Category Archives: Government

Virginia Passes Two Bills Increasing Access to Midwifery Care

SILVER SPRING, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- It's been a busy and productive legislative season for the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The organization is anticipating several wins across the country, but right now is thrilled that two bills in the Commonwealth of Virginia were signed by Governor Ralph Northam this month. It was through careful planning, tireless advocacy and coordinated teamwork that the Virginia ACNM Affiliate was able to make Virginia the eighth state in the country to recognize Certified Midwives (CMs) and the 28th state to allow Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) to practice to the full extent of their education and clinical training and be regulated without physician control.

Virginia joins Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island in recognizing the CM credential, increasing access to midwifery care, and potentially improving outcomes for women, babies, and all who need high-quality, individualized sexual and reproductive care.

"With maternal health care deserts throughout the Commonwealth, we need to address care in underserved areas with initiatives that remove barriers to practice unrelated to health and safety. Greater access to maternal healthcare is essential in reducing disparities in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, and stark racial and class inequities in maternal healthcare access," says Virginia Affiliate President Katie Page, CNM, FACNM.

Page, along with the affiliate legislative committee chair, Nichole Wardlaw, CNM, FACNM, led a fantastic team, including Karen Kelly, CM; Mary Ellen Bouchard, CNM, MS, FACNM; and their lobbyist, Julianne Condrey, at breakneck speed through a very short session of the Virginia General Assembly.

The CM credential was developed in 1994 to expand access to midwifery through multiple educational pathways. The first CM was licensed in 1997. The CM pathway includes a graduate degree in midwifery from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and board certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). CMs differ from CNMs only in that they are not also licensed as nurses. CMs and CNMs meet the same core competencies, sit for the same board exam, and have identical scopes of practice, including prescriptive privileges.

"We are thrilled to see Virginia supporting expanded access to midwifery care," says ACNM President Cathy Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM. "Ensuring midwives are represented at every table is key to mainstreaming midwifery in the United States. We look forward to continuing our work to improve care and reduce inequities in maternal healthcare.

The ACNM Department of Government Affairs and Advocacy has been working hard with dedicated, savvy volunteer affiliate leaders to make full practice authority a reality in all US states and territories. ACNM's vision of midwifery for every community is our guide in all policy making efforts. As Nichole Wardlaw stated about the successful Virginia efforts, "We can't keep doing things the same way and expect different outcomes." Bravo to the Virginia ACNM Affiliate for these two incredible wins for midwives and the people they serve.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care.

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

MEDIA CONTACT:
ACNM Membership & Communications
240.485.1813; membership@acnm.org

It's been a busy and productive legislative season for the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The organization is anticipating several wins across the country, but right now is thrilled that two bills in the Commonwealth of Virginia were signed by Gov

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

Congressman Ron Kind praises vaccination clinic in La Crosse

LA CROSSE, Wis. /ScoopCloud/ -- AMI Expeditionary Healthcare along with three partnering organizations - the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, the Department of Health Services and the La Crosse County Health Department - welcomed Rep. Ron Kind, on March 23, as he toured a COVID-19 vaccination site that has distributed more than 2,000 doses since its opening on March 9.

"We are proud of the work being done here by the AMI team and all of its partners," said Daniel Beck, senior operations manager for AMI Expeditionary Healthcare who is helping to oversee several vaccination centers throughout the state.

Rep. Ron Kind on Tuesday toured the community-based vaccination clinic at UW-La Crosse, as the site continues to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the Coulee Region.

"This is an unbelievable vaccine site operation - it's a well-oiled machine," Rep. Kind said, noting that Wisconsin is among the top five states in the country when it comes to distributing vaccine in a timely manner. "It's because of planning, preparation and vaccine sites like this that keep people safe."

Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, said it's been a team effort to get as many people vaccinated as possible, as quickly as possible.

"It's all players, all working together, all the time," she explained. "We've provided vaccine to health care, pharmacies, local health departments, employers, tribal nations ... and they're all distributing the vaccine quickly."

AMI Expeditionary Healthcare works with the state to identify locations to address gaps in vaccine access and support vaccination efforts. Factors including population demographics, local health capacity, operations, and concentration of other vaccine providers are taken into consideration when planning for clinics.

DHS community-based clinics are operated by AMI Expeditionary Healthcare through collaboration with the University of Wisconsin System, local public health departments, and other local partners.

For more information, contact info@ami.health

If you would like to learn more about AMI and their services, please visit https://ami.health/

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AMI Expeditionary Healthcare along with three partnering organizations - the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, the Department of Health Services and the La Crosse County Health Department - welcomed Rep. Ron Kind, on March 23, as he toured a COVID-19 vaccination site that has distributed more than 2,000 doses since its opening on March 9.

Related link: https://ami.health/

AMI Expeditionary Healthcare (AMI) Contracted by The State of Louisiana to Provide Medical and Surgical Staff to Support 400+ Intensive Care Unit and Hospital Beds for 12-24 Months

RESTON, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- AMI Expeditionary Healthcare (AMI) will be providing comprehensive, independent, and turnkey operation management for The State of Louisiana as they fight the surge of COVID-19 positive cases during this public health emergency.

Physician owned and physician led, AMI grew out of a need to provide the highest quality healthcare in areas of high demand such as this. "We have a proven track record providing medical and surgical teams on very short notice," Dr. Thomas Crabtree, AMI Group Medical Director notes. "Our company delivers a unique combination of extremely flexible teams of health practitioners combined with highly refined medical processes and procedures. This combination allows us to provide an expanding number of bespoke health services around the world," Crabtree continues.

"The contract allows Louisiana to be prepared should there be additional surges in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations," notes the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH.) AMI will be supplying and managing medical staff, and/or other personnel providing direct patient care as authorized by LDH for at least the next year or two.

AMI's services range from health consultancies and deployment of single-person aid posts and mobile clinics through to full-field hospitals and global aeromedical evacuation solutions - providing people, facilities, equipment, consumables, pharmacy products, procedures, training or any combination of these services depending on needs, requirements and desired healthcare outcomes-all part of this historic response providing critical services to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services all over the United States.

For more information, please contact info@ami.health.

AMI Expeditionary Healthcare (AMI) will be providing comprehensive, independent, and turnkey operation management for The State of Louisiana as they fight the surge of COVID-19 positive cases during this public health emergency.

Related link: https://ami.health/

GSA IT MAS Contract Awarded to Synergetics

FORT COLLINS, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Synergetics has been awarded the General Services Administration (GSA) IT MAS Contract, after a thorough assessment from the GSA. This award is a testament to Synergetics' competencies, execution, and customer success.

Buying through IT MAS streamlines Government procurement by shortening buying cycles, ensuring compliance, and delivering the best value from pre-vetted vendors.

Synergetics has continuously excelled in delivering critical custom software and data solutions to Federal Agencies. The company develops and manages the official platform for all military parts and products, the backbone through which billions of dollars of Federal supply chain procurement occurs annually and the official source of identification and standardization for over 16 million unique parts.

Synergetics' IT MAS Schedule allows Federal, State, and Local Agencies to license cloud-ready software with unified user experiences, auditable interactions, configurable data architecture, and hardened security. Product Offerings include:

Cloud-Ready Software Suite (Licensed Products):

* IMD: our dynamic data platform that syndicates, catalogs, searches, and retrieves data from one or more sources

* OpenFLIS: our cloud-scale, modular platform for data syndication, schema configuration, cataloging, search, dissemination, secure access, and reporting. OpenFIS supports mobiles and API options for flexibility.

Services:

* Application Development Services

* Systems Administration Services

* Software Maintenance Services

* Database Consolidation Services

About Synergetics:

Synergetics is a longstanding Colorado software engineering company and services provider focused on Federal modernization initiatives for over 25 years. Synergetics' software solutions have been used by a variety of Government agencies including, the Department of Defense (DoD), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the US Geological Survey (USGS), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

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

Synergetics' IT MAS Contract Number is 47QTCA21D005F and is valid until February 2026 with options for renewal.

For more information on our products and services, please contact:

Kabir Mehta, COO

Phone: 970.498.9723

Fax: 970.498.9775

Email: gsa-mas@synergetics.com

Synergetics Incorporated, 1520 South College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524.

Synergetics has been awarded the General Services Administration (GSA) IT MAS Contract, after a thorough assessment from the GSA. This award is a testament to Synergetics' competencies, execution, and customer success.

Related link: https://synergetics.com/

Printpack Williamsburg Receives the Virginia ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Printpack in Williamsburg, Virginia, has been approved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Printpack Williamsburg employees and management. I commend Printpack for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard-earned certification as a Virginia STAR Worksite," said Commissioner Davenport.

Printpack's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Williamsburg facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 1.31 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 3.8, representing a TCIR rate 66% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.49, compared with the 2.3 national rate, which is 79% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "STAR Worksite" flag. The Printpack facility is the only STAR Worksite in Virginia and is one of six Printpack VPP STAR sites currently in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with Virginia STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching Virginia STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Since the inception of Virginia STAR in 1996, only 73 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 36 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR designation. Printpack's site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees which include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

Virginia businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protections for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

- Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

- Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

- Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

- Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three-stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

- VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or milford.stern@doli.virginia.gov.

- The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jennifer Rose

VOSH Cooperative Program Director

804-786-7776

jennifer.rose@doli.virginia.gov

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Printpack in Williamsburg, Virginia, has been approved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Amarillo Among Tops in the Nation in COVID-19 Vaccination Rate

AMARILLO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Amarillo is leading the way in getting the COVID-19 vaccine to the public. According to online data from covidactnow.org, the Amarillo metro area is among the top metro areas in the nation in COVID-19 vaccinations.

For Updates/Vaccine Availability Information, See https://amarilloalerts.com/.

As of February 9, Amarillo was No. 4 in the country in first-shot vaccinations. Amarillo was tops in the nation in this category as of late January. The Amarillo Public Health Department began providing the COVID-19 vaccine at its walk-in clinic at the Amarillo Civic Center on Dec. 30. As of February 9, more than 30,000 individuals in the Amarillo metro area had received the first COVID-19 vaccine shot.

"A vaccination clinic of this magnitude is something Amarillo has never done before," said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. "The City of Amarillo Public Health Department understood the mission: vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible. They accomplished that by transforming the Amarillo Civic Center into an area-wide health clinic that is providing a crucial vaccine to thousands of people a day.

"What has been accomplished in such a short time is truly remarkable. This is one of the primary steps in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and I would encourage our citizens who meet the current vaccination criteria to please get vaccinated and to take advantage of this vital public resource."

The City of Amarillo is updating COVID-19 vaccine availability several times a day at https://amarilloalerts.com/. Please check this site for current information. Amarillo City Transit is providing free transportation. For more information call (806) 378-3095.

For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov. Web: https://www.amarillo.gov/

Amarillo is leading the way in getting the COVID-19 vaccine to the public. According to online data from covidactnow.org, the Amarillo metro area is among the top metro areas in the nation in COVID-19 vaccinations.

Related link: https://www.amarillo.gov/

SECDEF Urged to Protect Troops from Sexual Assault Through Equity Boards

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Washington D.C., metropolitan-based law firm of Jordan Guydon, LLP, announced today a plan to reduce sexual assault and harassment in the military. "Our plan recommends that Secretary of Defense Austin update 75-year-old architecture," said managing partner Attorney Daryle A. Jordan, a former Army lawyer and veteran of the Gulf War.

