockingham County Public Schools plans to apply for state grant funding made available by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. The program sets aside $100 million to help jump-start around 20 lab school programs across the state.
RCPS Superintendent Dr. Oskar Scheikl said that because the school division has already been discussing a lab school program with JMU and Blue Ridge Community College for years, it is further along in the process than most other school divisions that will apply.
“We’re in a good position because we’ve already all the basic conversations with JMU and talked about what a lab school could look like, where that may be a good fit to start, and what other schools it could be expanded to,” said Scheikl.
The lab school program would be run through a partnership between RCPS, JMU, and BRCC. It would eventually be available to students in all four Rockingham County High Schools to students in grades 9 and 10.
“We’d have the expertise from JMU and Blue Ridge at the table and also pathways for those students during their high school career to take some steps toward work at Blue Ridge and JMU,” said Scheikl.
The lab school program would be largely project-based and focus on hands-on learning that would stretch across all kinds of curricula.
“We reduce the focus on simply memorizing things and putting them at that application level where students also get to apply what they learned. They already do that in many individual classes, but this would be much more comprehensive, so that’s certainly an exciting outlook,” said Scheikl.
Scheikl said that the state will begin awarding grants for the program in early 2023.
During the meeting on Monday night, the school board will also get an update from JMU on the Grow Your Own Teacher program.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/23/rockingham-county-school-board-gets-update-lab-school-program/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:50Z |
Golden Harvest corn seed offerings expand to bring farmers improved agronomics and yield potential
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Harvest announced today the addition of 12 new hybrids to its corn portfolio for the 2023 season. The new corn seed products, which include 10 corn hybrids and two conventional corn hybrids, feature improved agronomics and increased yield potential. The new hybrids join a game-changing Golden Harvest® corn portfolio that outperforms competitors in fields across the Corn Belt.
Research and development drive increased corn yield potential
The 12 new corn hybrids range in relative maturity from 87 to 117 days and feature industry-leading corn traits for insect control:
- Five hybrids include the Duracade™ trait for above- and below-ground insect protection and best-in-class corn rootworm control.
- Five hybrids include the Viptera™ trait, the most comprehensive above-ground insect control trait and the only effective western bean cutworm control trait.
In addition to leading insect control traits, the new corn hybrids help deliver value in the field and at harvest.
"With investments in research and development, trait introgression, and trialing, we are seeing great improvements in our newly advanced hybrids," said Rex Gray, Golden Harvest corn product manager ― West. "Because of their improved agronomics, standability, disease tolerance, test weight and yield potential, our newest products truly are a step-up when compared to our key competitors."
In specific geographies, Golden Harvest will offer a new Enogen® corn hybrid for the 2023 season. In the ethanol market, Enogen corn for fuel enhances the ethanol production process by improving process efficiency, while Enogen corn for feed hybrids help deliver more available energy when incorporated into dairy or beef cattle rations.
Game-changing corn performance in competitive trials
In addition to the 12 new corn hybrids, Golden Harvest offers six key corn hybrids that outperform the competition in trials1 across the Midwest.
Farmers can consider these data points as they put together their 2023 corn crop plans:
- Golden Harvest® corn G91V51-D brand outyielded DEKALB® brand corn products by an average of 0.7 bushels per acre (bu/A) in 207 comparisons.
- Golden Harvest corn G02K39-AA brand outyielded DEKALB and Pioneer® brand corn products by an average of 4 bu/A in 2,044 comparisons.
- Golden Harvest corn G10D21-VZ brand outyielded Pioneer brand corn products by an average of 2.4 bu/A in 1,740 comparisons.
- Golden Harvest corn G10L16-DV brand outyielded DEKALB and Pioneer brand corn products by an average of 2.2 bu/A in 3,916 comparisons.
- Golden Harvest corn G11V76-AA brand outyielded DEKALB and Pioneer brand corn products by an average of 2.2 bu/A in 2,466 comparisons.
- Golden Harvest corn G15J91-V brand outyielded DEKALB and Pioneer brand corn products by an average of 3.4 bu/A in 4,303 comparisons.
"Our game-changing corn hybrids deliver best-in-class performance across the industry," said Andy Ackley, Golden Harvest corn portfolio manager ― East. "We put agronomics first and focus on placing the right management structure on the right acre to bring farmers broad adaptability, high yield potential, solid agronomics and great late-season health. Golden Harvest corn hybrids are the cornerstone on which to build a whole farm corn solution package farmers can count on."
To learn more about Golden Harvest corn and discover which hybrids are right for your fields, visit www.GameChangingCorn.com.
To find better solutions for your corn and soybean acres, contact a Golden Harvest Seed Advisor at GoldenHarvestSeeds.com.
About Golden Harvest
Golden Harvest Seeds has been working with and listening to farmers with intention since 1973, offering in-depth seeds expertise combined with the local agronomic know-how of an independent Golden Harvest Seed Advisor to help identify custom solutions for every corn and soybean acre. Today, each Golden Harvest hybrid or variety is bred with the individual needs of hardworking farmers in mind. Golden Harvest corn hybrids feature elite genetics with proven performance and the most complete above- and below-ground insect control solutions with Duracade and Viptera trait stacks. Golden Harvest soybean varieties include the industry's broadest trait choice and exclusive genetics that set a new standard for performance and yield potential.
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GldnHarvest, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/goldenharvestseeds/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GldnHarvest.
The content of this release is for information purposes only. This release is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or other property interests. Syngenta hereby disclaims any liability for third-party websites referenced herein.
Web Resources:
Golden Harvest
Golden Harvest Game Changing Corn
Golden Harvest Corn
Golden Harvest Agronomy Articles
Newsroom
Thrive
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.
© 2022 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label and bag tag instructions; only those labeled as tolerant to glufosinate may be sprayed with glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides. LibertyLink®, Liberty® and the Water Droplet logo are registered trademarks of BASF. HERCULEX® and the HERCULEX Shield are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. HERCULEX Insect Protection technology by Corteva Agriscience LLC. Under federal and local laws, only dicamba-containing herbicides registered for use on dicamba-tolerant varieties may be applied. See product labels for details and tank mix partners. Golden Harvest® and NK® soybean varieties are protected under granted or pending U.S. variety patents and other intellectual property rights, regardless of the trait(s) within the seed. The Enlist E3® soybean, LibertyLink®, LibertyLink® GT27®, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield® and XtendFlex® soybean traits may be protected under numerous United States patents. It is unlawful to save soybeans containing these traits for planting or transfer to others for use as a planting seed. Only dicamba formulations that employ VaporGrip® Technology are approved for use with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® and XtendFlex® soybeans. Only 2,4-D choline formulations with Colex-D® Technology are approved for use with Enlist E3® soybeans. The trademarks or service marks displayed or otherwise used herein are the property of a Syngenta Group Company. ENLIST E3® soybean technology is jointly developed with Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. The ENLIST trait and ENLIST Weed Control System are technologies owned and developed by Corteva Agriscience LLC. ENLIST® and ENLIST E3® are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. GT27® is a trademark of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. and BASF. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, XtendFlex® and YieldGard VT Pro® are registered trademarks used under license from the Bayer Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Golden Harvest | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/12-new-hybrids-added-corn-portfolio-deliver-best-in-class-performance/ | 2022-08-23T14:49:56Z |
Successful NYC Owner/Operator Plans to Grow Frozen Yogurt and Soft Serve Brand Nationally
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New York City's leading self-serve frozen yogurt shop, 16 Handles, has been acquired by the brand's largest franchisee. The 30+ unit franchise brand will now be led by New York entrepreneur Neil Hershman, who plans to grow the regional brand outside of the Tri-State area through an aggressive franchise push. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Hershman will immediately retain the role of CEO and owner of 16 Handles. He is joined by investor and co-owner Danny Duncan, who will serve as the brand's Chief Creative Officer. Duncan is a comedic YouTuber who has amassed over 1.5 billion views on the platform and generated over $50 million in merchandise sales from 2020-2021.
16 Handles was founded by Solomon Choi in 2008. It has since grown to stores across five states and sets itself apart with modern store design, an exclusive and addictive product lineup, and unparalleled customer experience. The menu features 16 different frozen desserts, 50+ toppings and sauces, as well as a variety of frozen novelties such as cakes, take-home pints and toppings to-go.
"I came to New York City in my 20s and started 16 Handles as part of my lifelong dream and passion to create my own brand and build it into something great. Today, I see this same desire and fire in Neil as a successful franchisee who will now take over the direction of this iconic New York City dessert brand," said Choi. "I want to see 16 Handles grow and evolve, and Neil has the right mindset to set lofty goals and put the right plan together, which is exactly the type of leadership the brand needs."
Over the past three years, Hershman has quickly built a dessert empire throughout Manhattan, including a newly constructed Times Square 16 Handles location. He currently owns five 16 Handles shops (Murray Hill, East Village, Chelsea, Tribeca and Times Square), last year debuted NYC's first-ever Dippin' Dots ice cream store in Flatiron District and has since opened two additional stores in Brooklyn and Times Square this year. Hershman also recently opened Captain Cookie & the Milkman, a popular cookie and ice cream company started in Washington DC, near NYU's campus.
"16 Handles is a beloved brand in the New York region and there is so much potential for it to dominate in countless other markets across the country. Our leadership team has experience owning and operating our store locations, which gives us unparalleled insight into our products, business model and customers," said Hershman. "The soft serve and frozen yogurt market has continued to be an attractive investment for operators due to the high margin, low labor business model. 16 Handles created a brand for a broader demographic – not just kids – and continues to bring in new customers with its head turning partnerships, ranging from Broadway Shows like Dear Evan Hansen to national food and beverage partners like Junior's Cheesecake and Oatly. With the new ownership, 16 Handles has both the benefits of an established business, having decade old stores with continued revenue increases year over year, and a startup, with the ability to test and launch innovative ideas and partnerships quickly and efficiently."
"It's important for me to invest in a company that has a great product, but also a company that brings people happiness," said Duncan. "I recognized 16 Handles' success in New York City and knew if it could succeed there, it could succeed anywhere. I'm excited to open my own 16 Handles in my hometown of Englewood, Florida, and to help lead franchise expansion throughout the U.S."
The total initial investment to open a 16 Handles franchise ranges from $228,250 to $671,000. The brand boasts the highest average unit volume in the frozen yogurt dessert space, averaging $734,451. For more information on 16 Handles franchise opportunities, visit 16handles.com/franchise or email franchise@16handles.com.
About 16 Handles
16 Handles opened its first store in Manhattan's East Village in 2008, becoming the first self-serve frozen yogurt shop in New York City. Since then, the brand has expanded to over 30 locations with a menu that includes frozen yogurt, ice cream, vegan soft serve, endless toppings, drinks, and other treats & snacks. Each shop's full menu is available in store and via the 16 Handles app. In addition to creating irresistible desserts, 16 Handles works closely with local and national organizations in partnerships and fundraisers. For more information, visit 16handles.com.
Media Contact: Sara Faiwell, Fishman Public Relations, 847-945-1300 or sfaiwell@fishmanpr.com
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SOURCE 16 Handles | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/16-handles-acquired-by-franchisee-neil-hershman-youtube-star-danny-duncan/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:04Z |
The new location marks Academy's 20th store in Georgia
KATY, Texas, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Sports + Outdoors ("Academy") (Nasdaq: ASO) a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, is excited to announce the opening of its newest Atlanta, GA store. Located at 130 Perimeter Center West, in Perimeter Square Shopping Center, the 50,200 square-foot store brings a great assortment of the best sports and outdoors merchandise to Perimeter. Academy will kick off the grand opening festivities with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 26. Customers can look forward to exclusive deals, giveaways, a meet and greet with former professional baseball player Peter Moylan and former collegiate and professional football player Aaron Murray, current professional basketball player Monique Billings and other fun activities.
The new store marks the 12th location across metro Atlanta and 20th throughout Georgia. Academy looks forward to continuing its expansion efforts beyond 2022, with the goal of opening 80 to 100 new stores over the next five years.
"Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to continue to serve the Atlanta, GA community and provide customers the gear that makes having fun easy and affordable," said Sam Johnson, Academy's Executive Vice President of Retail Operations. "From Truist Park to Murphey Candler Park, Atlanta is a hub for outdoor life, active families, and home to passionate sports fans. We look forward to providing convenient locations that offers top brands, value, and excellent customer service."
Customers can expect to find everyday low prices on top brands such as Nike, adidas, Under Armour, Columbia, Coleman, The North Face and more. Academy also offers tremendous value and quality through its exclusive, private label brands like Magellan Outdoors, Freely, R.O.W., BCG, H2O Xpress, Game Winner, O'Rageous and others.
The new location offers families a fun destination to gear up for any big game, outdoor adventure, or a day on the court or field. Additionally, the store serves as a place to create a backyard oasis with everything from patio sets, barbecue grills, and outdoor games. Academy also offers free services such as grill and bike assembly, scope mounting, bore sighting, line winding/spooling, and propane exchange. Customers can also purchase hunting and fishing licenses.
For more information regarding the grand opening deals and events visit academy.com/perimeter or text PERIMETER to 22369. Customers are also invited to shop online at academy.com or through Academy's mobile app, receive digital ads and offers, engage with Academy's social media accounts (@academy), sign up for email alerts, and watch out for information on upcoming grand opening events.
Individuals interested in careers at Academy can visit careers.academy.com to apply for open positions.
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 263 stores across 17 states. Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All" and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy's product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on Academy's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as "intends," "will," "plan," "believe," "expect," "may," and/or the negatives or variations of these terms or similar terminology. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, regional, or local economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond Academy's control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Academy's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including Academy's Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "Risk Factors," as may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date released. Academy undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.
