Category Archives: Government

Robin Litaker Announces Key Campaign Personnel for Congressional Run in Alabama’s 7th District

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- Litaker for Congress is pleased to announce the appointment of three key personnel who will play crucial roles in her bid for the congressional seat in Alabama's 7th district. This team combines deep political acumen with innovative approaches, aligning perfectly with the campaign's mission.

Jacob Thomas has been appointed as the Campaign Manager. With a strong background in various strategic roles within political campaigns, Jacob brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our campaign's leadership. His expertise in campaign management will be instrumental in guiding our campaign effectively.

Christi Gibson joins the team as the Outreach Director. Known for her extensive experience in community engagement and public relations, Christi will lead our efforts to connect with voters, stakeholders, and community leaders, enhancing Robin Litaker's visibility and engagement across the district.

Robert Crocker Jr. will serve as the Campaign Consultant. Robert's expertise in political strategy and campaign analytics will provide valuable strategic advice, helping to optimize our campaign's reach and impact.

These new team members join existing staff members Christian Brown, Administrative Support Director; Bea Nichols, Campaign Treasurer; and Patrick Reilly, County Strategist, all of whom have played pivotal roles in setting the strategic direction and operational groundwork of our campaign.

"We are thrilled to have Jacob, Christi, and Robert join our team, along with our existing members Christian, Bea, and Patrick," said Robin Litaker. "Their expertise and commitment to excellence are exactly what our campaign needs to effectively represent the interests of Alabama's 7th district. I am confident in their abilities to lead our campaign to victory."

For more information about Robin Litaker's campaign and to support our journey, please visit https://robinforalabama.com/

-- PAID FOR BY LITAKER FOR CONGRESS --

Litaker for Congress is pleased to announce the appointment of three key personnel who will play crucial roles in her bid for the congressional seat in Alabama's 7th district. This team combines deep political acumen with innovative approaches, aligning perfectly with the campaign's mission.

Related link: https://robinforalabama.com/

Idaho Governor Brad Little is Recognized as the ‘Friend of Rural Water’

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is extremely proud to recognize and honor Governor Brad Little with its prestigious annual award, "Friend of Rural Water." Each year, the award is presented to a champion of rural water who has made a significant contribution in helping public drinking water and wastewater utility systems throughout the state. On April 4, 2024, IRWA's CEO, Shelley Roberts presented the well-deserved award to Governor Little at the IRWA annual Spring Conference Awards Dinner in Boise, Idaho.

Governor Little was acknowledged for his outstanding leadership and achievements related to water during the past few years. These include supporting tens of millions of strategic investments in long-term water projects and safe water systems for rural Idaho communities. His "Leading Idaho" initiative and recommendation to invest in Idaho resulted in an additional $115 million in water and sewer grant funds that were made available during last year's legislative session with the support of the Idaho House and Senate members.

More than two hundred projects benefited from this additional investment through infrastructure cost assistance or engineer planning studies. IRWA is especially grateful to Governor Little for recognizing the importance of clean, safe drinking water to provide all Idaho citizens; and for understanding the challenge of keeping up with regulatory requirements and the growing financial demands of maintaining dated, failing infrastructure.

About Idaho Rural Water Association

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation providing training and technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho with populations under 10,000. IRWA is comprised of over 365 direct member utility systems in Idaho. These members elect a seven-member Board of Directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association.

IRWA's mission is to provide training and technical assistance to help Idaho's rural communities deliver safe drinking water to its citizens while maintaining the high quality of life Idahoans hold so dear.

For more information, visit https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is extremely proud to recognize and honor Governor Brad Little with its prestigious annual award, "Friend of Rural Water." Each year, the award is presented to a champion of rural water who has made a significant contribution in helping public drinking water and wastewater utility systems throughout the state. On April 4, 2024, IRWA's CEO, Shelley Roberts presented the well-deserved award to Governor Little at the IRWA annual Spring Conference Awards Dinner in Boise, Idaho.

Related link: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

Approximately $150 Million Available for Wildlife Habitat Projects

SAINT PAUL, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) last week issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Approximately $150 million will be available for both metro and statewide grants to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement.

Requests are due Friday, May 24, 2024 at 4 p.m. Funds for approved programs will be available for use starting Monday, July 1, 2025.

Since the Outdoor Heritage Fund's creation in 2008, $1.6 billion in on-the-ground habitat programs has been allocated by the Minnesota legislature and over 1.4 million acres of Minnesota forests, prairies and wetlands have been restored, protected and/or enhanced. The latest set of recommendations for $180 million is currently before the Minnesota legislature.

The process is competitive and open to all who wish to apply.

"These monies have funded wildlife habitat projects in every corner of the state, both rural and urban," said Mark Johnson, Executive Director. "If you have a potential project proposal but are unsure, contact us. LSOHC staff are always open to discussing ideas and answering questions. We are here to help."

Proposal requirements and terms of funding are outlined in the Call for Funding Request. To view details or learn more, visit: https://www.lsohc.mn.gov/.

For answers to specific questions, contact LSOHC Staff: https://www.lsohc.mn.gov/staff.

About Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council:

The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council is composed of eight citizens and four legislators and makes annual recommendations to the Minnesota legislature for use of the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Outdoor Heritage Fund is one of four funds established as a result of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy amendment, passed by Minnesota voters in November of 2008. The amendment established a dedicated sales tax increase of three-eighths of 1%. One-third of the dollars raised are deposited in the Outdoor Heritage Fund and expenditures must be used to restore, protect and enhance Minnesota's wetlands, prairies, forests and habitat for fish, game and wildlife. Current LSOHC members are listed on the LSOHC website members page: https://www.lsohc.mn.gov/Member/index.

WEB IMAGE CAPTION: LSOHC Executive Director Mark Johnson shows off a fish caught at an Outdoor Heritage Fund habitat restoration site.

The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) last week issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Approximately $150 million will be available for both metro and statewide grants to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement.

Related link: https://www.lsohc.leg.mn/

Legacy of Valor: Persian American Civic Action Network [PACAN] Hosts 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Persian American Civic Action Network [PACAN] is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Iranian-Americans for civic engagement and activism for the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and a free, democratic, and secular Iran. PACAN is excited to announce their 3rd annual fundraising Gala to celebrate the Centennial of the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF).

Scheduled for Friday May 31, 2024, this effort aims to commemorate the memories of its visionary founders and highly decorated leaders for the Persian American community.

Previously, the leadership of PACAN has taken extraordinary measures by dedicating its galas to families grappling with the challenges of adult children with autism and to the victims of human trafficking. Moreover, they consistently ensured the presence and recognition of men and women in uniform, honoring their dedication to serving and protecting.

"While we will continue on the very same path of raising awareness on important public issues and empowering civic activism, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to express our appreciation to the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, many of whom remain invisible from sight," said Zohreh Mizrahi, Founder of PACAN.

Event Information:

The gala will be held at The Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library on 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 on Friday May 31, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

PACAN invites the community to join in supporting this cause.

For more information about the event, please visit https://thepacangala2024.rsvpify.com/ or contact Zohreh Mizrahi at zohrehmizrahi@pacan.us.

About Persian American Civic Action Network [PACAN]:

Empowering Iranian-Americans for civic engagement and activism for the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and a free, democratic and secular Iran. Learn more at: https://www.pacan.us/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube):

PACAN 1st Spring Gala March 12, 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGCzut5Kdg

Persian American Civic Action Network [PACAN] is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Iranian-Americans for civic engagement and activism for the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and a free, democratic, and secular Iran. PACAN is excited to announce their 3rd annual fundraising Gala to celebrate the Centennial of the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF).

Related link: https://www.pacan.us/

Hallandale Beach proudly announces the acquisition of nine cutting-edge electric buses, the only fully electric bus fleet owned by any municipality in Florida

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hallandale Beach is the gateway of Broward County in sunny south Florida, a city pulsating with life and innovation. Progress continues to be at the forefront of this City, as Hallandale Beach proudly announces the acquisition of nine (9) cutting-edge electric buses, the largest electric bus fleet owned by any municipality in Florida. The all-electric fleet isn't just about upgrading transit; it's about shaping a safe, reliable, and environmentally conscious community.

Thanks to a generous grant from the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) totaling $3,406,828 million, complemented by a matching contribution of $2.5 million from the city, $1,937,128 of that being a contribution towards the purchase of buses and associated charging infrastructure from the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, making the total investment in this electric bus fleet a whopping $5,906,828.

This visionary initiative is a testament to Hallandale Beach's commitment to a higher quality of life. The City has contracted new customer-focused drivers, expanded bus routes, and increased the size of its community buses. The Cloud will replace the City's community shuttle service, offering more seating and standing capacity and cleaner vehicles inside and out. The previous Hallandale Minibus Routes, which serve as essential connections for residents to key destinations, will also transform with the introduction of these electric buses.

What this means for Hallandale Beach residents is cleaner air, a reduced carbon footprint, and a transit system that's as reliable as it is eco-friendly. By embracing clean, electric power, the city is paving the way for a healthier environment and progressive future. The Cloud will enhance the transit experience, encouraging more residents to choose public transportation.

Hallandale Beach is a city forging a path towards a greener, more vibrant tomorrow. The Cloud bus fleet will begin operations in early April of this year. For more information about bus routes and more call (954) 451-2220 Option 6.

Learn more about the City of Hallandale Beach at: https://hallandalebeachfl.gov/

Hallandale Beach is the gateway of Broward County in sunny south Florida, a city pulsating with life and innovation. Progress continues to be at the forefront of this City, as Hallandale Beach proudly announces the acquisition of nine (9) cutting-edge electric buses, the largest electric bus fleet owned by any municipality in Florida. The all-electric fleet isn't just about upgrading transit; it's about shaping a safe, reliable, and environmentally conscious community.

Related link: https://cohbcra.org/

Rising Incivility Threatens Local Democracies: ‘Save Your City’ Presents an Urgent Roadmap for Civic Culture Renewal

VANCOUVER, B.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Tellwell Publishing today announced the release of the 5th Anniversary edition of Diane Kalen-Sukra's seminal book "Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What To Do About It" (ISBN: 978-0228810872; paper). In a climate where rising incivility and toxic culture increasingly threaten local democracies, this book arrives as a timely antidote.

This updated and illustrated edition presents a comprehensive "Roadmap to Renewing Civic Culture," equipping community leaders and citizens alike with practical steps to foster collaborative environments of respect, mutual understanding, and civil discourse.

Kalen-Sukra has spent the past five years on a civility tour (https://www.dianekalensukra.com/media), collaborating with local governments and communities across North America and beyond, to highlight and address the ways in which incivility and toxic behavior obstruct the abilities of cities and communities to manage pressing issues such as the infrastructure deficit, homelessness, and public safety.Top of Form

"The escalation of toxic behavior, from insults to threats to physical violence, significantly erodes social trust, reduces civic participation, and undermines policymaking," Kalen-Sukra says. "This cycle further fuels polarization, creating a vicious loop, which too often leads to dysfunction, resignations and even local governance collapse."

This is underscored by findings from the new Brenner Centre for Justice's report, "Intimidation of State and Local Officeholders: A Threat to Democracy," revealing that 40% of local officials are hesitant to seek re-election due to the surge in abuse and an equal number are reluctant to take on important but controversial issues. This trend disproportionately affects women and people of color, thereby limiting diverse viewpoints and ideas.

"In a democracy, might is not right," says Kalen-Sukra. "Resorting to harassment over political differences is both authoritarian and antithetical to democratic values."

"Local officials and governments are increasingly forced to invest in expensive security measures to protect themselves from their own constituents-the very people they represent and serve," Kalen-Sukra says. "This situation is both tragic and absurd."

"In order to thrive, our local democracies depend on our ability to revive the art of living and working well together," says Kalen-Sukra. "We stand at a crossroads: deeper division or collective renewal. The choice is ours."

"Save Your City" Book Summary

"Save Your City" takes readers on a journey from the perilous terrains of "Bullyville," a place where incivility and toxic culture reigns; to an eye-opening visit to classical antiquity for civic wisdom; to the aspirational streets of "Sustainaville," which prioritizes the civic values of respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility in shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.

The successful journey includes a renaissance of civic values and civic education as vital to fostering the type of culture that can sustain us, our democracy, and our planet.

"Save Your City" is a practical manifesto for anyone committed to the hard work of civic culture renewal. Available at all major booksellers.

