Category Archives: Government

Florida Distillers Go to Capitol Hill to Urge Support for Spirits Tax Cut Bill

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The St. Augustine Distillery joined two Florida distillers along with more than 150 craft distillers from around the country who gathered in Washington, D.C. from July 22 through July 24 for the distilled spirits industry's 10th Annual Public Policy Conference, co-hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA). The conference featured a series of legislative and regulatory sessions on key federal and state issues impacting the distilling industry.

As part of the conference, St. Augustine Distillery CEO Philip McDaniel, together with Paul Twyford of Winter Park Distillery and Roger Morenc of Marlin & Barrel Distilleries participated in two days of congressional office and state senate visits.

Meetings included Congressional Members John Rutherford, Lois Frankel and Donna Shalala along with staff from eight other members as well as staff from Senators Rubio and Scott to urge support for the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (H.R. 1175/S. 362). This critical legislation makes permanent a federal excise tax cut on distilled spirits and was enacted in 2017. Without Congressional approval, the tax cut for distillers will expire on Dec. 31, 2019.

The group also discussed the harm that retaliatory tariffs on spirits exports are having on American distillers, large and small, and the importance of their distilleries to the economic development of the surrounding community.

"Meeting with the members and their staff was the highlight of the conference," said McDaniel. "We conveyed the importance and urgency of making the tax cut on distilled spirits permanent. The reduced tax rate has had a major impact on our distilleries enabling us to buy new equipment, hire more staff, offer an employee health plan and buy more local agriculture. It was impactful to share with each member how this bill will continue to help our small distilleries grow, as well as the devastating impact on our business if it does not pass."

"This is a historic moment for our industry as more than 150 distillers from 33 states descend on Washington to rally further support for this critical, urgent legislation," said Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO, American Craft Spirits Association. "Without permanent and immediate Federal Excise Tax reform, the stability of this vibrant industry, and the industries that surround us - agriculture, tourism and the broader hospitality industry - are bound to be paralyzed."

"These distillers delivered a unified message to legislative leaders on Capitol Hill at a critical time," said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the national trade association representing producers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. "The federal tax cut on spirits is set to expire at the end of the year and the negative impacts of the retaliatory tariffs against U.S. spirits products are mounting."

Distillers who attended the conference also had opportunities to showcase their craft spirits at a "Meet America's Distillers" reception on Capitol Hill for lawmakers and a "Spirits of America" reception journalists at the National Press Club.

About the St. Augustine Distillery:

The St. Augustine Distillery is located in St. Augustine Florida. The Distillery opened in 2014 in the historic FP&L Ice Plant, built as part of St. Augustine's first power and ice complex in 1907. The ice plant is a contribution to the Lincolnville Neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. The St. Augustine Distillery uses local Florida ingredients including sugar cane, wheat, corn and citrus to produce whiskey, rum, vodka, gin and Florida's first bourbon.

The distillery was co-founded by Philip McDaniel and Mike Diaz, entrepreneurs with a passion for community and sustainable economic development. They joined the national movement of distilling super premium, small batch spirits by opening the distillery in St. Augustine.

The St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours and tastings. It is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 112 Riberia St., St. Augustine, Fla., 32084. For information call 904-825-4962 or visit http://www.staugustinedistillery.com/.

About American Craft Spirits Association and Distilled Spirits Council:

The American Craft Spirits Association is the only national registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers. For information about ACSA, call 202-669-3661 or: https://americancraftspirits.org/.

The Distilled Spirits Council is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the United States. Representing the leading producers of distilled spirits, the Council: advocates on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels; promotes the distilled spirits sector, raising awareness and opening markets in the United States and around the globe; and encourages responsible and moderate consumption of distilled spirits. Information: https://www.distilledspirits.org/.

WEB PHOTO: https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/19-0731-distillers-with-rutherford-696x522.jpg
Photo caption: Pictured left to right: Paul Twyford, Winter Park Distillery, Philip McDaniel, St. Augustine Distillery, Rep. John Rutherford, and Roger Morenc, Marlind & Barrel Distillery.

The St. Augustine Distillery joined two Florida distillers along with more than 150 craft distillers from around the country who gathered in Washington, D.C. from July 22 through July 24 for the distilled spirits industry's 10th Annual Public Policy Conference, co-hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA).

Related link: http://staugustinedistillery.com/

RMA Offers Premier Consultations to City Leaders: Authors of ‘Reinventing Your City’ Celebrate National Book Lovers Day

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- RMA (www.rma.us.com) is offering complimentary 15-minute consultations to city and county leaders who purchase 25 or more copies of the book, "Reinventing Your City: Eight Steps to Turn Your City Around" (ISBN: 978-0986086007). The offer commences on August 9, National Book Lovers Day, and runs until August 31, 2019.

With over 50 years of combined economic development experience, authors Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown teach readers how to pinpoint the problems that are inhibiting their city's /county's growth and develop a plan to overcome those obstacles. The book is available at Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1YckIZL.

RMA has helped countless cities and target areas transform their aspirations into reality, thanks to the step-by-step reinvention process we reveal in this book," said Briesemeister. "We are celebrating National Book Lovers Day throughout the month by offering a limited number of premier consultations to municipal leaders who want their team to benefit from the lessons derived from other cities' success stories."

For most city / county leaders, economic development is a primary goal; however, the process of clearing blight, expanding the tax base, increasing economic wealth for property owners and businesses, attracting new investors and transforming a city's image is a massive undertaking fraught with both internal and external roadblocks. After reading Reinventing Your City, leaders develop a clear understanding of the process and the strategies required for success.

"It is all about working the steps," continued Briesemeister, whose redevelopment firm has attracted $1billion worth of investment to their client areas. "Our book provides a blueprint for the reinvention process and includes insightful case studies from around the globe, along with inspiring commentary from city leaders who have gone through the process."

City /County leaders who purchase the 25+ books to take advantage of this offer are asked to submit a brief paragraph regarding the topic they would like to discuss with RMA to accounts@rma.us.com.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA is the most experienced full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, headquartered in the state of Florida, 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."

RMA is offering complimentary 15-minute consultations to city and county leaders who purchase 25 or more copies of the book, "Reinventing Your City: Eight Steps to Turn Your City Around" (ISBN: 978-0986086007). The offer commences on August 9, National Book Lovers Day, and runs until August 31, 2019.

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

Due to the Gilroy Tragedy, the Historic Meeting with Calif. Gov. Newsom and 100-year-old WWII Vet Sidney Walton Occurred at the Capitol Monday, Immediately after the Governor Returned from Gilroy

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sidney Walton, age 100, one of America's oldest WWII veterans and just back from on-stage in Normandy, met with Gov. Gavin Newsom July 29, 4:30 to 5 p.m. in the Governor's office.

The meeting was arranged by state Senator Brian Jones from San Diego County.

Although the meeting was closed to the press, videos and photos are now available on Sidney's website at: http://www.gosidney.com/.

"This meeting with the governor of my home state was very special to me," said Sidney.

Added his son Paul: "We were honored that he still made time to meet with Dad, a WWII veteran, upon returning to the Capitol from the tragic event in Gilroy."

Sidney is on a first-ever, nationwide No Regrets Tour (http://www.nationalnoregretstour.com/) raising awareness of the diminishing number of WWII veterans and the sacrifices they made. He is meeting all 50 governors in all 50 states, and met with the President in the Oval Office on April 11. On June 6, Sidney was on-stage with Presidents Trump and Macron at the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

As he travels constantly throughout the U.S., at every stop along the way his most frequent expression is, "I love this country!" His continued love and patriotism for America is the driving force behind his unique mission.

Born February 11, 1919 in New York City, Sidney joined the Army in March 1941 - nine months before Pearl Harbor - and served for the entire war. As a survivor of the Asian conflict in WWII, Sidney is reminding Americans of the sacrifices these brave men and women made for our freedom today. In a few short years, there will be no WWII veterans left.

Sidney's biggest regret in life is missing a historic moment to meet some of the last Civil War veterans. Now, to make up for it, the No Regrets Tour is giving American citizens a rare opportunity to meet one of the last surviving WWII veterans.

"In these times when the country has become so divisive, my father represents a vanishing breed that unites both Democrats and Republicans alike. Everyone thanks him for his service in helping to save this beautiful country," said his son Paul Walton. "It brings tears to my eyes to see him treated like a national treasure."

A position with the federal government brought Sidney and his wife Rena to San Diego in 1960, where they raised three children, Paul, Judy and Ellie. Sidney has remained a widower since Rena's death from cancer in 1982. At age 99, he reminded Paul of his lifetime regret not meeting Civil War veterans. That initiated the National No Regrets Tour. The two-year tour is almost half-way completed.

A GoFundMe link has been set up on Sidney's webpage, http://www.gosidney.com/.

Gov. Newsom was the 23rd governor to greet Sidney:
1. Gov. Gina Raimondo, RI - 4/24/18
2. Gov. Charlie Baker, MA - 4/30/18
3. Gov. Paul LePage, ME - 5/4/18
4. Gov. Dannel Malloy, CT - 5/10/18
5. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, NY - 5/18/18
6. Gov. Phil Murphy, NJ - 5/24/18
7. Gov. Eric Holcomb, IN - 5/28/18
8. Gov. Pete Ricketts, NE - 6/11/18
9. Gov. Bill Haslam, TN - 6/19/18
10. Gov. Matt Bevin, KY - 6/26/18
11. Gov. Bruce Rauner, IL - 7/3/18
12. Gov. Rick Scott, FL - 7/11/18
13. Gov. Bill Walker, AK - 9/25/18
14. Gov. David Ige, HI - 10/5/18
15. Gov. Jay Inslee, WA - 10/17/18
16. Gov. Kate Brown, OR - 10/22/18
17. Gov. John Edwards, LA - 12/11/18
18. Gov. Phil Bryant, MS - 12/17/18
19. Gov. Greg Abbott, TX - 12/18/18
20. Gov. Henry McMaster, SC - 4/26/19
21. Gov. Mike Parson, MO - 5/2/19
22. Gov. Roy Cooper, NC - 6/24/19
23. Gov. Gavin Newsom, CA - 7/29/19
24. Looking for sponsor.

*VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/ITBcwgVAKaI

*SIDNEY'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLh3_98Qmpqq0VUcS2a9F1A

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0729s2p-sidney-newsom-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Sidney and California Gov. Gavin Newsom - 7/29/19, Sacramento.

Sidney Walton, age 100, one of America's oldest WWII veterans and just back from on-stage in Normandy, met with Gov. Gavin Newsom July 29, 4:30 to 5 p.m. in the Governor's office. The meeting was arranged by state Senator Brian Jones from San Diego County.

Related link: https://gosidneygo.com

JaffaCares Safety Sunday @ Spring Creek Towers Aims to Break Social Barriers and Provide Invaluable Safety Content

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Jack Jaffa & Associates is partnering with Spring Creek Towers Department of Public Safety, the NYPD's 75th precinct, the FDNY Fire Prevention Bureau and prominent elected officials to bring safety awareness to the 15,000 residents of Starrett City on Sunday, August 4, 2019.

The goal of this extraordinary event is to bring critical, life-saving information and material to residents and to foster lasting, positive relationships between residents and law enforcement, which can only help bring even more safety, understanding and respect to our beautiful and diverse communities.