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SOURCE Academy Sports + Outdoors | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/academy-sports-outdoors-opens-new-store-atlanta-ga/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:10Z |
The AR print publishing studio is launching with two new fine art prints by renowned artists; Projects from Marilyn Minter, Kenny Scharf, and Matthew Brandt Planned for the Fall
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ADLAR Studio, the fine art print publishing company, today launched its digital augmented reality (AR) platform to bring a series of limited-edition prints to life for art enthusiasts across the globe. Using world-class creative special effects and technologists, many with decades of experience working in Silicon Valley and Hollywood, ADLAR creates artworks in the emerging AR genre. ADLAR Studio is making it possible to experience fine art on the wall and as an enhanced digital asset through its new free mobile app, now available for iPhone users.
Launching with prints from Analia Saban, and Shane Guffogg and our never-before-seen AR activated technology, these works are available for purchase via ADLARstudio.com/store at $4,900 and $3,950, respectively.
In addition, ADLAR Studio is in development on future projects with Marilyn Minter, Kenny Scharf, and Matthew Brandt, among many other artists. The studio expects to make announcements in the coming months as the studio builds its print and digital fine art collection.
"More people are experiencing art in different ways, and we are excited that ADLAR Studio is bringing both traditional printmaking and cutting-edge AR technologies to fine art print collectors and new digital natives, whether they are just beginning to collect or have established collections," said Larry W. Jones, co-founder of ADLAR Studio. "The technology now available on our mobile devices is ushering in a whole new way to experience traditional printmaking. This is just the beginning of us doing our part in building the metaverse of the future."
The "AR" in Art
The ADLAR Studio app was created using the Unity gaming engine and Apple's ARKit development platform for iOS devices to bring these ADLAR fine art prints to life with augmented reality at the click of a button. ADLAR works with a group of award-winning VFX technicians who are masters in 3D animation, volumetric capture, artificial intelligence, world building, motion capture, and digital humans, among other skills. To activate a limited-edition ADLAR print, one simply opens the ADLAR app, scans the image, and the AR comes to life.
"I'm inspired by technology and I'm always thinking about how new technologies change the course of Art History. The same way that the introduction of industrial processes, new pigments, or photography has had a deep effect on Art, I've been thinking about how crypto, NFTs, virtual and augmented realities will affect the way we make and consume Art. It's been a pleasure to work with Larry, Adam and their staff at ADLAR on how to translate my practice into a new project that incorporates Augmented Reality. Larry's experience in cutting edge digital AR content creation and Adam's understanding of the collaborative nature of fine art printmaking makes for a perfect fit for artists like myself who are interested in exploring these mesmerizing emerging technologies." – Analia Saban
"We are thrilled to be launching ADLAR Studio with Analia Saban and Shane Guffogg. This is a dream come true to work directly with artists to help make their art come to life in the physical and virtual worlds," said Adam F. Gross, co-founder of ADLAR Studio.
Co-founders Adam F. Gross and Larry W. Jones brought together years of experience in fine art print-making with Gross at Lapis Press, and in content creation with Jones at Viacom/CBS, to build ADLAR Studio—a company that focuses on the co-founders' shared passion to marry traditional visual art with highly-experienced digital experts, engineers, and technologists.
The ADLAR app is now available for download in the Apple App store and will roll out on Google Play in the coming months. To learn more about ADLAR Studio, and how to purchase the artwork or experience the AR, visit ADLARstudio.com/store.
About ADLAR Studio
We combine the highest quality limited-edition prints with cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) activations. ADLAR Studio brings together talented and provocative artists, master printers, and world-class, award-winning special effects experts and engineers to create the highest quality prints and bring them to life via AR. The ADLAR Studio team pushes the boundaries of what is possible in augmented reality.
Hi-Res Images available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1ShRme4XtaZZymDM-hCfCCRxx3CeheME5
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SOURCE ADLAR Studio | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/adlar-studio-brings-one-of-a-kind-limited-edition-fine-art-prints-life-analia-saban-shane-guffogg-using-augmented-reality/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:17Z |
Advantage's Evo UL is the first GPS solution that eliminates monthly airtime fees and device renewals.
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Advantage Automotive Analytics, a leader in modern data analytics and advanced, risk-mitigation solutions for vehicle finance professionals, today debuted Evo UL, an unprecedented, unlimited connectivity GPS risk-mitigation solution.
By employing the latest GPS hardware and applying sophisticated proprietary technology, Advantage is the first to market with unlimited connectivity service. Evo UL provides Buy here-pay here dealers and Subprime finance professionals the industry's first-ever, unlimited connectivity GPS solution that monitors and protects automotive collateral with no contracts, recurring carrier fees, or renewal charges.
Evo UL is now a key element of Advantage's wired collateral-protection portfolio that communicates via the 4G LTE platform and fully 5G-network compliant. Evo UL delivers essential data and analytics and provides more protection throughout the life of a loan and beyond — eliminating any and all recurring fees with one upfront payment. Benefits include:
- No monthly airtime fees — ever
- No renewal charges
- Unlimited device use and reuse
- Real-time monitoring
- Continuous protection
- Backup battery included
"We are first to market with this unlimited plan," said Brian Tate, Advantage's Director of Product Management, "and it's a tribute to the vision and dedication of our senior leadership and our skilled product development team. Once again, our customers drove this innovation with their suggestions and requests."
Evo UL allows users to more accurately control fixed operating costs, up front, because there are no additional charges or fees once a device is purchased. Users will never be burdened with loss of connectivity because of a failure to renew carrier fees.
Setting itself above and apart from its competitors, Evo UL gives its clients another major cost-reduction possibility.
"Since there are no monthly service fees nor renewals, users can incentivize their customers to return the devices when a finance contract ends, the vehicle is traded-in or reacquired by the finance company," said Michelle Jackson, Vice President of Sales. "The devices can be used for multiple vehicles over time, and our user dashboard facilitates the process."
Buy here-pay here dealers and finance company professionals have long-awaited a risk-mitigation platform with unlimited GPS connectivity. Skyrocketing inventory costs and increases in delinquencies and charge offs have made the deep subprime business ever-more challenging.
"It's a solution that addresses marketplace demands at a time when GPS protection is more necessary than ever and cost-reduction is critical to profitability," Jackson added.
Advantage GPS provides modern data analytics and advanced GPS technology that empower BHPH dealers and vehicle finance companies to make smarter, faster, and more profitable business decisions. The company's seasoned leadership team has been revolutionizing risk mitigation tools and real-time automotive analytics to help lenders protect vehicle assets, reduce delinquencies, and speed up recoveries for over a decade.
For more information visit AdvantageGPS.com
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SOURCE Advantage GPS, LLC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/advantage-gps-debuts-industrys-first-unlimited-risk-mitigation-protection-solution/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:24Z |
Services help ensure researchers submit a complete budget application that accounts for all necessary research support and avoids post-award financial shortfalls
COLUMBIA, Md., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Advarra, the market leader in regulatory review solutions, clinical research technology for sites and sponsors, and research quality and compliance consulting services, announced today the launch of new dedicated support services for researchers and institutions applying for research grant funding.
Including a complete, customized grant budget that considers all necessary study resources will help researchers avoid financial and operational surprises in later study conduct. Key offerings include a thorough estimate development process for grant applications, supported by a new dedicated request form and a checklist document outlining elements commonly forgotten in grant application budgets, as well as streamlined expert internal processes to provide timely budget estimates for grant applications. Additionally, Advarra offers special pricing considerations for research funded by federal grants.
"Even though more and more funding agencies are requiring single IRB (sIRB) review of multisite studies, many researchers either forget to include this line item or assume their institution can serve as sIRB," said Frank Conte, Vice President of Institutional Partnerships at Advarra. "Not all institutional IRBs can or are willing to do that. Plus, there are many other tasks and services that investigators don't consider when they're submitting the application – then down the road they have to reconfigure the study structure because they forgot to budget for something."
Grant funding is a critical part of many research programs, both at academic institutions and other research organizations. Federal agencies, like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), require sIRB oversight of the multisite studies they fund or oversee. Other non-governmental funding organizations have established similar policies, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made clear its support of such requirements via 2006 published guidance.
"Research organizations, especially sites and institutions, are incredibly under-resourced right now," said Robann Cunningham, Chief Commercial Officer at Advarra. "We hope these tools help research professionals make the most of the resources they do have and prevent future shortfalls that could easily be avoided with a little extra planning."
To learn more about Advarra's support for research grant applicants, visit https://info.advarra.com/grant-gaq.
Advarra advances the way clinical research is conducted: bringing life sciences companies, CROs, research sites, investigators, and academia together at the intersection of safety, technology, and collaboration. With trusted review solutions, innovative technologies, experienced consultants, and deep-seated connections across the industry, Advarra provides integrated solutions that safeguard trial participants, empower clinical sites, ensure compliance, and optimize research performance. Advarra is advancing clinical trials to make them safer, smarter, and faster. For more information, visit advarra.com.
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SOURCE Advarra | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/advarra-launches-dedicated-support-services-research-grant-applicants/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:30Z |
Celebrated Times Square Hotel Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation,
Debuting Redesigned Guestrooms, Public Spaces, Restaurants, and Over 110,000 Square Feet of Modern Meeting and Event Spaces
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Marriott Marquis, part of Marriott Hotels – the signature flag of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands – is delighted to announce the completion of an extensive renovation. Situated at the epicenter of Times Square, the comprehensive transformation includes newly designed guestrooms, restaurants, public spaces, as well as meeting and events spaces, that offer respite from, but are also inspired by, the electric energy of the city.
"New York Marriott Marquis is the heartbeat of our Marriott Hotels brand, inclusive of more than 600 properties around the world," said Drew Iddings, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Marriott Hotels. "With the completion of this captivating redesign, we continue to build momentum for the brand's evolution and modern appeal that is tailormade for our renowned, wonderful hospitality to empower guests' every pursuit."
Opened in 1985 amid the rejuvenation of Times Square, New York Marriott Marquis' vibrant location provided inspiration for architecture and interior design firms Stonehill Taylor, which oversaw the redesign of the hotel's public and event spaces, and Sawyer & Company, which led the design of the guestrooms and suites. Both firms drew from the 360 degrees of billboard lights experienced by visitors to Times Square, in addition to Stonehill Taylor centering the hotel's renovation design concept on the theme of "Kaleidoscope of Energy".
"The reflections, flow of energy, and vivacity that encapsulate Times Square were central references for this project," said Sara Duffy, Principal at Stonehill Taylor. "We fed off the spirit of the hotel's surroundings while simultaneously constructing a comfortable, rejuvenating stay for guests. The end result was a design that perfectly balances elegant playfulness and interactive experiences with flexible and varied seating, strategically open yet distinctive zones, and an artful New York theme that carries throughout the hotel."
Awe-Inspiring Welcome
Upon arrival to the eighth-floor lobby, visitors will find a reoriented space designed for a seamless and energizing arrival experience. The hotel's reception desks have been moved from the south side to the north side of the hotel, opening the northernmost wall to natural light with installed prismatic waved glass, and adding to the whimsical motifs throughout the space. Reception desks are now separated by archways made of playful wood paneling, and a lit acrylic 3-D sculpture by Parachilna sits on a plinth along with Kaleidoscope-inspired New York City artwork by Kalisher.
Spacious Guestrooms with a Sense of Place
Each of the hotel's 1,971 spacious guest rooms have been completely updated with a modern, thoughtful design complemented by locally inspired accents to draw in the energy of the city. New features include mounted, high-definition televisions; expanded closets, deluxe walk-in showers with spa-like lighting, and ultra-comfortable platform beds. The plethora of storage and sizable floor space sets these rooms apart from standard city accommodations, and a calm, neutral color palette joined by bright accents centers guests among the hotel's iconic views. Additionally, through the first-of-its-kind, longstanding global partnership with Marriott Hotels and TED, guests will continue to have access to thoughtfully curated in-room TED content to enjoy during their stay.
Elevated Food & Beverage Experiences
In addition to the hotel's redesign, New York Marriott Marquis has now partnered with the renowned Union Square Hospitality Group and Union Square Events on the food and beverage concepts at three updated restaurants, as well as the catering for hotel events.
Featuring spectacular, two-story wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking Times Square and the Great White Way's dazzling lights, Broadway Lounge offers an unmatched experience in the center of it all. A small taste of a big New York experience, the restaurant's menu centers around bold flavors and features wood fired pizzas, gourmet snacks, and handcrafted cocktails. To either side of Broadway Lounge is Perch, the venue's intimate outdoor terrace where guests can soak in the energy of Times Square.
Tucked away under the ninth floor is Revel & Rye Bar and Restaurant. Reminiscent of an old-school whiskey bar, Revel & Rye provides a sophisticated atmosphere for guests to indulge in over 20 wines by the glass, an extensive American whiskey list, and a New York-themed dining menu. Inspired by theatre marquees, the bar is fitted with linear piped lighting that flows from the bar back onto a metallic gold ceiling, creating an ambient and cozy atmosphere. The bright lights of Times Square have also been brought indoors with two large LED "billboards" positioned on either side of the restaurant, inviting guests to gather to watch the latest sporting events, movies, and more.