Watch the "Save Your City" video book trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0945GO3KL8

Discover how you can be part of the solution. Visit https://www.SaveYourCity.ca to learn more, access resources, and get involved. Stay connected by subscribing to the Civic Wisdom newsletter: https://www.SaveYourCity.ca/newsletter

Workbook: A companion workbook is available exclusively with the Local Government Edition of "Save Your City," published by Municipal World: https://www.municipalworld.com/product/save-city-toxic-culture-kills-community/

Video Interviews on "Save Your City" with Diane Kalen-Sukra:

* Municipal World Interview (9 min.) - Explore how local governments can overcome toxic culture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll3_ocGoie0

* Charter for Compassion Interview (1 hr.) - Join the Global Book Read of "Save Your City": https://youtu.be/FNntE7xNohg?si=Ow-OQtUdVSEVYNZn

* Media interviews can be found here: https://www.dianekalensukra.com/media

Book Reviews:

"I applaud Diane Kalen-Sukra for devising a blueprint for community change. Every community leader should read 'Save Your City' - pen in hand-and then emphatically implement the strategies." - DR. LEW BAYER, Civility Experts Worldwide

"'Save Your City' is a brilliant book. Practical, grounded in historical lessons, provocative, and right on. This is a timely wake-up call to action for all of us who act and live our values. Civility and respect for the golden rule are not dead. Enjoy this must-read." - SEAN MAGENNIS, former YPO Global President & COO

"'Save Your City' is an inspired and powerful must-read. Our democracy is in peril and this book delivers the right message, by the right person, at the right time." - IRA BASEN, CBC Radio Producer

"'Save Your City' cuts through the toxic fog and plots a course to cohesive communities and better living. Diane Kalen-Sukra sets out a vision-a path forward-to counter the culture of division and reassert the power and dignity of our common purpose." - ROBERT FOX, Former Executive Director, OXFAM

"'Save Your City' is an absolute must-read for leaders. Diane Kalen-Sukra masterfully enlightens us on the challenges of modern governance with the wisdom of classical antiquity to address our increasingly uncivil society." - GEORGE B. CUFF, Governance & Management Consultant

"For the love of community, read 'Save Your City.' You will be taken on a journey that awakens your heart and nurtures our collective hope for a sustainable future." - SAM CHAISE, Executive Director, National & International Christian Agencies

"Congratulations to Diane Kalen-Sukra for taking on this critical topic at a time when democratic institutions are experiencing unprecedented challenges and threats. Everyone working in local government or concerned about the future well-being of representative democracy and civic participation, should read this book." - JERRY BERRY, Municipal Consultant & Educator

About the Author:

Diane Kalen-Sukra, MA, CMC, is an author, keynote speaker, and leading culture transformation expert, sharing insights from over two decades of civic leadership, including her award-winning tenure as city manager.

She is the founder of Kalen Academy, an online training institute for civic leaders and engaged citizens. Diane's published works include "Save Your City" and "Civic Resilience", as well as regular columns in Municipal World and Public Sector Digest.

Website: https://www.dianekalensukra.com/

Follow Diane Kalen-Sukra on social media (@dianekalensukra):

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianekalensukra

X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/dianekalensukra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianekalensukra

About the Publisher:

Tellwell Publishing, founded in 2012, has established itself as a notable company in the world of book publishing, offering an array of author centric services. Situated in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Tellwell operates with the mission to empower authors by providing the tools, guidance and support needed to navigate the complex world of publishing.

CITATIONS:

REPORT: Intimidation of State and Local Officeholders The Threat to Democracy, Brennan Center for Justice, January 25, 2024: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/intimidation-state-and-local-officeholders

NEWS ARTICLE: Second Berkeley City Council Resignation This Month Highlights Discord Among Members (KQED, Kelly O'Mara, February 1, 2024) https://www.kqed.org/news/11974504/second-berkeley-city-council-resignation-this-month-highlights-discord-among-members

NEWS ARTICLE: "The most hated people in Gunter": How the government of this North Texas town broke apart (The Texas Tribune, Zack Despart, January 18, 2024) https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/18/gunter-city-council-resignations-railyard/

Tellwell Publishing today announced the release of the 5th Anniversary edition of Diane Kalen-Sukra's seminal book "Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What To Do About It" (ISBN: 978-0228810872; paper). In a climate where rising incivility and toxic culture increasingly threaten local democracies, this book arrives as a timely antidote.

Related link: https://www.tellwellpublishing.com/

Millionaire Mastermind Academy announces Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs Proclaims January 16, 2024 ‘ImpactAZ Day’

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Millionaire Mastermind Academy today announced that In a commendable acknowledgment of the remarkable efforts and commitment to fostering economic development and opportunities for underserved business populations, Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs has officially declared January 16, 2024, as "ImpactAZ Day."

ImpactAZ 2025, which provides minority entrepreneurs with technical assistance, mentoring, public and private business exchange opportunities, and access to capital to increase readiness for contracting opportunities, graduated its inaugural class of 2023 on January 16, 2024, at Arizona Public Service [APS], presented by title sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co.

ImpactAZ year-1 milestones include:

* $2M in Secured Contracts

* Business Operations Expansions by 40%

* $300,000 Capital Funding Allocated

* 80% Registered as a Diverse Supplier

* 22% Hired Staff

Governor Hobbs recognizes the pivotal role played by the Millionaire Mastermind Academy program, ImpactAZ - in advancing economic growth through innovative public and private collaborations. The proclamation highlights the organization's dedication to creating a supportive environment for minority-owned businesses, thereby contributing significantly to the overall prosperity of the state.

ImpactAZ has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building bridges between the public and private sectors to enhance opportunities for entrepreneurs facing barriers to success. Through strategic initiatives and programs, the organization has become a driving force for inclusive economic development.

ImpactAZ has been instrumental in facilitating collaborations, providing resources, and implementing initiatives that empower entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. The organization's emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion has set a precedent for fostering a thriving business community that reflects the rich tapestry of Arizona.

"We are deeply honored by Governor Hobbs' proclamation of 'ImpactAZ Day.' It underscores the importance of our mission and the collective effort required to create lasting change in the business ecosystem," said Dr. Velma Trayham, Millionaire Mastermind Academy CEO / ImpactAZ Creator. "We extend our gratitude to the Governor for recognizing the significance of our work and look forward to continued partnerships that drive economic growth for all."

For more information about ImpactAZ and its initiatives, please visit https://impactaz2025.com/

About ImpactAZ:

ImpactAZ 2025 is a multi-year supplier-diversity accelerator that provides minority entrepreneurs with technical assistance, mentoring, public and private business exchange opportunities, and access to capital to increase readiness for contracting opportunities. Our fundamental objective is to decrease the racial wealth gap, using entrepreneurship as an engine.

Millionaire Mastermind Academy today announced that In a commendable acknowledgment of the remarkable efforts and commitment to fostering economic development and opportunities for underserved business populations, Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs has officially declared January 16, 2024, as "ImpactAZ Day."

Related link: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

Concordia names Porto, Portugal as host city of its 2024 Europe Summit on May 28-29

PORTO, Portugal /ScoopCloud/ -- Concordia has named Porto, Portugal as the host city for its 2024 Europe Summit, taking place May 28-29, 2024. Building on the 2023 Concordia Europe Summit, which took place last June in Madrid, Spain (view the report), Concordia's fourth Europe Summit will bring together 100 decision makers for a set of high-level, interactive, and largely closed-door conversations on key challenges, opportunities, and priorities dominating the European agenda. Through Concordia's Concilium format, leaders will be positioned in front of an intimate audience and conversations will focus on three key themes: The Energy Transition; Economic Growth & Competitiveness; and, Cooperation, Peace & Security.

The Chair of the 2024 Europe Summit is H.E. José Manuel Barroso, Concordia Leadership Council Member, Chair of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, and Former President of the European Commission, who commented: "Europe, throughout its rich history, has weathered countless tribulations, transformations, and triumphs. The region is at the precipice of a new chapter that demands our collective attention, candid discussions between the public and private sectors, and the forging of actionable, forward-thinking solutions. By bringing together leaders from various spheres, including government, business, civil society, and academia, the 2024 Europe Summit will inspire a setting that welcomes transparent discussions and innovative thinking. I'm thrilled to once again serve as Chair of this year's Europe Summit and look forward to coming together in Portugal."

Previous Concordia Europe Summits have heard from then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, David van Weel, NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber, and Helena Herrero, President & CEO, HP (Spain & Portugal). Speakers, partners, and sponsors for the 2024 Europe Summit will be announced on www.concordia.net on a rolling basis.

Concordia's Co-Founders, Matthew Swift and Nicholas Logothetis, said: "Our fourth Europe Summit will not only provide key insights into the foremost challenges affecting Europe, but inspire the policy making necessary to drive progress. Welcoming many speakers from various industries, sectors, and countries, including ambassadors, former presidents and prime ministers, C-level executives, industry innovators, and reporters, we look forward to identifying opportunities for market-based, environmental, cyber-resilient solutions to the biggest challenges facing the European and global communities."

While the majority of conversations will be off the record, participants will have the opportunity to share their perspectives with select reporters in dedicated press breakouts and interviews. For press enquiries, contact Rita Lockheart at rlockheart@concordia.net.

About Concordia:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

More information: https://www.concordia.net/

View the 2023 Concordia Europe Summit report: https://uploads.concordia.net/2023/07/13142829/2023-Concordia-Europe-Summit-Report.pdf

Concordia has named Porto, Portugal as the host city for its 2024 Europe Summit, taking place May 28-29, 2024. Building on the 2023 Concordia Europe Summit, which took place last June in Madrid, Spain (view the report), Concordia's fourth Europe Summit will bring together 100 decision makers for a set of high-level, interactive, and largely closed-door conversations on key challenges, opportunities, and priorities dominating the European agenda.

Related link: https://www.concordia.net/

Avenu Insights & Analytics Announces the Acquisition of Finvi’s State and Local Government Division

CENTREVILLE, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avenu Insights & Analytics ("Avenu"), the global leader in revenue recovery and administrative solutions for state and local governments, is proud to announce the acquisition of Finvi's State and Local Government ("Finvi SLG") Division. This strategic move marks a significant expansion of Avenu's offerings and capabilities in serving state and local governments.

The acquisition of Finvi SLG, a prominent player in cloud-based payment solutions and court-related software for local governments, is a landmark step for Avenu. It represents our commitment to providing comprehensive, innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of government agencies and the communities they serve.

Finvi SLG is well-known for its government software solutions that streamline operations, enhance revenue recovery, and improve constituent communication. Its flagship products, RevQ+ and FullCourt Enterprise(tm), have set the standard in omnichannel communication, data integrity, automated workflows, and modern payment solutions.

Empowering Governments with Advanced Technology

This acquisition combines Avenu's extensive experience in enhancing government revenue, optimizing operations, and fostering community trust through digital solutions, with Finvi SLG's proficiency in payment processing and court case management.

The combined capabilities of both entities will offer governments:

* Centralized software and services platform for enhanced citizen experiences.

* Transformative court and legal system solutions, including the FullCourt Enterprise(tm) suite.

* Revolutionary payment processing and operational efficiencies through Finvi's RevQ+ solution.

* Efficient service delivery models that maximize resource utilization and minimize costs.

A Future of Innovation and Excellence

As we integrate Finvi SLG's solutions into our portfolio, Avenu renews its dedication to innovation, quality service, and client success. We are committed to a seamless transition that upholds the high standards our clients expect from us.

"The integration of Finvi SLG represents a transformative leap forward in our quest to revolutionize state and local government operations," said Paul Colangelo, CEO of Avenu Insights & Analytics. "The addition of Finvi SLG will enable us to offer a more comprehensive suite of solutions and services that will not only enhance government operations but also positively impact communities."

About Finvi SLG

Finvi is a premier provider of enterprise technologies that streamline and accelerate revenue recovery for clients across healthcare, government, accounts receivable management, and financial institutions. Finvi allows its client partners to generate more revenue at reduced cost and fulfill their business outcomes by effectively engaging those who pay.

About Avenu Insights & Analytics

Over 3,500 state and local governments have partnered with Avenu to drive positive results for their communities through software administration and revenue recovery solutions. Avenu's comprehensive software solutions digitally transform government by modernizing processes, providing online access to records, and reducing costs. Avenu also provides a robust ecosystem of revenue management services that identify and recover untapped revenue. State and local governments work closely with Avenu to increase revenue without raising taxes, streamline internal operations, and improve services by enhancing connectivity for constituents. Avenu is a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners. Learn how Avenu helps to unleash the power of compliance and maximize tax collection in this short Compliance Lifecycle video or visit https://www.avenuinsights.com/.

About Arlington Capital Partners

Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, DC-area private equity firm that has raised $8 billion in limited partner commitments since inception. Arlington is focused on middle market investment opportunities in growth industries including aerospace & defense, government services and technology, healthcare, and business services and software. The firm's professionals and network have a unique combination of operating and private equity experience that enable Arlington to be a value-added investor. Arlington invests in companies in partnership with high quality management teams that are motivated to establish and/or advance their company's position as leading competitors in their field. For more information, visit Arlington Capital's website at https://arlingtoncap.com/ and follow Arlington on Linkedin.