Former Army lawyer Colonel Howard G. Cooley, USA (Ret.), recommends Secretary Austin empower Pentagon Boards for Correction of Military Records (BCMRs) to strongly prevent sexual assault and harassment before they occur; and promote fair adjudication of sexual harassment and assault claims by appointing an exponentially expanded pool of qualified civilian adjudicators.

Cooley and Jordan recommend Secretary Austin direct each Pentagon Service Secretary to establish a sub-BCMR entity designated as a BCMR Equity Panel (for Gender, Racial and Cultural Equity) - applying criteria to adjudicate sexual assault; sexual harassment; discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation; discrimination based on race, national origin, ethnicity, culture, and religion; and discrimination based on historical marginalization. Cooley and Jordan propose BCMR Equity Panels protect Servicemembers from sexually-based harassment, stalking, attempted attacks, offensive touching, or other harmful actions and consequences including depression, PTSD, fear, venereal disease, pregnancy, broken bones, retaliation and career damage.

Cooley notes, "Waiting for Servicemembers to be attacked before acting is not an option, as it would be unreasonable for the military to process 'red-tape' when 'vulnerable or marginalized' women and some other Servicemembers are under assault by lascivious superiors and co-workers in a culture of violence."

Cooley continues, "Thus, if a Servicemember is so pressured and the military's bureaucracy is unresponsive, the Service BCMR Equity Panel acts on behalf of the Secretary concerned as a 'safety valve,' upon contact by the victim; and prevents imminent harm such as by changing the records of Servicemembers to reflect reassignment and direct immediate compliance with that order, within 24-hours."

Cooley and Jordan recommend BCMR Equity Panels apply the standards and spirit of relevant laws and policies, including President Biden's Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (January 20, 2021), and advance equity for all, including and especially the historically underserved and marginalized by or as follows:

* Designation by each Service of a BCMR Panel for Gender, Racial and Cultural Equity Issues (GRACE Panel), consisting of civilian legal, human relations, and other personnel appropriate for such duty, with the responsibility to ensure their decisions promote orderly personnel management.

* Elimination of preordained caps on the number of BCMR Board members, and appointment of globally based qualified members in accordance with the needs of Servicemembers, complexity of cases, and other considerations. The Equity Panel membership should be diverse and include members from the Senior Executive Service (SES). Appointments may be involuntary, temporary, extra-duty, part-time, full-time, voluntary or otherwise, at the direction or approval of the Secretary concerned.

* Designation in each Service of a highly trained BCMR Equity Panel, consisting of a standing civilian body of at least 600 members (200 panels) and reserve civilian body of at least 240 members (80 panels).

* Exercise broad authority to act on behalf of the Service Secretary, including transferring Applicants out of harm's way temporarily or permanently to prevent apparent, threshold, imminent or actual mental, physical or career injury, when it is determined DOD and Service protective procedures are inadequate. The Equity Panel's jurisdiction includes acts pertaining to an Applicant's superiors, colleagues, installation, or off-post sites reasonably related to the military.

* Report incidents to the Office of the Assistant Secretary (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) concerned for any appropriate disposition, consistent with existing laws.

* Consistent with the legislative history of the BCMR Statute, Board members shall personally review case materials, and decide each case through the exercise of independent and fair judgment based on a sound application of the legal, broadest equitable and remedial standards in a timely manner. Board members will not delegate decisional authority, in fact or appearance, to staff. Staff may conduct research, prepare administrative orders or draft Board decisions upon receiving explicit direction in writing from the chair of the panel or Board president or vice president. Staff, however, may not participate in the Board's adjudicational process regarding petitions.

* All commands shall cooperate with BCMR Equity Panels.

* This directive does not impact any Presidential, Congressional, judicial, DOD, Military Department or any other action that modifies/alters or declines to modify/alter case disposition under the UCMJ.

Jordan explains, "In 1945, as 16-million Servicemembers demobilized upon the end of WWII, a public angry over the military's mistreatment of many Servicemembers during the war demanded an immediate remedy from Congress, the sole body correcting military records since 1789." Jordan observes further, "In response, Congress materially changed the military records process to respond to public demands, and avoid potentially large numbers of post-WWII requests for correction of military records from clogging Congress' legislative focus on a possible WWIII with atomic implications and the restoration of the world economy." Thus, Cooley notes, "Congress delegated its authority to correct military records under the constitutional War Powers provision to Service Secretaries through newly established BCMRs, vesting in them more equitable power possessed by the U.S Supreme Court and federal courts, including the amazing ability to change facts in the record upon which to compel legal relief."

Commenting further, Jordan observes, "The touchstone of the BCMR process, however, is civilian employees appointed by their Service Secretaries exercise objective and independent review over personnel decisions by the military." Jordan observes, however, that, "By 1996, management consultant Booz Allen Hamilton's independent study advised DOD and Congress that the ABCMR functioned with a 'lack of independence' and an appearance as a mere 'rubber stamp' of the actual decisions by the staff."

Jordan states, "The ABCMR's failure of independent judgment was confirmed in 2016 by Attorney Sara Dareshori, then Human Rights Watch's Senior Counsel, who stamped the ABCMR with the momentous characterization as a nonresponsive 'graveyard' for marginalized female Servicemembers seeking vindication of their rights regarding sexual assault and retaliatory discharge through a process in which the ABCMR routinely and erroneously rejected their petitions in a mere 4 to 5-minute span without adequate review of the case materials."

Cooley further observes, "In 2018, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Review Boards (DASA) informed the Military Personnel Subcommittee of Congress' House Armed Services Committee (HASC) the ABCMR had a history of adjudicating many cases by focusing on eliminating its high case backlog in the thousands [nearly 14,000 at the time] at the expense of doing justice for Servicemembers petitioning for relief." Additionally, the DASA represented the ABCMR would correct its course; however, Cooley and Jordan who "do not question the DASA's good-faith, but question the time it will take to reverse that extensive institutional damage tantamount to the loss of decisional integrity."

CONTACTS:

HOWARD G. COOLEY | Colonel, USA (Ret.) | Of Counsel | DARYLE A. JORDAN | Managing Partner |

JORDANGUYDON LLP | Attorneys at Law | 10560 Main Street (Mosby Tower), Suite 310, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Desk: 703.865.8699 | Fax: 703.865.8729 | Email: hcooley@jordanguydonlaw.com

Website: http://jordanguydonlaw.com/

The Washington D.C., metropolitan-based law firm of Jordan Guydon, LLP, announced today a plan to reduce sexual assault and harassment in the military. "Our plan recommends that Secretary of Defense Austin update 75-year-old architecture," said managing partner Attorney Daryle A. Jordan, a former Army lawyer and veteran of the Gulf War.

Related link: http://jordanguydonlaw.com/

Blockit COVID-19 Operations Platform Powers Big City Vaccination

MCKINNEY, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Blockit Inc., a leading provider of digital care coordination solutions, has been on the front lines of the pandemic, providing a no-cost adaptation of their deeply integrated and highly sophisticated healthcare scheduling platform to be utilized toward COVID-19 relief efforts. Today, Blockit announced that its vaccine scheduling solution is now being used by over 350 organizations responsible for scheduling over 400,000 vaccines. Notable cities such as the City of Dallas and the City of Houston utilizing the platform experienced peak usage of over 200 vaccination appointments scheduled per minute.

The solution has facilitated the pre and post-vaccine processes for organizations across the country including large and small healthcare systems, state and county health departments, and pharmacies. As more vaccines get approved, production increases, and distribution happens more easily, Blockit continues to update platform policies and procedures to enhance the patient and provider experience. Blockit's clients are thinking ahead by incorporating healthcare industry level secure and robust automation to improve patient communication, reduce administrative overhead, and keep providers focused on maximizing vaccinations performed.

"We can't be more thankful for the Blockit team's quick and competent action toward getting our city ready for a mass vaccination effort in record time. It's working great!" said Stephan J. Lopez Jr., Section Chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue Geospatial Intelligence & Analytics

Blockit's HIPAA compliant, high-capacity platform and flexible application programming interface (API) enables organizations to create delivery a very simple and friendly experience for patients to easily find, book and register appointments. While ensuring the providers can establish the necessary logic to properly screen, direct, manage and disposition patients very easily. The simple technology makes it easy to scale and adapt to any care setting across existing EHR infrastructures or as stand alone. To include leveraging smart technology to automate second dose notification, reminders and scheduling.

"Since focusing our capabilities on Covid-19 efforts, we've had an incredible response from all over the nation," said Jake McCarley, co-founder and CEO of Blockit. "We have always been very proud of our unique digital care coordination solutions but we are now especially proud of the positive impact we are making in the fight against this pandemic."

Providers interested in seamlessly managing vaccination schedules can visit https://www.blockitnow.com/covidtesting and follow the simple five-minute enrollment process.

Blockit is committed to its mission of making the patient journey simple for patients, patient advocates, community members, and healthcare providers. The company will continue to provide updates on the status of testing and vaccine availability to patients as providers enroll. Please visit https://www.blockitnow.com/ to keep up with any updates.

About Blockit

Blockit's focus on simplifying healthcare processes for everyone motivated the company to build technologies that improve patient access and lead to better patient outcomes. By combining advanced technology with expert service and support, Blockit removes the barriers that stand in the way of patient access and care. Find out more at https://www.blockitnow.com/.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0918s2p-blockit-logo-300dpi.jpg

Blockit Inc., a leading provider of digital care coordination solutions, has been on the front lines of the pandemic, providing a no-cost adaptation of their deeply integrated and highly sophisticated healthcare scheduling platform to be utilized toward COVID-19 relief efforts. Today, Blockit announced that its vaccine scheduling solution is now being used by over 350 organizations responsible for scheduling over 400,000 vaccines.

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

US Space Force Awards $285M IDIQ Contract to ACS, By Light JV FSO

FAIRFAX, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Full Spectrum Operations, LLC, (FSO), an SBA-approved, Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture (JV) between American Communications Solutions LLC (ACS), and By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), has been awarded a contract for Eastern Western Operational Communications Services (EWOCS), a single award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) with a base ordering period of five years, two one-year option periods, and a program ceiling of $285 million.

The contract is managed by the 45th Contracting Squadron, Space Operations Command, Patrick Space Force Base, FL. EWOCS is an acquisition program to provide communication services for voice, data, and video to support the launch and test range capabilities of the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) based at Patrick Space Force Base (SFB), FL, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), FL, as well as the 30th Space Wing (30 SW) based at Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB), CA.

"As a Veteran Owned Small Business, FSO is honored to have the opportunity to provide communications systems maintenance, operations, and operational support services to the United States Space Force, enabling them to safely launch, track, and recover space lift systems and perform operational test missions in support of ballistic missile deployment and aircraft flight tests," said John M. Schleifer, Managing Member of FSO and President and CEO of ACS.

According to John Kilpatrick, By Light Vice President of Operations, "EWOCS builds on our long-standing support to the Eastern and Western Launch Ranges as well as the Missile Defense Agency, and By Light is excited for this opportunity to be a driving force in the Range of the Future transformation."