The newly redesigned M Club – a brand signature across Marriott Hotels globally – creates an elevated experience made to feel like a chic New York City-style living room. Reserved for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite members and paying guests, the stately double doors welcome guests to the generously large lounge, which seats close to 200. The lounge features a library, business support center, and ample seating such as communal worktables and banquettes, and feature plenty of charging stations for electronic devices. A complimentary full buffet breakfast is offered, along with a "Grab & Go" station for members to enjoy a coffee or pastry.
The hotel also features an expansive Atrium Greatroom lobby – a stylish hub of the hotel that serves as a great social gathering place for both day and night. The contemporary décor and layout provide guests with a space to relax, collaborate with colleagues or grab a night cap. Guests can enjoy the hotel's breakfast buffet as well as seamless connectivity with free Wi-Fi.
Next Gen Meeting Spaces
On the hotel's ninth floor, The Terrace – a dramatic open event space under a soaring atrium, connecting the Marquis Ballroom to the Jolson, Cantor, and Barrymore Rooms – was expanded to serve as an additional functional event space, complete with streetlamp-inspired lighting. Meeting spaces and pre-function event spaces on floors three through seven, including the Broadway Ballroom and Marquis Theatre foyer, feature newly designed carpets and wall coverings. Milliken carpet patterns are reminiscent of overlapping starbursts and kaleidoscopes, tying the hotel's theme together neatly. The largest ballroom stage in the city, The Broadway Ballroom, now also has a state-of the-art sound system, which extends to the balconies and wings, providing smooth continuous audio with exceptional sound quality.
"We are thrilled to unveil the reimagined New York Marriott Marquis, which both honors the hotel's history and celebrates its place in modern New York City," said Dan Nadeau, Area General Manager and General Manager of New York Marriott Marquis. "This marks a new milestone where we have always been an iconic fixture. Now we're welcoming travelers back to New York with a fresh and exciting slate of events, facilities, and design to help turn the page on our newest chapter."
New York Marriott Marquis participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
To commemorate the electric, reimagined New York Marriott Marquis, the hotel is offering Times Square View rooms for a limited time, with rates starting at $544. Regular guest room rates start at $429. To learn more and make reservations, please visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycmq-new-york-marriott-marquis/overview/ or call +1 (212) 398-1900.
For hi-resolution images, please visit the hotel's image library.
About New York Marriott Marquis
An iconic hotel in Times Square, New York Marriott Marquis captures the vibrant energy and spirit of Manhattan, with its West 46th Street and Broadway location placing guests near some of New York City's most exciting attractions including Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the Theater District. Featuring spacious accommodations, a 24-hour fitness center, Fresh Bites in-room dining and the 5,000 square foot M Club, the hotel is a central respite for New York travelers. With 1,971 newly renovated guest rooms, public areas, restaurants, and meeting and events spaces, the New York Marriott Marquis invites guests to celebrate the vibrancy of the city as the world enters a new era of travel.
About Marriott Hotels®
With more than 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hosting – placing people first is the brand's living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, with modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, leading the industry with innovations including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevate style and design, and technology. For more information, please visit www.marriotthotels.com, and stay connected on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter, and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com.
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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/an-icon-reinvented-new-york-marriott-marquis-takes-centerstage-with-unveiling-reimagined-guest-experience-travel-new-york-city-grows/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:37Z |
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Argyle Real Estate Partners and Sembler Investments have partnered together to form a new multifamily focused investment venture. The Partnership plans to acquire over $1.5 billion of apartments in the Southeast and Texas during the next 2-3 years. Argyle Real Estate Partners, led by industry veteran Ryan Reyes, will target core-plus and value add opportunities in major Sunbelt markets.
Argyle's founder and CEO, Ryan Reyes, says, "The fundamentals for multifamily remain strong despite the recent macroeconomic and capital market trends. We believe this dichotomy between the underlying asset class and capital market conditions will present compelling investment opportunities in the months ahead." Reyes added "We are excited about our partnership with Sembler Investments. Our investment thesis and values pair perfectly together creating great synergies between our companies." With a focus on high quality, institutional assets, Argyle will target apartments built after the year 2000 in markets experiencing major population growth and corporate relocations but still offer a high quality of life for its residents.
Mark Sembler of Sembler investments adds, "We are very excited about our partnership with Ryan and the Argyle team. Ryan's proven track record demonstrates his capabilities and thoughtfulness in this space and we look forward to accomplishing much together. In addition to the opportunities we are currently seeing in this market, we think a focus on this space benefits our other efforts at the same time."
About Argyle Real Estate Partners: Argyle Real Estate Partners is a vertically integrated real estate investment firm headquartered in Tampa, FL. Formed in 2022, Argyle's team has collectively acquired over $3.5 billion of multifamily properties throughout the United States during their combined 25+ years of experience.
About Sembler Investments: Sembler Investments is a multidisciplinary investment firm with holdings in a variety of industries, including Real Estate, Health Care, Financial Services, Hospitality, and more. The firm was founded 30 years ago and is headquartered in Tampa, FL.
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SOURCE Argyle Real Estate Partners | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/argyle-real-estate-partners-sembler-investments-form-partnership-acquire-15b-multifamily-real-estate/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:44Z |
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, today announced the completion of enrollment for its global Phase 2b clinical study of AR882 for the treatment of chronic gout. The study, which exceeded the initial target enrollment of 120 patients, is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AR882, an effective and selective uricosuric agent, in chronic gout patients who meet ACR/EULAR gout classification.
"We are pleased to see the completion of enrollment in our global Phase 2b clinical study of our leading compound, AR882. The study has exceeded our initial enrollment target despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a major milestone for the development of AR882 for chronic gout treatment," said Arthrosi CEO Litain Yeh. "I thank the patients who enrolled in this study, the efforts of clinical investigators from the U.S., Australia, and Taiwan, and our clinical operations team who worked diligently to advance the study to this point. We look forward to providing a clinical update later this year."
The Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study is designed to enroll approximately 120 gout patients to assess safety and efficacy of AR882 in three cohorts: 50 mg, 75 mg, or placebo. Study participants will receive treatment for up to three months to evaluate serum urate (sUA) reduction and safety. A total of 24 clinical sites have participated. As of August 15, 2022, 92 patients and 75 patients have passed the six-week and three-month dosing milestones respectively.
"AR882 has the potential to transform gout treatment. The data collected in our Phase 2a study has shown that AR882 is well-tolerated, with robust serum urate lowering effect in patients with gout," said Arthrosi's Chief Medical Officer Robert T. Keenan, MD, MPH, MBA. "We are confident the data will show similar efficacy, safety, and tolerability in this study, which is even larger and longer than the 2a study. The current standard of care has been ineffective in controlling rising rates of the disease and associated patient morbidity. AR882 was designed to treat patients with chronic gout to achieve serum urate levels below 6 mg/dL needed to control disease, and to achieve a target below 5 mg/dL or 4 mg/dL for more aggressive treatment."
Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in San Diego, CA, in 2018 with a mission to create a revolutionary treatment option to target uric acid levels and reduce joint damage for people living with gout. With its vast therapeutic and treatment knowledge, Arthrosi has accumulated a comprehensive and robust intellectual property portfolio and impressive Phase 1 and Phase 2 data showing industry leading efficacy rates and superior safety profiles.
To learn more about Arthrosi, visit www.arthrosi.com
Media Contact:
Shunqi Yan, PhD
Founder & Chief Operating Officer
shunqi.yan@arthrosi.com
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SOURCE Arthrosi Therapeutics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/arthrosi-completes-ar882-phase-2b-study-enrollment/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:51Z |
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Patriot Growth Insurance Services, LLC (Patriot), one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing insurance agencies, announces they have partnered with Beckham Insurance Group (Beckham) with locations in South Carolina and Georgia. This partnership expands Patriot's employee benefits operations in the southeast region and is its first office in South Carolina.
Beckham provides comprehensive group employee benefits insurance and voluntary group benefits, and services including compliance resources, ACA expertise, and benefits communications. Combining progressive technology and industry expertise, Beckham offers financial solutions to their clients and their clients' employees.
"Having worked in this industry for over 20 years, I understand the resources it takes to ensure we always bring the best solutions to our clients. That is why I decided to partner with Patriot and the TRUE Network of Advisors," said Marshall Beckham, Principal at Beckham. "Our relationship with Patriot and TRUE and the resources they provide empower us to continue serving our clients with the industry expertise and care they are accustomed to receiving."
"The Beckham team is laser-focused on doing what's best for their clients and employees, and that's what makes them a great Patriot partner," said Matt Gardner, Chairman and CEO of Patriot. "Their organic growth results are impressive, and I am excited to see that accelerate with the support and resources of Patriot and TRUE."
Founded in 2019, Patriot is a growth-focused national insurance services firm that partners with employee benefits and property & casualty agencies across the United States. Patriot is ranked as the 35th largest broker in the U.S. by Business Insurance. With over 1,500 employees operating in 122 locations across 23 states, Patriot's collaborative model delivers resources and strategic support to its agencies, whose leaders continue to operate with a high degree of autonomy in their local markets. Patriot creates true alignment with its partner agencies, and its operating philosophy fosters enhanced career opportunities for its dedicated and professional team. Patriot is backed by GI Partners and Summit Partners. For more information, please visit www.patriotgis.com.
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SOURCE Patriot Growth Insurance Services | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/beckham-insurance-group-partners-with-patriot-growth-insurance-services/ | 2022-08-23T14:50:57Z |
Influencers Compete for Votes to Secure Their New Favorite Flavor
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Purina's Beggin' dog treats has teamed up with Walmart to host a crowdsourcing campaign that encourages consumers to vote between two new dog treat Flavors: Backyard Bacon Cheeseburger and Bold Brown Sugar and Bacon. Sold exclusively at Walmart, the flavor with the most unique votes will become the newest Beggin' product added to Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com. The campaign is live now and will end on September 30, 2022.
"We are thrilled to work with Walmart on this exciting campaign," said Tim Brunt, Senior Brand Manager, Purina. "We wanted to see which of the two flavors is the bigger fan favorite, so we decided to go directly to the source and ask consumers which flavor should stay."
Mega influencers Matt Slays and Zach Kornfeld, known for their hilarious social media content with their pups, have become team captains for their favorite flavor and are pitted against each other to see who can drum up the most votes. Matt is Team Bold Brown Sugar and Bacon Flavor and Zach is Team Backyard Bacon Cheeseburger Flavor. As of today, each posted a TikTok video (@korndiddy and @matt.slays) encouraging followers to vote for their preferred flavor. Influencers Rachel Martino and Meghan McCarthy also joined in on the fun to generate excitement in the voting for Walmart shoppers. "Our Beggin' ambassadors have millions of TikTok followers who are highly engaged, so we're hoping for a lot of input to ultimately choose the winning flavor," said Tim Brunt.
The multi-touchpoint campaign involves a website for consumer voting, in-store promotions and digital and influencer marketing. To submit your vote, visit https://chooseyourbegginflavoratwalmart.com/.
What makes dogs go bonkers for Beggin'? With real meat as the #1 ingredient, these mouthwatering treats are always made with real bacon and no FD&C Colors. To learn more about Purina Beggin' products visit https://www.purina.com/beggin.
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Dog Chow, Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 8,700 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 51 million dogs and 65 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition. Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive. Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
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SOURCE Beggin' | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/beggin-hosts-crowdsourcing-campaign-choose-next-dog-treats-flavor-your-dog-will-go-bonkers/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:04Z |
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Americans (63%) are significantly more likely than Hispanic Americans (49%) and White Americans (47%) to have no awareness of celiac disease and/or gluten-sensitivity, suggesting potential health inequities in both diagnosis and treatment, according to a nationwide benchmark survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure. Other research indicates celiac disease diagnosis and treatment disparities for Black Americans.
A serious autoimmune condition that causes damage to the small intestine resulting in debilitating symptoms, celiac disease, if left untreated, can lead to a number of long-term health problems including infertility and some types of cancer. Celiac disease affects one in 133 Americans.
Other key findings about Black Americans and celiac disease from the 2022 Beyond Celiac Survey Report
indicating lack of awareness and health information about celiac disease and/or gluten-sensitivity include:
- Only 8% of Black Americans know that celiac disease often runs in families, compared to 21% of Hispanic Americans and 24% of White Americans.
- Only 37% of Black Americans, compared to 52% of Hispanic Americans and 58% of White Americans, realize that following a strict 100% gluten-free diet is how someone with celiac disease controls it today.
- Only 33% of Black Americans are aware that someone with celiac disease who strictly follows a gluten-free diet still has to worry about experiencing celiac disease symptoms or health conditions caused by it, whereas 41% of Hispanic Americans and 56% of White Americans know it.
"Celiac disease is not only mis-understood, it is also misdiagnosed. We know equal access to healthcare information, diagnosis and treatment is a concern on many levels including for people of color. These inequities place Black Americans at greater risk for poor health outcomes especially when it comes to a condition like celiac disease which is hard to diagnose and has no treatment or cure," Beyond Celiac CEO Alice Bast said.
Additional Disparity Research
In a study by the University of Chicago and Harvard School of Public Health, researchers found that Black Americans who have symptoms associated with celiac disease have 90% decreased odds of receiving the appropriate follow-up for diagnosis.
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a new registry of celiac disease patients showed that Black Americans with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease were more likely than non-Hispanic White Americans to have negative results on the most commonly-used diagnostic blood test for celiac disease, the anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (TTG) blood test. A positive TTG test will often trigger an endoscopy and biopsy for celiac disease diagnosis. The study raised the question of whether further confirmatory testing for celiac disease is deterred in Black Americans in general clinical practice. Eighty percent of Black patients with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease in the registry had TTG test results that were less than the upper limit of normal, compared to about 9 percent of non-Hispanic White patients in the registry. Additionally Black patients were much less likely to have tests for the genes associated with celiac disease.