Avenu Insights & Analytics ("Avenu"), the global leader in revenue recovery and administrative solutions for state and local governments, is proud to announce the acquisition of Finvi's State and Local Government ("Finvi SLG") Division. This strategic move marks a significant expansion of Avenu's offerings and capabilities in serving state and local governments.

Related link: https://www.avenuinsights.com/

ImpactAZ 2025 documents economic strides of statewide supplier-diversity accelerator

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Thinkzilla Consulting Group today announced that ImpactAZ 2025, a statewide supplier-diversity accelerator serving black and other minority business owners, has announced the results from its inaugural cohort:

* Retail owners averaged 186 new customers

* 40% of cohort companies saw an increase in revenue and strategic partnerships

* 22% of firms hired staff or management

* Companies got $200,000 in investment

* Firms secured $2M in corporate contracts

Thirty-five participants selected for the accelerator completed the program, with 75% attending all technical assistance programming.

"Cohort CEOs are seeing such strong results because of their absolute commitment to opening up new doors of opportunity for small and historically disadvantaged businesses," said Dr. Velma Trayham, who created the accelerator and whose nonprofit provides the program management. "Corporations and Government entities expect excellence in their suppliers, and these leaders are ready to deliver."

A private celebration on January 16 will mark the cohort's graduation and signal the opening of applications for the second of the accelerators, which will commence on April 23, 2024.

About ImpactAZ 2025:

Developed in response to the State of Black Business Report, which highlighted financial gaps and opportunities for diverse business owners, ImpactAZ 2025 is a state-wide three-year series of supplier-diversity accelerators, the collective goal of which is to develop 200 startup companies, see 500 firms hire additional employees and assist 50 companies in getting corporate contracts. Using entrepreneurship as an engine, its fundamental objective is to decrease the racial wealth gap and economic insecurity among minorities.

Each of the three 36-week accelerators combines live mentoring, business coaching, and networking opportunities at its technical assistance hub in Scottsdale with online education about financial management, sales, business operations, and doing business with corporations. Personalized benchmarks and KPIs undergird each cohort company's growth plan for strengthening capital readiness and operating capacity and increasing revenue.

The solutions-drive accelerator is a program of the nonprofit Millionaire Mastermind Academy, which provides technical assistance for the initiative. Collaborators include the Black Chamber of Arizona and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The accelerator enjoys broad corporate and community support led by JPMorgan Chase. Aventiv, Bank of America, Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, Via West Group, American Landmark Apartments, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, the City of Phoenix, Commerce Bank AZ, SCORE, and the AIANNH Project NABEDC, operated by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, are additional sponsors.

Learn more at https://impactaz2025.com/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.gpec.org/blog/regional-report-state-of-black-business-2022/

https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

https://blackchamberaz.com/

https://www.azhcc.com/

Thinkzilla Consulting Group today announced that ImpactAZ 2025, a statewide supplier-diversity accelerator serving black and other minority business owners, has announced the results from its inaugural cohort. Thirty-five participants selected for the accelerator completed the program, with 75% attending all technical assistance programming.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Collaborative Agile Solutions LLC Provides Enterprise Agile Strategist Support to Global Hawk

DAYTON, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Collaborative Agile Solutions LLC (CAS) has teamed with DCS Corporation to provide the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) High Altitude Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Division with Enterprise Agile Strategist Support.

Working closely with Senior Material Leader and Branch Leadership as part of the DCS Team, CAS will provide technical expertise to support the analysis, design, development, and implementation of Enterprise-level solutions, enabling the integration of innovative technologies to improve current programmatic operations and achieve strategic objectives.

CAS is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) uniquely crafted to provide operational insight into the application of Agile Project Management principles in a Department of Defense (DoD) program office. Through Agile training, coaching, and mentoring services, CAS works alongside product teams through the Agile transformation, tailoring training curriculum and services around specific organizational structures, projects, stakeholders, and challenges.

An employee-owned company, DCS offers advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to government agencies in the national security sector. More Information about DCS is available at https://www.dcscorp.com/.

Collaborative Agile Solutions LLC (CAS) has teamed with DCS Corporation to provide the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) High Altitude Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Division with Enterprise Agile Strategist Support.

The California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) Annual Report Unveils Progress and Continued Challenges for the Golden State’s 1.38 Million Veterans

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA), a consortium of six non-profit veteran service providers, released its 2023 California Veterans Community Report, providing data and analysis on the current challenges faced by California veterans, highlighting the strides made in the past year, and presenting their advocacy strategy for 2024 and beyond-with a focus on behavioral health and housing initiatives.

Key findings from the CAVSA 2023 report reveal a 9% reduction in veteran homelessness in California, trending with the 11% decrease nationally. Despite this progress, 71% of homeless veterans in California are unsheltered, compared to 40% nationally. Alarmingly, veteran suicides have seen a 27% increase in California, with PTSD and self-injury behaviors marking critical areas for intervention.

"CAVSA and its member agencies are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of California's veterans and veteran families and continuously advocate at the state and local level through policy, program, and budgetary initiatives," said Stephen Peck, CAVSA Board President and U.S. VETS President and CEO. "We are proud of the progress made by all those in California working to improve the lives of veterans, yet there is much work to be done. A top priority is the passage of Proposition 1, which includes over $1 billion to house veterans facing behavioral and substance abuse challenges."

With the largest veteran population in the nation, California's 1.38 million veterans represent a significant and diverse community. The CAVSA report is a crucial tool for stakeholders across the state, from policymakers to local leaders, to grasp the multifaceted issues facing veterans and to champion their cause.

CAVSA 2023 report highlights include:

* The number of veterans experiencing homelessness in California decreased 9% from 11,401 in 2020 to 10,395 in 2022. Nationally, it decreased 11%.

* Roughly 33% of the nation's veterans experiencing homelessness are in California.

* In California, about 71% of homeless veterans are unsheltered compared to 41% nationally.

* Los Angeles City and County have the highest number of unsheltered homeless veterans by a significant margin at 2,721, with San Jose/Santa Clara City and County following with 520 veterans.

* In California, the number of veterans who died by suicide increased 27%, from 439 in 2020 to 559 in 2021.

* Roughly 4.2% of veterans nationally report an incidence of nonsuicidal self-injury in their lifetime. Applied in California, an estimated 57,960 veterans have performed self-harming behavior.

* An estimated 96,600 California veterans will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime.

In 2022, CAVSA's six member agencies pulled in over $81 million to the state from federal agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Labor, Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. CAVSA members also secured an additional $77 million from multiple sources - federal, state, local, and private - specifically to build housing and service sites.

"CAVSA member agencies understand veterans and the root causes of homelessness in this community-disability, poverty, unemployment, mental health, and substance use are just a few barriers to stability and are all more common among veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or PTSD," said Chuck Helget, Executive Director of CAVSA. "We know what they go through, which is exactly why we advocate for increased funding for veteran mental health, support services, housing, and other resources."

Looking forward, CAVSA will use the data and research provided in this report to advocate for:

* The passage of Proposition 1, the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond, which includes over $1 billion to house veterans who have behavioral health needs or substance use disorders.

* Increased general funding and allocation of Behavioral Health Services Act (BSHA) funding for veterans' mental health, substance abuse treatment, and suicide prevention.

* Expanded state and federal funding supportive services for veterans experiencing or exited from homelessness, especially to improve utilization of HUD-VASH vouchers.

* Increased resources and services for aging veterans, including the Veterans Support to Self-Reliance (VSSR) program.

* Enhanced veteran suicide prevention measures.

* Increased local advocacy and engagement to raise awareness and funding and increase local impact.

A full copy of the annual report, which includes additional data, CAVSA member efforts, and veteran success stories, can be accessed here: https://californiaveterans.org/about/2023-annual-report/.

About California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA):

Founded in 1995, the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) is a consortium of six non-profit veteran service providers working in partnership to address the needs of California's veterans. Partner organizations include U.S. VETS, Swords to Plowshares, Nation's Finest, California Veterans Assistance Foundation, Veterans Village of San Diego, and New Directions for Veterans. Learn more: https://californiaveterans.org/.

Today, the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA), a consortium of six non-profit veteran service providers, released its 2023 California Veterans Community Report, providing data and analysis on the current challenges faced by California veterans, highlighting the strides made in the past year, and presenting their advocacy strategy for 2024 and beyond-with a focus on behavioral health and housing initiatives.

Related link: https://californiaveterans.org/

Landmark Study Reveals Nearly $2 Billion Increase in Economic Impact of Sports in Southern California, Revealing Significant Recovery and Growth Post-Pandemic

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- LA Sports Council, the region's premier sports trade association, and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) released "Sports in the Los Angeles Basin: The 2023 Economic Impact Analysis" at the Metro LA Sports Innovation Conference on Tuesday, detailing a region charging back with more growth on the horizon.

Analysis shows significant growth and resurgence in the region's sports industry, surpassing both 2021 and pre-pandemic levels of economic activity and benchmarks in employment, labor income and total output.

"Los Angeles has always been a resilient city, and the resurgence and growth of our sports industry is testament to that. We didn't just recover to pre-pandemic levels, we surged past them," said Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Business and Economic Development Rachel Freeman. "This is a testament to our sports ecosystem, the professional and collegiate teams, business, venues, fans, and the enduring spirit of our community. It's not just about numbers, it's a roadmap to leveraging a vital sector for the city's economic, social, and cultural prosperity."

The economic impact of sports in 2022 totaled $8.9 billion, increasing by $1.9 billion since 2021. Direct revenues surged by more than $717 million from 2021 to 2022, up $340 million for collegiate sports and $377 million for professional sports - resulting in significantly larger economic impacts. Total jobs also increased to 83,000, more than doubling both 2021 and 2018 figures. Total labor income was $6.9 billion, compared to $4 billion in 2021 and $3.6 billion in 2018.

"COVID-related disruptions are thankfully in the rear-view mirror for both professional and collegiate sports, and we've experienced tremendous growth and economic activity since last year's analysis. We can expect an even more robust sports economy in the years ahead," said Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of LAEDC. "Understanding our region's continued economic growth in sports helps us to see the ongoing need to invest in infrastructure, especially community-centered infrastructure. These investments will be critical as the Los Angeles Region continues to be home to national champion sports teams and hosting upcoming global events such as the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Attendance grew an average of 4% across teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, underscoring the enthusiasm for the return of in-person sporting events. Angel City Football Club played their debut season in the National Women's Soccer League in 2022 with average attendance at home games exceeding 19,000, leading Sportico to name them the most valuable national women's soccer league franchise.

"Sports is back and thriving and with it a high level of economic impact across the region," said David Siegel, President of LA Sports Council. "We are thrilled that the region has experienced tremendous growth and expect an even larger impact as Los Angeles prepares to welcome high profile global events and athletes from around the world in the coming years."

This report is the third in a series of economic studies commissioned by the LA Sports Council and released at its annual LA Sports Innovation Conference, a day-long forum for industry leaders from across Southern California's sports ecosystem. It is the only study of its kind to quantify the economic activity and impact of the sports industry in the Los Angeles Basin, which includes Los Angeles and Orange counties.

To download "Sports in the Los Angeles Basin: The 2023 Economic Impact Analysis," visit: https://www.lasports.org/economic-impact-report.

The two previous studies commissioned by LA Sports Council and prepared by LAEDC include: "Sports in the Los Angeles Basin: An Economic Impact Study," released November 2022, and "Sports in Los Angeles and Orange Counties: An Economic Impact Analysis," released June 2019.

About LA Sports Council:

Founded in 1988, the LA Sports Council is the premier sports trade association in the Los Angeles region. As champions of the Southern California sports community, the LA Sports Council serves as the connective thread of the industry through year-round programming and initiatives, including the LA Sports Awards, LA Sports Innovation Conference, and Ready, Set, Gold!, a non-profit program that unites Olympians and Paralympians with schools to promote healthy and active lifestyles.

For more information, visit: https://www.lasports.org/.

About Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC):

LAEDC drives action in support of a reimagined Los Angeles regional economy that is growing, equitable, sustainable and resilient, and provides a healthy and high standard of living for all. A public-benefit nonprofit celebrating its 42nd year of working collaboratively to improve the lives of people through economic inclusion, LAEDC is a trusted leader working on behalf of the Los Angeles County region.

LA Sports Council, the region's premier sports trade association, and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) released "Sports in the Los Angeles Basin: The 2023 Economic Impact Analysis" at the Metro LA Sports Innovation Conference on Tuesday, detailing a region charging back with more growth on the horizon.

Related link: https://www.lasports.org/

Shaping the Future of Local Governance: Avenu Insights & Analytics and ClearGov Announce Strategic Partnership

CENTREVILLE, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avenu Insights & Analytics and ClearGov have joined forces in a strategic partnership set to revolutionize local government operations and financial management. This collaboration will span across several crucial areas of cooperation.

