U.S. News & World Report Names TerraBella Spartanburg a Best Senior Living Award Winner

SPARTANBURG, S.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Senior living community TerraBella Spartanburg earned a top spot in the first-ever Best Senior Living rankings by U.S. News & World Report, winning in the Best Memory Care category. The 2022-2023 Best Senior Living guide is a debut offering from U.S. News & World Report, itself the foremost global authority in health ratings and consumer advice, attracting more than 50 million visitors per month.

The initiative began last fall, and used objective, independent statistical assessment of consumer satisfaction survey data gathered from nearly 2,500 Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care communities throughout the United States. The rating criteria included analysis of consumer satisfaction data across categories such as community & activity, food & dining, caregiving, and management & staff.

"It's a great honor to be recognized for excellence on this national stage," said Jarred Pearson, Executive Director of TerraBella Spartanburg. "This meaningful achievement further validates that our community's care and lifestyle programming, and most importantly, our team members, allow us to stand out and truly outshine the competition."

"Until now, families have had limited information when comparing providers of independent living, assisted living, memory care or continuing care," said Ben Harder, Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis at U.S. News & World Report. "The Best Senior Living ratings fill this informational gap with comprehensive and transparent data to help older consumers and their families identify high-quality senior living communities that meet their needs and preferences."

TerraBella Spartanburg is operated by Florida-based Discovery Senior Living, which had 34 communities across the country place atop the inaugural Best Senior Living rankings.

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

For more information about the ranking criteria, and to view winning communities, please visit the U.S. News & World Report website here: https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living

About Discovery Senior Living:

Discovery Senior Living is a family of companies that includes Discovery Management Group, Morada Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, Discovery Marketing Group, and Discovery At Home, a Medicare-certified home healthcare company. With almost three decades of experience, the award-winning management group has been developing, building, marketing, and operating upscale senior-living communities across the United States. By leveraging its innovative "Experiential Living" philosophy across a growing portfolio of more than 15,000 existing homes or homes under development, Discovery Senior Living is a recognized industry leader for lifestyle customization and, today, ranks among the 10 largest U.S. senior living operators and providers. Information: https://www.discoveryseniorliving.com/

About U.S. News & World Report:

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Senior living community TerraBella Spartanburg earned a top spot in the first-ever Best Senior Living rankings by U.S. News & World Report, winning in the Best Memory Care category. The 2022-2023 Best Senior Living guide is a debut offering from U.S. News & World Report, itself the foremost global authority in health ratings and consumer advice, attracting more than 50 million visitors per month.

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

Walmart Names Siani Probiotic Body Care as Finalist for 2022 Open Call Event: A Golden Opportunity for Small Business Growth

BENTONVILLE, Ark. /ScoopCloud/ -- Walmart selected Siani Probiotic Body Care as one of 1,200 finalists from 13,000 applications for its ninth annual Open Call event. Walmart's initiative focuses on increasing jobs in America by supporting products made, grown, or assembled in the USA.

Siani will be contending for a chance to secure a variety of deals, ranging from supplying products to a few local stores to providing hundreds of Walmart and Sam's Club locations. Jacqueline Gelardi, president of Siani, said, "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to grow our business by partnering with Walmart. If chosen, this opportunity will be the needed jump-start to build awareness of the benefits of topical probiotics. And we would love to provide more USA-based job opportunities."

Walmart chose 3 of Siani's top-selling products to compete in the open-call event: BabyBiotics®, FemBiotics™, and Pet Probiotic Spray. All 3 products are made, grown, and assembled in the USA.

Siani FemBiotics™ - Natural Probiotic Skin Care for Women

Siani's moisture-infusing, natural probiotic topical spray protects against harmful bacteria on the skin, creating an optimal environment for skin to flourish while diminishing inflammation. These probiotics assist in the reduction of yeast infections, acne, rashes, cold sores, odors, and more. Siani's all-natural probiotic skincare sprays are safe for internal and external use.