About Full Spectrum Operations (FSO):

FSO is a CVE-verified, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) based in Fairfax Station, VA, that provides information technology, cybersecurity, engineering, and operational support services to customers in the Federal Government. FSO is an SBA-approved, Mentor-Protégé JV between ACS (Protégé), and By Light (Mentor), a large business.

About American Communications Solutions (ACS):

ACS, the Managing Partner of FSO, is a CVE-verified SDVOSB currently providing information technology (IT), cybersecurity, engineering, software development, and operational and training support services to customers in the Federal Government.

About By Light Professional IT Services LLC:

By Light, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000- 1, and 27001 registered and CMMI Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turn-key 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 US Government Agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government. For more information, visit https://www.bylight.com/.

Full Spectrum Operations, LLC, (FSO), an SBA-approved, Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture (JV) between American Communications Solutions LLC (ACS), and By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), has been awarded a contract for Eastern Western Operational Communications Services (EWOCS).

Randy Robinson Joins Black Sage from the Air Force Research Laboratory

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Black Sage is proud to announce and welcome Randy Robinson as Director of Government Operations. Mr. Robinson served the United States Air Force for a total of thirty-five years, twenty years in active-duty and fifteen years working at the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Mr. Robinson will support further development of Black Sage's Counter UAS relationship with the United States Air Force and the United States Military.

"We are thrilled to have Randy join our team as we build upon our success with the United States Air Force and the United States Military," said Rick Schmidt, Black Sage's President and CEO. "Not only does Randy bring a wealth of knowledge and relationships in the Directed Energy sector and the United States Military, he shares our agile and proactive business philosophy."

"During my work at AFRL, I had the opportunity to evaluate a large number of CUAS systems," said Randy. "Black Sage stood out as the best solution. At the same time, the Black Sage team impressed me with their 'can do' spirit and total commitment to their customers and vendor partners."

Directed Energy technologies, such as High Power Microwave (HPM) and High Energy Laser (HEL) components, represent the cutting edge in counter unmanned threat solutions. During his work at AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, Mr. Robinson was the directorate's Field Test Director. He was responsible for all HPM and HEL field test integration and testing programs.

Mr. Robinson spent the last seven years serving as the AFRL/RD CUAS Subject Matter Expert. Randy's extensive experience with Counter UAS technologies, including HPM and HEL, is an ideal fit with Black Sage's capabilities in this rapidly evolving sector.

Randy grew up in West Virginia and joined the Air Force in 1985. He served as an Electronics Technician for twenty years and retired from active duty in 2005. Following his retirement from active-duty, Randy joined AFRL at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Living in New Mexico with his wife, Randy enjoys riding motorcycles, playing golf and brewing beer. The couple has two sons. One son serves in the U.S. Coast Guard and the other son is an Officer in the United States Air Force.

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

About Black Sage

Black Sage is a CUAS solutions provider and systems integration partner, serving military organizations, internal security agencies, and airport authorities worldwide. Our mission is to protect civilian and military personnel from unmanned threats. Black Sage's open architecture DefenseOS® command and control software is the nerve center that controls industry-leading sensors and effectors required for a modular, layered air defense network.

Black Sage's Innovation Lab coupled with our three research facilities representing urban, rural, and remote environments enables rapid prototyping, testing, and integration. These resources enable Black Sage's solutions to defend against the constant evolution of UAS threat capabilities.

For more information, please visit: https://blacksagetech.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blacksagetech

MEDIA CONTACT:
Scott Talcott
Black Sage
+1-208-571-8135
scott@blacksagetech.com

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0106s2p-black-sage-300dpi.jpg

Black Sage is proud to announce and welcome Randy Robinson as Director of Government Operations. Mr. Robinson served the United States Air Force for a total of thirty-five years, twenty years in active-duty and fifteen years working at the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Related link: https://blacksagetech.com/

Federal Bill to Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths is Now Law

ROSELAND, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The SUDC Foundation applauds final passage of Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act. This legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) to combat sudden, unexpected infant and child deaths. The legislation was introduced in honor of Scarlett Pauley, who was lost to SUDC in January 2017 when she was just 16 months old.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children over the age of one year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation and autopsy. Most often, SUDC occurs in otherwise healthy children during sleep. Approximately 400 children are lost to SUDC in the United States every year.

"Scarlett's Sunshine is named after a little girl who was lost to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood," said Senator Casey. "We must do more to understand why certain infants and young children have died unexpectedly, and to learn what is causing these deaths. I introduced the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act to help increase our understanding of the causes of unexplained infant and child deaths and to help us develop new tools to prevent and reduce such deaths in the future. I am pleased that Congress has passed the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act and it is now law."

"It's wonderful news that the Scarlett Sunshine Act is now law. I thank the incredible advocates and other lawmakers who made this all possible. I send my love to every family who had to experience this heartache and painful losses. This bill was written for Scarlett Lillian Pauley and other children who were lost to SUID/SUDC and works to prevent these tragedies. I am ready to continue building upon this legislation to save lives," Congresswoman Moore said.

"Scarlett's Sunshine Act will finally provide the support our country needs to ensure that infant and child deaths are comprehensively investigated, and that data is not only analyzed to help the individual family with the most accurate diagnosis but also help future research efforts," said Laura Gould Crandall, President and Co-Founder of the SUDC Foundation. "When your child dies, you are thrown into a public investigation system and you have no control over the tests being done on your child or the tests that are not being pursued. You often find out later, when it is too late. I am relieved to know that this new law will better support our country's response to these tragedies for the families directly affected, and to support the better health of all children."

"On January 8th, 2017, our lives were shattered when our beautiful, healthy, thriving daughter, Scarlett Lillian Pauley, went to sleep and never woke up. And we do not know why," said Stephanie Zarecky and Ryan Pauley. "Losing a child is the single greatest pain we could ever imagine and living without answers magnifies the tragedy exponentially. We try every day to spread Scarlett's Sunshine, allowing her memory to shine on and bring light to SUDC, the medical mystery that took her from us.

"We are so thankful her name will be able to live on in law and hope that one day no more families know the tragedy we have suffered. We are also so grateful to Senator Casey and Congresswoman Moore for their leadership on Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act in honor of Scarlett and all of the children who are dearly loved and deeply missed."

Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act strengthens existing efforts to understand SUID and SUDC better, facilitate data collection and analysis, improve preventative efforts, and support children and families.

The SUDC Foundation is proud to have advocated for this legislation. In November of 2019, SUDC Foundation board members and Ambassadors headed to Washington D.C. to educate their congressional representatives on SUDC and the importance of the legislation. Scarlett's mother, Stephanie, testified in front of Congress last year on the third anniversary of Scarlett's death.

To learn more and support Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, please visit: https://sudc.org/advocacy/scarletts-sunshine-act

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families. Learn more: https://sudc.org.

*LOGO Link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0105s2p-scarlett-sunshine-300dpi.jpg

The SUDC Foundation applauds final passage of Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act. This legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03).

Related link: https://sudc.org/

The country’s most successful non-partisan congressional candidate Michael Moore announces 2022 campaign

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- In 2020 Michael Moore challenged incumbent Democrat Ilhan Omar for Minnesota's fifth congressional district. Moore was the only U.S. congressional candidate in the country facing both a Republican and Democratic candidate who received more than 9% of the general election vote. Today Moore's campaign announced they will again challenge Omar.

According to the Associated Press, Moore Received 37,979 votes in 2020 (*Note 1). Moore ran with a message of helping provide professional guidance and experience for a district stricken with a serious leadership void.

Moore's stunning debut into politics is impressive, taking into account he was competing in a field of candidates who raised and spent over 20 million dollars.

As a prominent business owner-born and raised in the 5th district, the 51-year-old Moore presents a uniquely non-partisan approach to problem-solving. With a platform of honest, fair, and responsive representation for all residents in the 5th district, including inclusive positions on social justice, income, housing, and economic equality.

A historical view of the 5th district shows transformative and enlightened representation by champions of inclusive and responsible politics. Moore seeks to foster community strength through partnerships and strategic reforms while working on dialing back the counter-productive and harmful hyper-partisan extremism.

Moore says, "We must stop allowing ourselves to be willingly complicit in this fake struggle of 'us vs. them,' 'good guys vs. bad guys.' This deliberately perpetrated illusion of a 2-party political system has been forced upon us by a political tag-team which no longer holds our interests as their highest priority."

The Michael Moore for Congress campaign has a virtual and in-person campaign kickoff planned on February 5, at their South Minneapolis HQ at 4600 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407.

For more details, please visit https://www.usrepmoore.com/

SOCIAL

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmOGL_-KxsHkvuO_N6ibEg

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moore4the5th/

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MN5needsMickeyMoore

MEDIA CONTACT
Michael "Mickey" Moore
Michael Moore for Congress
Engage@usrepmoore.com
612-220-0233

*NOTE 1 https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/Index?ersElectionId=136&scenario=USRepresentative

PAID FOR BY MICHAEL MOORE FOR CONGRESS

In 2020 Michael Moore challenged incumbent Democrat Ilhan Omar for Minnesota's fifth congressional district. Moore was the only U.S. congressional candidate in the country facing both a Republican and Democratic candidate who received more than 9% of the general election vote. Today Moore's campaign announced they will again challenge Omar.

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

Grand Opening of the Indiana 5G Zone, the first Practical 5G Innovation Lab

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. /ScoopCloud/ -- NineTwelve Announces the Grand Opening of the Indiana 5G Zone, a virtual and onsite practical innovation lab. NineTwelve's 5G laboratory in downtown Indianapolis means significant speed and quantum encryption are possible for technologists, businesses, and visitors throughout Indiana and its worldwide network.

This exclusive public private partnership leverages assets across industry, government and academia. The Indiana 5G Zone is the first practical testbed in the Nation designed to support the development of mission-critical applications such as manufacturing and cities as well as national security applications such as energy and military facilities.

In collaboration with AT&T, Verizon, and XQ Message, NineTwelve officially offers its 5G innovation facility and accelerator services using millimeter wave spectrum, which can deliver unprecedented performance, with download speeds greater than 1 Gbps.

The overall Indy 5G Zone contains a Demo Lab and an Open 5G Testbed. Purdue Engineering College leads the creation of the testbed with one of the first open, end to end configurable 5G research labs in the country.

"We are proud to partner with the state of Indiana ... and with innovators like NineTwelve to launch this pioneering 5G facility. Indy is speedy, and we will drive 5G innovations here," said Mung Chiang, the Dean of Purdue College of Engineering.

For Indiana companies and those in the NineTwelve ecosystem across cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and space, telecommunications, hypersonics, microelectronics, research universities and DoD labs, the 5G demonstration lab and accelerator services, support their projects and de-risk their innovation with federal grants, state innovation funds, and corporate contributions.

The Indiana 5G lab drives innovation by allowing cellular-connected devices to collect data and report in real time in ways that 4G has only hinted. Being first to 5G has sustained benefits to our national economy, associated with adding billions of devices to the 5G network.

Indiana 5G partners and members have shared use of communal space during monthly events, pitch competitions, entrepreneurial support, research and scholarship presentations, tech talks, a space for dialog with industry thought leaders, hackathons and other collaborative experiences, corporate-sponsored internship programs, open invitation for quarterly journal submissions, discounted fees-for-service usage.