The partnership's objective is to bolster revenue streams for local government entities by combining Avenu's extensive expertise in identifying underreported taxes and managing revenue streams with ClearGov's suite of budget cycle management tools. This powerful synergy equips local governments with a comprehensive view of their financial health, ultimately fostering greater financial stability and informed decision-making.

In addition, the partnership seeks to optimize budgeting by combining the power of Avenu's data analytics with ClearGov's user-friendly budgeting and strategic planning tools, providing real-time, actionable insights for more effective financial planning. Moreover, it streamlines local government operations by highlighting the synergy between Avenu's administrative services and ClearGov's budgeting and strategic planning tools, thereby reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

"This strategic partnership empowers local governments by enhancing revenue and streamlining operations as well as providing digital transformation, seamless payment processing, and a commitment to transparency," shared Avenu CEO Paul Colangelo. "These initiatives aim to foster financial stability, operational efficiency, and stronger bonds of trust between local governments and their communities."

Digital transformation is in focus, as Avenu's compliance auditing and advanced payment processing along with ClearGov's modernization tools provides local government with the tools needed to work more efficiently and enhance the citizen experience. "This collaboration provides the tools for local governments to modernize their operations without needing to overhaul core systems like their ERP," shared ClearGov President & Co-Founder, Bryan Burdic. "Community trust is built through transparency in how governments and citizens communicate with each other. We want to make it easier than ever for governments to build that trust."

This partnership is a testament to the commitment of both companies to reinforce community trust in local government financial practices. Together, Avenu Insights & Analytics and ClearGov are shaping the future of local governance.

About Avenu Insights & Analytics:

Over 3,500 state and local governments have partnered with Avenu to drive positive results for their communities through software administration and revenue recovery solutions. Avenu's comprehensive software digitally transforms government by modernizing processes, providing online access to records, and reducing costs. Avenu also provides a robust ecosystem of revenue management services that identify and recover untapped revenue. State and local governments work closely with Avenu to increase revenue without raising taxes, streamline internal operations, and improve services by enhancing connectivity for constituents.

Avenu is a portfolio company of Mill Point Capital. Learn more about Avenu by viewing this brief Video About Avenu or visit https://www.avenuinsights.com/.

About ClearGov:

ClearGov® is the leading provider of public sector technology solutions to help local organizations simplify their budgeting and licensing processes. ClearGov's Budget Cycle Management solution helps local governments modernize and streamline their entire budgeting process. Its ClearForms platform modernizes any paper or PDF-based workflow process. ClearGov solutions are utilized successfully by more than 900 agencies and are powerful and affordable enough to support local governments of every size. For more information, visit https://cleargov.com/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu_rkNxCeMc

https://millpoint.com/

Avenu Insights & Analytics and ClearGov have joined forces in a strategic partnership set to revolutionize local government operations and financial management. This collaboration will span across several crucial areas of cooperation.

Related link: https://www.avenuinsights.com/

By Light Awarded $4M Army National Guard Contract

MCLEAN, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a renowned provider of IT services and simulation solutions, is excited to announce its continued collaboration with Warhorse Training Solutions to provide cutting-edge recruiting systems to the U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG). This newly awarded contract, valued at $4,040,361, is set to significantly expand the deployment of By Light's recruiting experiences from 252 to an impressive 954 systems.

Under this agreement, By Light will design and deliver 702 GEN3 Vocational Recruiting Experiences (VRE) characterized by their portability and user-friendly features allowing for easy setup on any table surface. Their flexibility makes the VREs well suited for deployment in various event scenarios. Each system boasts a 24-inch full HD touchscreen display, a compact computer unit, and a built-in soundbar, offering users a rich and immersive experience. Moreover, these systems are designed with the future in mind, enabling the integration of additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) experiences.

A key component of this contract is a comprehensive three-year after-market support package to ensure that the investment made by the ARNG is safeguarded and always ready for action.

By Light's VREs address recruiting challenges and pave the way for sustainable recruiting success. This exceptional solution introduces an innovative approach to attract, engage, and educate potential recruits about the diverse career opportunities available in the military. "These experiences serve as hands-on tools to vividly illustrate to potential recruits the excitement, growth potential, and purpose-driven nature of military occupational specialties," said Cory McAndrew, General Manager at By Light.

The commitment of the National Guard Bureau (NGB) to acquire these additional systems marks a significant step in addressing recruiting shortfalls and readiness challenges the U.S. military faces. "By attracting and engaging young individuals through immersive experiences, By Light's VREs offer engaging gameplay, lead generation capabilities, and seamless operation," said Vicente Sanchez, Program Manager at By Light.

By Light is honored to continue its support of the ARNG in its mission to strengthen the ranks with capable and dedicated individuals. The By Light VRE contract represents the forward thinking of industry and the NGB by providing tools and resources to meet the evolving needs of today's recruitment landscape.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government. For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

About Warhorse Training Solutions:

Warhorse Training Solutions, LLC headquartered in Spotsylvania, VA, is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with extensive expertise in training systems, logistical support, and communications-based support. Warhorse Training Solutions provides a combat Veterans approach and ensures mission requirements are met before, during, and after development of its services. The goal of the organization is to provide a turnkey solution for our customers to allow the Warfighter to train effectively and efficiently. For more information, visit https://warhorsets.com/.

By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a renowned provider of IT services and simulation solutions, is excited to announce its continued collaboration with Warhorse Training Solutions to provide cutting-edge recruiting systems to the U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG). This newly awarded contract, valued at $4,040,361, is set to significantly expand the deployment of By Light's recruiting experiences from 252 to an impressive 954 systems.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

Hallandale Beach CRA Launches Free Car Ride Service to Boost Local Businesses

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is thrilled to announce its latest initiative to promote local exploration and enhance the city's vibrant community. As part of their ongoing commitment to providing residents and visitors with every opportunity to experience the best that Hallandale Beach offers, the CRA proudly announces Freebee.

Freebee is a ride service available in Hallandale Beach at zero user cost. It transforms how people experience the community by providing free rides to many destinations. This fully electric option will give the riders a more comfortable and enjoyable experience while reducing transportation's environmental impact.

By downloading the app and scheduling a ride, individuals can venture freely around set destinations in the city without worrying about transportation costs. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover the wonders of Hallandale Beach or a visitor eager to explore the charm of this coastal paradise, this service provides the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories in Hallandale Beach.

"We are excited to bring this service to Hallandale Beach to connect our community further and encourage exploration of the city and our local businesses," said Dr. Jeremy Earle, City Manager and Executive Director of the Hallandale Beach CRA. "Hallandale Beach boasts many cultural, culinary, and recreational locations, and Freebee will facilitate access to our city treasures. We invite everyone to take advantage of this fantastic service."

With over 60 businesses registered to participate, residents and visitors can take the Freebee to District 8, Atlantic Village, and Gulfstream Park.

About the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency:

The Hallandale Beach CRA aims to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Their unwavering commitment to eliminating and preventing blighted conditions is achieved through facilitating community partnerships, fostering business growth, creating job opportunities, and undertaking neighborhood rehabilitation projects.

With a vision to build a thriving and dynamic city, the Hallandale Beach CRA continually strives to make Hallandale Beach a prime destination for both business and leisure.

For more information about the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and its initiatives, please visit: https://cohbcra.org/

The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is thrilled to announce its latest initiative to promote local exploration and enhance the city's vibrant community. As part of their ongoing commitment to providing residents and visitors with every opportunity to experience the best that Hallandale Beach offers, the CRA proudly announces Freebee.

Related link: https://cohbcra.org/

Concordia Releases 2023 Amazonas Summit Solutions Report and Announces Guyana as Location for 2024

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, at its 2023 Annual Summit alongside the UN General Assembly in New York City, Concordia released its 2023 Amazonas Summit Solutions Report and announced Guyana as the location for next year's gathering.

The 2023 Concordia Amazonas Summit took place in Ecuador in July and brought together a group of leaders and decision makers in the Amazon rainforest with the goal of establishing market-driven, nature-based solutions to protecting the most important haven of biodiversity in the world.

The 2023 Amazonas Summit Solutions Report, available here ( https://uploads.concordia.net/2023/09/13154649/2023-Concordia-Amazonas-Summit-Report.pdf ), details key summary and action points related to three core themes: environmental sustainability, health opportunities & challenges, and cultural diplomacy & youth advocacy.

At today's 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, Concordia Leadership Council Member Iván Duque, Former President of the Republic of Colombia, said: "The Concordia Amazon Solutions Report is a mechanism to identify market-driven nature-based solutions, in which we are able to enhance the accessibility of Amazonic products in developed countries, reduce or eliminate deforestation, and identify market mechanisms to provide seed capital and angel investments to local entrepreneurs and indigenous entrepreneurs." He continued: "This report gathers the ideas of the brightest minds on environmental matters in the Western Hemisphere and it will become the reference model for the actions that we're going to embrace in the following months."

Concordia's Co-Founder, Matthew Swift, said: "The inaugural Concordia Amazonas Summit explored ways in which we can protect the biodiversity of the region, encourage indigenous entrepreneurism, mobilize climate finance, create a credible and replicable carbon market, and forge partnerships around innovative and scalable ideas to protect and renew the irreplaceable ecosystem. Today's release of this report represents a crucial step forward in our next steps and follow up, and we look forward to continuing these efforts ahead of gathering in Guyana next year."

Watch Concordia's just-released documentary here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw93PnKIxto

About Concordia:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

Learn more: https://www.concordia.net/

https://www.concordia.net/annualsummit/2023-annual-summit/

Today, at its 2023 Annual Summit alongside the UN General Assembly in New York City, Concordia released its 2023 Amazonas Summit Solutions Report and announced Guyana as the location for next year's gathering. Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener.

Related link: https://www.concordia.net/

Bailey Contemporary Arts is Proud to Introduce the 2023 / 2024 Artists in Residence

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is delighted to introduce the 2023/2024 class of the Artists in Residence (AiR) program at the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). The AiR Program provides artists with studio space to create new work, collaborate with fellow resident artists, and engage with the community.

This dynamic and diverse group of artists will be in residence though June, and each will be featured as an "Artist of the Month," offering them the opportunity to showcase their work and create unique programs to attract art lovers to BaCA.

Learn more at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/.

"In our second season of our reinvigorated Artists in Residence program, we are thrilled to welcome an extremely talented group of creatives who will fill our studios with an eclectic mix art including paintings, ceramics, and dance," said Ty Tabing, Cultural Affairs Director. "We look forward to supporting each artist's growth during this semester, while also supplying them with additional business and marketing skills required to accelerate their careers."

Below are brief bios of our artists, which include the month, they will be featured in multiple programs and workshops. For more details about each artists visit https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/bailey/artists-in-residence

:: Michele Del Campo / October

At the age of twenty, Michele Del Campo began a global artistic journey, resulting in his work being exhibited in numerous international galleries. His familiarity with different cultures has fostered a visual repertoire that is a fusion of different places; mixing elements that shifts focus to stories and moods. While his portraits are more than simple individuals; instead, capturing autobiographical moments and a broader humanity. His figurative works include large-scale oil paintings and intimate charcoal drawings.

:: Alejandra Abad / November

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Alejandra Abad is an interdisciplinary visual artist and educator who explores belonging and mutual compassion as key parts of collective wellness. Through layering, abstraction, and light, she creates new landscapes that relate to place, family, and community. Her playful storytelling often features fragmentation, folklore, and mythology. Abad's installation work creates environments that include sculptural elements and video projection that relate the history of anticolonial movements to international surrealism and magical realism.

:: Renée Rey / December

Renée Rey's art reflects a vision for an inclusive, just, and healthy world. In both large and intimately scaled paintings, mixed media, and assemblage artwork, she creates other-worldly ecospheres that celebrate connection and kinship among diverse people, cultures, nature, and technologies. As she considers these concepts, Rey experiments with combining abstraction, realism, and surrealism, and varied media including oil, acrylic, paper, sandpaper, pins, clay, and wood branches.

:: Walter O'Neill / January

Walter O'Neill had been a painter for over 30 years, exhibiting his oil and fresco paintings in group and solo exhibits in New York, Maine, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. In 2017, his artistic focus changed after taking a clay class and now ceramics is his primary art form. The Deerfield Beach resident has exhibited his work at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale, Gallery 21 in Wilton Manors, Sugar Sand Community Park in Boca Raton, and in several venues as a member of the LGBTQ arts group ArtsUnitedFlorida.

:: T.M. Pride / February

Terrence "T.M." Pride is a multifaceted artist, with an expansive career showcasing many roles including director, choreographer, dancer, costume designer and teacher. A graduate of Florida A&M, he has choreographed over sixty pieces of work, including musicals, and commissioned ballets. T.M. is a member of Actors Equity Association and the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society, with Off-Broadway credits including For Colored Boyz; Regional credits in American Black Princess and American Son; along with Film/TV credits in: First Ladies, Lovecraft Country, and Underground Railroad. He currently serves as the producing artistic director for Brévo Theatre and director of the dance program at Dillard High School for the Arts.