The day will include a variety of safety-focused initiatives, such as free bicycle helmet and stove safety knob distribution to SCT residents, plus safety presentations from the FDNY and NYPD, and bike registration through the 75th Precinct.

The highlight of the event will be a dynamic basketball match between law enforcement officers who will be coached by the youth of the Spring Creek Towers Teen Center, providing an unprecedented opportunity for community youth to interact with law enforcement from a reverse and amicable role. In today's challenging political environment, this initiative will be the catalyst to bring the awareness that we all need to create community, promote safety and foster love, understanding and peace.

Jaffa's raison d'etre has always been about caring and about safety and JaffaCares is the natural progression of taking the care Jaffa embodies and bringing that to the community and to the individual. Regarding previous JaffaCares initiatives, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. thanked Jaffa for "doing God's work" and Councilman Mark Gjonaj expressed his heartfelt sentiments to the press, "as you can see, Jack, you are making a difference in the lives of many."

This initiative promises to advance Jaffa's mission of safety and community and serve as a model of how our youth should interact with those in charge of providing for their safety.

More information:

Learn about JaffaCares event here: https://www.jackjaffa.com/jaffacares/#safety-sunday

Learn more about Jack Jaffa & Associates here: https://www.jackjaffa.com/

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/gtKpAl-Tay0

Jack Jaffa & Associates is partnering with Spring Creek Towers Department of Public Safety, the NYPD's 75th precinct, the FDNY Fire Prevention Bureau and prominent elected officials to bring safety awareness to the 15,000 residents of Starrett City on Sunday, August 4, 2019

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

Historic Meeting with Calif. Gov. Newsom and 100-year-old WWII Vet Sidney Walton

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sidney Walton, age 100, one of America's oldest WWII veterans and just back from on-stage in Normandy, has announced that he will be driving from San Diego to Sacramento to meet with Gov. Gavin Newsom July 30, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Governor's private conference room.

The meeting is closed to the press; however, Sidney will hold a press conference and a public meet and greet outside the Governor's office immediately following the meeting.

Sidney is on a first-ever, nationwide No Regrets Tour ( http://www.nationalnoregretstour.com/ ) raising awareness of the diminishing number of WWII veterans and the sacrifices they made. He is meeting all 50 governors in all 50 states, and met with the President in the Oval Office on April 11. On June 6, Sidney was on-stage with Presidents Trump and Macron at the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

As he travels constantly throughout the U.S., at every stop along the way his most frequent expression is, "I love this country!" His continued love and patriotism for America is the driving force behind his unique mission.

Born February 11, 1919 in New York City, Sidney joined the Army in March 1941 - nine months before Pearl Harbor - and served for the entire war. As a survivor of the Asian conflict in WWII, Sidney is reminding Americans of the sacrifices these brave men and women made for our freedom today. In a few short years, there will be no WWII veterans left.

Sidney's biggest regret in life is missing a historic moment to meet some of the last Civil War veterans. Now, to make up for it, the No Regrets Tour is giving American citizens a rare opportunity to meet one of the last surviving WWII veterans.

"In these times when the country has become so divisive, my father represents a vanishing breed that unites both Democrats and Republicans alike. Everyone thanks him for his service in helping to save this beautiful country," said his son Paul Walton. "It brings tears to my eyes to see him treated like a national treasure."

A position with the federal government brought Sidney and his wife Rena to San Diego in 1960, where they raised three children, Paul, Judy and Ellie. Sidney has remained a widower since Rena's death from cancer in 1982. At age 99, he reminded Paul of his lifetime regret not meeting Civil War veterans. That initiated the National No Regrets Tour. The two-year tour is almost half-way completed.

A GoFundMe link has been set up on Sidney's webpage, https://gosidneygo.com.

Gov. Newsom will be the 23rd governor to greet Sidney. The other 22 are:
1. Gov. Gina Raimondo, RI - 4/24/18
2. Gov. Charlie Baker, MA - 4/30/18
3. Gov. Paul LePage, ME - 5/4/18
4. Gov. Dannel Malloy, CT - 5/10/18
5. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, NY - 5/18/18
6. Gov. Phil Murphy, NJ - 5/24/18
7. Gov. Eric Holcomb, IN - 5/28/18
8. Gov. Pete Ricketts, NE - 6/11/18
9. Gov. Bill Haslam, TN - 6/19/18
10. Gov. Matt Bevin, KY - 6/26/18
11. Gov. Bruce Rauner, IL - 7/3/18
12. Gov. Rick Scott, FL - 7/11/18
13. Gov. Bill Walker, AK - 9/25/18
14. Gov. David Ige, HI - 10/5/18
15. Gov. Jay Inslee, WA - 10/17/18
16. Gov. Kate Brown, OR - 10/22/18
17. Gov. John Edwards, LA - 12/11/18
18. Gov. Phil Bryant, MS - 12/17/18
19. Gov. Greg Abbott, TX - 12/18/18
20. Gov. Henry McMaster, SC - 4/26/19
21. Gov. Mike Parson, MO - 5/2/19
22. Gov. Roy Cooper, NC - 6/24/19

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVPdMFbRMmM

*SIDNEY'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLh3_98Qmpqq0VUcS2a9F1A

*PHOTO link for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0726s2p-sidneywalton-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Sidney celebrating his 100th birthday at The Today Show.

Sidney Walton, age 100, one of America's oldest WWII veterans and just back from on-stage in Normandy, has announced that he will be driving from San Diego to Sacramento to meet with Gov. Gavin Newsom July 30, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Governor's private conference room.

Related link: https://gosidneygo.com

XG Communities to provide small cell program solutions for the City of Federal Way, Washington

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- XG Communities LLC, a premier provider of wireless and engineering services for carriers and municipalities across the United States, announce their agreement to provide small cell program solutions for the City of Federal Way, Washington.

Under the multi-year agreement, XG Communities will begin managing the City's street light poles and other assets for small cell colocation using Site SeleX software platform. This effort will enhance the ability for Federal Way to deploy wireless connectivity throughout the City. As wireless carriers densify existing networks, it is estimated that the industry will deploy hundreds of thousands of small cells, making it increasingly difficult for cities to manage the application and deployment process. In collaboration with the carriers, XG Communities will streamline applications with a predictable process.

"I am excited that XG Communities was selected to be our technological partner, and I look forward to working with them to bring our community into the rapidly approaching internet-of-things economy," said Mayor Jim Ferrell, City of Federal Way.

The decision for the City of Federal Way to partner with XG Communities was based on the need to increase connectivity for businesses and residents. The solution will be the foundation to deploy infrastructure, enhance business investment, and improve public services.

"Our partnership with Cities, to address wireless deployments, has given us a unique perspective on how to support the carrier-city relationships," said Monnie McGaffigan, President of XG Communities.

About City of Federal Way:

Federal Way is a city in King County, Washington; within the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area, shadowed by the majestic Mount Rainier. The current population is 97,044. Federal Way is locally identified by its 1990s semi-urban development, characterized by landscaped, off-street, multi-structure apartment complexes and shopping centers. For more information, please visit https://www.cityoffederalway.com/.

About XG Communities:

XG Communities is headquartered in Irvine, California. A premier provider of small cell wireless engineering services and comprehensive wireless strategies for cities and municipalities. For more information, please visit http://xgcommunities.com/.

For media or other queries, contact:
XG Communities LLC
(949) 514-4617
info@xgcommunities.com

XG Communities LLC, a premier provider of wireless and engineering services for carriers and municipalities across the United States, announce their agreement to provide small cell program solutions for the City of Federal Way, Washington.

Related link: http://xgcommunities.com/

State Allocation Revives the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Following a meeting with state officials at the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) is pleased to announce it has secured $50,000 in state funding for its annual operating budget.

This budget, earmarked for a range of educational, outreach, and research initiatives, enables MassCEO (massceo.com) to support employee-owned Massachusetts businesses and advocate employee ownership to businesses in the succession planning process.

Coupled with its initial $150,000 contract with MOBD in March, MassCEO's new funding effectively revives Massachusetts' longstanding commitment to employee ownership, which between 1989 and 2008 supported MassCEO's predecessor organization.

According to MassCEO President Adam Vartikar, "The new allocation represents a huge vote of confidence in the promise of employee-owned business, and in the success of our office to date. A year from now, I have no doubt this investment will have realized tenfold in wealth generated by employee-owners across the Commonwealth."

Having secured critical funding through the next budget year, MassCEO now turns its full focus to the expansion of employee ownership across Massachusetts, a mission which Director of Operations and Business Development Chris Wingard believes will transform the lives of workers and their families for the better. "We're excited to show businesses how employee ownership translates to greater wealth and wellbeing for every employee," he said.

About MassCEO:

Created by an act of the Massachusetts Legislature in 2017, the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership advocates employee ownership through education and outreach to business owners across the Commonwealth. Whether by assisting current employee-owners or sharing advice and expertise with businesses considering a conversion to employee ownership, MassCEO exists to point businesses down a path of equitable growth. Learn more at: https://www.massceo.com/.

Following a meeting with state officials at the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) is pleased to announce it has secured $50,000 in state funding for its annual operating budget.

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

Major South Florida Development Prospect Located in Opportunity Zone – Pompano Beach Looks Nationwide for Master Developer

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Pompano Beach and its redevelopment agency have over 30 acres of land located in an Opportunity Zone out to bid seeking a Master Developer for an Innovation District in the downtown. The land is one of the last undeveloped areas in South Florida bordering the I-95 corridor with direct beach access. Deadline to submit a Letter of Interest is July 10, 2019.

Interested developers and brokers can view the details at https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net/CurrentSourcingEvents.aspx

"Having this area designated an Opportunity Zone offers tremendous tax benefits for the Master Developer who is selected for the project," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "The Opportunity Zone program has become a catalyst for the private sector to develop underserved communities, bringing new businesses and jobs to the area. We are enthusiastic about the potential for this project to transform a once blighted area into an economic hub for the region."

Opportunity Zones are designed to spur economic development by providing tax benefits to investors. Investors can defer tax on prior gains invested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) until the earlier of the date on which the investment in a QOF is sold or exchanged, or December 31, 2026. The development community is quickly learning the benefits and seeking land that has been granted the designation. More details on Opportunity Zone tax benefits are available from multiple sources.

Over the past 20 years, the Northwest CRA has assembled over 30 acres of land within the almost 70-acre Innovation District. Most developable parcels are generally located along the busy I-95 corridor and Atlantic Boulevard, making this one of the last prime development opportunities of its kind in South Florida.

Based on a previous market analysis, the following can guide the master plan for a mix of desirable uses in Phase 1 of the urban revitalization program:
* Office/ Flex space 750,000 sq. ft.
* Retail 165,000 sq. ft.
* Residential 1,500 units
* Hotel/ Hospitality up to 420 rooms (multiple buildings)
* New City Hall/ Government Offices P3 opportunity
* Restaurant 35,000 sq. ft.
* Education (open opportunities)

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 http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0624s2p-pompano-trifold-300dpi.jpg

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRmediagroup.com
561-654-8151

The City of Pompano Beach and its redevelopment agency have over 30 acres of land located in an Opportunity Zone out to bid seeking a Master Developer for an Innovation District in the downtown. The land is one of the last undeveloped areas in South Florida bordering the I-95 corridor with direct beach access. Deadline to submit a Letter of Interest is July 10, 2019.