5G is the technology of the future, and the Indiana 5G Zone facilities and accelerator services ensure that innovation organizations are in the forefront of this new wave. As part of the US Cybersecurity Office and White House priorities, the National Strategy to Secure 5G initiatives establish the need for demonstration labs like the Indiana 5G Zone for dual-use commercial technologies. The CISA effort prioritizes public private partnerships with federal, industry, and international allied nations as well as academia and non-governmental organizations for national, state, regional, and international partner nation 5G security and resilience.

About NineTwelve:

NineTwelve, the parent of the Indiana 5G Zone, teams industry, government, and academia to meet critical technology needs. Its unique CoLab platform accelerates the design and implementation of emergent solutions. It does this by creating cross-sector collaborative networks that design and deliver groundbreaking solutions.

About Indiana 5G Zone:

5G Zone is a cross-sector demonstration laboratory to help government, industry and academia, design and deliver groundbreaking practical testbed offerings.

Learn more: https://indiana5gzone.com/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Kasia Chaberski
VP, Communications & Program Development, NineTwelve
(503) 388-1963
kasia@ninetwelve.us

MULTIMEDIA:
*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/DIMFS-Ld5n4

*PHOTO: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1229s2p-i5g-grand-opening-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Grand Opening of the Indiana 5G Zone.

NineTwelve Announces the Grand Opening of the Indiana 5G Zone, a virtual and onsite practical innovation lab. NineTwelve's 5G laboratory in downtown Indianapolis means significant speed and quantum encryption are possible for technologists, businesses, and visitors throughout Indiana and its worldwide network.

Related link: https://wherespeedmatters.com/

Kick-Off of John Lewis Good Trouble Marches and Votercades Through Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Just a day before they must fight in court against the purging of Georgia voters, the Transformative Justice Coalition and Rainbow PUSH Coalition will join the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda, community leaders and organizers from across the state for a press conference to kick-off the John Lewis "Good Trouble" March and Votercades to mobilize voters for the U.S. Senate runoff races and Public Service Commission race on Jan 5, 2021.

"We're fighting against voter suppression tactics like the unjust, illegal and wrongful purging of 200,000 Georgia voters; we're fighting intentional election misinformation; we're fighting efforts by Georgia legislators to impose more restrictions on absentee ballots that will affect the Runoffs...while Georgians are actively voting," exclaimed Barbara Arnwine, founder and president of the Transformative Justice Coalition.

The John Lewis March and Caravan is designed to capture the Spirit of the Late Congressman's legacy of getting into Good Trouble. "We are here in Atlanta to ensure voters are able to vote in large numbers to Finish The Job," President Arnwine, continued.

"With the John Lewis spirit of overcoming suppressive odds; with the commitment of protecting and expanding access to the ballot box; with the determination for Georgians to not be denied voting rights, the John Lewis Good Trouble March and Votercade creates a level of excitement that inspires Black and Brown people to vote in the special election," President Arnwine stated.

The Marches and Votercades - currently planned in 15 cities and growing - will bring attention to the urgent need for voters to finish the job they started by voting and also promote early voting.

WHO:

Attorney Barbara Arnwine, founder and president, Transformative Justice Coalition and president emeritus, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Helen Butler, executive director, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda

Attorney Daryl Jones, board chairman, Transformative Justice Coalition

March coordinators from various counties

WHAT:

Kick-off of John Lewis "Good Trouble" Marches and Votercades throughout Georgia

WHEN:

DATE: Wednesday, December 9, 2020

TIME: 11 a.m. - 12 Noon

WHERE:

Site of John Lewis Mural

Corner of Auburn Ave. and Jesse Hill Jr. Drive

219 Auburn Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30303

HOW:

FOR MEDIA OUTSIDE ATLANTA A LINK TO VIEW ONLINE WILL BE AVAILABLE. For the link email: edmedia@dogonvillage.com or dianelarche73@aol.com or call 770.961.6200 or via text 818.613.9521.

For more information or to sponsor a John Lewis Good Trouble March and Votercade visit http://votingrightsalliance.org/.

About Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC):

Founded by Barbara Arnwine, president emeritus of the lawyer's committee for civil rights Under the law, the Transformative Justice Coalition seeks to be a catalyst for transformative institutional changes that bring about justice and equality in the united states and abroad. Website: https://tjcoalition.org/

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Edrea Davis - 770.961.6200

edmedia@dogonvillage.com

Diane Larche: 404.273.3227

Dianelarche73@aol.com

Just a day before they must fight in court against the purging of Georgia voters, the Transformative Justice Coalition and Rainbow PUSH Coalition will join the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda, community leaders and organizers from across the state for a press conference to kick-off the John Lewis "Good Trouble" March and Votercades to mobilize voters for the U.S. Senate runoff races and Public Service Commission race on Jan 5, 2021.

Related link: https://tjcoalition.org/

NYC Mayor Candidate Campaigns for Back to Life to Real Solutions

NEW YORK., N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Cleopatra Fitzgerald is a New York City native and she's announcing her 2021 run for mayor. The Cleopatra Fitzgerald For The Five Boroughs campaign message is: "Back to life to real solutions."

She's calling it the "Renova" (Latin for renew, restore, revive) campaign and is focused on implementing innovative tactics throughout the five boroughs to address issues such as culture, ethnicity, society levels, hereditary traditions, gender, lifestyles, religion, bias and discrimination and more. She's passionate about diversity and human rights and her vision is to restore broken systems and reverse injustices.

Her top priorities are to reduce crime, increase street safety, implement police innovation, create more homeless solutions, address school reform, support mental health renewal, and focus on the economy and health.

"I want to create a safe haven for everyone to call home and envision a city where we can all work towards prosperity," she says.

At present, Fitzgerald is working to give people peace of mind. She's encouraging them not to worry too much during the current pandemic and shares that help is on the way.

"Be happy, be healthy and let's work to create a brand-new life that will collectively benefit all of our neighborhoods," she says. "We can step up, but it depends on all of you."

About Cleopatra Fitzgerald

Cleopatra Fitzgerald has a background in political science. She's met with many of the city's politicians, including Manhattan Borough president, U.S. representative, and Senate candidate. She's been featured on Twiplomacy's Twitter accounts most followed by world leaders and was invited to attend: George W. Bush - Official President's Dinner Invitation, an honorary invite to take a photo with Barack Obama, World Leaders Forum/gathering at the Hilton Hotel, President Trump's inaugural celebration, opening of the campaign office for Independence Party presidential candidate Brock Pierce.

At a CUNY event she sat next to Virginia Fields and at the front seat observed Fernando Ferrer giving his speech. She attended the Brooklyn CUNY Remembrance event of Shirley Chisholm where many whom knew her including Gloria Steinem was present. Ms. Fitzgerald was awarded the Martin Luther King's award and among these others for her leadership and fight against discrimination of all types.

She was a longtime Democrat, several years Independent and currently Republican.

Throughout the years, she's been an active voice who has worked towards fixing broken systems. Her research provides her with an edge to protect people's rights and her reputation is a respected one. She kindly asks of borough neighbors to restore and revive the five boroughs' broken systems by spreading the word and joining her in the effort to meet this end.

For more information: https://cleopatrafitzgeraldforthefiveboroughs.us/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cleopatrafitz05

MEDIA CONTACT:
Cleopatra Fitzgerald
of Cleopatra Fitzgerald For The Five Boroughs
+1-347-899-5460
welcometothe5boroughs@cleopatrafitzgeraldforthefiveboroughs.us

"Paid for By Cleopatra Fitzgerald For The Five Boroughs"

Cleopatra Fitzgerald is a New York City native and she's announcing her 2021 run for mayor. The Cleopatra Fitzgerald For The Five Boroughs campaign message is: "Back to life to real solutions."

Pompano Beach Arts presents Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is proud to present the 3rd Annual Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival, an enriching and entertaining showcase of the best local and national spoken word artists and writers. While poets will be competing live at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center from December 10-12, due to COVID-19, the festival will be live streamed to the public.

The preliminary and final bouts are $10 each, in addition there will be free virtual artist talks and workshops that require registration to receive the links. An all-access virtual pass is $25.

For tickets, registration and details, visit http://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36.

"We are thrilled to broadcast some of the best slam poets in the country to a national audience via our virtual platforms," said Phyllis Korab, Cultural Affairs Director. "The Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival is an entertaining and inspiring event, featuring 15 acclaimed poets sharing their authentic selves as they battle it out for the top prize."

The first prize winner will receive $2,500, second prize is $1,500 and third prize is $1,000. The prizes are generously underwritten by the Pompano Beach Arts Foundation.

This year's competitors include:

Alex Tha Great from Dallas, TX; Meccamorphosis from Baltimore, MD; Ed Mabrey from Los Angeles, CA; Ninel Ninel from Atlanta, GA; Jahman Hill from Birmingham, AL; Lady Brion from Baltimore, MD; Ephraim Nehemiah from Baltimore, MD; Aleathia "GG" Dupree from Orlando, FL; Blacqwildflowr from Tampa, FL; Jonkel from Miami, FL; Charles Hines fromTampa, FL; Jazzmen Victoria from Dallas, TX; Alex Lu from Los Angeles, CA; Ed Figures from Orlando, FL; and Byrd from Pompano Beach, FL. Last year's winners, Jahman HIl, Lady Brion and Jonkel, are all returning to defend their titles.

Event Coordinator Sharonda 'Eccentrich' Richardson is the 14th ranked female poet in the world, an honor she received during the Women of the World Poetry Slam. 'Eccentrich' was born and raised in Pompano Beach, is the winner of a Pompano Beach Cultural Arts Award recognizing outstanding creativity and has graced the stages of over 45 venues from Florida to California. She is a member of the celebrated spoken word team, Dada, which finished first in the nation during the 2017 National Poetry Slam. Her poetry is also featured on Button Poetry, an acclaimed platform committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for performance poetry.

"I am very proud of how this festival has grown, and despite COVID-19, we have an incredible lineup of spoken word artists who arriving from all over the country to participate in this festival, which grows in prestige each year," said Richardson. "We hope every poet's hometown friends and family reserves a spot to experience all the emotional performances and dynamic events scheduled."

To view the daily schedule of events, workshops and artist talks visit http://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36

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.

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRMediagroup.com

The Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is proud to present the 3rd Annual Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival, an enriching and entertaining showcase of the best local and national spoken word artists and writers. While poets will be competing live at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center from December 10-12, due to COVID-19, the festival will be live streamed to the public.

Related link: http://www.ccpompano.org/

Georgia Coalition for the Peoples’ Agenda Expands GOTV Activities for Georgia Senate Runoff Amid Ongoing Efforts to Disenfranchise Black Voters

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ongoing efforts to suppress and invalidate the voices of Black voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia have galvanized the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda (Peoples' Agenda), Clayton County Black Women's Roundtable (BWR) and other groups to register, educate and mobilize voters for the upcoming Senate runoff elections. The disenfranchisement efforts serve as a rallying call and enabled the coalition to expand their get-out-the-vote activities.