:: Louiveste La Croix / May

Louiveste La Croix is an artist born in Haiti and currently based in South Florida. His artwork is a unique combination of multimedia techniques, gestural figures, and abstract color schemes that captivate viewers. La Croix uses his art to convey messages of spiritual awareness, unity, and consciousness through natural elements while also paying tribute to historical roots to promote conscious evolution. He believes that true artistry comes from taking risks and doing something that has never been done before, as well as expressing oneself authentically.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department:

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is delighted to introduce the 2023/2024 class of the Artists in Residence (AiR) program at the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). The AiR Program provides artists with studio space to create new work, collaborate with fellow resident artists, and engage with the community.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

Presidents of Türkiye, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Malawi, and European Parliament among world leaders addressing 2023 Concordia Annual Summit

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Heads of state from around the world will attend and speak at the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, taking place September 18-20 at the Sheraton New York Times Square during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Current heads of state participating in the summit include: H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President, Republic of Türkiye; H.E. Luis Abinader, President, Dominican Republic; H.E. Santiago Peña, President, Republic of Paraguay; H.E. Lazarus Chakwera, President, Republic of Malawi; H.E. Guillermo Lasso, President, Republic of Ecuador; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Republic of Guyana; H.E. Tsai Ing-wen, President, Republic of China (Taiwan) (via video); and, H.E. Dritan Abazovic, Prime Minister, Republic of Montenegro.

The leading public-private sector forum alongside the UN General Assembly, the Concordia Annual Summit, upholds a remarkable legacy of uniting heads of state, policymakers, business executives, NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists for over a decade. This year's gathering will establish market-led solutions to the greatest challenges of today, including the pivotal role of the private sector in combating disinformation to urgent issues like mental health, environmental sustainability, and artificial intelligence.

Additional speakers include: H.E. Roberta Metsola, President, European Parliament; The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change; T.H. Sadiq Khan, Mayor, City of London; Hon. Eric Adams, Mayor, City of New York; Jon Banner, EVP, Global Chief Impact Officer, McDonald's Corporation; Nazanin Ash, CEO, Welcome.US; Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World; Simon Bishop, CEO, BBC Media Action; Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action, Salesforce; T.H. Elizabeth M. Allen, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State; David Miliband, President & CEO, International Rescue Committee; and, Sam Stephens, Executive Director, AB InBev Foundation.

View all confirmed speakers and the agenda at:

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/speakers

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/4179467

Concordia's Co-Founders, Matthew Swift and Nicholas Logothetis, said: "Over the last 13 years, our Annual Summit has emerged as the largest, most inclusive, and most politically balanced forum alongside the United Nations General Assembly. Through our three-day program featuring over 100 sessions and over 200 speakers, we look forward to advancing public and private sector cooperation and elevating market-led solutions to complex issues within the context of this important week for the world."

They continued: "Today's announcement truly demonstrates the global nature of this annual convening of a few thousand leaders from a range of sectors and industries and from across over 90 countries. There is no other time where the majority of the world's heads of state descend upon one city and we must use this time to step up and engage."

Concordia's Programming Sponsors are: Libra Group (Founding Sponsor); Calamos Investments, Meta (Principal Programming Sponsors); Merck, Siemens Healthineers (Lead Programming Sponsors); APCO, AT&T, BHP, DP World, ExxonMobil, Horizon Therapeutics, Salesforce, TC Energy, Trane Technologies, McDonald's, Microdose Psychedelic Insights, Microsoft (Patron Programming Sponsors); United Airlines (Travel Sponsor).

Concordia's Programming Partners are: Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum (Principal Programming Partner); AB InBev Foundation, CARE USA, Environmental Defense Fund, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, International Copper Alliance, Knight Foundation, Movement Health Foundation, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Stop TB Partnership, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, TREAT California, Word Vision (Lead Programming Partners); Knight Foundation, International Medical Corps, Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, Food for the Hungry, NYC Mayor's Office of International Affairs, Rockefeller Foundation, Operation Smile, USA For International Organization For Migration, U.S. Department of State Office of Global Partnerships (Patron Programming Partners).

To attend the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, register here ( https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/begin ) for a $2000 All Access Pass, $800 General Access Pass, or $250 Wednesday-only Pass, or sign up to Concordia's organizational membership program.

Learn more: https://www.concordia.net/annualsummit/2023-annual-summit/

ABOUT CONCORDIA:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

Learn more: https://www.concordialive.com/

Heads of state from around the world will attend and speak at the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, taking place September 18-20 at the Sheraton New York Times Square during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Related link: https://www.concordia.net/

Arizona’s Largest Supplier Diversity Business Accelerator Welcomes Bank of America as New Sponsor

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Millionaire Mastermind Academy today announced Bank of America is its newest supporter for IMPACT AZ 2025, a three-year supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap for black owned businesses. Other sponsors include the City of Scottsdale, APS, SRP and VIA West Group as well as title sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Bank of America recently provided a grant for IMPACT AZ 2025 as part of the company's commitment to delivering responsible growth to improve the financial lives of individuals, families, and entire communities.

"Closing the racial wealth gap is one of the best things we can do within Arizona's business community and having support from financial services organizations like our newest partner, Bank of America, shows the importance of such programming," said Dr. Velma Trayham, creator of IMPACT AZ 2025 and founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, which manages the program.

IMPACT AZ 2025 is an action-focused program with a physical space at Arizona State University's Skysong 3 in Scottsdale to share resources for promoting stability and growth as well as supplier diversity opportunities for local businesses. Supplier diversity programs could add $280 billion in income and 4 million new jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent McKinsey & Co. report. By 2025, the initiative aims to support the growth of 250 businesses while empowering more than 500 established businesses to grow their employee base.

Bank of America's industry-leading supplier diversity program has been in place for more than 30 years and is proud to have one of the most recognized supplier diversity programs in the financial services industry.

"We partner with organizations like Millionaire Mastermind Academy to help us deliver on our commitment to responsible growth," said Scott Vanderpool, president, Bank of America Phoenix. "Together, we can help tackle complex societal challenges, advance racial equity and promote greater economic mobility across Phoenix by boosting entrepreneurs and small business resiliency in communities of color."

Corporations interested in supporting IMPACT AZ 2025 or learning more about the program's impact can contact info@impactaz2025.com

About IMPACT AZ 2025

IMPACT AZ 2025 is Arizona's largest supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap of black business owners. Millionaire Mastermind Academy in collaboration with the Black Chamber of Arizona, IMPACT AZ 2025 is a three-year technical assistance business accelerator focused on supplier diversity training to grow business opportunities.

For more information, visit https://impactaz2025.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Nancy Davis

Info@thinkzillaconsulting.com

888-509-1145

CITATIONS:

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/expand-diversity-among-your-suppliers-and-add-value-to-your-organization

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy today announced Bank of America is its newest supporter for IMPACT AZ 2025, a three-year supplier diversity readiness program designed to close the racial wealth gap for black owned businesses. Other sponsors include the City of Scottsdale, APS, SRP and VIA West Group as well as title sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Related link: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

Senate Bill 729 to Increase Access to Fertility Care for Millions of Californians Postponed to 2024 by Assembly Appropriations Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- State Senator Caroline Menjivar's (D-San Fernando Valley) Senate Bill 729, sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, was converted to a two-year bill by the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. The bill can be considered again as early as January 2024. SB 729 would require large group health plans to provide coverage for fertility care, including treatment for infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) - expanding access, improving care, and removing economic barriers for millions of eligible Californians.

SB 729 passed the state Senate in May by a large margin of 31-3 and advanced out of the Assembly Health Committee in August. Fourteen states have passed IVF insurance laws.

"A two year bill is not the outcome we hoped for, but it does allow us to continue our fight," said Senator Menjivar. "SB 729 progressed farther in the legislative process than any similar bills attempting to decrease inequities in fertility care coverage, which is why I am optimistic and will not give up. Californians who wish to build a family deserve equity and justice, not the current discriminatory law that withholds the safest and most reliable methods of fertility care from many of them. Soon, we will make California the true leader in reproductive justice."

According to a recent report, the World Health Organization estimates 1 in 6 people globally experience infertility. Lack of insurance coverage for fertility services is the most significant barrier to creating a family.

"Infertility affects people of all socioeconomic levels, racial identities, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs," said Insurance Commissioner Lara. "As someone who has fought for affordable and more equitable access to healthcare services during my time in the California State Legislature and as Insurance Commissioner, I am proud to co-sponsor SB 729 to ensure fair and equal access to fertility treatments."

"I remain committed to this important issue that unfairly impacts so many Californians," said State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), who has introduced several pieces of legislation since 2019 to address this issue. "Paying out of pocket for infertility treatment imposes an insurmountable financial burden on the LGBTQ+ population and others whose insurance does not cover this medically-necessary care. We must address this gap in our healthcare system."

In addition to protecting against exclusionary insurance coverage for infertility, SB 729 ensures cancer patients are eligible for IVF insurance to complete their family building after preserving their eggs, sperm, or embryos under SB 600. In 2019, SB 600 passed to provide insurance coverage for fertility preservation for patients with medical indications.

"Nobody should be faced with the heartbreaking choice of deciding whether to have a child or to get lifesaving treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation, which can impact fertility," said State Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), who introduced SB 600. "SB 600 helped give cancer patients a path to preserve their fertility. SB 729 is the crucial next step in our fight for California families."

"Infertility is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and The American Society for Reproductive Medicine," said Dr. Marcelle Cedars, the Immediate Past President of American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Director of UCSF Center for Reproductive Health. "Yet California continues to set infertility apart from other diseases in one basic, shameful way - by allowing insurance companies to diagnose but not to comprehensively treat."

"Our state is a leader in reproductive freedom, but we're lagging behind when it comes to ensuring that all people who want to have children are able to do so," said NARAL Pro-Choice California Director Shannon Olivieri Hovis. "California's existing law is grossly inadequate; coverage for fertility and infertility treatment is the only element of reproductive care excluded from insurance coverage. By excluding IVF alone, it leaves out the most effective treatment for infertility."

"No one should have to choose between their livelihood and their aspiration to become a parent, including members of the LGBTQ+ community," said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. "SB 729 is a long overdue step to expand access to fertility coverage for all Californians and remove discriminatory language from our state's insurance laws. We are grateful to Senator Menjivar for being such a fierce champion for LGBTQ+ families and look forward to continuing this fight with her next year."

In addition to Insurance Commissioner Lara, the bill is cosponsored by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association; NARAL Pro-Choice California; The Alliance for Fertility Preservation; Equality California; American Society for Reproductive Medicine; and Our Family Coalition. SB 729 has received the endorsement of more than 65 non-profits, associations, and organizations across the state, as well as thousands of advocate letters to lawmakers voicing support for the bill.

Learn more about Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) at: https://sd20.senate.ca.gov/

CITATIONS:

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978920068315

State Senator Caroline Menjivar's (D-San Fernando Valley) Senate Bill 729, sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, was converted to a two-year bill by the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. The bill can be considered again as early as January 2024.

Related link: https://sd20.senate.ca.gov/

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. Opens DoD Cyber Collaboration Facility

HANOVER, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, has a nearly 20-year history of developing and supporting complex training systems for the Department of Defense (DoD). CESI, an industry leader in the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) industry, holds large prime contracts to develop and field constructive, virtual, and cyber simulation systems that are used around the world. Responding to significant growth in their cyber training and operations business over the past five years, they are opening a new CESI Hanover Facility Supporting the National Capital Region (NCR) collocated with By Light Professional IT Services, LLC (By Light), in Hanover, Maryland.

CESI is the prime contractor for the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE) and Joint Cyber Training Enterprise (JCTE) programs, where they build and operate the largest cyber range in the world, specifically focused on ensuring readiness for the DoD's Cyber Mission Forces (CMF). In their execution of the $957 million Cyber Training, Readiness, Integration, Delivery and Enterprise Technology (Cyber TRIDENT) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract, CESI has teams in Orlando, FL; Fort Gordon, GA; and in the Fort Meade, MD, area. CESI is committed to providing United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), the service cyber components and all other DoD customers with highly skilled cyber operations engineers, cyber planners, cyber training content developers, and mission rehearsal support teams at the customer's point of need. The new facility will allow CESI to better serve its core customer base at Fort Meade and the NCR.

"Opening CESI Hanover allows us to be closer to our core customer while providing a local home for our existing staff of highly skilled cyber operations engineers. The facility will enhance our ability to deliver both enterprise cyber training tools and a highly skilled staff of operational cyber professionals to support USCYBERCOM's critical mission," says CESI Vice President of Cyber Programs, Stephen Lopez.

Cyber TRIDENT provides the management, integration, maintenance, and evolution for the PCTE platform and provides a holistic, on-demand, standardized training platform that enables the end-to-end planning, preparation, execution, and assessment of training events for the CMF and the entire DoD cyber workforce.