Pompano Beach Seeks Master Developer for Downtown and Innovation District

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Pompano Beach and Pompano Beach CRA have issued a Request for Letters of Interest (RLI) for a Master Developer for the City's Downtown and Innovation District. The South Florida municipality has undergone a tremendous transformation during the past few years, and the creation of a dense urban downtown is the next redevelopment goal.

The purpose of the RLI is to identify qualified master real estate developers to acquire and develop real property assets owned by the City and the CRA in Downtown Pompano Beach. Those selected to proceed to a proposal stage, will provide their best and final proposal for the master development of the Parcels in Downtown Pompano Beach.

"We are seeking developers who understand our goals for the area, offer experience in prior projects of this scope and have the financial capability to undertake this project," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "Over the past 20 years, the Northwest CRA has assembled over 30 acres of land within the almost 70-acre Innovation District. Most developable parcels are generally located along the busy I-95 corridor and Atlantic Boulevard, making this one of the last prime development opportunities of its kind in South Florida."

Based on a previous market analysis, the following can guide the master plan for a mix of desirable uses:
* Office/ Flex space 750,000 sq. ft.
* Retail 165,000 sq. ft.
* Residential 1,500 units
* Hotel/ Hospitality up to 420 rooms (multiple building)
* New City Hall/ Government Offices P3 opportunity
* Restaurant 35,000 sq. ft.
* Education open opportunities.

In addition, as part of the marketing and branding strategy for downtown, the CRA envisions a creative and unique drainage system, possibly using linear waterway systems that create a visible and desirable asset for development parcels, much like the waterways in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and San Antonio, Texas (from a visual perspective). A stormwater conceptual master license has already received county approval and a drainage district will need to be formed. Design and construction of a creative and aesthetically pleasing drainage option can occur simultaneously with the vertical development.

The City has also invested heavily in cultural assets in the downtown area. The Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts and Historic Ali Cultural Arts are spread out over three distinct geographic areas in the Downtown providing opportunities for pedestrian movement between them. Highlighting these facilities and using them as anchors in the master plan will provide a ready-made set of assets to build upon for future redevelopment.

Letters of Interest must be submitted electronically through the City's eBid System on or before July 10, 2019. Developers must be registered on the City's eBid System in order to view the solicitation documents and respond to this solicitation.

The complete solicitation document can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a PDF at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net/CurrentSourcingEvents.aspx.

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. Learn more: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kay Renz
Kay Renz PR
kayrenzpr@gmail.com
Phone Number: 561-654-8151

The City of Pompano Beach and Pompano Beach CRA have issued a Request for Letters of Interest (RLI) for a Master Developer for the City's Downtown and Innovation District. The South Florida municipality has undergone a tremendous transformation during the past few years, and the creation of a dense urban downtown is the next redevelopment goal.

Deon D. Jenkins Announces Run for President on Platform of Reparations

VALLEJO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Deon D. Jenkins, also known as grass roots hip hop organizer Alpha Leo, announced today that he has filed with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) as a Democratic Presidential Candidate in California, for the 2020 election.

"I live in the San Francisco Bay Area California, an area that an USA Today article ranked as the most expensive place to live in the entire country," says Jenkins. "In the city that I live, Vallejo, is ranked number eleven, and the element of gentrification flushes people out of the inner cities of San Francisco and Oakland into cities like Vallejo.

"Vallejo also has the highest rate of police officers shooting citizens in Northern California, according to NBC news. We are being gentrified out of the industrial cities in our areas, and then greenlighted for extermination once we are finally placed out. The benefits of a bubbling economy created by a thriving tech industry doesn't even benefactor many people who are making one hundred thousand dollars a year, according to a CNBC news article written by Emmie Martin."

Platform - D.M.L.G: Defense, Money, Land, Grants:

"A new generation of voters dominate the Black constituency, and it seems as if we finally have a reparations agenda, and refuse to fall for the sixty-year trend of benign neglect politics. I decided to give the people an idea for what a genuine campaign should look like. It is a very precise Reparations package. I call it D.M.L.G: Defense, Money, Land, Grants.

"The very first element of reparations is Defense. Our rights are not protected in this country which is a violation of the fourteenth amendment. The fourteenth amendment is a Constitutional legislation giving former slaves who were set free after the Civil War unalienable rights as citizens of this country. Enforcement agencies must get established that specifically enforce this legislation. This enforcement encompasses black armed forces, black federal agencies, and black citizens who can equip self-protection.

"The next element is Money for black descendants of slavery. There are roughly 300 million people recorded in the United States. Let's say that the black people who can prove that they descended from slavery are 10 million people. The Gross Domestic Product, (GDP), is $20 trillion dollars annually. The breakdown of what's owed should equate with the population size of blacks who descended from slavery, so we equate to at least three percent of the population. Three percent of the GDP of $20 trillion dollars a year is $60,000 dollars a year.

"I think that we are also owed a lump sum of money for all of the years that the United States missed on compensation since the slavery ending of 1865.

"The third element is Land, because we were promised 40 acres and a mule, so if you multiply 40 acres times 10 million people will equate to over 400 million acres of land.

"And finally, we need Grants specifically for banks, businesses, hospitals, schools, science, and technology.

"Be sure to vote: Primary elections are soon coming to your state."

More information and campaign verification:

Website: https://www.reparationsforpresident.com/

FEC Filing (use links left side as dynamic data right not yet live): https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/P00012203/

FEC Form 2: https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/P00012203/1332646/

Federal Elections Confirmation Phone: 1-800-424-9530

Media Contact:
alphaleo@reparationsforpresident.com

Social Media:
Twitter: @alphaleotime
Instagram: hiphopforpresident

Campaign video posts coming soon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hiphopinpolitics

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0604s2p-deonjenkins-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Deon D. Jenkins, Presidential candidate.

Paid for by Hip Hop For President (The Committee to Elect Deon D. Jenkins for President in 2020).

Deon D. Jenkins, also known as grass roots hip hop organizer Alpha Leo, announced today that he has filed with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) as a Democratic Presidential Candidate in California, for the 2020 election.

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

Energy Jobs Will Be Easier to Find for Virginians After Enactment of HB2008/SB1348

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Energy sector jobs will be easier to find following Governor Northam's approval of HB2008 / SB1348 earlier this year. The legislation creates a 17th Energy Career Cluster in the state's education system, says the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium. An Energy Career Cluster will introduce students to career opportunities in energy and focus their education on the jobs needed to meet the industry's growing workforce needs.

"All forms of energy, traditional and renewable, rely on many of the same skills," said Matt Kellam, chair of the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium. "While those skills are currently taught in Virginia's schools in other industry clussters, there is little emphasis on how they apply specifically to supplying energy. With this legislation, we will ensure that students are better aware of the opportunities available in meeting our energy needs."

Under the language of the law, the Virginia Department of Education will align education programs with the energy industry competency and credential models developed by the Center for Energy Workforce Development in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor. This will guarantee that Virginia students' education in an array of fields related to energy will prepare them for energy jobs in the Commonwealth.

"I was proud to serve as the patron for House Bill 2008 during the 2019 session of the General Assembly," said Delegate T. Scott Garrett (R-Lynchburg). "Energy jobs are the backbone of the American economy and we need to make sure all students in the Commonwealth have a pipeline to access this vibrant sector of the 21st century workforce."

Creation of a 17th Energy Career Cluster is supported by a coalition of energy industry companies and business groups including the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Lynchburg Regional Alliance, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium, Dominion Energy, Washington Gas, Virginia's Electric Cooperatives, and the Virginia Manufacturers' Association.

About the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium:

Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium (VEWC) was formed in 2007 to engage energy companies and utilities in strategic, unified, and results-oriented efforts to ensure a skilled, qualified, and diverse workforce to meet future industry needs throughout the Commonwealth. VEWC members include representatives from electric, natural gas, renewable energy, and utility companies; contractors; organized labor unions; industry associations; secondary and postsecondary educational institutions; the public workforce system; and local, regional, and state government agencies. Learn more at: http://consortia.getintoenergy.com/virginia/who-we-are/.

Energy sector jobs will be easier to find following Governor Northam's approval of HB2008 / SB1348 earlier this year. The legislation creates a 17th Energy Career Cluster in the state's education system, says the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium. An Energy Career Cluster will introduce students to career opportunities in energy and focus their education on the jobs needed to meet the industry's growing workforce needs.

RMA and CJF Marketing International Introduce ‘Investment Tourism’ Platform

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- To celebrate Travel & Tourism Week and Economic Development Week coinciding in 2019, the principals of RMA (rma.us.com) and CJF Marketing International (www.cjfmarketinginternational.com) are introducing their new platform, "Investment Tourism." The economic development firm and the international marketing leader, both multi-award winners, will focus on creating strategies for their municipal, county, state and private developer clients who want to identify and market their economic opportunities to traditional travelers.

"Major foreign investment in our cities has long been courted, and tourism is an established economic development tool, but until now, no one has developed a tailored action plan for converting regular visitors into investors for specific areas," said Sharon McCormick, Director of Business Attraction & Marketing for RMA. "In my economic development career, I have seen it occur by happenstance on many occasions. But through Investment Tourism, we turn serendipity into a strategy."

The experts will provide clients with a multi-faceted approach, beginning with research, data analysis and positioning. From there, they will develop investment attraction strategies, investment alliance programs and business development & marketing strategies tailored to connect the area to the right type of tourists. Once travel and tourism tactics are in place and message points secured with the proper communications, then the team will launch into the economic development tactics, establishing initiatives to make it easy for a visitor to invest by having all the resources in place from expediting the permitting process to working with lending institutions, brokers and the legal process.

"Our goal is to capitalize and strengthen what we already know is happening by chance," explained Carolyn J. Feimster, CRX, CMD, Founder and President of CJF Marketing International. "When people visit places they like, they are often open to opportunities to purchase an additional property, expand their business or invest in a project. Investment Tourism connects the visitor to the destination opportunities and illustrates the business-friendly atmosphere and quality of life through targeted messaging strategies."

Although just officially launched, RMA and CJFMI are already working with two South Florida cities who are interested in building investment in their communities through this initiative. The new website, http://www.investmenttourism.com/ is currently in process.

For more information or to set up a consultation, call Sharon West McCormick +1 954-695-0754 or Carolyn J. Feimster at +1 732-249-6080.

Learn more about RMA at: https://rma.us.com/
Learn more about CJF at: http://www.cjfmarketinginternational.com/

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@krprmediagroup.com
561-654-8151

To celebrate Travel and Tourism Week and Economic Development Week coinciding in 2019, the principals of RMA and CJF Marketing International are introducing their new platform, "Investment Tourism."

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

Governor Matt Bevin Signs Proclamation Declaring May Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, officially declared May 2019 as Lyme Disease awareness month all across the state. Patient advocate Christina Kovacs lead the charge to raise awareness for the disease after battling late stage Lyme disease herself. Kovacs worked with Bevin and his office to draft an official statewide Proclamation which was signed into effect this year.