Moving Forward
"We believe is important that all Americans understand the symptoms of celiac disease so they can advocate for their own health, including gaining an accurate diagnosis and the treatment needed to live a healthy life," Bast said. "Beyond Celiac is taking action to increase awareness, diagnosis and treatment for Black Americans." Two examples of this action are the NMQF project and Voices of Celiac Disease Project.
In partnership with the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), Beyond Celiac is examining and addressing health inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease. Beyond Celiac and NMQF, a leading advocacy organization on issues of health disparity, are investigating the extent of undiagnosed celiac disease, particularly among non-Caucasians, through analysis of Medicare and Medicaid data. The goal is to map celiac disease across the United States to drive diagnosis and ensure clinical trials include a diverse, representative patient population.
In the Beyond Celiac Voices of Celiac Disease project, non-whites with celiac disease have shared stories of being dismissed by physicians who told them they could not have celiac disease because of their race and, thus delaying diagnosis due to race.
The Harris Poll Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Beyond Celiac from February 8-10, 2022 among 2,039 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact cbaker@beyondceliac.org
Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the United States, serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac. www.BeyondCeliac.org.
Claire Baker, 267.419.2111
cbaker@beyondceliac.org
Angela Miller, 319.331.5090
amiller@kaisermarketinggroup.com
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SOURCE Beyond Celiac | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/beyond-celiac-identifies-health-disparities-celiac-disease-awareness-diagnosis-treatment-black-americans/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:11Z |
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackford Capital ("Blackford"), a leading lower middle market private equity firm, today announced the successful exit from its investment in Quality Aluminum Products, ("QAP") through a sale to Gibraltar Industries, Inc. ("Gibraltar") (Nasdaq: ROCK), a publicly-traded leading manufacturer and provider of products and services for the renewable energy, residential, agtech and infrastructure markets.
Acquired by Blackford Capital in January 2016, QAP manufactures aluminum and steel products including soffit, fascia, trim coil, rain carrying products and aluminum siding, and serves wholesale markets in the Midwest, Northeast and South.
During its time as a Blackford Capital portfolio company, QAP grew its market position organically through a relentless focus on customer service, strategic customer growth, product quality, and supply availability, all leading to consistent, year-over-year revenue growth and enhanced margin performance. QAP made consistent capital expenditures in the business to keep it on the front of technology and developed an expanded aluminum sourcing capability. Under Blackford's ownership the family stakeholders retained a significant equity position. The family legacy and leadership, including Bob Clark as CEO, remained intact.
"QAP grew rapidly and profitably since becoming part of the Blackford Capital family of portfolio companies," said Bob Clark, Quality Aluminum Products CEO. "We see tremendous potential for the business and are confident we will continue our momentum as we transition from Blackford Capital to Gibraltar. We are grateful for Blackford's partnership, and we are excited to enter our next phase of growth as part of Gibraltar's residential business."
"Since our investment in QAP, our team has been honored to partner with the Clark family, QAP's management team, and our esteemed group of limited partners to successfully grow and broaden the company's business model," said Jeff Johnson, managing director of Blackford and former chairman of QAP. "The investments we made to expand its production capabilities position the company to accelerate and achieve its next phase of expansion. We have high confidence in the team's ability to realize their numerous growth initiatives, as evidenced by the 17% annual revenue CAGR we experienced during our ownership period."
The details of the transaction were also announced through Gibraltar's press release on August 23.
About Quality Aluminum Products
Founded in 1990, Quality Aluminum Products is a manufacturer and distributor of a broad range of exterior aluminum building products. Headquartered in Hastings, Michigan, with a second location in Flat Rock, Michigan, Quality Aluminum offers aluminum siding, soffit, fascia, trim coil, rain carrying systems and other products. To learn more about the company, visit www.qualityaluminum.com.
About Blackford Capital
Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford acquires, manages, and builds founder and family-owned, lower middle-market companies, with a focus on the manufacturing, industrial and distribution industries. With a reputation for a relentless approach to value creation and a focus on operational excellence, Blackford was named the Private Equity Firm of the Year by M&A Advisor in 2021 and 2018. Several of its portfolio companies have been included on the Inc. 5000. For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Romano
Lambert
(480) 577-9989
aromano@lambert.com
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SOURCE Blackford Capital | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/blackford-capital-completes-sale-quality-aluminum-products-gibraltar-industries/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:17Z |
The 2022 EUC Management and Governance Market Update Report by Bloor Research measures EUC applications
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitratech, a leading global provider of legal, compliance, and HR software, is excited to announce that its ClusterSeven product has been chosen as a Champion in the 2022 EUC Management and Governance Market Update Report by Bloor Research.
The report measures EUC (end-user computing) management and the governance of risk prevention applications against the following criteria:
- Inventory: ability to identify and catalog an organization's EUCs
- Risk assessment: measures the EUC risk level
- Regulations and oversight: the ability of a solution to meet regulators' expectations
- Spreadsheets: the most common type of EUC
- Controls: measures how effective the solution is in providing transparency
- Automation: the measure of a solution's automation abilities
"ClusterSeven is a mature product that works alongside and integrates with the broader Mitratech suite of GRC solutions," said Daniel Howard, Senior Analyst at Bloor Research. "The company's innovative approach to combining multiple technologies in order to create a comprehensive GRC suite resulted in ClusterSeven being named a Champion in the 2022 EUC Management and Governance Market Update Report."
ClusterSeven's Shadow IT Manager lets users choose from a full range of components capable of automating and accelerating EUC management. Effective spreadsheet risk management allows organizations to make use of their users' favorite applications, while still having the same control, transparency, and auditability found in their corporate IT systems.
"We are delighted that ClusterSeven has been recognized as a Champion in the latest Bloor report." Said Henry Umney, managing director of GRC Strategy at Mitratech." As the pioneer in taking EUC and Spreadsheet solutions from the desktop to the enterprise, our unrivaled experience, and extensive client base ensures that we continue to innovate and remain a thought leader delivering cutting-edge solutions."
The full report can be downloaded here:
Mitratech is a proven global technology partner for corporate legal, risk, compliance, and HR professionals seeking to maximize productivity, control expense, and mitigate risk by deepening organizational alignment, increasing visibility, and spurring collaboration across an enterprise. Mitratech serves over 2,000 organizations worldwide spanning more than 160 countries.
For more info, visit: www.mitratech.com
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SOURCE Mitratech Holdings Inc | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/bloor-research-recognizes-mitratechs-clusterseven-champion-2022-market-update/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:24Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluerock Value Exchange (BVEX) announced the successful full-cycle sale of five distinct Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) programs held for 1031 exchange investment. The individual property sales occurred between August 8 - August 15, 2022. The five programs collectively comprised more than $393 million in total sell-out value, with more than $101 million in total net returns to investors, inclusive of annual cash distributions (1.87x average equity multiple), and 16.7% average annual returns over an average approximate 5-year hold period.
The five separate DST / 1031 exchange investment programs represent geographically diverse apartment communities located in high economic growth areas strategically selected by Bluerock for their highly attractive live/work/play attributes catering to the sought-after renter-by-choice cohort and were acquired between 2015 and 2018 and summarized below:
- BR Sonoma Pointe DST, located in Orlando, Florida, was acquired for $44.72 million by investors (inclusive of all costs) in August 2017, and sold for $68 million on August 15, 2022 (5-year hold period) generating a total return to investors of $24.73 million, inclusive of annual cash distributions, for a 2.3x equity multiple and a 26% average annual return.
- BR Clearwater DST, located in Clearwater, Florida, was acquired for $46.4 million by investors (inclusive of all costs) in September 2015, and sold for $66.9 million on August 8, 2022 (6.8-year hold period) generating a total return to investors of $24.33 million, inclusive of annual cash distributions, for a 2.26x equity multiple and a 18.4% average annual return.
- BR Grand at Westside DST, located in Orlando, Florida, was acquired for $74.78 million by investors (inclusive of all costs) in February 2018, and sold for $101 million on August 8, 2022 (4.5-year hold period) generating a total return to investors of $24.83 million, inclusive of annual cash distributions, for a 1.75x equity multiple and a 16.9% average annual return.
- BR Axis West DST, located in Orlando, Florida, was acquired for $70.2 million by investors (inclusive of all costs) in May 2018, and sold for $86.5 million on August 8, 2022 (4.2-year hold period) generating a total return to investors of $13.22 million, inclusive of annual cash distributions, for a 1.42x equity multiple and a 10.0% average annual return.
- BR Grand Dominion DST, located in San Antonio, Texas, was acquired for $57.13 million by investors (inclusive of all costs) in September 2017, and sold for $71 million on August 8, 2022 (4.9-year hold period) generating a total return to investors of $14.12 million, inclusive of annual cash distributions, for a 1.6x equity multiple and a 12.2% average annual return.
"We are very pleased to have delivered attractive double digit annualized returns over a reasonably shorter hold period to all of our investors in these programs," said Josh Hoffman, President of BVEX. "Our DST / 1031 exchange investment programs are designed to provide investors seeking ongoing tax deferral with competitive and consistent monthly cash distributions with annual capital appreciation which we seek to accelerate through state-of-the-art revenue management programs, oversight by high quality third-party property management teams, and active value-add property enhancements. These areas of focus and quality implementations continue to provide robust returns for our investors," added Hoffman.
Bluerock Value Exchange is a national sponsor of syndicated 1031-exchange offerings with a focus on Premier Exchange Properties™ that seek to deliver stable cash flows and potential for value creation. Bluerock has structured 1031 exchanges on approximately $2.4 billion in total property value and 12 million square feet of property.
Bluerock is a leading institutional alternative asset manager with more than $15 billion of acquired and managed assets headquartered in Manhattan with regional offices across the U.S. Bluerock principals have a collective 100+ years of investing experience with more than $48 billion real estate and capital markets experience and have helped launch leading private and public company platforms. Additional information can be found at www.Bluerock.com.
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SOURCE Bluerock Value Exchange | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/bluerock-value-exchange-completes-full-cycle-sale-five-dst-1031-exchange-programs-comprising-393-million-value-delivers-over-101-million-net-returns-167-average-annual-return-investors/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:35Z |
MIAMI, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand Institute is pleased to announce that it will be moderating a Virtual Round Table (VRT) hosted by the Harvard Business School Healthcare Alumni Association (HBSHAA) titled: The Pursuit of a Global Pharmaceutical Brand Name. Scott Piergrossi, Brand Institute's President of Creative, will moderate the VRT that will take place at 12:00 pm EST on Wednesday, September 14th. This event marks the second consecutive year that Brand Institute, a Gold Level Sponsor of the HBSHAA, will moderate a discussion pertaining to pharmaceutical branding.
"We are excited to have a conversation about the fascinating world of pharmaceutical brand naming with a distinguished group of industry experts," said Scott Piergrossi. "Last year's round table was a tremendous success, based on feedback from virtual attendees. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the HBSHAA and contributing to their vision of providing members and alumni with access to resources and knowledge not easily obtained."
This year's round table panelists include trademark and commercial thought leaders from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries who have tremendous experience developing global brand names for health products. The conversation will cover the legal constraints, regulatory realities, linguistic watchouts, and commercial opportunities in the development of a global pharmaceutical, biologic or vaccine brand name.
As President of Creative, Scott serves as executive creative director for the company's global brand naming projects, which includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical trials, line extensions/modifiers, companies, and consumer goods, among other product categories. He has led over 4,000 brand naming projects during his 18 years with Brand Institute.
Brand Institute is the global leader in brand name and identity development, providing a broad portfolio of branding and naming related services, including brand strategy, name development, trademark searches, market research, regulatory services, and visual identity solutions.
Drug Safety Institute (DSI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brand Institute that provides Brand Institute's healthcare clients with industry-leading guidance pertaining to drug name safety, packaging, and labeling. DSI is comprised of former naming regulatory officials from global government health agencies, including FDA, EMA, Health Canada, AMA, and the WHO.
Contact:
James Dettore
Chairman & C.E.O.
jdettore@brandinstitute.com
www.brandinstitute.com
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SOURCE Brand Institute, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/brand-institute-moderate-round-table-pharmaceutical-brand-naming-hosted-by-harvard-business-school-healthcare-alumni-association/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:42Z |
Astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, in collaboration with StarTalk, brings kids on a coding journey through space in a newly introduced curriculum from the virtual learning platform
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BYJU'S, the world's largest education technology company, today announced AfterSchool with Neil deGrasse Tyson, a newly developed virtual course offering that takes students on a computer coding journey through space. Presented by Neil deGrasse Tyson in collaboration with StarTalk, BYJU'S has developed a unique curriculum in which children will explore the mysteries of the universe and learn to apply the basics of coding through interactive gaming applications.
"I was delighted to be asked to help develop astronomical content from scratch," said Tyson. "It's important to nurture free-range kids by creating a free-range place for them to explore, discover, be curious, and ask crazy questions. Why? Because that's how kids learn."
The AfterSchool program is led by live BYJU'S instructors with customized videos introduced by Neil deGrasse Tyson who will guide students of varying coding skills through four different adventures from intermediate to advanced. Specifically created for kids ages 8-12, the goal of the program is to inspire students to expand their knowledge of space, tap into their creativity and build critical thinking skills in either a 1:1 or a 1:4 group virtual setting.