"By Light is committed to bringing our customers the services they need where and when they need them. The facility, collocated with By Light's Global Networks and existing Cyber Divisions, provides world-class professional support for the important work of USCYBERCOM, the military services, and the Cyber National Mission Forces by allowing greater integration and collaboration within the By Light enterprise and among our cyberspace operations and cybersecurity training customers," says By Light Chief Executive Officer Bob Donahue.

The new facility was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, where By Light and CESI executives welcomed local staff and VIPs from DoD and Fort Meade.

About CESI:

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, is a premier integrator and provider of modeling and simulation and cyber training solutions. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and other support in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) and cyber domains. CESI designs, builds, and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications, and processes that enable converged training for the integrated multi-domain force. As a full spectrum LVC and cyber developer, integrator, and services provider, we deliver open-source solutions that empower our warriors.

Learn more at https://coleengineering.com/.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government.

For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, has a nearly 20-year history of developing and supporting complex training systems for the Department of Defense (DoD). CESI, an industry leader in the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) industry, holds large prime contracts to develop and field constructive, virtual, and cyber simulation systems that are used around the world. Responding to significant growth in their cyber training and operations business over the past five years,

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel, Bezos Earth Fund President & CEO Andrew Steer, Former Estonian President Kaljulaid, and National Intelligence Director Avril Haines to join 2023 Concordia Annual Summit

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The 2023 Concordia Annual Summit is taking place on September 18-20, 2023 at the Sheraton New York Times Square during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The leading public-private sector forum alongside the UN General Assembly, the Concordia Annual Summit upholds a remarkable legacy of uniting heads of state, policymakers, business executives, NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists for over a decade.

This year's gathering will establish market-led solutions to the greatest challenges of today, including the pivotal role of the private sector in combating disinformation to urgent issues like mental health, environmental sustainability, and emerging technologies.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Hon. Eric Adams, Mayor, City of New York; President Kersti Kaljulaid, Former President of Estonia; Jason Buechel, CEO, Whole Foods Market; Andrew Steer, President & CEO, Bezos Earth Fund; Hon. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General, United Nations; Hon. Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Barbara Humpton, President & CEO, Siemens USA; Richard Buery, CEO, Robinhood Foundation, Hon. Reta Jo Lewis, President & Chair, Export-Import Bank of the United States; Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, President, Global Affairs, Meta; John Koudounis, CEO, Calamos Investments; Dr. Bernd Montag, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Healthineers; Amb. Carlos Pascual, Senior VP, Geopolitics & International Affairs, S&P Global; Holly Copeland, Executive Director, CSR, Sustainability & Impact, Horizon Therapeutics; Dr. Andrew "Drew" Otoo, President, Global Vaccines, Merck; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, Republic of Guyana; Hon. Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, U.S. Department of State; Juliana Olayinka, London Bureau Chief, Channels Television; Alex Amouyel, President & CEO, Newman's Own Foundation; Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation; H.E. Dritan Abazović, Prime Minister, Republic of Montenegro; Dave Regnery, Chair & CEO, Trane Technologies; Amy Pope, Director-General Elect, International Organization for Migration; and, Elmo, The Muppet, Sesame Street.

View all confirmed speakers and the agenda:

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/speakers

https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/4179467

"Concordia's unwavering nonpartisan status and convening power give us a critical responsibility to address the biggest issues of our time," commented Concordia's Co-Founders, Matthew Swift and Nicholas Logothetis. "We feel this responsibility now more than ever before, at a time when the partisan divide we're witnessing in the United States-and indeed in so many other parts of the world-threatens to erode the spirit of cooperation and trust in our institutions. At Concordia, we believe the path forward requires rebuilding this trust and creating confidence in the power of community. Over three days in New York City, our 13th Annual Summit will hear from dozens of business, government, and NGO leaders to define the biggest challenges and prompt solutions. We all have a role to play, so we urge individuals and organizations to join us in this collective effort."

Concordia's Programming Sponsors are: Libra Group (Founding Sponsor); Calamos Investments, Meta (Principal Programming Sponsors); Merck, Siemens Healthineers (Lead Programming Sponsors); APCO, AT&T, BHP, ExxonMobil, Horizon Therapeutics, Salesforce, TC Energy, Trane Technologies, McDonald's (Patron Programming Sponsors); United Airlines (Travel Sponsor).

Concordia's Programming Partners are: Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum (Principal Programming Partner); AB InBev Foundation, CARE USA, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, International Copper Alliance, Knight Foundation, Movement Health Foundation, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Operation Smile, Stop TB Partnership, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Word Vision (Lead Programming Partners); International Medical Corps, Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, Mayor's Office of International Affairs, USA For International Organization For Migration, U.S. Department of State Office of Global Partnerships (Patron Programming Partners).

To attend the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, register here ( https://www.concordialive.com/annualsummit23/begin ) for a $2000 All Access Pass, $800 General Access Pass, or $250 Wednesday-only Pass, or sign up to Concordia's organizational membership program.

For press enquiries, contact Rita Lockheart at rlockheart@concordia.net.

About Concordia:

Concordia, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, is the leading public-private sector convener, establishing and elevating market-led solutions to global challenges. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis.

The 2023 Concordia Annual Summit is taking place on September 18-20, 2023 at the Sheraton New York Times Square during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The leading public-private sector forum alongside the UN General Assembly, the Concordia Annual Summit upholds a remarkable legacy of uniting heads of state, policymakers, business executives, NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists for over a decade.

Related link: https://www.concordia.net/

Opposition to AB-1147 Gains Momentum: Advocates Raise Concerns Over Consumer Voice

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Assembly Bill 1147 (AB-1147) is under scrutiny as concerns mount over its potential impact on the voice of consumers and the democratization of decision-making. Leading this charge is Dr. Henny Kupferstein, a vocal advocate and DDS consumer who has rallied opposition against the bill, and who is a candidate for Assembly #77 coastal San Diego 2024. AB-1147 is scheduled for a hearing, and its implications have ignited a wave of concern among consumers and advocates alike.

Henny Kupferstein and a coalition of concerned consumers have voiced their objections to AB-1147, citing a lack of safeguards for consumers' interests. The bill, as it stands, appears to prioritize substantial financial gains for traditional vendors within the $15-billion program, without explicitly addressing consumer protection and advocacy.

"It's disheartening to witness the exclusion of consumer perspectives from the analysis of AB-1147," laments Kupferstein. "This exclusion sends a troubling message about the state of our democracy, making consumers feel voiceless and sidelined in matters that affect them directly."

Kupferstein, in a bold move, has initiated contact with the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging them to reconsider AB-1147 in light of the widespread consumer opposition. This opposition is underscored by consumers' collective demand for the bill's rejection, claiming it would lead to unjustified expenses and an unbalanced distribution of resources.

Notably, consumers of Regional Centers have united in submitting a letter of opposition to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Their aim is not only to register their protest but also to ensure that their voices are heard and acknowledged. The demand for confirmation of receipt of their opposition letter highlights the gravity of their concerns.

Clarifications have been made by Kupferstein, who emphasizes that the sponsor, Disability Voices United (DVU), does not represent consumer interests in their opposition to AB-1147. Kupferstein further urges the Senate to discern individualized consumer voices from DVU template letters, affirming that these templates do not truly reflect the breadth of consumer sentiment against the bill.

In a surprising twist, Dr. Henny Kupferstein, a dedicated consumer-constituent, has announced her Campaign for Assembly #77 coastal San Diego 2024. This underlines the determination of consumers to secure their rights and influence legislative decisions that impact their lives.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Henny Kupferstein, votehenny@gmail.com or http://www.votehenny.com

As AB-1147 approaches its hearing date, the voices of concerned consumers like Henny Kupferstein ring clear: democracy must be upheld, consumer voices must be honored, and bills like AB-1147 must be critically assessed to ensure their alignment with the interests of those they affect.

See You in Sacramento

Join the movement, and look advocates in the eye on Friday, September 1st, as they gather in Sacramento to occupy the Senate for consumer rights and democratic representation.

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/SyxhCCiYFII

Assembly Bill 1147 (AB-1147) is under scrutiny as concerns mount over its potential impact on the voice of consumers and the democratization of decision-making. Leading this charge is Dr. Henny Kupferstein, a vocal advocate and DDS consumer who has rallied opposition against the bill, and who is a candidate for Assembly #77 coastal San Diego 2024. AB-1147 is scheduled for a hearing, and its implications have ignited a wave of concern among consumers and advocates alike.

Related link: http://www.votehenny.com

McNab House & Botanical Gardens Awarded $1.5 Million in Grants – Pompano Beach CRA Announces Next Phase of Redevelopment

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pompano Beach CRA is proud to announce that the McNab House & Botanical Gardens project has been awarded two prestigious grants totaling $1.5 million. The Cultural Facilities Program Grant has awarded $500,000 for the construction of the botanical gardens and children's classroom, while the $1 million Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program Grant will go towards outdoor recreational use of the site. These grants will facilitate the progress of this historic preservation and economic development project, with further advances coming with the September announcement of the architectural firm that will be awarded this project.

"We are honored to have been awarded these significant grants, which attest to the importance of this project," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "The McNab House and Botanical Gardens will create a destination venue which will have a positive economic impact on our City. These grants will help us continue developing our vision of a world-class experience for residents and visitors alike."

The CRA relocated the McNab House and garage to its namesake park located on the main commercial corridor of Pompano Beach for adaptive reuse as a restaurant and botanical garden. The LWCF grant will specifically go towards the construction of pathways, an interactive water feature, playground elements, seating, landscaping, restrooms, and design and engineering fees for the McNab House and Botanical Gardens Project, and the Cultural Facilities grant will support the building of the children's classroom and the botanical gardens.

These grants are part of the next phase of this project, which will be advancing with the announcement of the architectural firm. An RFQ was announced for architectural design services several months ago and received five respondents. An evaluation committee scored the respondents, and a recommendation for the highest scoring architect will be brought forth at the CRA September board meeting. With board approval, the site plan process will continue along with restauranteur operator negotiations. Additional opportunities to provide public input will be available in the future.

The McNab House, built in 1926, was moved from its original location on Atlantic Boulevard, when the owners sold the land for development. With the support of the Pompano Beach Historical Society, the Pompano Beach CRA saved the historic home, moving it several blocks to McNab Park, with the vision of transforming the home into a restaurant and the surrounding land into a botanical garden. The goal of the McNab House & Botanical Gardens project is to continue economic growth within the East CRA and Atlantic Boulevard corridor. Activation of the public space will encourage more pedestrian activity and create a unique attraction for residents and visitors to enjoy.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The CRA was created in 1989. It has two independent districts: Northwest CRA and East CRA established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district.

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes.

For more information: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/government/cra/

The Pompano Beach CRA is proud to announce that the McNab House & Botanical Gardens project has been awarded two prestigious grants totaling $1.5 million. The Cultural Facilities Program Grant has awarded $500,000 for the construction of the botanical gardens and children's classroom, while the $1 million Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program Grant will go towards outdoor recreational use of the site.

California’s Sacramento River Trail and Rail Trail Inducted into Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails advocacy organization, today announced that California's Sacramento River Rail Trail and Sacramento River Trail will be inducted to its iconic Hall of Fame.

Nestled beneath the Cascade and Trinity mountains, the trails provide 21 miles of transportation and recreation along California's largest river. The trail pair was selected for outstanding merits, including RTC's expanded eligibility criteria this year, which prioritizes multiuse trails that deliver exceptional accessibility and user experience, and contributions to the connectivity of regional trail and active transportation systems.

"Across the country, connected trail systems are proving their significance as essential community assets-creating safe space for people to be active outside, connecting neighbors and neighborhoods, and creating more transportation and mobility options for entire regions," said Ryan Chao, president of RTC. "This year's Hall of Fame nominees were examples of exceptional trails that are fundamental to our vision of a future where trails connect everyone, everywhere. The Sacramento River Rail Trail and Trail stand out by illustrating the impact of connecting trails in ways that provide opportunities for recreation, transportation and intimate connections to the history and nature steeped in place."

Once serving as a travel and trade route for indigenous peoples, then later by a subsidiary of the Central Pacific Railroad, the Sacramento River Rail Trail and Sacramento River Trail provide opportunities for the community to be active, access the outdoors, and connect to neighborhoods and destinations in and around the City of Redding, including the Shasta Lake Recreation Area and the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The trails also serve as a backbone for a developing regional trail system that encompasses more than 250 miles and will eventually stretch from the Shasta Dam to Redding's southern neighbor, Anderson, and beyond.

"We are excited to share with the world that the Sacramento River Rail Trail and Trail are indeed Hall of Fame worthy. We are grateful for our many partners who have collaborated on the development and expansion of the trails and our many users and support organizations who make the trails better every day. We invite you to visit and experience these world-class trails and scenic river," said Kimberly Niemer, director of community services for the City of Redding.