The effects of Lyme Disease can be debilitating when left untreated, making it vitally important to catch the disease in the acute stage and get proper treatment. Cases of the disease are on the ride, with the CDC stating at least 300,000 new cases a year.

"With Lyme Disease, prevention is key," commented Kovacs. "Ticks are the most active in the Spring and Summer, so it's vital to wear proper tick repellant when spending time outdoors and to also do a full body tick check when coming back inside."

Signs of Lyme Disease include a bullseye rash, fever, muscle aches, bell's palsy and flu like symptoms. If any of these are spotted it's recommended to seek medical attention immediately and request Lyme disease testing

For more information on Lyme Disease, please visit https://www.lymedisease.org/.

For more information on Gov. Bevin, visit: https://governor.ky.gov.

About Christina Kovacs:
Christina Kovacs is a patient advocate who was diagnosed with neurological Lyme disease in 2011, and made it her mission to educate Kentuckians about this rapidly growing disease. Kovacs' acute Lyme disease infection was initially missed by Doctors, which led to a late-stage diagnosis years later that was more aggressive and difficult to treat. Kovacs became bed-bound for years and underwent many difficult treatments, which fueled her passion for patient advocacy. Kovacs now works closely with fellow patients and organizations alike to spread awareness and raise money for research. She's partnered with local hospital Kings Daughters Medical Center to help give medical items to patients in need, as well as larger scale organizations such as Global Lyme Alliance and The LymeLight Foundation who provides treatment grants to children in need.

Twitter: @LadyofLyme @GovMattBevin @LymeNews #LymeDiseaseAwareness #LymeDiseaseAwarenessMonth #LymeChallenge #LymeDiseaseChallenge

The Governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, officially declared May 2019 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month all across the state. Patient advocate Christina Kovacs lead the charge to raise awareness for the disease after battling late stage Lyme disease herself. Kovacs worked with Bevin and his office to draft an official statewide Proclamation which was signed into effect this year.

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

100in1 Day: Gloversville set to be the first in the United States

GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- 2019 is a pivotal year in the revitalization of Downtown Gloversville. To that end, the Gloversville Downtown Development Specialist office, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, and residents of Gloversville are embarking on a single day of community action called 100in1 Day: Gloversville to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Gloversville will be the first city in the United States to host a 100in1 Day event. An opening ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at Trail Station Park (84 West Fulton Street, Gloversville) with local and state officials present.

100in1 Day is an international movement currently in 31 cities across the globe. The event is meant to bring people together on one single day to perform 100 +/- acts of positivity for their community. This one day of service inspires the larger community to continue small acts the remaining 364 days of the year. These small actions are low-cost community projects that are open to anyone and designed to create positive, lasting change.

100in1 Day: Gloversville will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 beginning at 9 a.m. Activities will be held at locations throughout the City including downtown, City parks, elementary schools and the FJ&G Rail Trail. The event has pulled together a coalition of volunteers and activity hosts with the sole purpose of doing good works throughout the City.

"100in1 Day: Gloversville is set to be a day full of love, positive action and pride," said Jennifer Jennings, Downtown Development Specialist in Gloversville and organizer of the event. "The support we have received in the planning of this massive city-wide day of action has been tremendous and the event's success will be based upon the relationships, pride and love so many businesses, organizations and individual community members have in the City. Another point of pride is that Gloversville is the fact that we are the first city in the United States to host a 100in1 Day event. 2019 is truly turning into a love letter to our city and to the people who live, work and believe in our future."

"The school district enthusiastically supports the 100In1Day event in Gloversville and hopes participation exceeds all expectations," said David Halloran, Superintendent of Schools in Gloversville. "We have a number of student service groups and schools participating on May 4th. Events such as this go a long way in teaching children that giving back to your community, even in small ways, can have a profound impact."

Taylor Made Products will see many of their employees participate in volunteer activities during 100in1 Day as well.

"Taylor Made is pleased to be participating in the 100in1 Day event in Gloversville as part of our Acts of Service initiative," said David Karpinski, President of Aftermarket Products. "Throughout 2019, LCI and Taylor Made are asking all team members, volunteers and community partners to donate their time across the country to help us reach a collective total of 200,000 hours of community service. We understand that local non-profits especially need a helping hand to accomplish their goals." Karpinski added, "Giving back to the community that has supported our business for over 100 years is the least we can do."

Individuals, community organizations and businesses throughout Gloversville were asked to become involved in the 100in1 Day: Gloversville event. An online activity sheet has been made available and the list grows daily.

A full list of 100in1 Day activities to be held on May 4, 2019 are available at http://www.downtowngloversville.org. 100in1 Day: Gloversville activities will be large and small, and take a matter of minutes or hours - they depend upon the activity, hosts and locations. Some activities planned include two-days of spring cleaning at the Glove Theatre, a book swap, volunteering at the Gloversville Senior Center breakfast, singing on street corners, apple tree plantings at Wohlfarth's Pond, street cleaning and more.

The number and type of activities have only been limited to the imagination of the community. There is still time to sign-up to host an activity or to volunteer at one of the many events throughout the city. Activity and volunteer forms are available at http://www.downtowngloversville.org.

The event would not be possible without the generous contribution of community sponsors including major sponsor, The Family Counseling Center. Michael Countryman, Executive Director of the organization said, "We are honored to sponsor such a wonderful and creative event. Events such as these are so important to the health of our community and give people a sense of togetherness and purpose. Many view volunteerism as a small necessity and do not realize the weight it actually carries in a community like ours. Something as small as lending your opinion by sitting on a local Board of Directors or giving an hour of your time to a local shelter can make an immeasurable difference in someone's life. If we all join together and each give just a small amount, we can be the catalyst to a healthier and happier community."

Sponsors of 100in1 Day: Gloversville include major sponsor The Family Counseling Center, media sponsor The Leader-Herald, community sponsors Correll Contracting Corp., Ricmar Design & Print, and Walmart Distribution Center.

100in1 Day: Gloversville will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Gloversville, N.Y. Activities are open to the entire community. A full list of 100in1 Day: Gloversville activities with descriptions and locations is available at https://downtowngloversville.org/.

Some activities are asking for volunteers. A volunteer sign-up sheet is also available on the website.

Please contact Jennifer Jennings, Gloversville Downtown Development Specialist if you have any questions about the day. She may be reached at jenniferj@fccrg.org or at 518.725.7700 ext. 1004.

More information:
Full details about 100in1 Day: Gloversville and other downtown events are available at https://downtowngloversville.org/.

About Fulton County Center for Regional Growth:

Fulton County Center for Regional Growth's (CRG) mission is to strengthen Fulton County's economic base, facilitate sustainable growth, enhance the competitive position of our region, its counties, towns and cities and facilitate investments that build capacity, create jobs, improve quality of life and increase the standard living for all of its residents. CRG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Learn more: http://www.fccrg.org/.

2019 is a pivotal year in the revitalization of Downtown Gloversville. To that end, the Gloversville Downtown Development Specialist office, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, and residents of Gloversville are embarking on a single day of community action called 100in1 Day: Gloversville to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Gloversville will be the first city in the United States to host a 100in1 Day event.

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

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Awarded Grant from Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF)

WILLISTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to announce that on April 17, 2019, the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) announced a grant award in the amount of $25,000 to our organization.

These valuable funds will be put straight to work, to help us train a medical service dog for a deserving veteran in need.

There is great synergy between our organizations, both determined to make a difference for veterans who are struggling with conditions such as: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Seizure disorders, Diabetic alert, and/or mobility issues.

Asked about the grant award, Guardian Angels Founder & CEO, Carol Borden said: "On behalf of the disabled veterans we serve, I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation for recognizing the tremendous need to take care of our veterans. Because of your generosity, we are able to provide long term care to another deserving American hero.

"We are honored to begin working with DVNF, and look forward to a relationship that will continue changing the lives of our veterans for the better both today and in the future."

About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs:

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to rescue, raise, train and then donate the finest medical service dogs to veterans and others who struggle with the effects of a disability such as PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure & diabetic disorders and mobility issues. Since 2010, we have donated nearly 300 individually trained, federally protected medical service dogs to those in need.

With up to 1,500 hours of training per dog, it is a long process, but worth every moment when you see the results of Unleashing the Power to Heal, and the life-saving, life-changing difference it makes for our recipients.

For more information on our program, please visit our website at: http://www.medicalservicedogs.org/.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to announce that on April 17, 2019, the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) announced a grant award in the amount of $25,000 to our organization.

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

New Bill Targets Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) issued a statement today informing employers that bipartisan legislation currently pending could significantly revise the rules for employer-sponsored retirement plans.

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019 on April 2, the same day the Senate reintroduced its latest version of the Retirement Enhancement Savings Act (RESA) of 2019. The bills provide some administrative relief to employers and incentivize them to offer more savings plan opportunities and retirement income security to workers. A reconciled version of the two bills is expected to become law.

According to SBA Principal Mindy Zatto, the proposed legislation stands to benefit both employers and employees.

The SECURE bill includes provisions for employer-sponsored retirement plans which would:
* Relieve nondiscrimination testing requirements for closed defined benefit (DB) plans
* Delay the required minimum distribution starting age from 701/2 to 72
* Provide more time to retroactively adopt certain retirement plans
* Simplify rules and notice requirements related to qualified nonelective contributions in safe harbor 401(k) plans
* Increase the cap on auto-escalation of contributions for safe harbor 401(k) plans from 10% to 15% of pay
* Allow employers of all sizes to join together and create "open" multiple-employer plans (MEPs) to make defined contribution (DC) plans more affordable
* Encourage lifetime income options in DC plans through new participant disclosures, new provider selection rules and new ways to increase the portability of lifetime income investments
* Offer consolidated Form 5500 for certain DC plans to reduce administrative costs
* Allow long-term, part-time workers to participate in employer 401(k) plans
* Increase penalties for failure to file retirement plan returns (such as Forms 5500), required notifications of changes and required withholding notices
* Prohibit DC plans from extending loans to participants via credit cards
* Reduce payout period for nonspouse beneficiaries of DC plans (and IRAs) to 10 years after the participant's (owner's) death
* Convert custodial accounts from terminated 403(b) plans into IRAs
* Increase or create tax credits for small employers that start new retirement plans or automatically enroll workers into new 401(k) savings plans
* Reduce premiums for cooperative and small-employer charity (CSEC) plans
* Provide funding relief for community newspaper pension plans and clarify church plan requirements

Other provisions of the SECURE Act specifically for individuals are designed to:
* Eliminate the current age 701/2 limit for contributing to an IRA
* Allow graduate students to count stipends and non-tuition fellowship payments as compensation for IRA contribution purposes
* Permit penalty-free withdrawals of up to $5,000 from qualified retirement savings plans to help pay for childbirth or adoption expenses (with repayment permitted)
* Expand allowable expenses for 529 college savings plans to include apprenticeships, homeschooling, private school costs or up to $10,000 of qualified student loan repayments
* Increase penalties for individuals who fail to file tax returns.

"Employers that offer retirement programs should take the opportunity now to evaluate options for their current and future plans under the SECURE Act," said Zatto. "The proposed bill includes features that can be substantially beneficial for both plan sponsors and participants who want to increase retirement income security."