Siani BabyBiotics® - Topical Probiotic Skin Care for Babies

Awarded the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval, this award-winning topical probiotic helps ensure children's health and prevent common issues associated with newborns through adolescence.

BabyBiotics topical probiotic spray assists with diaper rash, hand-foot-mouth, ringworm, ear infections, nasal congestion, pink eye, canker/cold sores, and more. This product is especially supportive for c-section babies who did not receive the beneficial flora from the birth canal.

Siani Probiotic Pet Solutions - Natural Probiotic Spray for Pets

Siani's organically approved Probiotic Pet Solutions helps reduce vet costs by promoting immune health, preventing skin diseases, and improving faster healing. It helps to diminish itch, odors, runny eye stains, bad breath, cracked paws, and more and is for internal and external use.

About Probiotics

Probiotics are micro-organisms that help restore the beneficial bacteria that protect humans from harmful contaminants by eliminating the biofilm layer that defends destructive pathogens.

Similar to probiotics taken internally, topical probiotics provide numerous benefits. Like dietary probiotics impact your stomach's biome, probiotic skincare products promote a healthy skin biome by influencing the types of bacteria that live on your skin.

Siani's topical probiotics have good bacteria (microscopic cleaners) that break up biofilm by killing the harmful bacteria and leaving the good bacteria to thrive. The good bacteria create a protective shield against bad bacteria.

About Siani

Siani Probiotic Body Care offers a complete line of natural probiotic skincare sprays, lotions, and creams for men, women, children, babies, and pets.

Clinically tested, Siani Probiotic Body Care products reduce pathogens' ability to flourish. Carefully and ethically cultivated, Siani Probiotic Body Care products are made with nature in mind.

* Live probiotics and purified water only.

* Grown with 100% organic ingredients, Vegan-friendly, and Gluten-free.

* 100% Non-GMO, no fragrances or colorants.

* VEGAN - Pareve Probiotics.

* Never tested on animals.

* Made in the USA.

In light of growing concern about viruses, the strength of Siani's regular line of skincare sprays has been doubled to add more protection with no increase in sale price. These probiotic skincare sprays can be applied everywhere on the body to fight pathogens, which cause a whole host of problems, including diaper rash, cold sores, jock itch, acne, yeast infections, and more.

Based in Florida, Siani is owned and operated by three women dedicating their time to improving health on local, national, and international levels.

For further research and information, learn more at https://probioticbodycare.com

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 230 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2022 revenue of $573 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any changes to your health care regimen.

MULTIMEDIA:

Product Image: https://probioticbodycare.com/wp-content/uploads/image-of-siani-probiotic-skin-care-slider-with-all-products-1.jpg

Logo: https://probioticbodycare.com/wp-content/uploads/image-of-siani-logo-300px.jpg

Walmart selected Siani Probiotic Body Care as one of 1,200 finalists from 13,000 applications for its ninth annual Open Call event. Walmart's initiative focuses on increasing jobs in America by supporting products made, grown, or assembled in the USA.

Related link: https://probioticbodycare.com/

The Obsidian WROTE Collection and Black Writers Workspace Launch Writing Competition for Black Creators

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- Black writers, bloggers, journalists, poets, songwriters, and screenwriters now have a place to showcase their work, find writing jobs, win cash prizes, and collaborate with peers. The Black Writers Collaborative, a new literary competition designed to empower writers with a flair for crafting culture-infused works of art, is the latest brainchild of The Obsidian WROTE Collection, a Chicago-based content marketing platform designed to connect Black writers to top industry brands looking to amplify African American voices, and the Black Writers Workspace, a New Orleans-based online community of over 13,000 new and independent writers.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/BCCWROTE.

"Black writers are telling the stories of this time in history," said Michelle D. Jackson, author, and founder of the Black Writers Workspace. "Not only are we historians; we are lyrists, playwrights, authors, reporters, and poets committed to sharing our life experiences with the world, our way. The Collaborative gives voice to writers who never felt our stories mattered and now appreciates the growing marketplace for our craft."