The trails are home to the Sundial Bridge, an awe-inspiring feature that links both sides of the Upper Sacramento River. The 700-foot-long, cable-stayed, glass and steel working sundial spanning the Sacramento River attracts an estimated 100,000 global visitors each year.

The bridge, park and Redding's vast network of trails-built in phases over the past three decades - have helped transform the region. The vast regional system of trails is a product of a partnership managed by the City of Redding, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service with the support of local groups, foundations, other agencies and community members.

"We are proud to partner with the City of Redding and other groups in managing these trails that improve the quality of life for residents of our area, while offering destination-worthy opportunities for outdoor recreation," said Jennifer Mata, manager of the BLM's Redding Field Office.

The trail pair was among three nominees voted on by the public between Jul. 31 and Aug. 7, 2023, securing nearly 48% of the vote. The Sacramento River Rail Trail and Trail duo is the 37th inductee in RTC's Hall of Fame, joining an exemplary list of trails recognized for their outstanding scenic value, use, amenities, historical significance and community benefit. More than 30,000 votes were cast in the 2023 Hall of Fame contest. The other nominees were the Hennepin Canal State Trail in Illinois and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail network in South Carolina.

For more information about the Hall of Fame, visit railstotrails.org.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organization - with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong - dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.

Connect with RTC at https://www.railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patricia Brooks, Patricia@matchmapmedia.com, 202.351.1757

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/y6U-Re1nKRM

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.traillink.com/trail/sacramento-river-rail-trail/

https://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks

https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2013/september/12/the-road-to-a-thousand-wonders/

https://www.railstotrails.org/our-work/trail-promotion/rail-trail-hall-of-fame/

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails advocacy organization, today announced that California's Sacramento River Rail Trail and Sacramento River Trail will be inducted to its iconic Hall of Fame.

Related link: https://www.railstotrails.org/

Obeidy and Associates, P.A. Wins Discrimination Lawsuit Against Broward County Sherrif’s Office

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Obeidy and Associates, P.A. (OBD Legal) announces that it recently represented Scott Thomas, Plaintiff, against the Broward County Sherrif's Office (BCSD), Defendant, and won the initial case as well as follow-up appeals.

Thomas, a military-trained helicopter pilot, initially retained OBD Legal to represent him in an employment dispute with the BCSD. The Plaintiff's primary complaint was discrimination that fell under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. A jury determined that BCSD was in violation of this act and awarded Thomas $240,000 in lost wages. The verdict form also asked whether the BCSD "willfully violated the law," and the jury answered, "Yes." Based on a statutory provision that awards double damages for willful violations, Thomas moved to alter the judgment.

The district judge decided that the jury finding on willfulness was "advisory" and denied Thomas's motion. The Eleventh Circuit also affirmed the denial of the sheriff's office's motion for judgment as a matter of law or a new trial and reversed the denial of Plaintiff's motion for an altered judgment.

The court held that there was sufficient evidence supporting the verdict against the sheriff's office. But the Court of Appeals reversed the denial of Plaintiff's motion to alter the judgment because the parties consented to have the jury decide the issue of willfulness. As a result, Thomas was awarded double damages.

The Defendant was represented by the law offices of Carmen Rodriguez, P.A., a management labor and employment law firm.

A. Andrew Obeidy, Esq., senior litigator, who represented Thomas in Federal District Court said that it was "the highlight of my career to represent this patriot who wore the cloth of our country."

For more information about the case, visit: https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/202211322.pdf

About Obeidy and Associates, P.A.

Obeidy and Associates, P.A, focuses on employment law and brand protection. It handles a variety of civil litigation cases that involve unfair labor practices against employees and their attorneys have the knowledge, dedication and experience required to represent workers in a wide range of labor disputes.

For more information: https://www.obdlegal.com/

Obeidy and Associates, P.A. (OBD Legal) announces that it recently represented Scott Thomas, Plaintiff, against the Broward County Sherrif's Office (BCSD), Defendant, and won the initial case as well as follow-up appeals.

Related link: https://www.obdlegal.com/

Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland Announces 12th Annual Regional Hiring Event

HUGHESVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) is pleased to announce the date for the region's largest job fair, the 12th Annual "#TCCSMDGetHired" Hiring Event on August 23, 2023, at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. New this year, the 1st Annual Family Resource Day will be featured, connecting families with important community resources. This joint event will connect Southern Maryland residents to career opportunities, assist local businesses in finding talent, and help meet the needs of our community on a holistic level.

"As the demand for a skilled workforce continues to negatively impact our local businesses, hiring events are critical," says Ruthy Davis, TCCSMD Director of Regional Workforce and Business Development. "We're thrilled to connect businesses with qualified jobseekers and offer attendees resources."

The hiring event will be held inside the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department on August 23 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature local Southern Maryland businesses seeking candidates for their current job openings. Standard business registration is $150 with sponsor packages available.

Businesses interested in attending can register on Regfox by visiting https://bit.ly/2023HiringEventBusinessRegistration.

The family resource event will be hosted outside the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department in the spacious parking area. This event will feature representatives from various organizations throughout the tri-county area ready to meet residents with information about resources such as free job training, work-ready activities such as resume assistance, interview preparation, housing and food bank information, connections for justice involved citizens and more.

This is a family friendly event which will include free food, back-to-school backpacks, haircuts, children's games, moon bounce, face painting, and more. Community resource organizations will receive a complimentary table for the event by registering on the business registration link https://bit.ly/2023HiringEventBusinessRegistration.

Jobseekers will have the opportunity to speak with employers and gather employment information directly from hiring managers. Industries represented include healthcare, hospitality, retail, construction, government, IT/professional services, manufacturing, and more. Jobseekers may register on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/2023_TCCSMDGetHired_HiringEvent where they will receive email updates on all participating businesses in advance of the event.

This is an exceptional opportunity for anyone seeking new or better employment to network and make connections. Jobseekers should review the list of hiring companies, visit their websites, and create a strategy for making a great first impression. Come dressed for success and bring plenty of resumes.

For jobseekers with limited transportation, Lifestyles of Southern Maryland will provide free rides from select county transit line locations. Registered jobseekers will receive detailed information via email. We thank Lifestyles of Southern Maryland for their partnership, along with the Rural Maryland Council and the American Rescue Plan Act whose funding is making this event possible.

To learn more about the 12th Annual "#TCCSMDGetHired" Hiring Event and Family Resource Day happening Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the Mechanicsville VFD, 28165 Hills Club Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., visit https://www.facebook.com/SouthernMarylandJobSource or call 301-645-8712.

For more information about the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland's Workforce Division visit https://southernmarylandjobsource.org.

For more information about the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, a 501(c)(3) charity, visit https://www.tccsmd.org.

The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) is pleased to announce the date for the region's largest job fair, the 12th Annual "#TCCSMDGetHired" Hiring Event on August 23, 2023, at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. New this year, the 1st Annual Family Resource Day will be featured, connecting families with important community resources.

Related link: https://tccsmd.org/

Oxnard California Awards Avenu Insights & Analytics With a Sales & Use Tax Auditing Contract

OXNARD, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu), the leading provider of software administration and revenue recovery solutions for state and local governments, has achieved a significant milestone with the award of a Sales & Use Tax Auditing (SUTA) contract by the City of Oxnard, California. This contract, a competitive takeaway, represents a significant win for Avenu as the company's market share in California continues to aggressively grow.

Avenu's proposal excelled in all four weighted criteria: overall responsiveness, company profile, demonstrated technical competence to perform the service, and cost. This recognition reaffirms Avenu's dedication to meeting Oxnard's specific needs and delivering unparalleled service. It marks a continuation of the successful partnership between Avenu and Oxnard, showcasing Avenu's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results. Building on the positive outcomes of previous collaborations, Oxnard previously engaged Avenu for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Compliance Audit spanning 2019 to 2021, with the contract still active through 2024. Avenu's comprehensive approach, technical competence, and cost-effective solutions helped solidify the decision to entrust them with the critical SUTA contract.

"As a trusted partner to Oxnard, we are honored to have been selected for this SUTA contract," said Paul Colangelo, Avenu's CEO. "Our commitment to the City of Oxnard aligns perfectly with our vision for driving positive results for communities through our revenue recovery services. With a proven track record of maximizing revenue, we are excited to build on our successful partnership with Oxnard."

Avenu's revenue management solutions have consistently proven to be the key to unlocking untapped revenue for its clients, ensuring that communities thrive without the burden of increased taxes. This SUTA contract award is a testament to Avenu's commitment to empowering governments to streamline operations, increase revenue, and deliver exceptional services to their constituents. As Avenu's partnership with Oxnard continues to flourish, both entities look forward to achieving even greater success in the years to come.

About Avenu Insights & Analytics:

Over 3,500 state and local governments have partnered with Avenu to drive positive results for their communities through software administration and revenue recovery solutions. Avenu's comprehensive software solutions digitally transform government by modernizing processes, providing online access to records, and reducing costs. Avenu also provides a robust ecosystem of revenue management services that identify and recover untapped revenue. State and local governments work closely with Avenu to increase revenue without raising taxes, streamline internal operations, and improve services by enhancing connectivity for constituents. Avenu is a portfolio company of Mill Point Capital.

Learn how Avenu helps to unleash the power of compliance and maximize tax collection in this short Compliance Lifecycle video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrsWG9xYOPE&t=4s

More information: https://www.avenuinsights.com/.

About Mill Point Capital:

Mill Point Capital LLC is a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower-middle market companies across the business services, technology and industrials sectors in North America. Mill Point's experienced team of investors and Executive Partners seek portfolio company value enhancement through rigorous implementation of transformative strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Mill Point is based in New York, NY. For more information, please visit https://millpoint.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/KrsWG9xYOPE

Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu), the leading provider of software administration and revenue recovery solutions for state and local governments, has achieved a significant milestone with the award of a Sales & Use Tax Auditing (SUTA) contract by the City of Oxnard, California.

Related link: https://www.avenuinsights.com/

Planet Defense LLC Launches Nationwide Cybersecurity Assessment and Training Services for Municipal, County and State Governments

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Planet Defense LLC, a leading global provider of cybersecurity solutions, is pleased to announce the nationwide launch of its comprehensive cybersecurity assessment and training services tailored specifically for municipal, county, and state governments. This milestone represents a major step forward in strengthening the cybersecurity postures of government entities across the nation.

The importance of robust cybersecurity measures for government organizations of all sizes cannot be overstated. Because they hold vast amounts of sensitive data - including personal information, critical infrastructure details, and operational strategies - these entities have become prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and disrupt essential public services.

Recognizing the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity preparedness, Planet Defense has developed an extensive suite of cyber consulting and engineering services designed to effectively address the unique challenges faced by local and state governments. Leveraging our deep expertise and industry-leading practices, we offer a range of cyber assessment, remediation, and infrastructure improvement services that fortify government systems and networks so as to ensure the continuity of their respective operations, as well as to improve their ability to respond more successfully to evolving cyber threats.

"We are very excited to launch our cybersecurity assessment and training services for municipal, county, and state governments all across America," said Dr. Indu B. Singh, President and CEO of Planet Defense. He further added, "With our specialized expertise and dedication to helping these types of government institutions enhance their cybersecurity resilience, we are confident in our ability to make a significant positive impact on the nation's cyber defense readiness."

Dr. Singh also noted that, "America's cities and counties must provide the first line of defense against cyber criminals. Our firm's mission is to empower local and state government agencies with the knowledge, skills, strategies, and tools needed to effectively combat cyber threats. We do this by first delivering customized cyber assessments that detect the vulnerabilities existing within their systems, networks, and applications. Then, with an in-depth understanding of the actual risks in hand, we provide each government entity with our best practice remediation recommendations to rapidly mitigate or eliminate those detected threats, plus detailed advisement on how their current infrastructure can be strengthened and improved into the future on a regular basis."

Planet Defense additionally remains committed to providing continuous support to all of our government clients even after completion of the assessment and remediation phases. To help them successfully navigate the extremely treacherous global digital world now and in the future, we offer ongoing monitoring, incident response guidance, regular cyber industry best practice updates, and numerous training courses focused on: 1) developing general cybersecurity awareness knowledge and skills for all levels of governmental staff, and 2) advanced technical cybersecurity skills for governmental personnel working within IT-related environments.

MORE INFORMATION:

Learn more about out services at: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/our-services/.

For more information about our specialized cybersecurity assessment and training services for municipal, county, and state governments, please contact Planet Defense's Director of Operations, Dr. Michael G. Oehler, at moehler@planetdefensellc.com.

ABOUT PLANET DEFENSE LLC:

Planet Defense LLC, located in Northern Virginia USA, specializes in consulting, engineering and training services in Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Smart & Safe Cities, Smart Health, as well as Systems Integration & Engineering. Planet Defense manages multiple regional digital innovation hubs to promote digital equity and digital transformation. The firm supports public/private sector clients worldwide with footprints in the USA and other GCC nations. Key Planet Defense staff are world-leading experts in Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Engineering, IT, Public Safety, Science, and Technology. See: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/ for more information.