Students will learn how to code across a diverse range of topics and interests through AfterSchool, which offers up to 48 coding sessions. From journeying to Mars through interactive games to building animations and apps that depict exoplanets, the program aims to help students develop or enhance their coding skills while immersing themselves in a topic they're interested in, like space. The full list of courses, offered at both intermediate and advanced levels, includes:
- Asteroid Travel – Students will help a spacecraft avoid the asteroids coming their way on a mission to Jupiter.
- Black Hole Escape – Kids will learn the concept of a black hole, how to create a simulation to demonstrate the concept of a black hole, and more.
- Exoplanet Explorer – Children can learn about exoplanets in space and develop an exoplanet explorer app by applying the learnings from the previous classes.
- Mars Traveler – Kids will learn about the journey to Mars and develop their first mobile application that performs mathematical calculations regarding the journey.
"The AfterSchool coding program was inspired by a common trend we noticed amongst our students worldwide," said Sajid Shariff, Global Head of Growth for BYJU'S. "Regardless of culture, location, or background, kids are fascinated by and interested in space. With the help of this generation's most passionate cosmic storyteller, Neil deGrasse Tyson, we are thrilled to deliver a curriculum for kids around the world that blends a love of space with the ability to learn how to code."
AfterSchool packages are now available and start at $289 for one-on-one learning and $159 for group classes. For more information on BYJU'S and StarTalk's AfterSchool with Neil deGrasse Tyson programming, including pricing options, visit the website. For a preview of AfterSchool with Neil deGrasse Tyson and BYJU'S click here.
The AfterSchool Program is BYJU'S latest collaboration with Neil deGrasse Tyson following the launch of its first virtual BYJU'S Summer Camp this past summer. The camp featured dynamic workshops and unique events that connected students globally with leading experts in the fields of STEM, arts, gaming, cuisine, and more including Neil deGrasse Tyson, Sophia the Robot, and Chef Logan Guleff, among others. Learn more about the Summer Camp here.
BYJU'S, the world's largest education technology company, provides engaging and personalized learning programs to more than 150 million students around the world. Founded and headquartered in India, BYJU'S mission is to make high-quality and innovative education available to all students. The BYJU'S family of brands cater to a wide range of learners of all ages and includes BYJU'S FutureSchool, Epic, Osmo, Tynker, and the BYJU'S Learning App featuring Disney. With users in more than 100 countries and learning programs offered in multiple languages, BYJU'S is at the forefront of creating tech-driven and immersive learning experiences for students around the world. For more information, visit www.byjus.com/global.
Created in 2009, StarTalk bridges the intersection between science, pop culture, and comedy led by famed astrophysicist and host, Neil deGrasse Tyson, alongside his comedic co-hosts, and expert guests. Through its various programming, StarTalk explores captivating subjects such as space travel, the role science plays in our lives, the future of our Earth and the environment, and breaking news from the universe. Whether on YouTube or your audio platform of choice, you can tune into StarTalk's latest programming multiple times per week.
BYJU'S Media Contact
Catherine McNally
PR Director, North America
catherine.mcnally@byjusfutureschool.com
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SOURCE BYJU’S | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/byjus-announces-afterschool-an-out-of-this-world-computer-coding-course-with-neil-degrasse-tyson/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:48Z |
Growth in Services to Support Children & Families
Prompts Increased Hiring Statewide
GREENSBORO, N.C., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Built on a foundation of growth to best promote the well-being of our community's children and families, Children's Home Society of NC (CHS) is further expanding the breadth and depth of its innovative services and is seeking qualified professionals to be a part of its impact.
Working for CHS means being a member of a family of co-workers who share a dedication to helping families stay together and build resilience to navigate difficult life circumstances.
As part of CHS' recently launched five-year plan outlining a better future for North Carolina children and families, CHS will experience significant growth across the state in several key program areas. Positions being added to support this expansion include:
- Licensed Clinicians who work with young children and their families to help with healing from the damaging effects of stress and trauma.
- Placement Specialists who provide comprehensive services throughout the Foster Care and Adoption pre- and post-placement journey.
- Child-Focused Recruiters who strive to place the longest-waiting youth in foster care, who are most at risk of aging out of the system, with their forever families.
"Those who serve in these positions will play a critical role in achieving our goals to keep children safely with their families whenever possible and help children in care achieve positive outcomes," said Carli Guanciale, CHS Vice President, Human Resources and Employee Experience. "They will join teammates who hold a shared belief that family is the number one determinant of child well-being and success."
Children's Home Society was recently recognized by insurance consulting firm Gallagher as a Best-in-Class employer for providing innovative solutions for creating organizational structures, workplace policies, and total rewards, as well as inclusively engaging and motivating its employees.
"CHS is committed to our people and invested in their well-being. When we create space for their wellness and personal development, we allow our people to show up as the best version of themselves to better serve children and families," Guanciale added.
Last year CHS served more than 15,000 North Carolina children and families providing over 4,800 families with parent education and support services and creating a safe family placement for nearly 1,100 children who are in foster care. Children's Home Society has celebrated more than 16,000 adoptions since its founding in 1902, remaining steadfast in its mission to promote the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family.
For more information about career opportunities at Children's Home Society, please call 1-800-632-1400 or visit chsnc.org/about/careers.
The Children's Home Society of North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer. Children's Home Society of North Carolina prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to ancestry, race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Children's Home Society offers a network of services and support throughout North Carolina to help establish and sustain healthy, loving relationships in every family. For 120 years, Children's Home Society has provided a broad spectrum of programs and services including adoption, foster care, parenting education, family preservation, and youth responsibility. Children's Home Society believes in the importance of family, not only in the life of a child, but also in the foundation of a community.
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SOURCE Children's Home Society of North Carolina | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/childrens-home-society-north-carolina-expands-career-opportunities/ | 2022-08-23T14:51:55Z |
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Financial Group ("Choice" or the "Company") announced today it has acquired New Jersey-based R. Stephens Financial, Inc. ("R. Stephens").
Based in Ridgewood, New Jersey and founded by current president, Richard Yuran, R. Stephens is an employee benefits consulting and brokerage firm that provides a full range of quality insurance and financial services for both organizations and individuals. Yuran will continue to lead operations and will partner with Choice to further its growth throughout the region.
"I was ready to take my company to the next level and continuing to give our clients' outstanding service was key. I'm excited to be a part of Choice's ground floor opportunity. It provides a genuine partnership that not only allows me to maintain my business identity but also to gain access to resources for strategic growth that both my team and our clients can value," said Yuran.
"We're excited to join forces with Rich," says Choice CEO, Bob Hilb. "His entrepreneurial spirit and expertise will continue to strengthen our industry relationships and raise the value of our insurance services, including employee benefits, throughout New Jersey and New York. We welcome Rich to the Choice family."
R. Stephens represents the seventh acquisition for the Company and the second acquisition in New Jersey since partnering with Northlane Capital Partners in October 2021.
About Choice Financial Group: Choice Financial Group is a leading insurance agency with institutional capital support from Northlane Capital Partners, a middle-market private equity firm managing more than $1 billion of committed equity capital. Choice is expanding its market presence through organic growth initiatives and targeted investments. Choice is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and has 19 offices in eight states.
For agency partnership opportunities, contact:
Bob Hilb, CEO
804-564-9625
bob.hilb@choiceins.com
For media inquiries, contact:
Elizabeth Grimes
757-926-0463
elizabeth.grimes@choiceins.com
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SOURCE Choice Financial Group | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/choice-financial-group-continues-its-expansion-into-new-jersey/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:02Z |
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
- New Chrysler brand Athleisure Merchandise Collection includes comfortable yet versatile apparel for men and women designed for the Chrysler consumer who is always on the go
- Unique collection created in collaboration between merchandising team and Winnie Cheung, Stellantis chief designer – advance studio
- Eight-piece collection to include hoodies, long sleeve T-shirts, leggings, zip-up jacket and a Chrysler-branded canteen
With summer excursions and activities in full force, the Chrysler brand has launched a new Athleisure Merchandise Collection. The unique collection was created in collaboration between the Stellantis licensing and merchandising team and Winnie Cheung, chief designer – advance studio, Stellantis.
"The Chrysler brand has always been about ingenious style and functionality with a focus on providing solutions to make things easier for our customers' busy lifestyles," said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. "This special collaboration truly embodies what the brand represents with the ultimate goal of creating high quality and modern products that enable consumers to be comfortable while on the go, with practical sophistication."
Wanting to provide a larger platform that showcases the talent that goes beyond vehicle design, the Chrysler Athleisure Merchandise Collection is the third collaboration initiated by the Stellantis licensing and merchandising team with the product design office. Previous collections include merchandise for both the Dodge and Jeep® brands that were inspired by Stellantis North America designers.
The Chrysler Athleisure Merchandise eight-piece collection includes hoodies, long sleeve T-shirts, leggings, zip-up jacket and a Chrysler-branded canteen.
"My inspiration for the Chrysler Athleisure Collection stems from my real-life experience as full-time mom and employee," said Cheung. "The aesthetic of this collection is simple, modern with a versatile approach, allowing consumers to be chic, comfortable and effortless in their everyday lives."
Chrysler brand Athleisure Merchandise Collection available now at www.collection.chrysler.com/chrysler/collections/athleisure.html
Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology since the company was founded in 1925. The Chrysler Pacifica continues to reinvent the minivan, a segment Chrysler invented, with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling and the most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class. The available innovative hybrid powertrain takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further. It's the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves more than 80 MPGe in electric-only mode, has an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. Chrysler Voyager offers fleet owners a budget-friendly minivan that also provides a well-equipped, exceptional driving experience. The Chrysler 300 lineup delivers on the brand's promise of iconic and elegant design executed with world-class performance, efficiency and quality – all at an attainable value. Chrysler is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
Follow Chrysler and company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Chrysler brand: www.chrysler.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysler
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler or @StellantisNA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/chrysler or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA
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SOURCE Stellantis | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/chrysler-brand-launches-athleisure-merchandise-collection-inspired-by-stellantis-north-america-designer/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:08Z |
SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chatham County Board of Registrars will take a vote to decide on whether to allow Sunday voting during a meeting scheduled for noon on August 24, 2022. According to the agenda the board published, the public comments will come after they vote. The Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda is requesting comments from Chatham County voters who support Sunday voting and will provide those remarks to the board before they vote. If you are a voter in Chatham County email your support of Sunday voting to info@thepeoplesagenda.org
"It could have been an oversight that the public does not get an opportunity to weigh in until after the board votes on Sunday voting, but hearing directly from voters first clearly shows greater respect and trust when voters in the community know their comments were considered," said Carry Smith, Coastal Georgia Coordinator for the People's Agenda. "Just in case any members of the Chatham County Board of Registrars are interested in what Sunday voting means to some of residents they serve, we compiled a few quotes for them."
Helen Butler, executive director of the People's Agenda. "We support Sunday voting and any other actions they can take that expand access to voting as opposed to the consistent efforts to make it harder to vote." Butler adds, "Sunday is the day many churches hold 'Souls to the Polls,' a longstanding national tradition where Black churches march thousands of parishioners to the polls so they can vote safely in groups. The elimination of Sunday voting could suppress the vote of seniors and other Black worshipers that traditionally vote with their congregation."
A few of the comments collected are below, to read selected remarks from Chatham County residents visit https://bit.ly/3ACSh3A.
Dr. Patricia M. Harris stated, "Truly, this does not make sense that public comments won't be heard until after the vote is taken. Public comments must be heard because the voice of the people should be documented and considered in every decision made concerning voting rights."
Donna Williams said, "Many elderly who actually fought and had family or friends lose their lives for the right to vote, will not be able to vote. Hundreds of churches take the elderly to vote and host Souls to the polls. Others have family members that work throughout the week and can only take their elderly loved ones to vote on a weekend, typically Sundays after church. I personally fall in this category; I take my elderly mom to the polls, and we vote as a family after church services."
Dave Lake adds, "Sunday voting is critical. Often when you are working two jobs - Sunday after church is the only way you can vote. Until Election Day becomes a national holiday like in most civilized nations, we must have Sunday voting."
Devon Spiva comments, "…Sunday voting historically contributes to higher turnout among minority communities and ensures that people who work during the week have a day that they can early vote without losing wages for time not at work. Election Day is still not a national holiday, complicating times that people can vote. This is why having both Saturday and Sunday voting is important in ensuring a fair and free election with the highest possible turnout."
"I support Sunday voting because there are many for whom that might be their only day off from work. Each citizen deserves access to vote on a day when they can do so without losing pay or putting their job at risk," said Evelyn Reierson.
"Voting Should be as easy as possible," said David Raphael Smith.
ABOUT THE PEOPLE'S AGENDA
Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization performing year-round voter registration, education and mobilization in Black communities throughout Georgia. Led by board chair, Rev. J. A. Milner, the organization has headquarters in Atlanta and offices in Athens, Albany, Macon, Augusta, LaGrange and Savannah. For more information visit http://thepeoplesagenda.org.
Contact: Edrea Davis, edmedia@dogonvillage.com
Phone/Text: 818.613.9521
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SOURCE Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/coalition-peoples-agenda-compiling-comments-chatham-county-voters-supporting-sunday-voting/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:15Z |
BLUE BELL, Pa., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The severe flooding in Appalachian Eastern Kentucky has taken a devastating toll on the people, businesses, and properties of the area. To help support the individuals who have been displaced or lost loved ones, The Columbus Organization has donated $5,000 to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, a fund established by Governor Beshear following the severe weather that began July 26th.
The Columbus Organization is the nation's largest provider of care coordination services and a leading case management agency in Kentucky for individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), acquired brain injury, and complex health concerns. The company has a long history providing care coordination services, and in Kentucky continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the communities where they work and live.