"We organize year-round in the Black community and voters trust us. We will motivate them to vote," said Helen Butler, executive director of the Peoples' Agenda. "Before civil rights leaders like Dr. King and the founder of the Peoples' Agenda, Dr. Joseph Lowery, endured beatings and jail for us to have the right to vote, people used poll taxes, literacy tests and even violence to stop us from voting. Today, instead of suppressing Black voters, their efforts are creating a groundswell of support."

"We've received calls from across the country from people eager to help beyond the much-needed donations they're making," adds Felicia Davis, convener of Clayton County BWR, a member of the Peoples' Agenda coalition. "We need people outside of Georgia to help by calling their family and friends in Georgia and let them know to vote. With the Coronavirus raging we're encouraging voters to vote absentee by mail or early in-person to keep the lines at a minimum on Jan. 5."

In addition to celebrities and dignitaries volunteering to make calls, produce robo calls and public service announcements, state affiliates of the NCBCP Unity '20 Black Voting Campaign will keep their 2020 operations going to support Georgia GOTV activities. The Eastern Michigan Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Philly Unity Coalition, and Ohio Unity Coalition will help with phone banking, social media, texts, online events and the Clayton County BWR postcard campaign.

Despite the challenges created by the COVID-19 virus, the Peoples' Agenda has worked nonstop the entire year. They even spent Thanksgiving week training over 500 phone-bankers, registering and educating voters at turkey giveaways, and dispatching teams of canvassers to distribute flyer with voting information packaged with PPE door-to-door in communities throughout the state.

"It's clear that expanding access to absentee voting boosted turnout," said Butler. "The Peoples' Agenda is working with our partners to make sure voters receive and return their absentee ballot requests. For those who want to vote in-person, we're providing rides to the polls starting December 14 when early in-person voting begins."

"This year we lost Dr. Lowery, Rev. C. T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis, three civil rights heroes whose sacrifices played a key role in the passing of the Voting Rights Act. Their memory fuels our resolve," adds Davis, who also serves as director of HBCU Green Fund. "Our message to anyone trying to suppress or void Black votes is best communicated through a quote from Dr. Lowery, 'We ain't going back. We've come too far, marched too long, prayed too hard, wept too bitterly, bled too profusely, and died too young, to let anybody turn back the clock on our journey to justice.'"

About The Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda:

The Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization performing year-round voter registration, education and mobilization in Black communities throughout Georgia. Led by board chair, Rev. J. A. Milner, the organization has headquarters in Atlanta and offices in Athens, Albany, Macon, Augusta, LaGrange and Savannah.

To donate or volunteer visit http://www.thepeoplesagenda.org/.

Email coalition@bellsouth.net or call the Peoples' Agenda at (404) 653-1199.

Media Contact:
Edrea Davis
Phone: 770.961.6200/818.613.9521
Email: edmedia@dogonvillage.com

MULTIMEDIA:

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1201s2p-gacoalition-300dpi.jpg
*CAPTION: Organizers from the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda pause for a photo before going to canvass, and deliver yard signs and barbershop posters encouraging people to vote in the GA Senate runoff elections. Photo Credit: La Fonda Smith Fotographer.

Ongoing efforts to suppress and invalidate the voices of Black voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia have galvanized the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda (Peoples' Agenda), Clayton County Black Women's Roundtable (BWR) and other groups to register, educate and mobilize voters for the upcoming Senate runoff elections.

Related link: http://www.thepeoplesagenda.org/

Dominion Energy – Surry Power Station in Surry, Va. Receives Their Fourth ‘Virginia Star’ Designation Under the Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Dominion Energy Surry Power Station in Surry, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was approved on November 23, 2020 with their third recertification since originally being certified on April 13, 2005.

"I am very proud of the Dominion Energy Surry Power Station for embodying the VPP commitment to safety and health, day in and day out, as they strive to make Virginia a better and safer place to work and live," said Commissioner Davenport. "I congratulate Dominion Energy Surry Power Station in Surry, Virginia, on the occasion of their recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite."

The Surry Power Station's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low injury and illness rates. The worksite has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.17 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 0.20. This represents a TCIR rate that is 15% lower than the national average. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.03, compared with the 0.10 national rate, which is 66% below the national average.

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the "Virginia STAR" worksite flag. The Surry Power Station is the second VPP STAR site in Virginia and one of three VPP STAR sites in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching Virginia STAR status is extensive ensuring that the very best programs qualify. Since the inception of Virginia's VPP in 1996, only 72 Virginia STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the Virginia STAR designation. The Surry Power Station has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and employees, which include the agreement of company leaders to operate an exceptional safety and health management system that meets a rigorous set of criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and directly involve employees in all aspects of the safety and health management systems.

Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protections for thousands of employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. Virginia STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of over 50% below the respective industry average), improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with the above-mentioned enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness while increasing capital.

DOLI operates six recognition programs including:

1 - Virginia STAR, a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, employers, and employees including the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2 - Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training), a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3 - Virginia BUILT, a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4 - Virginia CHALLENGE, a formal three-stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5 - VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE, a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare sites to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6 - The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer L. Rose, CSP
VOSH Cooperative Programs Director
jennifer.rose@doli.virginia.gov
804-786-7776

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Dominion Energy Surry Power Station in Surry, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Pompano Beach CRA Wins FRA Award for Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Enhancement

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pompano Beach CRA is proud to announce that the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Enhancement is the 2020 winner of the Best Transportation Transit Enhancement category at the annual Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Awards, which were bestowed November 19, 2020.

Focused on creating a sense of community and adding art elements to the transportation in Pompano Beach, the Pompano Beach CRA developed a bridge that would serve as a landmark, as well as offering a sense of place and destination whether traveling by land or water. This project serves multi-functional uses with its nautical themed infrastructure. Elements included in the enhancement include grand bridge entrances, repurposed pedestrian walkways and tender house facade improvements. It is now a symbolic welcome for residents and visitors.

"We are honored to have this outstanding project recognized by FRA," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "And we appreciate everyone who worked with us on the beautiful transformation of this bridge including the City of Pompano Beach, Currie Sowards Aguila Architects, Burkhardt Construction and artist Dennis Friel."

One of the most stunning features of the bridge are two large sails at either end which feature a computer-operated lighting system that allows the sails to change colors for special occasions. This "sail" theme continues the style that was launched with the City's Pier Parking Garage.

Each year, FRA accepts entries for the annual awards from its members in a variety of categories, ranging from annual reports to cultural enhancement. The entries are examined for effectiveness and completeness - including the narrative, supplemental material and compliance with the submittal instructions. A cross section of Florida redevelopment professionals, individuals and business organizations judge and rank all of the entries and select the winners.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (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 Pompano Beach 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: http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

About FRA:

FRA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting Florida professionals and volunteers in community revitalization efforts. With its mission of "transforming spaces, revitalizing places," FRA is committed to providing a forum for its more than 300 members to share knowledge and common experiences regarding revitalization opportunities and issues throughout Florida.

Media contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRmediagroup.com

The Pompano Beach CRA is proud to announce that the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Enhancement is the 2020 winner of the Best Transportation Transit Enhancement category at the annual Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Awards, which were bestowed November 19, 2020.

Johns Manville in Richmond, Virginia Receives its Second ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Johns Manville in Richmond, Virginia has been approved as a STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 21, 2015.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Johns Manville management and employees", said Commissioner Davenport. "I commend the Johns Manville facility in Richmond, Virginia, for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard-earned recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite."

The Johns Manville commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low injury and illness rates. The facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 2.3 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 3.0 for this industry, representing a TCIR rate 23% lower than the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the VPP "STAR Worksite" flag. The Richmond site is the only Johns Manville VPP STAR site in Virginia and currently one of nine sites in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best programs qualify. Since the inception of Virginia's VPP in 1996, only 72 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR/MERIT designation. Johns Manville has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and employees which include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of over 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity, and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's

economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

- Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

- Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

- Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation.

- Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

- VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. For additional information contact the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

- The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. These services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. For additional information contact the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Rose
Director of Cooperative Programs
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Jennifer.Rose@doli.virginia.gov
804-786-7776

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Johns Manville in Richmond, Virginia has been approved as a STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 21, 2015.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

EveryLibrary’s One Book, One Congress Campaign Raises Awareness of Role of Libraries

RIVERSIDE, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- What if every member of Congress read the same book? And what if that book was about libraries? That's the question that EveryLibrary posed as the basis for their recently launched One Book, One Congress campaign. Every $20 raised by the One Book, One Congress campaign will be used to send a copy of the book "Inspiring Library Stories" to a member of Congress.

To ensure every Senator and Representative receives a copy of "Inspiring Library Stories," EveryLibrary must raise $10,000.

"Inspiring Library Stories" is a collection of 43 true stories shared by library workers, librarians, volunteers, and patrons from around the United States. Each story reveals the importance of libraries in American society. The book also includes five essays that further explore the value of libraries in the digital age.

"The tales told in 'Inspiring Library Stories' are moving, inspiring and illustrative of the role of libraries in our communities," said John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary. "We're sending copies to Congress to put libraries at the forefront of the minds of lawmakers. Every donation makes a difference."

Copies of "Inspiring Library Stories" (ISBN: 973-1732484864) are available for sale through Hinchas Press, a Los Angeles-based micropress that publishes zines, poetry, poetry in translation, and library science non-fiction. Hinchas Press supports social justice initiatives, and advocates for bilingual literacy endeavors, especially along portions of the Americas that are monolingual. 30% of proceeds from "Inspiring Library Stories" sales will be donated to support libraries in the United States.

To make a donation to the One Book, One Congress campaign, visit the EveryLibrary website at: https://www.everylibrary.org/one_book_one_congress

To purchase a copy of "Inspiring Library Stories," visit the Hinchas Press website at: https://www.hinchaspress.com/product/Inspiring-library-stories/35

ABOUT EVERYLIBRARY:

EveryLibrary is a 501(c)(4) political action committee dedicated to building voter support for libraries. Since 2012, EveryLibrary has provided donor-supported pro-bono advising and consulting to 115 library campaigns helping to win over $1.8 billion in stable tax funding. Beginning in 2016, EveryLibrary has provided strategic and tactical support to school library communities on education and tax policy, along with supporting dozens of challenges to school library budgets and school librarian positions in schools and districts across the country.

DONATION/PARTNER INQUIRIES:

John Chrastka, Executive Director, EveryLibrary and the EveryLibrary Institute: john.chrastka@everylibrary.org

MEDIA/INTERVIEW INQUIRIES:

Kosi Harris, Publicist: Kosi@wethos.co

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1119s2p-everylibrary-300dpi.jpg

What if every member of Congress read the same book? And what if that book was about libraries? That's the question that EveryLibrary posed as the basis for their recently launched One Book, One Congress campaign. Every $20 raised by the One Book, One Congress campaign will be used to send a copy of the book "Inspiring Library Stories" to a member of Congress.

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

The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group Unveils Bill To Protect Children With Disabilities

SEEKONK, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group, an over-watch children's advocate agency based in Seekonk, MA, has been working vigorously alongside State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County to implement Bill H. 132 (Shawnie Bill) that would close loopholes in our Mental Health Care system in Massachusetts. Because of these loopholes, abuse of incapacitated children and adolescents occur daily.