Planet Defense LLC, a leading global provider of cybersecurity solutions, is pleased to announce the nationwide launch of its comprehensive cybersecurity assessment and training services tailored specifically for municipal, county, and state governments. This milestone represents a major step forward in strengthening the cybersecurity postures of government entities across the nation.

Related link: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/

Cheyenne Hunt Secures Spot as Top Democratic Fundraiser in the Race to Represent California’s 45th District

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Attorney and Activist Cheyenne Hunt, a first-time Gen Z candidate running to represent California's 45th district, announced today that her campaign raised over $170,000 in her first quarter.

She is humbled by the overwhelming community support. She brings her congressional legislative experience to the forefront of her campaign for justice, equality, and accountability.

"I am running a grassroots campaign to take a stand for the future we all deserve. This campaign is not just about my candidacy, but about building a coalition of solidarity between those overlooked by the system meant to represent them."

For more information about Cheyenne Hunt's campaign, visit her website at: https://www.cheyennehunt.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lynn Munroe

845-548-1211

publicrelations@ascendantgroupbranding.com

* PAID FOR BY CHEYENNE HUNT FOR CONGRESS *

Attorney and Activist Cheyenne Hunt, a first-time Gen Z candidate running to represent California's 45th district, announced today that her campaign raised over $170,000 in her first quarter. She is humbled by the overwhelming community support.

Related link: https://www.cheyennehunt.com/

By Light Awarded $934,188 Army National Guard Contract

MCLEAN, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a prominent provider of IT services and simulation solutions, is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with Warhorse Training Solutions to deliver advanced systems and upgrades to the Army National Guard. The contract, valued at $934,188, aims to enhance the existing vocational recruiting capabilities and introduce new third-generation Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) experiences.

By Light will develop and deliver 123 Generation 3 Vocational Recruiting Experiences, featuring portable and user-friendly designs that can be effortlessly set up on any table surface, making them ideal for deployment at various event scenarios. These systems come equipped with a 24-inch full HD touchscreen display, a mini-computer, and a built-in soundbar, providing multiple immersive experiences. Furthermore, they offer the flexibility to incorporate additional MOS experiences in the future.

Included in the contract is the Lead Generation Retrofit Kit for the existing 85 Gen1 Vocational Recruiting Systems previously supplied to the Army National Guard. This upgrade will bring these systems up to par with the latest functionality found in the Gen2 systems, facilitating faster and easier downloads of leads captured during events.

Additionally, By Light will enhance the Gen1 Vocational Recruiting Systems by introducing supplementary MOS experiences to expand the capabilities of each system, offering multiple MOS experiences on a single kiosk. It will provide prospective Soldiers with an opportunity to learn about various job opportunities offered by the Army National Guard, broadening their awareness of available options through use of familiar technology that resonates with young adults.

"We are excited about our ongoing partnership with the Army National Guard and our continued support in their recruiting efforts," said Cory McAndrew, General Manager at By Light. "Our cost-effective and impactful point-of-need recruiting experiences and upgrades will revolutionize recruitment efforts, allowing prospective recruits to explore different MOS experiences in a fun and interactive manner."

By Light and Warhorse Training Solutions remain committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Army National Guard. This partnership signifies a significant stride towards advancing critical recruiting capabilities and ensuring the readiness of our nation's defense forces.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government. For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

About Warhorse Training Solutions:

Warhorse Training Solutions, LLC headquartered in Spotsylvania, VA is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with extensive expertise in Training Systems, Logistical Support, and Communications-based support. Warhorse Training Solutions provides a combat veterans approach and ensures mission requirements are met before, during, and after development of their services. The goal of the organization is to provide a turn-key solution for our customers to allow the Warfighter to train effective and efficiently.

By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a prominent provider of IT services and simulation solutions, is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with Warhorse Training Solutions to deliver advanced systems and upgrades to the Army National Guard. The contract, valued at $934,188, aims to enhance the existing vocational recruiting capabilities and introduce new third-generation Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) experiences.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

Concordia to host the 2023 United States Summit on November 7 in North Carolina’s Research Triangle

CARY, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Concordia, the leading global convener on private and public sector cooperation, is hosting its 2023 United States Summit on November 7 in Cary, North Carolina, in the state's Research Triangle.

This one-day event is the second iteration of Concordia's domestic-focused summit, building on the 2022 United States Summit, which took place in Lexington, KY. Occurring at a pivotal moment in domestic affairs as the country looks toward the 2024 election cycle, this year's gathering will focus on delivering action-oriented public-private solutions to advance national priorities in the key areas of Trade, Manufacturing, & Supply Chains, Workforce Development & the Future of Work in a New Economy, and Health Opportunities & Challenges, with an overarching focus on leveraging the scale and buy-in of key private sector players.

Placing Concordia's inclusive and nonpartisan approach at its core, the Summit will provide a necessary platform for both multi-sector and bipartisan collaboration to effectively drive innovative solutions to the country's most pressing issues. It will occur at the headquarters of global analytics and AI leader SAS, a long-time collaborator of Concordia's and a Principal Programming Sponsor of the event.

"As the United States navigates an increasingly challenging domestic environment - with increased geopolitical tensions, rising inflation rates, industry and supply chain disruptions, and much more - Concordia will provide a key platform to bring together public and private sector leaders to explore market-led solutions that shape the outlook for the country," commented Concordia's Co-Founder & CEO, Matthew Swift. "We look forward to collaborating with government officials and U.S. businesses as we collectively identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and progress in the domestic agenda."

"Our mission at SAS is to provide knowledge in the moments that matter through being the most trustworthy analytics partner on the planet," said Paula Henderson, SAS' Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer for the Americas and a speaker at the inaugural United States Summit last year. "Hosting Concordia and this impactful event focused on finding solutions, opportunities, and innovations aligns perfectly with our ambition to use analytics to inspire a safer, faster, healthier, and more equitable world."

Ahead of the 2023 United States Summit, Concordia is hosting a dinner series in key U.S. cities. These small, curated gatherings will build the foundations for the Summit in terms of both network and focus areas. Interested parties are encouraged to email partnerships@concordia.net to learn more.

Registration will open in the coming months.

More information: https://www.concordia.net/united-states/2023-united-states-summit/

For press inquiries, contact Rita Lockheart at rlockheart@concordia.net.

For event partnership and sponsorship opportunities, contact partnerships@concordia.net.

About Concordia:

Concordia is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that builds meaningful partnerships for positive social impact. As equal parts convener, campaigner, and idea incubator, Concordia is actively fostering cross-sector collaboration to create a more prosperous and sustainable future. Concordia was founded in 2011 by Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis. Learn more: https://www.concordia.net/.

Concordia, the leading global convener on private and public sector cooperation, is hosting its 2023 United States Summit on November 7 in Cary, North Carolina, in the state's Research Triangle. This one-day event is the second iteration of Concordia's domestic-focused summit, building on the 2022 United States Summit, which took place in Lexington, KY.

Related link: https://www.concordia.net/

Planet Defense LLC, the City of Jacksonville Arkansas, and Rokee LLC Partner to Develop a Groundbreaking Innovation Hub in Jacksonville, AR

JACKSONVILLE, Ark. /ScoopCloud/ -- Planet Defense LLC, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Rokee LLC, is pleased to announce the launch of the Smart Arkansas Innovation Hub that is now being developed in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Currently, this very important, timely and advanced technology-oriented Public-Private Partnership (P3) includes the three Founding Partners named above along with numerous public and private sector sponsors.

During the public ceremony announcing this hub's launch that was held recently, the Mayor of Jacksonville Arkansas, Jeff Elmore, stated that, "This innovation hub will be transformational for our city. We are delighted to be a part of this very timely project for Jacksonville."

Adding to the Mayor's comments, Karilyn Brown, Arkansas State Representative, further noted, "We are delighted to have this innovation hub in our region and we expect it to contribute significantly to our economic and community development efforts."

The hub's mission is to rapidly build up the entire region's infrastructure and public service capabilities by delivering a well-balanced combination of Smart City technological solutions to address existing area problems, enhanced STEM and Workforce Development initiatives, plus a wide range of economic development projects. The Smart City tech solutions provided through this P3 endeavor will initially focus on five areas: Digital Equity, Smart Health & Connected Ambulance Services, Emerging Public Safety Services, Cybersecurity, and Smart Lighting/Broadband Services.

Public and private sector sponsors supporting this pioneering project in various capacities include the City of Jacksonville, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and its related Virginia Smart Community Testbed (VSCT), Verizon, as well as multiple other local and regional businesses.

Dr. Indu Singh, Planet Defense's President and CEO, concluded saying, "The Smart Arkansas Innovation Hub in Jacksonville is one of the key sites in Planet Defense's national/regional model for smart city development which promotes digital equity and strengthens underserved communities. Our efforts will contribute to the growth of local and regional digital economies and deliver a wide range of benefits to minorities, senior citizens and underserved communities."

For additional details about the groundbreaking Jacksonville Arkansas Innovation Hub, please contact: Dr. Michael G. Oehler, Planet Defense's Director of Operations, at: moehler@planetdefensellc.com

For a PDF version of this press release, please see: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PD-Press-Release-8-Smart-Arkansas-Innovation-Hub-Launch.pdf

ABOUT PLANET DEFENSE LLC:

Planet Defense LLC, located in North Virginia USA, specializes in consulting, engineering & training services in Cybersecurity, IT, Satellites/Telecoms, Smart & Safe Cities, & Systems Engineering. The firm supports public/private sector clients worldwide with footprints in the USA & other GCC nations. Key Planet Defense staff are world-leading experts in Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, Engineering, IT, Public Safety, Science, & Technology. See: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/.

Planet Defense LLC, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Rokee LLC, is pleased to announce the launch of the Smart Arkansas Innovation Hub that is now being developed in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Currently, this very important, timely and advanced technology-oriented Public-Private Partnership (P3) includes the three Founding Partners named above along with numerous public and private sector sponsors.

Related link: https://www.planetdefensellc.com/

Broward County’s First Shipping Container Restaurant Arrives in Hallandale Beach

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Hallandale Beach is thrilled to welcome the first shipping container restaurant in Broward County, KAO Bar & Grill, to the newly rebranded District 8, formerly the Fashion and Art District (FAAD). The grand opening of KAO Bar and Grill will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from Noon to 11:00 pm, located at 11 NE 1st Avenue.

KAO Bar & Grill is a two-story unique concept of a shipping container restaurant that perfectly adds to Hallandale Beach's vibrant and diverse community. The restaurant is a 5,000-square-foot design hand-painted by artist Falopapas. KAO offers indoor dining with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio, and a 14-seat full bar. Customers can expect an immersive dining experience with Argentine grill-inspired cuisine.

"The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is excited to have KAO Bar & Grill in Hallandale Beach and District 8," said City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle. The HBCRA has invested over half a million dollars to position KAO in the heart of our community, District 8, confident that this restaurant will be a great addition to our city and the surrounding community."

District 8, where KAO Bar & Grill restaurant is located, has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years, transforming into a thriving design district focusing on innovative concepts and businesses. Adding KAO Bar & Grill to the district is a testament to the City of Hallandale Beach's and HBCRA's commitment to creating a unique, diverse, and progressive community for residents and visitors.

The grand opening of KAO Bar & Grill promises an unforgettable experience with a chance to sample some of their delectable menu items. There will also be chalk artists and possibly a live mural painting during the event. Surrounding businesses in District 8 will show their support for the launch of KAO by activating their space with light refreshments. The City of Hallandale Beach encourages everyone to come out and celebrate the opening.

Parking will be available at the FEC Parking lot on NE1st Avenue and 3rd Street. If you would rather not drive yourself, the HBCRA is offering a 30-day promotion on Uber and Lyft for "D8 Night." Receive $25 off per ride for two rides to and from KAO.

Take advantage of this offer using the links and codes below:

* Uber:

Link: https://r.uber.com/rMVboiIteeK

Code: rMVboiIteeK

* Lyft:

Link https://lyft.com/lp/HBD8NITE

Code: HBD8NITE

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on KAO Bar & Grill, District 8, and the D8 Night ride promotion, please visit https://cohbcra.org/BeLocal/ or contact Public Information Officer, Kisha Eugene, keugene@cohb.org

About the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency:

The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation, and neighborhood rehabilitation. Learn more: https://cohbcra.org/about/.

The City of Hallandale Beach is thrilled to welcome the first shipping container restaurant in Broward County, KAO Bar & Grill, to the newly rebranded District 8, formerly the Fashion and Art District (FAAD). The grand opening of KAO Bar and Grill will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from Noon to 11:00 pm, located at 11 NE 1st Avenue.

Related link: https://cohbcra.org/