Johnny Callebs, Executive State Director for Kentucky commented, "As someone born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, it is heartbreaking to see what so many are going through. Columbus and other generous donors provide hope for recovery, but the current trauma is just overwhelming. I am proud to work for an organization that immediately, and without hesitation, saw the role they could play in supporting the people of our state. Eastern Kentuckians have a strong fighting spirit and will bounce back. I'm grateful that Columbus will be a part of that."
Grief counseling is being made available for any Columbus staff who are struggling with issues related to the disaster.
For 38+ years, The Columbus Organization has been a national leader and pioneer in care coordination specifically for individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral concerns, or complex care needs. Having served over 100,000 families, the company continues to be at the forefront of innovation, developing and implementing revolutionary outcomes-based models for early identification and holistic management of health risks among individuals with intellectual, developmental, behavioral, medical, and/or complex care needs. In addition to its team of almost 500 highly-experienced care coordinators, dedicated Quality Assurance division, and unparalleled national infrastructure,Columbus is also a recognized leader in clinical staffing and quality improvement services for organizations that serve the behavioral health community. The company delivers an unmatched depth of expertise, breadth of resources, diversity of thinking, and dedication to ensuring everyone can achieve their meaningful-life goals through transformative approaches to healthcare. For more, visit www.ColumbusOrg.com, follow @TheColumbusOrg on Twitter, like The Columbus Organization on Facebook, or follow The Columbus Organization on LinkedIn.
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SOURCE The Columbus Organization | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/columbus-organization-supports-kentucky-flood-relief/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:23Z |
DENVER, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CometChat, the leading in-app chat provider, announced a strategic partnership with Daily, the leading WebRTC video and audio API for large-scale use cases like ed-tech, telehealth, live events, and more. By partnering together, both Daily and CometChat users will be able to build a world-class communications experience with rich in-app chat and calling in minutes.
"By teaming up with Daily, we're so pleased to offer developers a best-of-breed, fully featured, and remarkably scalable option for both in-app chat and voice/video calling. There are some use cases which push the absolute boundaries of what in-app engagement looks like, and through this partnership, we are proud and excited to continue to support and power such ambitious entrepreneurs." – Anuj Garg, CometChat CEO.
While CometChat does offer a robust voice and video solution, the Daily partnership will best serve those customers who hold very large events, broadcast to hundreds of users, require a specialist video solution, or have already integrated Daily into their stack. With a high degree of flexibility and performance no matter the use case, and easy-to-use templates, combining these two awesome products will be remarkably simple.
"Daily's mission is to provide developers with the highest levels of flexibility when building live communications experiences and support the broadest set of use cases. We know rich chat plays a crucial role in supporting interactive call experiences of all types, and this is why our partnership with CometChat is so exciting." – Kwindla Hultman Kramer, Daily CEO
- Comprehensive extension library: Allows you to quickly create a robust, modern chat experience and integrate with your existing technology stack.
- Developer skillset agnostic: From no-code chat widget to UI kits, to SDKs and APIs, developers of any skill level (even non-coders) can build and launch a custom chat solution.
- Designed to scale with you: While CometChat serves enterprise customers well and has for years, we've been intentional about building a business to also serve young organizations entering a growth phase.
- Built-in tools for event moderation: In addition to 30+ other extensions, we've invested heavily in building tools to make event moderation easy, including in-flight moderation, profanity filters, sentiment analysis, slow mode and more.
- With two lines of code, teams can embed a fully featured video chat solution in minutes though Daily Prebuilt.
- Flexible APIs allow you to build for the broadest use cases, including breakout rooms, spatial audio, and added control for real-time video, live streaming, and recording.
- The only webRTC API that can support 300 active participants in a call, all cams and mics on. Support 15,000 person calls with interactive live streaming. You also can create traditional live streams of your calls to reach millions.
- Experience superior call quality through unique features like smooth peer-to-peer/cloud switching and access advanced analytics and detailed prebuilt quality visualizations.
CometChat allows developers to quickly integrate in-app text messaging in to any mobile and web-based apps. Our platform provides user-to-user messaging to help your users connect with each other — marketplace sellers and buyers, healthcare providers and patients, taxi drivers and riders, students and teachers, and much more.
Our Chat SDKs, APIs, and UI Kits are quick to launch, incredibly secure, highly scalable, and well documented. Our robust extension library helps you integrate easily with other services and provides a configurable, feature-rich messaging experience for your users.
We're trusted by more than 50,000 developers worldwide and serve start-up and enterprise customers in telehealth, ed-tech, marketplaces, on-demand services, virtual events, dating apps, and other industries.
Daily helps developers and teams harness the power of video & voice. Use our Prebuilt user interface, flexible APIs, and SDKs to launch live apps in minutes.
Daily is the most flexible way to add live video and voice to any product experience or application. Developers can add 15,000-person calls to any site or app in minutes with Daily Prebuilt, which includes a customizable call interface and prebuilt features like chat, recording, and more. Or create custom layouts with our easy-to-use APIs, which provide maximum control over the call experience. We offer transparent pricing, HIPAA compliance, world-class docs and support, and enterprise-ready global infrastructure.
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SOURCE CometChat | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/cometchat-forms-strategic-partnership-with-daily-deliver-world-class-communications-experience/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:30Z |
NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CommutAir leadership and ALPA are excited to announce sweeping increases to our shared pilot compensation program. Incoming first officers will now start at $72.00/hr and Captains will start at $100.00/hr. Additionally, new sign-on & retention bonuses are now available up to a total of $25,000 for First Officers and $50,000 for Captain qualified pilots. The opportunities offered by these updates will enable sustained growth for all of our employees. CommutAir pilots will now receive enhanced levels of scheduling, commuting expenses, health insurance, vacation, sick leave and 401k benefits that are among the best in the industry:
Compensation benefits of the agreement include:
- Increase in starting First Officer wages - $72/hr
- Increase in starting Captain wages - $100/hr
- Pilot sign-on bonuses and incentives - $25,000 for First Officers and $50,000 for Captain Qualified pilots
- Significant increase to pay override for instructors (Ground, SIM, Line Check Pilots, and Designated Examiners)
- Annual retention bonuses totaling $25,000 for First Officers and $50,000 for Captains for full contract duration
- New Minimum Monthly duty period Guarantee - 76 hours
- Full Compensation for Experience - Longevity credit of 1:1 up to 20 yrs for new hires with prior FAR 121 industry experience
- Increased Commuter hotel allotment for reserve pilots
- Industry leading Commuter travel program including flights from home to base
- Direct flow to United Airlines through the Aviate Program
Click here for more detailed information
CEO Rick Hoefling commented, "We are excited about the opportunities this will provide CommutAir and is one more step towards securing our long-term success in the regional airline industry"
CommutAir is a regional airline operating flights on behalf of United Airlines as a United Express partner. With a fleet of over 70 active Embraer 145 aircraft, CommutAir operates up to 1,500 weekly flights - connecting people and communities to the world via United's global network. Headquartered in Cleveland: CommutAir has major hubs in Denver, Houston, and Washington Dulles, with maintenance bases in Houston, Albany, New York and Lincoln, Nebraska. Founded in 1989, CommutAir is 40% owned by United Airlines, Inc. www.flycommutair.com
Contact:
Laura Prince
VP Human Resources
laura.prince@commutair.com
440-652-2180
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SOURCE CommutAir | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/commutair-pilots-sign-new-letter-agreement-their-long-term-contract/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:36Z |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Complete Sports Management (CSM) and Range Sports have partnered to handle event management and distribution strategy for the Baylor vs. Gonzaga basketball game at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on December 2, 2022. The historic game, a rematch of the 2021 National Championship, will be the first ever to provide each eligible player on both teams the opportunity for name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation. Each eligible player who chooses to participate in licensing their NIL for this event will receive an equal payment to all other players who also participate as they contribute to the marketing, promotion, and sponsor activation around the game.
"The opportunity to collaborate with these schools and players is truly groundbreaking," said Lea Miller, President of CSM.
"We're working to find a media partner who believes in providing this generation of student athletes more opportunities as well as align with iconic powerhouse basketball brands Baylor and Gonzaga. Engaging the players to help activate the game broadcast sponsors is the future of college athletics," said Will Funk, President of Range Sports.
"This game will represent a terrific step forward for student-athletes and should be one of the most competitive games of the college basketball season," Baylor coach Scott Drew and Gonzaga coach Mark Few said in a joint statement.
The game will be played at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on December 2, 2022 in prime time.
About Range Sports
Range Sports, part of brand marketing, talent representation and cultural capital firm Range Media Partners works synergistically across Range's existing departments to produce live and on-demand original sports programming, manage and advise best in class sports talent, properties and IP, and invest in the future of sports content and distribution. Range Sports, in collaboration with Range Media Partners' Unscripted and Scripted entertainment departments, develops nonfiction projects, documentaries, and real-time series about the most compelling sports moments, stories, teams and athletes. Range Sports also advises properties for media rights sales , corporate/brand partnerships and consults for brands with regards to sports strategy and investment.
About Complete Sports Management
Complete Sports Management is an all-encompassing sports marketing agency whose core capabilities include the creation of sporting events, event management, sponsorship, hospitality packages and ticket promotions. A global brand; but, with a personal touch, Complete Sports Management is responsible for the creation of top-tier sporting events such as the Battle 4 Atlantis Basketball Tournament and College Football's first ever International FBS Bowl Game, The Bahamas Bowl.
In addition to annual events such as the Battle 4 Atlantis and The Bahamas Bowl, Complete Sports Management runs some of the most prestigious Collegiate Basketball and Football Foreign Tours all over the world. While the company's specialty is considered to be the Islands of the Bahamas, we can be seen in different countries on every continent annually.
Media Contact: Matthew Haberman, matt@narrative-pr.com or Chase Lehner, chase@narrative-pr.com
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SOURCE Narrative; Range Media Partners | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/complete-sports-management-range-sports-partner-create-historic-nil-basketball-game-featuring-baylor-vs-gonzaga-december-2-2022/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:43Z |
Nineteen Students Nationwide Received Award From Operator of Manufactured Home Communities
CORALVILLE, Iowa, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A Coralville student was among the 19 recipients of academic scholarships from Havenpark Communities, an operator and developer of manufactured home communities in Iowa and around the country. The scholarship recipients are awarded up to $10,000 annually to cover expenses for colleges, universities, trade, and vocational schools.
The scholarship awards are part of Havenpark's expansion of its Education Success Program, which offers financial assistance, support, mentorship, and other education initiatives to increase educational opportunities for residents. Through the mentoring program, which provides students – many of whom are first-generation college students—with encouragement and support, students are set up to succeed in their journey to certificate or degree attainment.
Omar Rodriguez Jr., a first-generation college student, finished high school this spring at City High School in Iowa City. During his time there, Rodriguez was involved in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) as well as several advanced-level courses. He says his mother and experience in AVID were great resources when seeking information about college. He plans to attend the University of Iowa in the fall and is leaning toward majoring in civil engineering, though he is not set on it.
"I'm interested in how civil engineering applies designing into the real world. I became interested in this in middle school. We had a fun class called Applied Technology, where we explored different types of engineering such as electrical, biomedical, and nuclear," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez says that he's grateful to be a scholarship recipient of Havenpark's Education Success Program. "I'm hoping to get a good sense of what I want to do in my career when I get to college," Rodriguez says if his friends could describe him in one word, they would say that he's dedicated.
"Hearing about Omar's compelling interests such as art and engineering were amazing. Omar is eager to take this next step in his education journey, and I can't wait to see what he becomes after he finishes school," said Robbie Pratt, CEO of Havenpark Communities. "The Education Success Program and its impact on residents brings pure joy to the staff at Havenpark."
The 2022 competitive scholarship application period ran from December 15, 2021, to January 31, 2022, with about half of the applicants rewarded with scholarships. To be eligible for consideration, applicants needed to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above, be either a current resident of a Havenpark community or have a parent/guardian who is a resident, and must plan to enroll or continue enrollment in full-time or part-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in the United States for the entire 2022-2023 academic year. Awards may transfer from a two-year institution to a four-year intuition and vice versa.
Havenpark Communities is an operator and developer of manufactured home communities and makes caring communities attainable for responsible residents across America. Since 2017, Havenpark has sourced and installed over 4,000 new factory-built homes, providing quality, affordable living to over 10,000 Americans across the country. Earlier this year, Havenpark Communities announced it has committed to adding an additional 1,000 new affordable homes across the country, including in Iowa in the coming year. Havenpark Communities believes in respectful and professional management, well-maintained communities, and attainable homeownership. Havenpark Communities makes long-term investments in its communities, providing enduring value for current and future residents.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jenny Werwa
werwa@invariantgr.com
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SOURCE Havenpark Communities | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/coralville-student-omar-rodriguez-among-winners-havenpark-communities-academic-scholarship/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:49Z |
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Digi-Key Electronics, which offers the world's largest selection of electronic components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, announced today that it now offers a selection of Soracom products, including removable IoT SIM cards, USB dongles and IoT cloud integration and protocol conversion services, through its Fulfilled by Digi-Key program.
Soracom's IoT SIM cards give users access to a global network of mobile operators, leverage GSM, LTE, 4G, 3G and 2G technologies, support SIM form-factors 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, and offer multicarrier support. The company's Onyx LTE USB Dongle provides high-performance communications that enables cellular data connectivity for fixed and mobile applications. Soracom's cloud integration service also enables direct connections between devices and the leading cloud services, transmitting data from IoT devices directly into the cloud platform, significantly reducing reliance on 3rd-party APIs or scripts, and helping to reduce IoT data consumption.