A summary of the SECURE Act's provisions can be found here (PDF): https://waysandmeans.house.gov/sites/democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/files/documents/SECURE%20Act%20section%20by%20section_0.pdf.

A summary of the similar RESA can be found here (PDF): https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/RESA%20Summary%204.1.19-banner-converted.pdf.

To speak with Strategic Benefits Advisors' experienced team of benefits consultants about the potential impact of these bills on your plans, call 770-551-8989.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 500 to over 250,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 20 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit http://www.sba-inc.com/.

Twitter: #StrategicBenefitsAdvisors #EmployeeBenefits #HR1993 #SECUREACT #RetirementPlans

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) issued a statement today informing employers that bipartisan legislation currently pending could significantly revise the rules for employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Related link: http://www.sba-inc.com/

The City of Greenacres Accepts RMA’s Vision and Strategic Plan

GREENACRES, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Greenacres recently accepted a vision and strategic action plan created by the award-winning redevelopment firm, RMA (www.rma.us.com). The city, located in the heart of Palm Beach County, has already begun prioritizing key elements of the plan for implementation to realize the vision and strategic goals. In addition, RMA provided the City with several new logo designs; the final selection will be determined following receipt of comments from a citizen's focus group.

"We see tremendous economic growth opportunities in Greenacres," stated Sharon McCormick, RMA's Director of Business Attraction & Marketing. "Our team spent months studying the city and meeting with residents and stakeholders. After analyzing a vast array of data, we crafted a baseline of facts and a comprehensive strategy for revitalization and branding summed up in a new vision statement and brand promise."

Greenacres will be known as a vibrant and welcoming city that celebrates and promotes its location, parks and natural assets and business and residential diversity. Greenacres is dedicated to surpassing its founder's motto as "a good place to live" and will foster neighborhood community pride and pedestrian connections, promote strategic partnerships to enhance professional and personal opportunities, and support economic growth while maintaining Greenacres' authentic community character.

Key points in the Plan include:
* Identity and market positioning including place branding, communications strategies and business attraction and expansion
* Economic development including recommended zoning changes to encourage development and redevelopment, reimagining strip shopping centers and opportunities for annexation
* Attraction and development of cultural venues, creating a culinary incubator program and urban gardening opportunities
* Sustainability and mobility, focusing on streetscapes, parks and connectivity
* Community connections focusing on neighborhood pride and housing
* Economic (re)development support outlining strategic partnership opportunities and funding resources.

In addition, RMA developed a market positioning and branding campaign, including various design options for a new city icon that would be adapted to reflect multiple events and seasons. The Council decided that their top choices should be presented to a focus group for their input. A group will be assembled to review the options and select the final brand representation.

"RMA has been an outstanding partner in planning the redevelopment of our City," said Andrea McCue, City Manager. "The plan they presented provides us with a blueprint to strategically continue our work creating a vibrant city for our residents, enhancing quality of life and place, and showcasing our welcoming environment for new businesses."

About Greenacres:

Greenacres is the 8th largest municipality of 39 in Palm Beach County. There are over 40,000 residents and over 1,000 businesses. With a land area of approximately six square miles, Greenacres is located in the central part of Palm Beach County and was originally incorporated in 1926. The City is home to 9 public schools, 11 parks with a combined area of over 93 acres and the City's Community Center is host to a variety of youth, adult and senior classes and activities. Additionally, the City has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Communities for Young People" in the nation by America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, the nation's largest alliance dedicated to children and youth.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA is the most experienced full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, headquartered in the state of Florida, 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: http://www.rma.us.com/.

The City of Greenacres recently accepted a vision and strategic action plan created by the award-winning redevelopment firm, RMA. The city, located in the heart of Palm Beach County, has already begun prioritizing key elements of the plan for implementation to realize the vision and strategic goals.

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

SUDC Foundation Applauds Reintroduction of Federal Bill to Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The SUDC Foundation is pleased to support Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, legislation reintroduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL) 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.

"This legislation is named 'Scarlett's Sunshine' after a little girl who was lost to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood," said Senator Casey. "I wanted to honor Scarlett's memory and make sure that the federal government is taking all possible steps to ensure that no family will have to suffer the death of a child, without knowing why. It's appalling that approximately 400 children ages 1-18 and over 3,600 infants each year are dying from these unexplained causes. I urge my colleagues to join us in this bipartisan, bicameral effort."

"I'm honored to join my colleagues in reintroducing this important bill in memory of Scarlett Lillian Pauley and to help prevent the unexpected deaths of any more beautiful children in our community. No one deserves the heartache of losing a child. Not knowing the cause only compounds this awful pain. This issue hits close to home for me as my own state, Wisconsin, struggles with high infant mortality rates among African Americans. And to be clear, SUID/SIDS/SUDC is not a parenting issue. Parents, regardless of background or economic status should not have to live with this uncertainly and fear of losing their precious children and babies, and we're teaming up to do something about it," Congresswoman Moore said.

"While it is the fifth leading category of death among children ages 1 to 4, SUDC has not been directly addressed in our federal policy in regard to surveillance, research or prevention strategies," said Laura Gould Crandall, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the SUDC Foundation. "We can and we must do better. We applaud Senator Casey's and Congresswoman Moore's leadership on behalf of SUDC families worldwide and look forward to working with them to achieve our mission of a future free of SUDC."

"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 thank 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 other children who are deeply loved and missed."

If passed into law, Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act would supply grants to help states, municipalities and nonprofits improve data collection and death scene investigations related to unexpected infant and child deaths, promote safe sleep practices and ensure death reviews are completed for 100 percent of infant and child fatalities. Currently, there are no nationwide standards for investigating and collecting data following an infant or child death. This makes it often impossible to determine the causes of these deaths, and what strategies our country can implement to prevent these tragedies.

This bill has been cosponsored by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Susan K. DelBene (D-WA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Peter King (R-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Matt Cartwright (D-PA) in the House of Representatives. It has also been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, March of Dimes, Children's Hospital Association, Cribs for Kids, First Candle, KID: Fighting for Product Safety and the Aaron Matthew SIDS Research Guild of Seattle Children's Hospital.

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.

The SUDC Foundation is pleased to support Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, legislation reintroduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL) 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.

Related link: https://sudc.org/

Free Land Incentives Hope to Spur on Spring New Home Construction

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Spring is finally here and with it comes the start of the building season. Families are looking to build new homes, developers are looking for prime real estate, and contractors are itching to get back in the field after a long, hard winter. As part of an ongoing housing development initiative, Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has been working with the city of Osceola to offer home builders and developers shovel-ready sites at no cost for residential projects.

The initiative also extends reimbursements on interest for construction loans for up to a 12-month period. The CCDC launched this Zero-Cost Land Development initiative in 2017 as an effort to capitalize on the recent growth trends and development throughout south-central Iowa. While tax abatements and other incentives are offered throughout the state, the concept of Zero-Cost Development offers builders and developers a bigger opportunity for establishing profitable programs throughout the city.

The workforce in Iowa is experiencing unprecedented low unemployment, making businesses work harder to attract the best and the brightest qualified employees. CCDC and the city of Osceola are working together to help provide a big incentive for local businesses offering executive, management, and long-term employment candidates custom housing solutions. Local affordable housing programs such as Kading Properties' Meadows Development have been a huge success and there is plenty of opportunity for developers to meet the needs of those looking for more.

"Development land in the Des Moines Metro area can set builders back $80,000 to $200,000 per lot or more," said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of Clarke County Development Corporation. "Osceola is close to metro amenities with a quality of life you can't find in larger cities. Continuously developing and improving, the city offers a sense of community and safety among neighbors, providing peace of mind for growing families."

Osceola's major benefits include over 4,600 non-farming jobs, a quality school district advanced beyond some suburban Metro schools, and several quality of life developments like an expanding trail system, improved city parks, lakes and land for hunting, fishing and limitless outdoor recreation. City officials and the CCDC hope the Zero-Cost Land Development initiative will continue to strengthen neighborhoods and encourage families to call Osceola home.

If you're a builder looking for a low-cost entry into a competitive market, contact Bill Trickey at the Clarke County Development Corporation at info@clarkecountyiowa.com or 641-342-2944 to learn more about the Zero-Cost Development initiative.

Learn more about Clarke County at: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Spring is finally here and with it comes the start of the building season. As part of an ongoing housing development initiative, Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has been working with the city of Osceola to offer home builders and developers shovel-ready sites at no cost for residential projects.

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

New Wellness Council Partnership Aims to Combat Indiana Obesity Rates

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Target Health announces a new partnership with the Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI), a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, which aims to create a healthier Indiana through employer-sponsored weight management programs that target obesity.

WCI members will receive exclusive program pricing through On Target Health.

The cost of obesity in Indiana is steep. Aside from potentially leading to serious health concerns such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, obesity adds roughly $11.9 billion in increased health care costs, lower productivity and other related impacts.

Data from the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana shows that obesity drives up health care costs for all employees, as obese employees generate more than $51,000 in medical claims (per 100 full-time employees) each year, compared with $7,500 for healthy weight workers.

Reducing state obesity levels to below 20 percent of the state's population is one of the goals of the Indiana Chamber's Indiana Vision 2025 plan. Current statewide obesity levels are much higher than 20 percent, with about one in every three Hoosier adults qualifying as "obese," according to the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana.

"The new partnership between the Wellness Council and On Target Health is another step toward achieving the goals within Indiana Vision 2025 to help create a thriving, healthy workforce in Indiana," says Jennifer Pferrer, executive director of WCI. "Our mission is to work collaboratively and impact the economic vitality of the state by working with employers to help guide workplaces and communities through the development of comprehensive health and wellness strategies."

"To partner with the Wellness Council and support their efforts with the Indiana Vision 2025 is a great opportunity for On Target Health. We want to be a part of the solution and support the WCI to realize their objectives," says Todd Foushee, co-founder and CEO of On Target Health. "We are providing services to many respected employers in Indiana and assisting their employees and dependents who have struggled with losing and sustaining weight loss. Aligning with the WCI helps us to reach additional employers who are equally as passionate about wellness and prevention."

For more information about how to become a member of the Wellness Council of Indiana or learn more about the partnership with On Target Health, visit http://www.wellnessindiana.org or call (317) 264-2165.

For more information about the On Target Health program or to schedule a demo, visit http://www.on-target-health.com or call (844) 666-2373.

The Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI) works collaboratively to positively impact the economic vitality of the state of Indiana by evaluating and guiding workplaces and communities through the development of their own comprehensive health and wellness strategy. WCI members and staff inspire active living, community engagement and corporate social responsibility.

On Target Health was created with the sole purpose of helping people live a healthier, more productive life. We achieve that goal through innovative programs targeting body fat, one of the leading contributors to chronic disease. Participants graduate our program reeducated, reenergized, and empowered for life. Our approach is methodical, purposeful and sustainable.

Follow us on LinkedIn: On Target Health

Follow us on Twitter: @WellnessIndiana #IndianaVision2025 and LinkedIn: Wellness Council of Indiana

On Target Health announces a new partnership with the Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI), a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, which aims to create a healthier Indiana through employer-sponsored weight management programs that target obesity.