Shane and Cheryl Halajko, who live in Seekonk, have experienced this firsthand. Their child Shawnie is autistic. Their harrowing story of finding a safe and nurturing environment for their son to live his life without fear of abuse and mistreatment is mind blowing. Elected and appointed officials for years opposed them at almost every turn. Mired in bureaucracy and lack of knowledge, politicians pushed Shawnie into some very dangerous and life-threatening situations. Unfortunately, their experience is like thousands of other families throughout Massachusetts and the United States.

Bill H.132 (Shawnie Bill) addresses simple but effective changes to the law in Massachusetts. We will present the bill early next year. We hope that our local radio stations and journalists will help support the cause and tell the story. This bill will make a real and measurable impact on the lives of so many families around us. Please help us get the word out.

State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County, and Shane Halajko are available for interviews. They will discuss the bill and Shawnie's experience in detail. This is a non-partisan issue, and we gratefully accept the help of all.

Resources which can be found on our website, https://teamshawniegroup.com/ include: a copy of the bill in its entirety -- short YouTube explainer video -- link to grassroots petition with over 3,000 signatures -- six-part podcast series.

Team Shawnie Advocacy Group
Shane Halajko
Website: https://teamshawniegroup.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamShawnie

The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group, an over-watch children's advocate agency based in Seekonk, MA, has been working vigorously alongside State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County to implement Bill H. 132 (Shawnie Bill) that would close loopholes in our Mental Health Care system in Massachusetts. Because of these loopholes, abuse of incapacitated children and adolescents occur daily.

Related link: https://teamshawniegroup.com/

NUSTAR L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Receives the Virginia ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that the NuStar L.P. Terminal in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal employees and management. I commend NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard-earned certification as a Virginia STAR Worksite," said Commissioner Davenport.

NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Virginia Beach facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.0 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 2.8, representing a TCIR rate 100% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.0, compared with the 2.0 national rate, which is 100% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "STAR Worksite" flag. The NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal facility is the company's only STAR Worksite in Virginia and is one of 33 NAES VPP STAR sites currently in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with Virginia STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs established in other states across the country.

The process for reaching Virginia STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Since the inception of Virginia STAR in 1996, only 72 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR/Merit designation. NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal's site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

Virginia businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR worksites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

1 - Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2 - Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3 - Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4 - Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5 - VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6 - The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Rose
Director of Cooperative Programs
jennifer.rose@doli.virginia.gov

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that the NuStar L.P. Terminal in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

AMI Expeditionary Healthcare LLC (AMI) Has Been Contracted by CDC to Provide Emergency Response Team Services in Support of the CDC

RESTON, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- The CDC has contracted AMI Expeditionary Healthcare LLC (AMI) to provide Commercial COVID-19 Emergency Response Team (C-C19ERT) services. This work includes sample collection, logistics, and quality control metrics to ensure subsequent, high-quality, CLIA laboratory testing.

The C-C19ERT will be deployed as determined by CDC and work either in tandem with or independent of CDC in the collection, processing, shipping, tracking, storage, testing, and reporting of specimens suspected of COVID-19 exposure.

"These services will be critical to ensuring continuity of operations during CDC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we are honored that the CDC has chosen us for this important work," said Dr. Andrew Walker, Executive Chairman of AMI.

Dr. Walker went on to say, "The unique nature, scope, and complexity of the scientific, technical, expert, operational, and logistical services needed will vary, from site to site, in an effort to support remote COVID-19 sample collection."

About AMI

AMI Expeditionary Healthcare is nationally and globally distributed. Physician-owned and physician-led, AMI has been providing healthcare solutions for over a decade in some of the most remote, challenging, and under-resourced environments in the world. AMI has delivered countless healthcare solutions and more than 7,000 medical personnel to upwards of 100 clinical and hospital settings on four continents. AMI is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Andrew Walker, Founder and Executive Chairman, AMI Expeditionary Healthcare LLC at: 1-703-996-6821 (mobile), 571-375-8366 (office) or andrew.walker@ami.health

If you would like to learn more about AMI and their services, please visit https://ami.health/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amiexpeditionaryhealthcare

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/amiexpeditionaryhealthcare/

Twitter https://twitter.com/amiexphealth

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ami.health/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/20-1117-ami-cdc-andrew-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Dr. Andrew Walker, Executive Chairman of AMI Expeditionary Healthcare.

The CDC has contracted AMI Expeditionary Healthcare LLC (AMI) to provide Commercial COVID-19 Emergency Response Team (C-C19ERT) services. This work includes sample collection, logistics, and quality control metrics to ensure subsequent, high-quality, CLIA laboratory testing.

Related link: https://ami.health/

Pompano Beach CRA Announces ‘Love Always, Pompano Beach’ Website and Marketing Campaign

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pompano Beach CRA is proud to announce their new marketing campaign, "Love Always, Pompano Beach." The all-encompassing annual program will feature local businesses located in the East CRA District, sharing special offers and experiences to attract residents and non-residents alike.

The campaign kicks off with "Sunset Sips," showcasing promotions from local restaurants. Following this launch, Shop Pompano and Play Pompano campaigns will debut. Capturing the signature style of the area, the http://www.lovealwayspompano.com/ website will become the first destination before any excursion or night on the town!

"We are excited to be launching this campaign," said Nguyen Tran, Pompano Beach CRA Director. "The East CRA District has an outstanding array of restaurants, shops and attractions that will offer a variety of enticing specials. During this time of COVID-19, it is more important than ever that we help promote our local businesses and raise awareness about all that Pompano Beach has to offer."

Sunset Sips | November 15-December 31, 2020

Join us as we toast Pompano Beach with a spectacular campaign that is sure to dazzle foodies and cocktail connoisseurs alike! As the sun sets, the specials rise! So, make a new Happy Hour tradition, and visit LoveAwaysPompano.com for drink and dining specials, food pairings, tasting menus and more. These offers are available Monday-Thursday from 3-8 pm. Notable participants in the campaign include beachfront favorites Oceanic, Beach House Pompano and Lucky Fish.

Shop Pompano| November 28-January 15

What better day to launch a shopping campaign! Small Business Saturday kicks off the holiday shopping season with a cheerful reminder to "Shop Small!" Supporting local businesses will be even more rewarding when you visit LoveAlwaysPompano.com for details about discounts, gift with purchase/ services offerings, loyalty cards and so much more.

Play Pompano |December 1- January 31

Pompano Beach is the perfect place for sun, fun and adventure! And now, you can enjoy all these options like a VIP. Make your first destination, LoveAlwaysPompano.com and plan your day with our carefully curated list of suggestions that always include special discounts, visitor promotions and more! Whether you want to unplug or amp it up with an action-packed stay-cay, we've got you covered!

The Love Always Pompano website, www.lovealwayspompano.com will offer an ever-evolving array of specials from featured local businesses.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (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 Pompano Beach 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 http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRMediagroup.com

The Pompano Beach CRA is proud to announce their new marketing campaign, "Love Always, Pompano Beach." The all-encompassing annual program will feature local businesses located in the East CRA District, sharing special offers and experiences to attract residents and non-residents alike.

By Light Unit Awarded $83.7M Bridge Contract by DISA

MCLEAN, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Phacil, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of By Light Professional IT Services, has been awarded a bridge contract for a one-year base period with one, six-month option period with a total lifecycle value of $83.7M by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for the Defense Information System Network (DISN) Technical Refresh Turnkey Support project via the ENCORE III Full and Open (F&O) suite contract. By Light will continue to provide engineering and implementation support for several technologies within the DISN to deliver mission-critical voice, video, and data services worldwide.

By Light will continue working closely with the DISA Technology Refresh Program Management Office (PMO) to provide turnkey solutions to efficiently deliver complete, active and operational services to include: project management, engineering, site surveys, logistics support, implementation, test/turn-up, de-installation, configuration management, and transition. The successful execution of this effort will directly enhance military and civilian personnel's ability to defend the DoD Information Network (DoDIN).

According to Jason Cole, By Light Senior Vice President, "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with DISA on the Technology Refresh program, which allows By Light's project managers, engineers, and field services teams to provide turn-key solutions to support mission critical voice, video, and data services across the globe. By Light has supported DISA and the DoDIN for more than 17 years and our dedicated team of professionals has built a reputation for exceeding expectations on all of our engineering and implementation programs."

"We are honored to receive this award that continues our support for DISA and its mission partners across the Department of Defense Information Network," said Derek Bulluck, Vice President at By Light. "Our team will support the modernization and enhancement of the DoDIN by refreshing multiple legacy technologies and creating a survivable infrastructure. We remain committed to delivery excellence and aspire to be DISA's best and most reliable service partner."

About By Light

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turn-key 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 US Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government.

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

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1027s2p-by-light-logo-300dpi.jpg

Phacil, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of By Light Professional IT Services, has been awarded a bridge contract for a one-year base period with one, six-month option period with a total lifecycle value of $83.7M by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for the Defense Information System Network (DISN) Technical Refresh Turnkey Support project via the ENCORE III Full and Open (F&O) suite contract.

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

‘I am Lauderhill’ Campaign Features City’s Police Officers – Short Form Videos Reveal Fun Facts about Local Law Enforcement

LAUDERHILL, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Lauderhill has launched a new video campaign featuring local police officers sharing fun facts about themselves. The "I am Lauderhill-We are Lauderhill" segments are emailed to residents and other subscribers in the City's official newsletter, Lauderhill Living and posted on social media. City officials in collaboration with the consulting firm RMA (www.rma.us.com) developed a plan to foster stronger connections between the community and law enforcement by focusing on officers' local roots, hobbies, favorite sports teams, and music, along with other engaging aspects of their personalities.

"Through this campaign police officers reveal themselves as the neighbors, friends and family members they are," said Leslie Johnson, Director of Public Relations and Cultural Arts. "These videos have been a tremendous tool in our overall campaign to enhance the positive connection between our officers and residents."

RMA was hired to develop a strategic communications plan for the City, with special emphasis on creating new avenues to engage the community with law enforcement. This initiative was conceived well before the recent headlines, but its implementation has come at a most opportune time.

"During our biweekly collaborative meetings with the City's leadership, we agreed that it was imperative for Lauderhill's residents to feel comfortable calling the police not only in an emergency, but also to report critical information," said Sharon McCormick, RMA's Director of Business Attraction & Marketing. "The goal of this campaign, coupled with prior initiatives by the Lauderhill Police Department, is to change the preconceived notions that some residents had about police in general, by creating a safe environment for relationship-building."

The email and social media campaign also allows the police department to share success stories about cases closed through the very popular segment, "Just Don't, You Will Get Caught!" This section of the email showcases the dedication of local law enforcement in their pursuit of catching criminals, leading to a safe environment for their residents.

In addition, the campaign features regular messages from Chief Constance Stanley. As an African-American woman, who leads a large police force, her words resonate. Chief Stanley's impassioned letter to the community in the wake of George Floyd's death was a powerful message about racial injustice, the need for accountability, and an earnest plea for unity and dialogue. She has followed that message up with regular communications highlighting Lauderhill's comprehensive crime-fighting strategy, which is built on facilitating and maintaining positive communication and collaboration.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of leading experts in economic development, real estate for governments, marketing, urban design, and financial analysis. RMA, headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida is a highly experienced, full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, specializing in revitalizing core areas and corridors for cities, counties, and special districts nationwide. The co-founders are also the authors of one of the definitive books about city redevelopment, "Reinventing Your City: 8 Steps to Turn Your City Around."