Soracom's pay-as-you-go terms allow testing on the fly with no commitment, contract negotiation or volume projection required, and the included network operator console provides granular-level control over SIMs, data thresholds, events and alerts, and billing. In addition, users have the option to temporarily suspend SIMs and pause billing when devices are not actively being used, allowing for reduced total cost of ownership at scale and accelerated speed to market.
"Digi-Key Electronics is excited to now offer a series of Soracom products and services," said David Stein, vice president of global supplier management at Digi-Key. "Soracom gives teams designing and deploying new connected experiences the power of choice, and provides an IoT connectivity platform that allows innovators unparalleled insight into their business and control over their own network."
"Digi-Key's customer-focused approach aligns fully with Soracom's vision for a truly connected world. We're thrilled to offer our mutual customers this opportunity to accelerate their speed to market with the support of a best-in-class partnership and a global connectivity platform," said Kenta Yasukawa, CTO and founder of Soracom. "We look forward to collaborating with the Digi-Key team and their other suppliers to make customers' IoT lifecycle journey easier from start to finish."
For more information about Soracom and to order from their product portfolio, please visit the Digi-Key website.
Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is recognized as both the leader and continuous innovator in the high service distribution of electronic components and automation products worldwide. As the original pioneer in this space, Digi-Key provides more than 13.4 million components from over 2,300 quality name-brand manufacturers with an industry-leading breadth and depth of product in stock and available for immediate shipment. Beyond the products that drive technology innovation, Digi-Key also supports design engineers and procurement professionals with a wealth of digital solutions and tools to make their jobs more efficient. Additional information can be found at digikey.com and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Soracom is leading the democratization of IoT connectivity, offering robust solutions specifically designed to make it easy to build, operate, and scale IoT deployments. Founded in 2015, Soracom now serves more than 20,000 startups, SMBs and global enterprises across all industries, from agriculture, energy, construction and transportation to consumer electronics, manufacturing, real estate and healthcare. Customers trust Soracom for affordable, reliable connectivity that accelerates speed to market, makes it easy to connect to the cloud, and offers access to a worldwide partner ecosystem. More information is available at www.soracom.io.
Editorial Contact
Megan Derkey
Bellmont Partners
+1 612-255-1115
digikey@bellmontpartners.com
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SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/digi-key-electronics-now-stocks-soracom-iot-products-services/ | 2022-08-23T14:52:56Z |
New report identifies staggering effects of pandemic & need for greater diversity-inclusive planning in emergency response
HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As difficult as the COVID-19 health-care crisis has been on everyone, the impact of this pandemic has been staggering on individuals with disabilities and their families, especially those living in rural areas and those belonging to racial and ethnic minorities, according to a new report from The Arc of Pennsylvania.
Early on during the pandemic, emergency response planning did not consider the unique needs of the disability community, which tends to have worsened health outcomes due to a variety of social and institutional barriers that the pandemic only exacerbated, nor did it account for the challenges people with disabilities face accessing appropriate information or help.
During the yearlong research project that included interviews, surveys, and regional meetings with hundreds of stakeholders, including those with lived experiences of a disability, participants said inequitable access to health care and other social system supports during COVID-19 compounded physical and mental health issues, worsened chronic health conditions, and led to a disintegration in quality of life for entire families.
"If we want to ensure the interests and needs of individuals with disabilities and their families are addressed, then they need to have a seat at the table from the start and they need to be included every step of the way. That didn't happen here," said Sherri Landis, Executive Director of The Arc of Pennsylvania, the state's leading advocacy organization promoting the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc's report, "COVID-19 Health Care Barriers among People with Disabilities," is the first part of a multi-year effort funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant to improve health equity. Having now identified issues that the disability community faced, the workgroups will turn their attention to crafting recommendations for the department to address health disparities. That report is due in mid-2023.
Among the biggest issues that participants reported:
- Barriers to accessible information (braille, plain language, multicultural information, etc.).
- Reduced access to testing, vaccinations, and necessary accommodations.
- Increased risk of severe illness or death due to COVID-19.
The Arc's research focused on asking participants whether they thought a disability-inclusive approach had been taken to combat COVID-19 and what they thought could be done to ensure a disability-inclusive approach is used to prepare for future emergencies. The responses were catalogued according to social determinants of health, which look at how conditions like where people are born, grow, live, work, play, worship, and age affect someone's health.
Among some of the specific barriers, participants identified lack of access to professional support staff that put families of children with disabilities in a precarious position, where their ability to work competed with their child's education, medical, and therapeutic needs. The pandemic exacerbated existing mental health issues --- access to support was limited while the need increased --- creating social isolation, with many participants reporting individuals being in crisis or attempting suicide.
Safety measures and care needed for the general population competed with critical materials and access that people with disabilities --- who often have greater comorbidities --- needed for their daily lives. For families of children with complex medical needs, restricted access to gloves, masks, ventilators, and specialized medical equipment created tremendous risk unparalleled by individuals without such complex medical preconditions.
Many individuals with disabilities reported fear and trauma with the loss of a loved one or caretakers, or because of isolation, and said the medical community in general does not know how to serve people with disabilities effectively.
Participants included people with lived experience of a disability, caretakers, and family members of those with a disability, and professionals in support fields. The participants also represented diverse types of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, developmental, and behavioral, as well as emotional, sensory impairment, and complex medical disabilities.
More than 400 individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and rural populations participated in the study through regional and local interviews, surveys, meetings, and listening tours that served as focus groups over the last year.
The full report can be found at https://thearcpa.org/healthcare-initiatives/.
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SOURCE The Arc of Pennsylvania | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/disability-community-suffered-disproportionately-during-covid-19/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:02Z |
CHONGQING, China, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2022 Smart China Expo is held in southwest China's Chongqing from August 22 to 24. Western China (Chongqing) Science City brought 112 exhibits from more than 60 enterprises, displaying 5 chips and many new products developed in the fields of integrated circuits and core components.
On the first day of the event, Western China (Chongqing) Science City signed contracts for key projects such as SAIC Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center and Chongqing Intelligent and Connected Automobile Innovation Center, with a total investment of over 30 billion yuan, involving fields like life and health, software and intelligent and connected automobiles.
In addition to leveraging the platform of the Smart China Expo, the Western China (Chongqing) Science City has continued to increase the introduction of talents, and promote the upgrading of the business environment through cutting red tapes and enriching services to help enterprises grow faster. The science city has rolled out a set of preferential policies to lure inbound inflow of talents, innovation, industry and finance across the world so as to create an innovation-empowered new engine in its development.
In recent years, Western China (Chongqing) Science City has centered on digital industrialization and industrial digitalization. It has rolled out the strategic action plan for innovation-driven development led by big data intelligence and accelerated the transformation of traditional industries into high-end, intelligent and green ones to turn scientific and technological innovation into the booster for industrial transformation and upgrading.
High-tech and emerging sectors are major features of the city's industrial layout, with a focus on building advanced manufacturing industry agglomeration, especially gathering steam on becoming a high ground in intelligent and connected new energy vehicles.
From January to July this year, the output value of digital economy in the core area of Western China (Chongqing) Science City reached 139.7 billion yuan, a year-on-year expansion of 12 percent. The number of high-tech enterprises climbed by 103, with a growth rate of 75 percent. The number of scientific research institutions rose by 48, and 78 enterprises carried out 138 intelligent transformations, and 8 intelligent factories and 20 digital workshops were built. The science city's automobile industry maintained rapid growth, with its output value increasing by 64.7 percent over one year ago.
According to the plan, the science city will basically form a coordinated development pattern of intelligent and connected new energy vehicle, intelligent transportation, intelligent facilities and smart city. A whole industry ecosystem featuring automobiles, roads, cloud computing, networks and maps will be in place initially. The intelligent and connected new energy automobile industry will be one of the top performers in China. Meanwhile, a demonstration base of intelligent and connected new energy vehicle industry high-quality development in western China will be built in the science city.
Image Attachments Links:
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=427907
Caption: As the new model of Chongqing's laboratories and the new force of national laboratories created by Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Jinfeng Laboratory has completed the expert review by the first batch of scientific research teams.
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SOURCE Western China (Chongqing) Science City | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/empowered-by-digital-economy-western-china-chongqing-science-city-gains-fresh-growth-steam-industrial-development/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:09Z |
ATLANTA, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EPM, one of the top mortgage lenders, is very pleased to announce the appointment of Majed Qminacci, a seasoned financial executive, as the Chief Financial Officer.
Qminacci comes to EPM with over fifteen years of experience and brings a wealth of financial knowledge as the company continues its growth. He will play a key role in the company's next stage of development. With his background in finance, capital markets, and technology, Qminacci brings a visionary perspective and leadership to EPM's finance divisions.
Most recently, Qminacci served as Senior Vice President of Mortgage for Ocwen Financial Corporation. Prior to Owen, he held leadership roles at Flagstar Bank and Stearns Lending, as well as Assistant Vice President, Corporate FP&A with Nationstar Mortgage. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Applied Economics from Southern Methodist University.
"The work we put in may not necessarily be something we will see immediate benefits from, but it will strengthen our foundation and help those that follow us," says Eddy Perez, CEO & President. "With Majed Qminacci, we know that we will leave our industry and this organization better. We could not be more thrilled to have Qminacci join the EPM team."
Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM) was founded at the height of the mortgage crisis in 2008 and has grown to become one of the leading mortgage lenders in the U.S. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, EPM is licensed in 50 states and provides an array of lending resources such as Conventional, FHA, VA, 203K, Reverse and USDA loans, and a trusted Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & Ginnie Mae Seller/Servicer.
For more information about EPM, visit us online at www.epm.net or call toll-free (877) 255-3554. Equity Prime Mortgage is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #21116 nmlsconsumeraccess.org
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Blaine McCarty at (678)205-3554, or email reachout@epm.net
Contact: Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM)
Phone: 678-205-3554
Email: reachout@epm.net
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SOURCE Equity Prime Mortgage | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/epm-welcomes-new-cfo/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:15Z |
Experts from the world's leading digital asset companies gather in Barcelona to standardize industry best practices and unlock the next wave of blockchain innovation
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireblocks (www.fireblocks.com), the award-winning provider of digital asset and crypto technology, announced today it will be hosting its inaugural user and ecosystem conference, SPARK '22, in Barcelona from September 10-12. The three-day sold-out event will bring together experts from Ernst & Young, Checkout.com, BNP Paribas, WorldPay, WisdomTree, eToro, Aave and more to define industry best practices, discuss strategies for future-proofing digital asset businesses, and explore the tools that will empower the next wave of digital asset innovation and adoption.
SPARK '22 will feature dynamic panel discussions and workshops that focus on addressing the challenges, solutions and applications of tokenization, payments, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 development. Headlining sessions will include How to Prepare for the Next Wave in Crypto Trading; Ways to Thrive and Survive in DeFi in 2023; Bringing Tokenization to Life in a Highly Regulated Environment; Building Crypto Risk Management Frameworks; and more. Participants will gain mastery of the Fireblocks' platform and engage with fellow leaders in the digital asset space, enabling them to maximize the full potential of the modern technology stack and stay ahead of emerging trends.
"As a pioneer of MPC technology in crypto, Fireblocks has had the privilege of working alongside thousands of customers to develop some of the most groundbreaking solutions being used to secure the digital asset and crypto space today. As such, some of the world's most recognized institutions as well as cutting-edge startups leverage Fireblocks technology to support their digital asset operations and infrastructure," said Michael Shaulov, CEO & Co-founder of Fireblocks. "With SPARK, we're bringing together the best and most forward-thinking players in the space to address real-world challenges, define and standardize best-in-class practices, and prepare for the next chapter of Web3, tokenization and payments. As the digital asset industry enters a new phase of maturity, it is time for us to separate the hype from reality so that industry players can set themselves up for success in 2023 and beyond."
This year's headlining speakers includes:
- Joe McGrady, Director & Head of Operations, Galaxy Digital
- Wayne Hughes, Head of Digital Assets, BNP Paribas
- Jess Houlgrave, Crypto GTM & Strategy, Checkout.com
- Chen Zur, Blockchain Practice Leader, Ernst & Young
- Jay Clayton, Fireblocks Regulatory Advisor and Former Chairman of the SEC
- Nabil Manji, SVP/GM, Head of Crypto & Web3, WorldPay
- Stani Kulechov, Founder & CEO, Aave
- Benjamin Dean, Director, Digital Assets, WisdomTree
- Omri Ross, Chief Blockchain Officer, eToro
- Melvin Deng, CEO, QCP Capital
- John Conneely, Director, Co-Head of Institutional Custody, Genesis
- Pedro Gomes, Co-founder, WalletConnect, and many more.
As part of its inaugural conference, Fireblocks will be presenting the first Fireblocks Network Awards, highlighting some of the most prolific and innovative users leveraging the Fireblocks Network. The awards will be presented in a special ceremony during the conference.
To see the full conference agenda, please visit https://www.fireblocks-spark22.com/agenda
About Fireblocks
Fireblocks is an enterprise-grade platform delivering a secure infrastructure for moving, storing, and issuing digital assets. Fireblocks enables exchanges, lending desks, custodians, banks, trading desks, and hedge funds to securely scale digital asset operations through the Fireblocks Network and MPC-based Wallet Infrastructure. Fireblocks serves over 1,500 financial institutions, has secured the transfer of over $3 trillion in digital assets and has a unique insurance policy that covers assets in storage and transit. Some of the biggest trading desks have switched to Fireblocks because it's the only solution that CISOs and Ops teams both love. For more information, please visit www.fireblocks.com.