Related link: http://www.on-target-health.com

CCDC Celebrates 50 Years of Community Commitment and Success

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC). In August of 1969, the development corporation that has brought Osceola and Clarke County, Iowa numerous business and economic successes including Jimmy Dean and Hormel as well as the boon of Lakeside Casino all started from the passion of a few locals ready to push the community they loved toward a brighter future.

The original founders and board members included Eddy Saylor, Fred Wood, L.P. Van Werden, Jack Jeffreys, Ross Gould, Stan Samuelson, Gerald Edwards, and Donald Ramsey.

These founders developed a plan that would form an economic development corporation focused on attracting new business, supporting existing area business, and improving the quality of live for the entire community.

Making sure to build the corporation on a not-for-profit, 501(c)(6) structure meant the corporation, with a board of directors made up of active local businesses and citizens, would work together to drive local and regional economic growth. The elected board would operate on behalf of the existing business and community members maintaining accountability to its core values, the members and the community. This structure has been at the core of its operations since its founding.

"A lot can happen over five decades," said Bill Trickey, CCDC Executive Director. "When you have a board and membership as consistently driven for success and growth as we've had with the CCDC, what transpires is economic sustainability."

Right out of the gate, the CCDC board took action to purchase and break ground for development of an 87-acre industrial business park on the south side of the city. Over the next decade, the board recruited businesses such as Osceola State Bank, Metal Craft Engineering (Now SIMCO Drilling Rigs & Equipment, Inc.), and Jimmy Dean Meat Company as the first tenants. Throughout the 70's and early 80's additional businesses moved in and the necessary infrastructure was developed made up of a water tower and another 68 acres with sewer and street construction. Today many of Clarke County's anchor employers like Altec (originally Furnas and then Astoria), Salford Manufacturing (previously Maclander), Osceola Foods (Hormel) and SIMCO do business from this park, serving customers all over the world.

Understanding the logistical blessings of Osceola, Iowa - placed at the intersection of I-35, Highway 34 and Highway 69, as well as a local stop to the BNSF Railway - made the addition of an airport and improvements to interstate access a logical next step in drawing more business and industry to the area. The CCDC board acted on those activities through the 80s and 90s, even while some of the nation's biggest cities and rural areas were struggling with hard economic times.

In the 90s, upon hearing the city council in Des Moines, Iowa was passing on the addition of a casino to the south side of its downtown, board President Eddy Saylor and other CCDC members decided to take on the recruitment of Lakeside Casino Resort for Clarke County. Through aggressive campaigning driven by a passion for development and progress, the deal was made to break ground for the riverboat on West Lake late in 2000 with The Development Corporation securing the gambling license. This would prove to be a "game changer" for the entire area.

"The casino was a big shot in the arm for the area," said Helen Kimes, CCDC Board Member and past president. "With the county and the cities of Murray and Woodburn sharing the profits made from the boat, development opportunities in the area were given an incredible boost."

Since the addition of the casino, grant opportunities through the Development Corporation have made a positive impact across Clarke County. This included updates to the Clarke County Hospital in the early 2000s, with further renovations and expansion over the last few years. Clarke County continues to benefit from the CCDC grants, allowing the hospital to provide award-winning emergency services and medical care. Community programs like Tech Prep Housing, Paint the Town Red, Safe Routes to School with miles of recreational trail expansions, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the support for The Village Daycare continue to improve the quality of life in Clarke County.

With the addition of the E. Eddy Saylor Industrial Park for businesses like Osceola Farm and Home, Boyt Harness, Alliant Energy, and Iowa Steel, employment opportunities have increased, as have contributions to the county's tax base, keeping the vision of the original founders like Eddy Saylor moving forward.

With thousands of jobs created for the county since its inception in 1969, the Clarke County Development Corporation shows no sign of slowing. Expansions for the Saylor Business Park this year as well as closing in on the development of the Clarke County Reservoir mean even more opportunities to bring business and growth to the area can be seen on the horizon. So, join the CCDC, their board, and members in celebrating this half century milestone and wish them luck for the next 50 years.

If you have questions about the Development Corporation or would like to participate as a member, contact Bill Trickey, Executive Director at the Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 E Washington St, Osceola, IA 50213, Phone: (641) 342-2944, email: info@osceolaclarkedev.com

More information on the CCDC: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

This year (2019) marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC). In August of 1969, the development corporation that has brought Osceola and Clarke County, Iowa numerous business and economic successes.

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

Healthy Mobile Markets Launch in Broward County

DANIA BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is proud to announce that the Dania Beach People's Access To Community Horticulture (PATCH) is preparing to launch five Mobile Market sites around Broward County. Known as a community market and garden, the Dania Beach PATCH is a resource for locally grown food. Now, the PATCH is extending healthy food options to neighboring cities in Broward County through the use of mobile markets.

The Mobile Markets are a component of the FARMERS MARKET AND LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM (FMLFPP) Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that was awarded to Dania Beach in October 2017.

A launch party is scheduled for December 13, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dania Beach PATCH. The guest list includes officials from participating municipalities, stakeholders, supporters and customers. Food Education demonstrations featuring Chef Chad Cherry from Refresh Live will be part of the launch and will offer Chef Demonstrations at the Pilot Mobile Markets.

The Mobile Market Pilot program will begin in January 2019. A permanent schedule will begin in February 2019. The mobile markets will serve the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD); Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, and North Lauderdale. These sites are part of a pilot program to determine the best locations for permanent mobile markets designed to achieve the goals of providing affordable, locally grown produce to all in Broward County.

A partnership with FRESH ACCESS BUCKS through FEEDING FLORIDA, will provide incentives on Florida grown produce to EBT/SNAP participants. Another facet of the program is to connect small growers to markets to promote, strengthen, and build local grower's production and distribution.

The schedule for Pilot Mobile Markets is:

Thursday, December 13 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mobile Market Launch Party
PATCH Garden & Market
1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 - 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Sailboat Bend Apartments
425 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Delavoe Park
2520 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Foster Park
609 NW 6th Avenue, Hallandale Beach

Thursday, January 17, 2019 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Northwest Gardens
806-808 NW 13th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale

Thursday, January 17, 2019 - 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
North Lauderdale
Corner of Rock Island and Forest Blvd (Basketball Courts; across from City Hall)

For more information visit http://thepatchgarden.com/.

To learn more about this exciting program, please contact CRA Coordinator, Kisha Payen, kpayen@daniabeachfl.gov

About the PATCH Farm and Market :

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The PATCH was created as an environmentally and economically sustainable urban farming system within the community, that creates a network of secure healthy food sources of naturally grown vegetables and fruits, while providing local jobs and vocational training in the sustainable agricultural industry to the residents of the community. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events.

For more information visit http://thepatchgarden.com/ or call 954-924-6801

The City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is proud to announce that the Dania Beach People's Access To Community Horticulture (PATCH) is preparing to launch five Mobile Market sites around Broward County. Known as a community market and garden, the Dania Beach PATCH is a resource for locally grown food. Now, the PATCH is extending healthy food options to neighboring cities in Broward County through the use of mobile markets.

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

Donald Eugene Lowe – A New Face in the Democratic Race

SAN ANGELO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Donald Eugene Lowe respects politics. He was a 2016 presidential candidate, but this time around he's hoping to run on the Democratic ticket. He considers himself a "man of the people," not "for the people" and believes he's "a better choice."

"I understand what people need," Lowe says. "It's time to make America better and 2020 is where it all begins," Lowe says.

Lowe has experienced ups and downs in his life. He's lived on the streets and he's also built a loyal political following. He's traveled throughout the U.S. and knows the back roads as well as the highways. He loves this country and continues to campaign for a better world that includes healthcare for all, fair immigration and lower taxes.

He calls himself, the "second Donald," but believes he's the better choice. His campaign is self-funded and he's prepared to put others before himself. He's ready to put up the fight of his life.

Listen to Lowe's greeting (VIDEO): https://youtu.be/YDWzsvQH37c.

Twitter: @USPresidentLowe

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

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

Paid for by Donald Eugene Lowe - a Better Choice.

Donald Eugene Lowe respects politics. He was a 2016 presidential candidate, but this time around he's hoping to run on the Democratic ticket. He considers himself a "man of the people," not "for the people" and believes he's "a better choice."

RMA’s Redevelopment and Revitalization Plans Adopted by West Columbia, South Carolina

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- RMA (www.rma.us.com), a Florida-based consulting firm is expanding their client base beyond the Sunshine state. The economic development, redevelopment and business attraction experts were hired last year by the City of West Columbia in South Carolina to create a Citywide Redevelopment Plan and a Community Revitalization Plan for the municipality; both were unanimously accepted by the city council this month.

"Thanks to our success in helping clients reinvent their cities throughout the state of Florida, municipal leaders nationwide are also seeking our services," said Kim Briesemeister, RMA Principal. "We were honored to begin our firm's expansion with the City of West Columbia. Using our signature process, we evaluated the city's strengths and identified areas for growth. Through comprehensive market analysis and extensive community and stakeholder outreach, we were able create two long-term plans for the City."

The Citywide Redevelopment Plan identified opportunity areas that offer a significant upside for development. These areas and the identified catalyst sites will serve as building blocks for positive economic development including increasing the tax base, improving quality of life and providing a variety of new benefits to the community. RMA detailed specific ideas and concepts for each area throughout the entire city, which include the River District, the Meeting Street Corridor, Triangle City, the former Colite Property, District 5, I-26 and Highway 378 and I-20 and Highway 378.

RMA also created the Community Revitalization Plan which focused on ways to engage residents throughout the redevelopment process. Recommendations focused on building community pride, renovating homes and educational/ training opportunities to develop skills for working in hospitality & tourism, construction, culinary arts and more. The Plan connects people to the process of redevelopment to promote authenticity and community ownership of the vision.

"Our goal with these two plans was to position West Columbia in a progressive light," continued Briesemeister. "The plans work in tandem to benefit the residents, the business community and the stakeholders within the city. The plans, which are comprehensive and long-term, were unanimously adopted by the city council and will be now be prioritized for implementation."

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA is the most experienced full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, headquartered in the state of Florida, 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: http://www.rma.us.com/

RMA (www.rma.us.com), a Florida-based consulting firm is expanding their client base beyond the Sunshine state. The economic development, redevelopment and business attraction experts were hired last year by the City of West Columbia in South Carolina to create a Citywide Redevelopment Plan and a Community Revitalization Plan for the municipality; both were unanimously accepted by the city council this month.

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

RMA Proposed Innovation District Wins Major Award for Pompano Beach CRA

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- RMA (www.rma.us.com) is proud to announce that their proposed plan for the Pompano Beach Downtown Innovation District won the 2018 Promotion Award at the annual Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Awards. RMA managed the city's redevelopment agency for almost a decade and authored this award-winning plan for the creation of the city's downtown. The plan will transform undeveloped land into a vibrant urban area (downtown), becoming a revitalization role model for cities nationwide.

"We are tremendously proud of the work RMA team members did on behalf of this project for the Pompano Beach CRA," said Chris Brown, RMA Co-Founder. "The CRA benefitted from the talents of the entire RMA team for the creation of this ambitious program. We are especially grateful to Keila Rodriguez and Jessica Mulder who transformed this concept into a stunning presentation that has ignited tremendous interest in the Innovation District. Pompano Beach epitomizes the forward-thinking concept of building for 'how we will live in the future,' and this plan exemplifies that."