Learn more at: https://rma.us.com/

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@krprmediagroup.com

The City of Lauderhill, in collaboration with the consulting firm RMA, has launched a new video campaign featuring local police officers sharing fun facts about themselves. The "I am Lauderhill-We are Lauderhill" segments are emailed to residents and other subscribers in the City's official newsletter, Lauderhill Living and posted on social media.

Related link: http://www.rma.us.com/

Indiana 5G Zone Launches as First to Demonstrate Quantum-Safe Encryption as A Service for 5G IoT Systems

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. /ScoopCloud/ -- In September 2020, the quantum-safe XQ Message platform was successfully deployed at the Indiana 5G Zone's Advanced Innovation & Test Lab in a service configuration. Quantum-safe encryption ensures that data can be kept safe from existing data exfiltration as well as future quantum computing attacks. The Indiana 5G Zone is the first to demonstrate Quantum-safe Encryption as a Service (QEaaS) transparently protects and tracks IoT data as it moves across 5G infrastructure.

* The Indiana 5G Zone utilized XQ Message's crypto-agile platform to transparently encrypt IoT data and track movement via management system

* The Zone is planning to offer Quantum-safe Encryption as a Service (QEaaS) to academic and commercial 5G networks across America

The Indiana 5G Zone was established in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to leverage Indiana's developing digital infrastructure in order to catalyze innovation and support rapidly-developing companies. Its focus is on 5G solution architecture such as Advanced Manufacturing and Smart Communities. This initiative focuses on commercial 5G applications that provide cost savings and the creation of new service concepts. To date, the Zone has secured academic and manufacturing partnerships as well as 50 development partners.

XQ Message was selected by the Zone due to their ability to support a wide array of Quantum-safe algorithms and their management dashboard to provide the tracking and billing required for Quantum-safe Encryption as a Service (QEaaS). XQ provides IoT systems a crypto-agile Quantum-safe data protection solution that supports all of the new Quantum-safe algorithms currently being reviewed by NIST. Most importantly the Indiana 5G Zone plans to offer Quantum-safe Encryption as a service (QEaaS) to academic and commercial 5G networks across America.

"Within a very short time the Indiana 5G Zone has established an ecosystem that brings together over 50 local and global partners together. Our goal is to become the rapid innovation leader for dual-use, secure 5G technologies," said Sean Hendrix, Director of the Indiana 5G Zone.

"Protecting data must be the highest priority for 5G networks. The partnership between the Indiana 5G Zone and XQ to create a Quantum-safe encryption service is a national security achievement," said Bob Flores, Former CTO of the CIA, XQ Message Board Advisor.

"Indiana is committed to investing in emerging areas like 5G to position the state for long-term competitiveness and economic growth," said David Roberts, IEDC Chief Innovation Officer. "With this new initiative at the Indiana 5G Zone, the state will continue to attract more diverse companies to Indiana while leading in the development of 5G-enabled technologies."

"Public - public research partnerships with the Department of Defense and State initiatives such as the Indiana 5G Zone will be critical to reducing the cost and development time for 5G innovation," said Randy Clark, Vice Chair National Spectrum Consortium (NSC).

The rollout of this 5G initiative enables a new level of encryption security in our national data and communication infrastructure. The selection of XQ Message, a California startup, was based on their new type of API-based edge-encryption technology that is able to support all the algorithms that NIST is reviewing. XQ provides a future proof data protection solution for IoT systems by eliminating the need to write code as agents in 5G Gateways and MEC nodes automatically update the algorithms.

"We are excited to be selected by the Indiana 5G Zone as the platform for their Quantum-safe Encryption as a service (QEaaS). QEaaS is a breakthrough in simplicity and scale for IoT data protection that XQ looks forward to rolling out across America," said Brian Wane, CEO XQ Message.

Those interested in becoming a member of the Indiana 5G Zone should reach out to info@wherespeedmatters.com for more details. The lab welcomes all private, government, and academic entities, as well as students and individuals.

About Indiana 5G Zone

5G Zone is a cross-sector demonstration laboratory to help government, industry and academia, design and deliver groundbreaking testbed offerings.

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQMqsK7i3csFZFDdRecsxCw

Media contact: info@wherespeedmatters.com

About NineTwelve Institute

NineTwelve teams industry, government, and academia to meet critical technology needs. Its unique CoLab platform accelerates the design and implementation of emergent solutions. It does this by creating cross-sector collaborative networks that design and deliver groundbreaking solutions.

About XQ Message

XQ is an API-based data protection platform that can encrypt and track any type of data as it moves. XQ enables 5G IoT solution developers to support high scale mission critical applications. Learn more at: https://www.xqmsg.com/

In September 2020, the quantum-safe XQ Message platform was successfully deployed at the Indiana 5G Zone's Advanced Innovation & Test Lab in a service configuration. Quantum-safe encryption ensures that data can be kept safe from existing data exfiltration as well as future quantum computing attacks.

Related link: https://wherespeedmatters.com/

National Rural Water Association presents Idaho Rural Water Association with the 2020 State Association of the Year Award

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) earns the 2020 State Association of the Year Award in the Awards of Excellence competition awarded by National Rural Water Association (NRWA). This is the second time IRWA has earned this award since its incorporation in Idaho in 1987.

The competition consists of seven categories including Outstanding Achievement in Training; On-Site Technical Assistance; Communications Publications and Public Relations; Legislative Initiatives; Member Services and the most prestigious award of State Association of the Year.

Every year a five-member committee is tasked at selecting the state rural water association winners in each of these categories.

"We are honored to receive this prestigious award from National Rural Water Association," says Shelley Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of IRWA. "We are grateful to our members and others that support our Association so we can deliver high quality service to Idaho's rural water utilities and provide statewide training to Idaho's hard working drinking water and wastewater professionals."

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 currently comprised of over 365 direct member systems in Idaho. These members elect a seven-member Board of Directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association.

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

Media Contact:
Carrie Gilstrap
IRWA Membership & Marketing Coordinator
cgilstrap@idahoruralwater.com
208.343.7001

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) earns the 2020 State Association of the Year Award in the Awards of Excellence competition awarded by National Rural Water Association (NRWA). This is the second time IRWA has earned this award since its incorporation in Idaho in 1987.

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

NAES Southampton Power Station in Franklin, Virginia Receives the Virginia ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that NAES Southampton Power Station in Franklin, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems. The facility was honored with its fourth recertification since being originally certified on December 13, 2004. NAES operates the biomass fueled Southampton Power Station which is owned by Dominion Energy, Inc.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of NAES Southampton Power Station employees and management. I commend NAES Southampton Power Station for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard earned recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite," said Commissioner Davenport.

NAES Southampton Power Station's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Franklin facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.0 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 6.4, representing a TCIR rate 100% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.0, compared with the national rate of 2.1, which is 100% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "STAR Worksite" flag. The NAES Southampton Power Station facility is the only STAR Worksite in Virginia for NAES and is one of two NAES VPP STAR sites currently in the United States.

Virginia businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protections for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability, competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

VOSH operates six recognition programs. These include:

1 - Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2 - Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3 - Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4 - Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three-stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5 - VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. For additional VPP information, contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6 - Virginia SHARP recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI VOSH Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

For additional information about On-Site Consultation Services visit https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/.

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that NAES Southampton Power Station in Franklin, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Smart Growth Strategies in Pompano Beach Are Protecting City from COVID-19 Fiscal Stress

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- While other cities around the country are considering raising taxes, or already have, in response to budget shortfalls due to COVID-19, the Pompano Beach CRA has announced that residents of the City of Pompano Beach are experiencing one of the lowest tax rates in Broward County according to the recently released 2021 millage rates.

This financial stability is due in large part to the smart growth strategies that have been occurring in the City during the past few years. The City's investment in redevelopment and infrastructure has attracted quality private development bringing in new tax dollars and additional support for local businesses, allowing the City to maintain the tax rate.

"Leadership in Pompano Beach knew the importance of tapping into the City's real estate assets-- land and property, in order to create a more economically stable municipality," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "By properly managing these assets and taking a proactive stance, we have been able to create new revenue streams to benefit the City and its residents, which also offer a layer of protection during unforeseen events like this pandemic."

Pompano Beach began its transformation in earnest in 2009. After decades of decline, a targeted, economically-driven plan was launched, making the City an attractive location to the private investment community. The City prepared for the growth by establishing development guidelines and zoning laws to protect the City from over development. This plan is working to eliminate blighted areas and enhance the quality of life for the community.

Developments such as Koi, Sabbia, Heritage at Pompano Station, Avery Place and the new restaurants and retailers at the Pier such as Beach House and Oceanic have added approximately $166 million in new property valuation and more than $1 million dollars in new property tax revenue to the City over the past few years. Between 2015 and 2019, the City has seen an increase of approximately $39 million or 39% in major tax and fee revenue sources including property taxes, half-cent sales taxes, state municipal revenue sharing, franchise and utility taxes, franchise fees and communication service taxes.

These enhanced revenue streams have allowed the City to maintain its financial stability even through the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 millage rates were recently released, and out of 31 cities in Broward County, Pompano Beach is the 6th largest, yet it has the 11th lowest tax rate, according to the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office.

"Without the strategic growth policies that attracted this private investment, we would be under tremendous fiscal stress right now," continued Tran. "The economic impact of good growth has been extremely important for the long-term success of our City and the prosperity of our residents."

This development has been carefully managed to maximize the benefits including a strong tax base, job growth and small business support, while also addressing important resident concerns by regulating building height, creating walkable spaces and connectivity between projects and exploring ride sharing initiatives to manage traffic congestion and enhance mobility. Cities who invest in their public assets and build quality amenities for their residents tend to be the most fiscally stable. The City and CRA's investment in our public assets have been instrumental in attracting private sector investment.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (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 Pompano Beach 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 http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRmediagroup.com

While other cities around the country are considering raising taxes, or already have, in response to budget shortfalls due to COVID-19, the Pompano Beach CRA has announced that residents of the City of Pompano Beach are experiencing one of the lowest tax rates in Broward County according to the recently released 2021 millage rates.

Royse Events to Host the 2020 California Statewide Candidates Forum: The Future of California

MENLO PARK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Royse Events LLC, a nonpartisan organizer of technology and policy events, today announced its upcoming 2020 California Statewide Candidates Forum. The CASC Forum will provide a virtual platform for candidates from across the state to briefly share their vision for California's future.

Candidates will either appear live via videostream on October 10, or can choose to submit a prerecorded video for publication. Participation is open to all California candidates currently running for the United States House of Representatives, California State Assembly, or California State Senate.

The CASC Forum is a free event and open to the public. Attendees should register at https://cascforum.com/.