Known in many circles as the Black writer's 'LinkedIn,' the Obsidian WROTE hopes to utilize the Collaborative to build a pipeline of qualified writers by inspiring participants to create a free profile and share their work on the platform.

"It's time for Black writers to reclaim our narrative and reshape the Black experience," said Angela Ford, Founder and Executive Director of The Obsidian Collection Archives. "WROTE is a marketplace that connects brands, media outlets, and agencies with Black voices with the hope that they can profit from their stories. That's why our partnership with the Collaborative provides an opportunity for more Black voices to be highlighted and heard."

To participate, writers must create an Obsidian WROTE profile and submit a 5-8-page response to the following writing prompt: What Black leader or literary legend inspired me the most? Or writers can submit 5-8 pages of any culture-infused written work of art. Submissions can be a fictional or non-fictional narrative, screenplay, song, or journalistic article. There is no fee to participate. To register, visit https://bit.ly/BCCWROTE. The deadline is August 15, 2022.

The top winner will receive $500 cash, access to The Obsidian Collection of Black media images, and a Black Writers Workspace promotional package worth over $750. The second and third place winners will receive $250 and $150 cash and a Black Writers Workspace promotional package.

To learn more, visit the website or email Michelle Jackson at events@prsolutionsllc.org.

To join the Black Writers Workspace, follow the group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwritersworkspace

MEDIA CONTACT: marketing@prsolutionsllc.org.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.theobsidiancollection.org/

Black writers, bloggers, journalists, poets, songwriters, and screenwriters now have a place to showcase their work, find writing jobs, win cash prizes, and collaborate with peers. The Black Writers Collaborative, a new literary competition designed to empower writers with a flair for crafting culture-infused works of art, is the latest brainchild of The Obsidian WROTE Collection, and the Black Writers Workspace.

Church of Scientology Helps Nonprofit Strike Out Against Drugs

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In the heart of Hollywood, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles joined forces with local nonprofit Strike Out Against Drugs in a musical tribute to drug-free living.

Visitors to the Hollywood Walk of Fame on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking were treated to a different kind of rock concert this year. On a stage just outside the Scientology Public Information Center on Hollywood Boulevard, the nonprofit Strike Out Against Drugs organized the concert. And the message of those performing was: Learn the truth about drugs. Because knowing about something that can hurt you is half the battle of being able to defeat it.

Strike Out Against Drugs founder David Sanchez knows what he's talking about when he speaks about the importance of drug education. Introduced to marijuana by a neighbor at the age of 9, he soon progressed to heroin and crystal meth, and from there to a life of crime. By the time he was 18 he was serving time in jail and ended up doing so for a total of 22 years.

When he finally got himself off drugs in 2012, he opened a sober living facility called Beacon of Hope to help former addicts transition to a drug-free, crime-free life.

He and most of the men in his facility started on drugs when they were kids, which is why he is so passionate about reaching kids before they become statistics.

"I had to find an organization that was like-minded, that had the will and the want to get out there and make a change in the community," Sanchez says in an episode of "Voices for Humanity" on the Scientology Network. "Drug-Free World has the facts about drugs, the truth about drugs."

Learning that the Church of Scientology Los Angeles is active with the program locally, he visited the Church and they provided him with all the materials and assistance he needed to get his drug prevention program off the ground.

Sanchez delivers drug education in local schools. And he brings former addicts with him to talk to kids about what drugs are and what they do. "We are real people telling our real stories," he says. And he finds the Foundation for a Drug-Free World's youth-friendly materials get through to kids that the smartest thing they can do is to make the firm decision not to experiment with drugs.

To make his initiative available to anyone, anywhere in and around Los Angeles, Sanchez bought and refurbished a minibus, turning it into a mobile drug prevention theater where he shows the Foundation for a Drug-Free World public service announcements and "Truth About Drugs: Real People, Real Stories" documentary. He parks the bus at events, festivals-anywhere people gather.

To date, David Sanchez has reached over 1.5 million people with its anti-drug message and has changed the lives of countless kids.