The Pompano Beach CRA knew it needed to devise an engaging and impactful way to communicate the great opportunities in the Innovation District. RMA's Rodriguez and Mulder created a comprehensive booklet and dynamic video to promote the Innovation District and tell the story of the steps the City and CRA have taken to bring prosperity to the community.

These marketing tools are now being used by the City, CRA, and by the Chamber of Commerce to attract new commercial businesses and developers, retain the existing industrial base, and continue to improve the neighborhood and quality of life of the residents, making the City, and in particular the Downtown, a more attractive place to live, work, invest and visit.

Future development in the Innovation District could include 750,000 square feet of office space, 166,000 square feet of retail space, 35,000 square feet of restaurant space, 1,500 residential units and two hotels. Job creation and other benefits will spill into the surrounding neighborhood and throughout the city.

Central to the success of the Innovation District is its unique approach to a new system of self-contained, linear waterways, which will create a scenic setting for outdoor restaurants, offices, shops and mixed-use buildings. Inspired by the waterway systems in Amsterdam, Netherlands and San Antonio, Texas, these waterways eliminate the need for dry retention ponds, allowing developers to maximize buildout across the parcels while creating an inviting and activated urban area that benefits the entire city.

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.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA is the most experienced full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, headquartered in the state of Florida, 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: http://www.rma.us.com/.

RMA is proud to announce that their proposed plan for the Pompano Beach Downtown Innovation District won the 2018 Promotion Award at the annual Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Awards. RMA managed the city's redevelopment agency for almost a decade and authored this award-winning plan for the creation of the city's downtown.

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

RMA Contracted by City of Deltona to Provide Strategic Economic Development Plan

DELTONA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- RMA (www.rma.us.com) has been contracted by the City of Deltona in Florida to provide a strategic 5-year economic development plan for a Business Park and Manufacturing Related Recruitment. The award-winning firm's scope of services, in addition to the plan, will also include relationship building with multiple partner organizations to ensure support of new initiatives and meetings with developers.

"The City of Deltona has determined that manufacturing is a target industry for the City," said Lynn Dehlinger, Economic Development Director for the project. "RMA is honored to partner with them to develop a Business Park with a focus on attracting targeted industries."

Deltona is located in Volusia County and borders Interstate 4. This location provides easy access to the entire I-4 High Tech Corridor as well as coastal Florida and the entire eastern seaboard.

This area is considered one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, with numerous development opportunities for industrial and commercial properties. The low-cost tax environment and wealth of workforce training resources make this a destination conducive to a variety of business needs.

Another bonus is that the average manufacturing wages are lower than Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and Melbourne.

Deltona's Open for Business Mission Statement is to provide the highest quality professional plan review, permitting and customer service that respects the time and cost elements of a project to the maximum potential.

RMA's team members have firsthand experience with Deltona, Volusia County and the larger Central Florida region, having worked within the market for the past seven years. The unique public and private sector perspective and experience that this team provides will allow the successful attainment of the City's goals, while navigating the governmental processes in an efficient and productive manner.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA is the most experienced full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, headquartered in the state of Florida, 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."

More information: http://www.rma.us.com/.

RMA has been contracted by the City of Deltona in Florida to provide a strategic 5-year economic development plan for a Business Park and Manufacturing Related Recruitment. The award-winning firm's scope of services, in addition to the plan, will also include relationship building with multiple partner organizations to ensure support of new initiatives and meetings with developers.

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

XG Communities announces advancement for the City of La Puente’s small cell and 5G wireless strategy

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- XG Communities LLC and the City of La Puente, Calif. announced that approximately 1,500 street light poles are now available to wireless carriers and technology companies for small cell deployment. The street light poles are available on XG Communities' Site SeleX Platform (www.siteselex.com).

City of La Puente, located in Los Angeles County, partnered with XG communities to acquire the wireless communications expertise needed to properly manage requests from carriers to lease pole assets. This was important for La Puente, as the City recently completed the purchase of 1,500 street light poles from Southern California Edison.

"The City is in the initial phases of converting the existing high pressure sodium street lights, with more energy efficient LED lights, to provide better lighting at a reduced cost to taxpayers," said Mayor Violeta Lewis. "The City's decision to partner with XG Communities is to help La Puente organize and market street light poles for small cells sites, create carrier interest and a managed process, which in turn, improves our community's quality of life."

Over the past 3 months, XG Communities has been developing a master plan and preparing the City's inventory of assets on the Site Selex platform for marketing to wireless providers.

Monnie McGaffigan, President of XG Communities, said "It's exciting to see the leadership that our cities are providing nationally in getting us ready for 5G. La Puente, in particular, has been a true partner in finding creative solutions to offer locations on its assets while still meeting city priorities."

She added that they would be launching neighboring cities, including City of Industry and City of West Covina, in the coming month.

About The City of La Puente:

20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, La Puente was once the location to the largest walnut packing plant in the world. Today, the City is a friendly, culturally diverse residential community and home to about 40,496 people.

About XG Communities:

XG Communities (formerly dba 5 Bars Communities) is headquartered in Irvine, California. XG Communities organizes and markets the siting rights for small cell deployment on city property to wireless communications providers through its Site SeleX Platform. XG Communities currently has agreements with 27 cities and all major carriers.

For more information, please visit http://xgcommunities.com/.

For media queries, contact:
XG Communities LLC (formerly dba 5 Bars Communities)
(949) 514-4617
info@xgcommunities.com

XG Communities LLC and the City of La Puente, Calif. announced that approximately 1,500 street light poles are now available to wireless carriers and technology companies for small cell deployment. The street light poles are available on XG Communities' Site SeleX Platform.

Related link: http://xgcommunities.com/

RMA Awarded Management Contract by City of Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- RMA (www.rma.us.com) today announced it has been selected by the City of Cape Coral, Florida to provide implementation management consulting services related to the Bimini Basin Implementation Plan. The award-winning economic development firm will provide a scope of services including investment attraction, property acquisition and the promotion of development opportunities.

"During the past two years, RMA has assisted the City of Cape Coral with project management services for the development of the Bimini Basin Implementation Plan," said Lynn Dehlinger, Economic Development Director for the assignment. "We are honored to continue our relationship with the City under this new contract, and we look forward to the next phase of this dynamic project which will bring forth a vibrant new downtown."

The plan includes enhancements to the waterfront and Four Freedoms Park along with the development of projects which are anticipated to include multifamily housing, public parking, boutiques and restaurants along with entertainment and cultural venues.

Redevelopment in the south Cape Coral area will continue to be the driver behind a return of retail/restaurants to the urban core which will reinvigorate neighborhoods, elevate residential property values and improve the quality of life for the community members. RMA understands the challenges and rewards associated with redevelopment and will advise interested developers to assure a desirable place-making mix in this important section of Cape Coral.

About RMA:

Founded in 2009 by Kim Briesemeister and Chris Brown, RMA is comprised of a phenomenal team of redevelopment experts passionate about building better communities. RMA is the most experienced full-service economic redevelopment consulting and management firm, headquartered in the state of Florida, 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."

More information: http://www.rma.us.com/.

RMA today announced it has been selected by the City of Cape Coral, Florida to provide implementation management consulting services related to the Bimini Basin Implementation Plan. The award-winning economic development firm will provide a scope of services including investment attraction, property acquisition and the promotion of development opportunities.

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

Ground Breaking for Construction of the Maine Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

LEWISTON, Maine /ScoopCloud/ -- On Sunday, October 7, 2018, The Herschel "Woody" Williams Medal of Honor Foundation will be breaking ground for construction of the Maine Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. This memorial is one of 87 across 34 states that will honor all our Gold Star Families.

In appreciation of their ultimate sacrifice to our great state and country, we gather on this day in a display of unity to honor them and to thank their families and friends while showing that we promise to NEVER FORGET. This promises to be a historic event with many dignitaries and very special guests attending

The day's events will begin at American Legion Post 31 with a breakfast with Woody starting at 7:30 a.m. The Groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at Veterans Park in Lewiston. Speakers will include Commander Jerry Dewitt, LTC Adria Horn, General Doug Farnham, Gold Star Mother Joyce Richmond, Gold Star Father Dean Barron as well as other State and City officials.

Mr. Williams celebrated his 95th birthday just the other day, but he will be here and lead many of Maine's Gold Star Family Members in a prayer. Mr. Williams will be escorted from the NH Gold Star Families Dedication to Maine by the Patriot Guard Riders and members of the Patriot Riders of America.

If you are a family member of a fallen military hero, or simply a patriot, we welcome you to come enjoy the day's festivities.

Information on the monument: http://hwwmohf.org/

Please visit http://www.mainefallenheroes.org/gold-star-families-memorial/ for more information or to donate.

The Maine Fallen Heroes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/uyI5c_2meTo

On Sunday, October 7, 2018, The Herschel "Woody" Williams Medal of Honor Foundation will be breaking ground for construction of the Maine Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. This memorial is one of 87 across 34 states that will honor all our Gold Star Families.

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

SUDC Foundation Applauds Introduction of Federal Bill to Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths

CEDAR GROVE, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The SUDC Foundation is pleased to support Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) to combat Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). 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. At least 400 children are lost to SUDC in the United States every year.

"This legislation is named 'Scarlett's Sunshine' after a little girl who was lost to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood," said Senator Casey. "I wanted to honor Scarlett's memory and make sure that the federal government is taking all possible steps to ensure that no family will have to suffer the death of a child, without knowing why. It's appalling that over 400 children ages 1-4 and over 3,600 infants each year are dying from these unexplained causes. I urge my colleagues to join us in this bipartisan, bicameral effort."

"Wisconsin has the highest rate of Black infant mortality in the nation. Our babies die at rates comparable to war-torn countries like Syria," said Representative Moore. "This doesn't have anything to do with good or bad parenting. But because there are no nationwide standards for investigations and data collection, parents are often left wondering what went wrong and what they could have done to prevent their baby from dying. No mother, no matter her background, should have to with live with this uncertainty, thinking it was their fault. That's why this bipartisan and bicameral bill to fund critical data collection is a game changer. We need to know the root of the problem to solve it."

"While it is the fifth leading category of death among children ages 1 to 4, SUDC has not been directly addressed in our federal policy in regards to surveillance, research or prevention strategies," said Laura Gould Crandall, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the SUDC Foundation. "We can and we must do better. We applaud Senator Casey's and Congresswoman Moore's leadership on behalf of SUDC families worldwide and look forward to working with them to achieve our mission of a future free of SUDC."

"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 thank 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 other children who are deeply loved and missed."

If passed into law, Scarlett's Sunshine Act it will authorize over $49 million in new federal funding to strengthen efforts to better track, understand and prevent SUDC and SUID. Specifically, it would supply grants to help states and municipalities to improve data collection and death scene investigations related to unexpected infant and child deaths and ensure death reviews are completed for 100 percent of infant and child fatalities. Currently, there are no nationwide standards for investigating and collecting data following an infant or child death. This makes it nearly impossible to determine the causes of these deaths and what strategies our country can implement to prevent these tragedies.