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SOURCE Fireblocks | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/fireblocks-will-host-spark-22-its-inaugural-user-amp-ecosystem-conference/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:22Z |
With Pending New Investments in Charging Infrastructure, the Report Provides Insights Regarding Where Chargers Should Optimally be Installed
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuels Institute's Electric Vehicle Council announced today the release of its newest report, "EV Charger Deployment Optimization: An Analysis of U.S. State-level Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Demand Forecast and Supporting Infrastructure Considerations". The report, which was written by S&P Global Mobility, was designed to help the market and government determine how to best support the expansion of the EV market with the strategic installation of charging stations.
"The market for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow at an accelerating pace, yet there remains great uncertainty regarding how fast these vehicles will gain significant market share, how many chargers we will need, when and where we will need them, and what kind of chargers will be required in different locations," states John Eichberger, Executive Director of Fuels Institute. "Recognizing that billions of dollars would be invested in building out EV charging infrastructure, we commissioned S&P Global Mobility to model what the demand for EV chargers might look like over the next 10 years throughout the United States. This report helps prioritize where those funds should be deployed to most effectively leverage business and taxpayer dollars as well as to deliver the greatest value to drivers."
Among the key findings in the report:
- The report forecasts EV adoption nationally to reach almost 6% of vehicles in operation by 2030. If accurate, to satisfy an optimal vehicle to charger ratio of about 10:1, the U.S. will need as many as 1.7 million charging stations, of which more than 90% could be strategically deployed Level 2 chargers.
- EV adoption rates vary greatly by state, with 82% of all EVs in 2021 registered in just 15 states. By 2030, this concentration is forecast to remain high with the top 15 states hosting 76% of all EVs.
- Given the diversity of population, market conditions, and travel patterns, there is no one-size-fits-all solution across the U.S. The report leverages a census track market analysis to prioritize EV charger deployment by state.
- To assist with strategic planning and analysis, the report presents three case studies detailing the benefits of market-specific insights when considering EV deployment plans. Cities profiled include Detroit, MI; Dallas, TX; and Portland, OR.
The Fuels Institute, founded by NACS in 2013, is a non-profit research-oriented think tank that evaluates market issues related to vehicles and the fuels that power them, incorporating the perspective of diverse stakeholders to develop and publish peer-reviewed, comprehensive, fact-based research projects. The Fuels Institute is a non-biased organization that does not advocate.
Contact:
Marjorie Kass
mkass@fuelsinstitute.org
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SOURCE Fuels Institute | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/fuels-institute-releases-new-ev-infrastructure-report/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:30Z |
HiddenLayer's Synaptic Adversarial Intelligence (SAI) team will explore and uncover the ML/AI threat landscape
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HiddenLayer, the developer of a unique security platform that safeguards the machine learning models enterprise organizations use behind their most important products, today announced the formation of its Synaptic Adversarial Intelligence (SAI) team to raise awareness surrounding the threats facing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The SAI's primary mission is to educate data scientists, MLDevOps teams, and cyber security professionals on how to evaluate the vulnerabilities and risks associated with ML/AI so they can make more security-conscious implementations and deployments. The insights gathered by the SAI team are leveraged to conduct risk assessments and generate intelligence reports that expose the adversarial ML threat landscape. Collectively, the multidisciplinary cyber security experts and data scientists have many decades of experience in cyber security and deep backgrounds in malware detection, threat intelligence, reverse engineering, incident response, digital forensics, and adversarial machine learning.
Until recently, most adversarial ML/AI research has focused on the mathematical aspect, making algorithms more robust in handling malicious input. Now security researchers are increasingly exploring ML algorithms and how models are developed, maintained, packaged, and deployed, hunting for weaknesses and vulnerabilities across the broader software ecosystem. They have uncovered a number of new attack techniques and, in turn, developed a greater understanding of how practical attacks are performed against real-world ML implementations.
"Alongside our commitment to increasing awareness of ML security, we will also actively assist in the development of countermeasures to thwart ML adversaries through the monitoring of deployed models, as well as providing mechanisms to allow defenders to respond to attacks," said Tom Bonner, Senior Director of Adversarial Machine Learning Research at HiddenLayer. "There has been a tremendous effort from several organizations, such as MITRE and NIST, to better understand and quantify the risks associated with ML/AI. We look forward to working alongside these industry leaders to broaden the pool of knowledge, define threat models, drive policy and regulation, and most critically, prevent attacks."
Please keep an eye on Twitter and LinkedIn where SAI team members will regularly share their insights into adversarial machine learning and provide recommendations on how organizations can harden their security postures.
HiddenLayer helps enterprises safeguard the machine learning models behind their most important products with a comprehensive security platform. Only HiddenLayer offers turnkey AI/ML security that does not add unnecessary complexity to models and does not require access to raw data and algorithms. Founded in March of 2022 by experienced security and ML professionals, HiddenLayer is based in Austin, Texas, and is backed by cybersecurity investment specialist firm Ten Eleven Ventures. For more information, visit www.hiddenlayer.com and follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Media Contact:
Rachel Kaseroff
415-341-5625
Rachel@RJKCommunications.net
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SOURCE HiddenLayer | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/hiddenlayer-creates-threat-intelligence-team-focused-thwarting-ml-attacks/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:40Z |
GAITHERSBURG, Md. and SHANGHAI, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- I-Mab ("I-Mab" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: IMAB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel biologics, today announced that it plans to implement share repurchases pursuant to the share repurchase program previously authorized by its Board of Directors. On the same day, the Company was also informed by Dr. Jingwu Zang, Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and other members of senior management of their intention to use personal funds to purchase the Company's American Depositary Shares (the "ADSs") on the open market. Under the share purchase plans, the Company and the senior management may purchase up to US$40 million of ADSs in aggregate.
The timing and dollar amount of share repurchase and share purchase transactions will be subject to the applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rule requirements. The Company's Board of Directors will review the implementation of share repurchases periodically, and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size.
About I-Mab
I-Mab (Nasdaq: IMAB) is an innovation-driven global biopharma company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel and highly differentiated biologics for immuno-oncology diseases. The Company's mission is to bring transformational medicines to patients around the world through innovation. I-Mab's globally competitive pipeline of more than 20 clinical and preclinical-stage drug candidates is driven by its internal discovery and global partnerships for in-licensing, based on the Company's Fast-to-Proof-of-Concept and Fast-to-Market development strategies. The Company is progressing from a clinical-stage biotech company into an innovative global specialty biopharmaceutical company with cutting-edge R&D capabilities, a world-class GMP manufacturing facility, and commercial capability. I-Mab has established its global footprint in Shanghai (headquarters), Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Lishui and Hong Kong in China, and Maryland and San Diego in the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.i-mabbiopharma.com and follow I-Mab on LinkedIn, Twitter, and WeChat.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes certain disclosures which contain "forward-looking statements." These statements are made under the "safe harbor" within the meaning provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about I-Mab's beliefs and expectations, management's intention to purchase shares, the expected plan and the amount of the shares to be purchased are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Those factors and risks are more fully discussed in I-Mab's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in I-Mab's subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to I-Mab, and I-Mab undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Any purchase under the Program and by the shareholders will be made depend upon market pricing and conditions, business, legal, accounting and other considerations. The press release does not obligate I-Mab or any of its shareholders to acquire any particular number of its ADSs.
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SOURCE I-Mab | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/i-mab-announces-share-purchase-plans-by-company-senior-management/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:47Z |
Inc. 5000 Honorees Represent the Fastest Growing Companies in America, Showing the Continued Success of Industrial Automation Co. in Supplying Industrial Electronics to Manufacturers Around the World
RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Industrial Automation Co., a global supplier of industrial electronics parts, ranked #110 for their initial inclusion on the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most distinguished award for American private companies. The list presents an opportunity to compare the fastest-growing companies in the country and shows a benchmark for marketplace success.
"Industrial Automation is honored for Inc. to recognize it as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America," said Will Jacobsen, President of Industrial Automation Co.
"The last three years have been foundational for business expansion, and it feels great to see our hard work get recognized on the Inc. 5000 list. Industrial Automation's growth has resulted from our customer-first culture and strong financial discipline."
Industrial Automation's focus is to better serve manufacturers and OEMs with a large inventory and quick lead times to give them the best professional experience possible.
During the pandemic, Industrial Automation provided customers with average lead times of 3 days when most major suppliers had 100-day to 1-year lead times. Supplying replacement parts with exceptional lead times helped American manufacturers continue operations during the severe supply chain crisis.
2022 Inc. 5000 companies are different. With exponential growth during the pandemic, times proved difficult and turbulent for many manufacturers. Industrial Automation achieved 3,963% 3-Year Growth in 2021, overcoming supply chain shortages, health risks, and many other negative impacts of COVID-19 to help their customers succeed.
Industrial Automation offers high-quality industrial replacement parts, refurbishments, and repairs to the global marketplace. It believes in supplying above-standard services and products for a fair price and warranties all its products and repairs for 24 months. Industrial Automation offers competitive pricing and bulk discounts to customers supporting their older products or building new machines.
For more information, please visit IndustrialAutomationCo.com or contact Bryan Hellman.
Media Contact:
Bryan Hellman
Industrial Automation Co.
Marketing & Communications
bhellman@iac.us.com
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SOURCE Industrial Automation Co. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/industrial-automation-co-ranks-110-2022-inc-5000-list-americas-fastest-growing-private-companies-4-nc/ | 2022-08-23T14:53:54Z |
TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Eco Wave Power Global AB (publ) (Nasdaq Capital Market: WAVE) ("Eco Wave Power" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Israeli Electric Authority (IEA) has set an official Feed-in Tariff ("FIT") for the Company's newly-installed wave energy pilot project ("EWP-EDF One Project") at the Port of Jaffa in Tel Aviv, Israel.
With the FIT in place, the Israeli Electric Company (IEC) commenced operations to officially connect the EWP-EDF One wave energy project to Israel's energy grid. Once connected, the EWP-EDF One Project will represent the first time in the country's history that electricity produced by the power of waves will be transmitted to Israel's national electric grid.
More info about the FIT, which shall incorporate a base production price and an added premium for mitigating pollution, can be found in the official announcement by the Israeli Electric Authority, in the following link (decision number 63605): 63605 (www.gov.il).
The EWP-EDF One Project is executed in collaboration with and co-funding from EDF Renewables IL and the Israeli Energy Ministry, which recognized the Eco Wave Power technology as "Pioneering Technology."
"The official start of grid connection for our EWP-EDF One Project is a moment that we have been waiting for, as it represents an important milestone for our company and our country," said Inna Braverman, Eco Wave Power's Founder and CEO. "Eco Wave Power is committed to making a positive change in the world, and we can't wait to turn the switch on at the EWP-EDF One Project at the Port of Jaffa."
In July 2022, Eco Wave Power announced that it commenced real conditions test runs on the EWP-EDF One Project to examine the operation of the mechanical and hydraulic subsystems of the project. The floaters were lowered into the water for the first time, and the successful testing puts Eco Wave Power one step closer to full operation of the power station.
Additionally, Eco Wave Power will soon commence installation on its first U.S. location of its wave energy technology at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles. Furthermore, the Company holds concession agreements for commercial installations in Spain, Portugal, and other locations, completing the Company's growing 327.7 MW project pipeline.
About Eco Wave Power Global AB (publ)
Eco Wave Power is a leading onshore wave energy technology company that developed a patented, smart and cost-efficient technology for turning ocean and sea waves into green electricity. Eco Wave Power's mission is to assist in the fight against climate change by enabling commercial power production from the ocean and sea waves.
The Company is currently finalizing the construction of its grid connected project in Israel, with co-investment from the Israeli Energy Ministry, which recognized the Eco Wave Power technology as "Pioneering Technology" and will soon commence the installation of its newest pilot in AltaSea's premises in the Port of Los Angeles. The Company also holds concession agreements for commercial installations in Europe and has a total projects pipeline of 327.7 MW.
Eco Wave Power received funding from the European Union Regional Development Fund, Innovate UK and the European Commission's Horizon 2020 framework program. The Company has also received the "Global Climate Action Award" from the United Nations.
Eco Wave Power's American Depositary Shares (WAVE) are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market. More info: www.ecowavepower.com.
Information on, or accessible through, the websites mentioned above does not form part of this press release.
For more information, please contact:
Inna Braverman, CEO
Inna@ecowavepower.com
+97235094017
For additional investor/media inquiries, please contact:
Investor Contact:
Matt Chesler, CFA
FNK IR
+1.646.809.2183
wave@fnkir.com
Media Inquiries:
Jacob Scott, Vectis Strategies
+1.412.445.7719
jscott@vectisstrategies.com
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Eco Wave is using forward-looking statements when it discusses the commencement of installation at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, that the EWP-EDF One Project - once connected - will represent the first time in Israel's history that electricity produced by the power of waves will be transmitted to the country's national electric grid, and the Company's commitment to making a positive change in the world. These forward-looking statements and their implications are based on the current expectations of the management of Eco Wave and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Eco Wave undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting Eco Wave is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in Eco Wave Power's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC, which is available on the on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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SOURCE EWPG Holding AB (publ) | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/israels-electric-authority-sets-feed-in-tariff-eco-wave-powers-ewp-edf-one-project-which-enables-commencement-official-grid-connection-works-by-israeli-electric-company/ | 2022-08-23T14:54:00Z |
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