Confirmed participants include:
* Chris Bish - Candidate for US Congress (District 6)
* Ritesh Tandon - Candidate for US Congress (District 17)
* Jeff Gorman - Candidate for US Congress (District 20)
* Andy Caldwell - Candidate for US Congress (District 24)
* Eric Early - Candidate for US Congress (District 28)
* Angélica María Dueñas - Candidate for US Congress (District 29)
* David Kim - Candidate for US Congress (District 34)
* William "Liam" O'Mara - Candidate for US Congress (District 42)
* James S. Waters - Candidate for US Congress (District 46)
* Gary J. Michaels - Candidate for State Senate (District 19)
* Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh - Candidate for State Senate (District 23)
* Cathy Cook - Candidate for State Assembly (District 8)
* Eric M. Rigard - Candidate for State Assembly (District 9)
* Carlos Villapudua - Candidate for State Assembly (District 13)
* Peter Ohtaki - Candidate for State Assembly (District 24)
* Julie Solis - Candidate for State Assembly (District 34)
* Mike Graves - Candidate for State Assembly (District 43)
* Jeffi Girgenti - Candidate for State Assembly (District 45)
* Toni Holle - Candidate for State Assembly (District 52)
* Godfrey Santos Plata - Candidate for State Assembly (District 53)
* Fatima S. Iqbal-Zubair - Candidate for State Assembly (District 64)
* Sharon Quirk-Silva - Candidate for State Assembly (District 65)

Roger Royse, founder of Royse Events, shared "we look forward to bringing the California candidates together in a virtual forum to meet their voters and share their vision of the future."

The 2020 California Statewide Candidates Forum is the third political forum hosted by Royse Events since 2016. Previous events included the 2018 Silicon Valley Candidates Forum in San Francisco, CA and the 2016 Presidential Candidates Forum in Menlo Park, CA in which 5 US Presidential candidates participated.

About Royse Events

Royse Events LLC is an organization committed to helping, and connecting founders, investors, markets, and regulators. Royse Events promotes visionary thinking in technology, hosts dozens of local, national, and international events and webinars, and publishes useful resources for the technology community. Today, more than 19,000 members have been actively involved with Royse Events.

Media Contact:
Roger Royse
rroyse@rroyse.com
650-521-5707

Royse Events LLC, a nonpartisan organizer of technology and policy events, today announced its upcoming 2020 California Statewide Candidates Forum. The CASC Forum will provide a virtual platform for candidates from across the state to briefly share their vision for California's future.

Related link: https://cascforum.com/

September is National Preparedness Month: Statewide Mutual Aid Network Provides 24/7 Response to Illinois Communities

ST. CHARLES, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Communities are continuing clean-up efforts following the summer's severe weather events, says Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. This includes an Aug. 10 storm classified by the National Weather Service as a Derecho (a long-lived line of thunderstorms and intense winds) that produced widespread damage to trees, power lines, buildings, and vehicles from hurricane-force winds and 11 tornadoes.

Five Northern Illinois communities - Lombard, Oglesby, Villa Park, Spring Valley and Grant Park - received recovery assistance through their membership in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN), a statewide organization that offers a standardized mutual aid agreement as a framework for communities to help each other prepare and recover from natural and man-made disasters. In total, 23 other IPWMAN member communities provided aid to those five cities and villages.

Formed in 2009 in response to revised guidelines issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, IPWMAN provides three primary benefits to members.

#1: Access to statewide resources, including equipment, expertise and people power.

IPWMAN's membership has grown from three members in 2009 to over 400 organizations in 2020 - including counties, cities, towns, villages and townships, as well as a sanitary district and a water district - serving populations that range from fewer than 500 to more than 5 million residents.

#2: Coordinated response.

IPWMAN members receive the first 5 days of disaster support at no cost. Requests for assistance go to an IPWMAN Call Center, available 24/7 and staffed by trained public works duty officers who coordinate requests and assistance to efficiently provide necessary resources.

#3: Training opportunities.

IPWMAN provides training for its members, with opportunities ranging from an annual conference that offers information on a variety of emergency response topics to meeting with others who have worked or will be working with them during emergency responses. Other training provided throughout the year includes participating in disaster simulation exercises with other organizations, offering opportunities to learn about and from those other mutual aid organizations.

Learn more about IPWMAN: https://www.ipwman.org/

See all members by county or region: https://www.ipwman.org/member-agencies

Communities are continuing clean-up efforts following the summer's severe weather events, says Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. This includes an Aug. 10 storm classified by the National Weather Service as a Derecho that produced widespread damage to trees, power lines, buildings, and vehicles from hurricane-force winds and 11 tornadoes.

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

Ohio Veterans Launch Camp Freeman GoFundMe campaign and website to begin construction on their first non-profit Veterans’ Retreat

NEWARK, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Camp Freeman, a Veteran Owned Ohio Non-Profit 501(c)(3) has been established to support homeless, at-risk, disabled, and transitioning veterans. Camp Freeman is launching their fundraising campaign on Gofundme.com September 11th, 2020 with a goal of $2.9 million to build their first regional facility and headquarters right here in central Ohio.

The new organization is currently accepting donations on their website https://www.campfreeman.com, GoFundMe https://gf.me/u/yxtbk6, via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4016569, or by mail to Camp Freeman, PO Box 245, Jacksontown, OH 43030.

Volunteer opportunities are also available for individuals and organizations who wish to support the veteran community.

Services

Camp Freeman is a planned 50+ acre veterans' retreat and the first facility of its kind featuring:
* Veteran's Village (Cabins/Tiny Houses)
* Transitional Housing
* Family Support and Crisis Shelter
* Support Groups
* On-site Behavioral Health
* Nutritional services
* Education & Counseling
* RV Campground & Primitive Campsites
* Recreational Facilities
* Fitness Center & Aquatics
* Art & Equine Therapy Programs
* Auto Hobby Shop
* Designated Quiet Spaces
* & So Much More

Each veteran will go through an initial interview and counseling that Camp Freeman will use to create an individual action plan with easy to reach personal goals. Major milestones will be celebrated to recognize these veterans' efforts for themselves and their community. All programs at camp freeman will be offered at no cost except for campground, Veterans' Village, and transitional housing; but those cabin and site rentals will be offered on an income-based scale so it is affordable for any veteran.

Camp Freeman's mission may best be stated by one of its founding members, Christopher Reynard: "We are tired of watching veterans fall through the cracks of a broken system. Our veterans need real behavioral health support, real community, real comradery, and most of all they need their military family back. With the onslaught of natural disasters, a nationwide pandemic, and a forthcoming eviction apocalypse, we can't wait any longer. The time is now! The place is right here where we can make the greatest impact."

Camp Freeman Board Members

One of their Board Members, Timothy Godwin has already launched a highly successful PTSD Support Group, The Huddle, which is still active today. Another, Jacob Edgell, has spent most of his time in the past couple of years practicing and planning therapy opportunities for disabled Veterans including art, equine therapy, digital veterans' communities, and even volunteers as a counselor for veterans in his spare time through multiple online support groups. With over 15 years of combined experience serving veterans and active military members, the Board Members of Camp Freeman have witnessed what could only be described as Miraculous Transitions.

According to Army Veteran, Specialist Murphy who was homeless with a family of 5 near the onset of the Covid-19 crisis and is now transitioning into his own home in Southern Ohio: "I don't know where I'd be without Tim, Jake, and Chris. . .maybe on the side of the road...probably not good. My family and I got to stay with Chris and his family, and it was different than anything I'd seen. Seeing what they do for others makes it hard not to try every day and be a success story... I can't wait 'til I can come back and help some!"

The Camp Freeman Team has supported veterans in crisis, assisted with housing, provided counseling, sheltered veterans and their families, and most importantly have built supportive relationships with veterans of every background using only their own resources. With the support of local organizations and public/private donors to provide facilities and paid staff; Camp Freeman will make an unimaginable impact on the Veteran Community while providing a benchmark for the veterans' programs of the future.

Board member Timothy Godwin while speaking at a recent board meeting stated: "It's not just Central Ohio...It's not just Ohio, it's all the surrounding states...the whole nation...None of our unsung heroes will be forgotten with time and no more will be abandoned if they come to us. That is going to be our legacy, our brothers continuing on, that is our legacy... Sometimes you just can't do it alone...It takes a village."

Camp Freeman can be operational before the end of the year at a limited capacity with the success of this fundraising campaign then operating at full capacity before the end of 2021. On this September 11th, remember the patriotism and the unity after that great tragedy. With your support now, next year on the 20th Anniversary of this generation's Pearl Harbor (9/11/2021) Camp Freeman will be fully operational and serving veterans from all across the nation. With all of the hatred and discontent spreading today, this gives us all a chance to be a part of something positive that will not only save lives, but give our nations heroes the purpose and opportunity they deserve.

Important Links:

Website - https://www.campfreeman.com

PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4016569

GoFundMe Campaign - https://gf.me/u/yxtbk6

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Christopher Reynard
of Camp Freeman
+1-740-877-3053
info@campfreeman.com

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0911s2p-camp-freeman-300dpi.jpg

Camp Freeman, a Veteran Owned Ohio Non-Profit 501(c)(3) has been established to support homeless, at-risk, disabled, and transitioning veterans. Camp Freeman is launching their fundraising campaign on Gofundme.com September 11th, 2020 with a goal of $2.9 million to build their first regional facility and headquarters right here in central Ohio.

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

Pompano Beach CRA Announces a Special McNab House Presentation

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pompano Beach residents are encouraged to attend a special presentation about the McNab House & Botanical Gardens during a virtual Pompano Beach CRA meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 1 p.m. The presentation will introduce Randy Hollingworth, Director of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Urban Design from the award-winning, international firm Bermello, Ajamil and Partners (B&A).

Hollingworth will explore potential concepts generally found in botanical gardens based upon his extensive experience in creating outstanding public parks and open spaces.

To view the meeting please visit, https://bit.ly/35mPz30.

"Randy will be discussing a variety of space-compatible elements for potential inclusion in a botanical garden. This phase begins with a clean slate and no preconceived notions," said Nguyen Tran, Pompano Beach CRA Director. "We are excited to share the possibilities and to launch the public input workshops."

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 and Botanical Gardens project is to continue economic growth with the East CRA and Atlantic Boulevard corridor. Activation of the park will encourage more pedestrian activity and create a unique attraction with park elements for residents and visitors to enjoy.

"There is tremendous potential for the McNab House & Botanical Gardens to become a premiere attraction in Broward County," explained Hollingworth, who is a Partner at B&A, the Miami-based firm that is contracted to design the botanical garden. "During this presentation, we will not be focusing on specifics, instead exploring an array of visual concepts that have been successfully implemented in similarly-sized urban parks and open spaces. I join this project with no preconceived notions, just stunning possibilities. And I look forward to robust public input leading to the creation of an amenity-filled botanical garden."

The Pompano Beach CRA offered multiple public meeting opportunities during Phase 1 and is tentatively targeting November 2020 for an initial community stakeholder meeting to discuss the design process.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was created in 1989. It has two dependent 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 Northwest CRA District covers an area of about 3,084 acres encompassing a large part of the western portion of the City between Atlantic Boulevard and Copans Road generally west of Dixie Highway. The Pompano Beach 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://pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRMediaGroup.com

Pompano Beach residents are encouraged to attend a special presentation about the McNab House & Botanical Gardens during a virtual Pompano Beach CRA meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 1 p.m. The presentation will introduce Randy Hollingworth, Director of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Urban Design from the award-winning, international firm Bermello, Ajamil and Partners (B&A).