This bill has also been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Association, Cribs for Kids, First Candle, March of Dimes, Kids in Danger, Within Our Reach and the Aaron Matthew SIDS Guild of Seattle Children's Hospital.

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.

The SUDC Foundation is pleased to support Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) to combat Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

Related link: https://sudc.org/

The Punjabi American Heritage Society announces the passing of resolution ACR 267 to declare month of November as Sikh Appreciation and Awareness month in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Assembly members gave a standing ovation and warm welcome to Sikh American guests at the California State Assembly (August 21, 2018), says The Punjabi American Heritage Society. The Assembly unanimously passed resolution ACR 267 declaring the month of November as Sikh Appreciation and Awareness Month.

Similar resolutions have been passed by the California Assembly since 2010 to honor the diversity of the state of California and recognize the contributions of Sikh Americans over the last one hundred plus years.

Despite these efforts, Sikhs have faced many hate crimes and there is an urgent need for ongoing educational efforts to bring about increased awareness to put an end to these crimes.

The Punjabi American Heritage Society would like to express gratitude to Honorable Assemblyman James Gallagher for recognizing PAHS members and other Sikhs on the floor of Assembly (names included in Video clip).

We would also like to thank Honorable Assemblymen Ash Kalra, and Jim Cooper for introducing and co-authoring this resolution. We humbly request all schools, colleges and universities to have educational events during the month of November at their campuses to end ignorance and prevent bullying and hate crimes against fellow Americans.

About The Punjabi American Heritage Society:

Based in Yuba City, California, The Punjabi American Heritage Society was founded in 1993 with the purpose of promoting friendship and understanding with other communities and helping our younger generation getting connected to their roots. The Punjabi American Heritage Society is a nonprofit, non-political and secular organization. Sutter County has a 10 percent population with Punjabi roots.

More information: https://www.punjabiheritage.org/.

*Web photo caption: Dr. Jasbir S. Kang, Sukhjit K Kang, Gurjus Singh, Keerith K. Singh, Hardeep K. Singh, Ahdeesh K. Singh. www.send2press.com/wire/images/18-0823-PunjabiAmerican-696x522.jpg

California Assembly members gave a standing ovation and warm welcome to Sikh American guests at the California State Assembly (August 21, 2018), says The Punjabi American Heritage Society. The Assembly unanimously passed resolution ACR 267 declaring the month of November as Sikh Appreciation and Awareness Month.

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

City of Whittier votes to establish a new path to 5G using small cell infrastructure

WHITTIER, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- XG Communities LLC, a premier provider of wireless, asset marketing and wireless management services for cities and municipalities across the United States, announces their agreement with the City of Whittier, preparing the City for small cell applications.

Under the multi-year agreement, XG Communities will begin marketing the City's street light poles and other assets in the City's right-of-way for small cell colocation. This effort enhances the City's ability to deploy 5G wireless connectivity throughout the city.

As wireless carriers densify existing networks and get ready for 5G, it is estimated that the industry will deploy hundreds of thousands of small cells, making it increasingly difficult for cities to manage the application and deployment process. In collaboration with the carriers, XG Communities will streamline applications with a predictable process, while preserving community aesthetics and generate revenue for the City.

Monnie McGaffigan, President of XG Communities, said "We are thrilled to work with the City of Whittier. We continue to receive very positive feedback from cities and carriers regarding the huge need for an intermediary like XG, to help facilitate the process and prepare cities for the onslaught of small cell applications."

The decision for the City of Whittier to partner with XG Communities was based on maintaining local control and increasing 5G connectivity for businesses, residents, and visitors. The strong sense of Whittier's heritage stresses the protection of landmarks and the prevention of visual blight to ensure a visually pleasing community. The City and XG hope to deploy Smart City infrastructure, enhance business investment, and improve public services through the planned implementation of 5G infrastructure.

About the City of Whittier:

A city rich in traditions and history, Whittier is an attractive and desirable community nestled in Los Angeles County, California. Whittier strives to provide a well-maintained infrastructure, a safe community and an active community that ensures the City's identity and character are preserved and enhanced.

About XG Communities:

XG Communities, formerly 5 Bars Communities, is headquartered in Irvine, California. A premier provider of small cell wireless marketing plans, engineering services and comprehensive wireless strategies for cities and municipalities.

For more information, please visit http://www.xgcommunities.com

For more information, contact:
XG Communities LLC
(949) 514-4617
info@xgcommunities.com

XG Communities LLC, a premier provider of wireless, asset marketing and wireless management services for cities and municipalities across the United States, announces their agreement with the City of Whittier, California, preparing the City for small cell applications.

Related link: http://xgcommunities.com/

Rural Iowa Veterans Gain Better Medical Access Through New Telemedicine Partnership

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Clarke County Hospital in Osceola, Iowa and the Veterans Administration in Des Moines recently partnered in a telemedicine exchange offering a rural Veteran a much-needed cardiology consultation. While telemedicine services are not unique to Clarke County Hospital nor the V.A. - both of whom have offered the services for almost a decade each - a new collaboration between the two organizations offers potentially life-saving opportunities for rural veterans needing access to V.A. consultations and diagnostics.

Through Clarke County Hospital's outpatient clinic, patients in south-central Iowa and surrounding communities now have access to V.A. telemed services that before were only available through central Iowa, metro V.A. locations. These metro-based consultations often required patients to drive or to be transported for hours each way for important, sometimes life-saving, diagnostics.

With their first co-op telemed visit in June, the V.A., Clarke County Hospital, and the ailing Veteran were able to complete a cardiology session within a fraction of the travel and time previously needed for such a visit.

Brian Evans, Clarke County Hospital's CEO said, "CCH is the first Critical Access Hospital in Iowa to partner with the VA through Telemed Services. We are very excited about this new service opportunity because it allows these patients to be able to stay closer to home for visits."

Clarke County Hospital has committed to offering Cardiology telemed visits at this time and look to add other VA providers in the future.

Telemedicine services through Clarke County Hospital are currently available Monday-Friday in their newly remodeled Outpatient Clinic at 800 S. Fillmore, Osceola, IA 50213.

For more information about the Clarke County Hospital Telemedicine services, contact Ashley Davis, RN BSN, Patient Care Coordinator / Telemedicine at 641-342-5333 or Dennis Blazek, IT Manager at 641-342-5393.

Learn more at: http://www.clarkehosp.org/

Clarke County Hospital in Osceola, Iowa and the Veterans Administration in Des Moines recently partnered in a telemedicine exchange offering a rural Veteran a much-needed cardiology consultation.

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

iFOS Managing Consultants Awarded Multi-Year Financial Review Management and Resolution Program Blanket Purchase (BPA) Agreement

COLUMBIA, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions(R) (iFOS) received a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to provide Financial Review Management and Resolution Professional Services to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Agency.

The BPA award performance period is authorized for up to five (5) years.

Under the USAID BPA, iFOS' advisors and consulting professionals provide a range of financial management services and assistance including internal control assessment and development; pre-award surveys, grantee financial reviews, attestation engagements, disbursing agent functions, end use verification and trainings.

iFOS will provide specialized accounting and auditing support to implement one of USAID's foreign embassy new strategy in support of its mission.

Tawanda M. Smith, CEO noted, "Our assurance services provide the foundation we use to ensure effective monitoring of our customers' grant portfolios. Our wide variety of subject matter experts focus on internal controls to address fiscal challenges without the bureaucratic hindrances that constrain government organizations. iFOS stands ready and available to begin this engagement immediately."

About Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS)(R), LLC:

iFOS Managing Consultants, LLC is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) consulting firm specializing in audit and assurance, advisory and consulting services. The firm is certified under the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) and 8(m) programs and provides services to public and private organizations under its General Services Administration (GSA) Professional Support Services (PSS) Schedule GS-23F-0102X.

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

Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS) received a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to provide Financial Review Management and Resolution Professional Services to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Agency.

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

The City of Fresno and XG Communities announce 100 site small cell 4.9G / 5G deployment

FRESNO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, XG Communities, LLC announced the first of over 100 new 4.9G/5G small cell sites utilizing city-owned infrastructure in the City of Fresno. The network, which is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2018, will cover over half of the City with the latest wireless technology. This places Fresno as a clear market leader among the first cities nationwide to commence the roll-out of advanced small cell networks.

Together, Fresno and XG Communities have laid the groundwork for efficient, city-wide scaled deployment of next generation wireless utilizing the vertical infrastructure, fiber and conduit. The new network is foundational for technology companies and smart city initiatives which have been frustrated by the lack of progress made by national wireless carriers developing advanced small cell networks.

The network is being developed by Small Cell Partners, a Manhattan Beach, California based investment group. Although Small Cell Partners has not shared network details, it anticipates announcing 12 more XG Communities cities where it will be implementing similar next generation networks that will service both new entrant wireless providers and traditional national wireless carriers.

The network will boast 100 megabit to gigabit speeds to be optimized to support emerging smart city and IoT technologies as well as over-the-top streaming videos. Small Cell Partners also anticipates early trials of 3.5 GHz CBRS technologies.

John Clarey, CEO of XG Communities stated, "The agreement with Small Cell Partners is indicative of the beginning of a new chapter in communications utilizing next generation disruptive technologies which will change the landscape of wireless broadband delivery to consumers and businesses. You will see new names in the industry providing these new advanced technologies similar to the explosion of telecommunications after the breakup of the Bell monopolies."

He went on to state, "The next generation small cell networks will be far superior to the existing wireless networks offering higher speeds, lower latency, lower costs and better coverage."

Outdoor small cell wireless deployments have been restricted by cities and wireless carriers treating the implementations like macro tower developments. Through the work of XG Communities, in collaboration with over 30 cities nationwide, a new paradigm has been created that allows city-owned infrastructure of poles, fiber and conduit to be organized and developed by wireless providers utilizing XG's Site SeleX database and reservation system. Site SeleX boasts over 300,000 assets ready for small cell deployment.

The residents and businesses in Fresno will benefit from this new network.

About Fresno:

City of Fresno is in the Top 10 Largest Cities in California by population with around 522,000+ residents. The city has become an economic hub of the San Joaquin Valley and it is 24th for most livable city in the US for people 35 and under!

With a robust public infrastructure, Fresno = Quality Lifestyle, with a low cost of living and numerous National Parks. Learn more: https://www.fresno.gov/.

About XG:

XG Communities, formerly 5 Bars Communities, is headquartered in Irvine, California. A premier provider of small cell wireless marketing plans, engineering services and comprehensive wireless strategies for cities and municipalities.

For more information, please visit http://xgcommunities.com/.

About Small Cell Partners:

Small Cell Partners is a Manhattan Beach, California based investment group targeting 5,000 small cell site deployments nationwide over the next 12 months. Small Cell Partners networks will include both traditional wireless carriers and new entrants utilizing 4G, 5G and CBRS next generation technologies.

Today, XG Communities, LLC announced the first of over 100 new 4.9G / 5G small cell sites utilizing city-owned infrastructure in the City of Fresno. The network, which is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2018, will cover over half of the City with the latest wireless technology. This places Fresno as a clear market leader among the first cities nationwide to commence the roll-out of advanced small cell networks.

Related link: http://xgcommunities.com/