"If I can keep one person, one kid, from having that type of lifestyle," says Sanchez, "then I've done my job, and I'm very proud to be able to do that."

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs."

Noting the role substance abuse plays in the disintegration of the social fabric, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs."

Foundation for a Drug-Free World was formed in 2006 to serve as the primary distributor of educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends. The Foundation has grown to a network of some 200 chapters around the world. Thanks to the support of the Church of Scientology and Scientologists, it provides the Truth About Drugs secular program and materials free of charge to drug educators worldwide.

Voices for Humanity is a Scientology Network original series of short documentaries introducing changemakers from all faiths, cultures and nations as they extend help to their communities through Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

Since launching with a special episode featuring Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320 and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/david-sanchez.html

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/95biwRmra1k

In the heart of Hollywood, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles joined forces with local nonprofit Strike Out Against Drugs in a musical tribute to drug-free living. Visitors to the Hollywood Walk of Fame on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking were treated to a different kind of rock concert this year.

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

Move For Hunger and SML Relocation Renew Partnership to Fight Food Waste and Hunger Across the United States

NEPTUNE, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Simple Moving Labor Relocation (SML), a nationwide moving service company, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, have renewed their partnership for the 5th time to continue their fight against hunger and food waste throughout the United States.

Move For Hunger was founded in 2009 by Adam Lowy, and has provided more than 27 million pounds of food, equaling over 23 million meals, to food pantries and banks across the United States. Since the pandemic started, Move For Hunger has had to meet the growing need of food insecurity in the United States and Canada, where 42 million Americans and 1 in 8 Canadians struggle with hunger.

SML Relocation's partnership with Move for Hunger is unique in that they contribute quarterly based on the direct consumer fundraising they do each quarter. With their fundraising campaign, they invite customers to donate at the time of booking, and then, as a company, match the customer donations. SML Relocation become a partner with Move For Hunger in 2018 and has since provided more than 78,700 meals through monetary contributions to food insecure communities across the nation.

"SML is proud to support this organization in its mission to fight hunger and reduce food waste," says Josh Barnes, vice president of SML Relocation. "Every day across the country millions of individuals are food insecure; our partnership with Move For Hunger provides the most logical way for SML to positively affect real and meaningful change in people's lives."

Move For Hunger has a network of more than 1,100 moving companies, 3,000 multifamily apartment communities, and many of the world's leading relocation management companies, that collect unopened, non-perishable food and deliver it to local food banks.

"We are beyond thankful for 5 years of partnership with SML and the ability to work with each partner in a way that makes the biggest impact on food insecure communities," said Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger.

About Move For Hunger:

Move For Hunger, a 501(c)(3), is working to end hunger and food waste in America. 42 million Americans struggle with hunger while 35% of the food produced in this country goes to waste. By mobilizing moving companies, multifamily apartment communities, corporations, and volunteers, Move For Hunger has delivered more than 27 million pounds of food to food banks - providing 23 million meals for those in need.

Get your company involved by registering to hold a food drive, fundraiser, or team building opportunity. Visit Move For Hunger to learn more about their work at www.moveforhunger.org

Simple Moving Labor Relocation (SML), a nationwide moving service company, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, have renewed their partnership for the 5th time to continue their fight against hunger and food waste throughout the United States.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

Dining Out Jersey’s 2nd Annual Foodie Expo Features North Jersey’s Best Restaurants, Gourmet Food Shops and More

PARAMUS, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dining Out Media LLC will be hosting the 2nd Annual Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo on Thursday July 14, 2022 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, New Jersey. The event will feature North Jersey's best restaurants, gourmet food shops, BBQ, craft beer, wine, and spirits, as well as celebrity guests, music, and other food-related vendors.

The event will be held in the main ballroom as well as BBQ and grilling on the rooftop. Some food trucks are also scheduled to participate. Participating businesses are primarily from Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Morris counties.

"We originally saw this as an opportunity to support local restaurants and small businesses that were adversely affected by the recent events while at the same time giving area residents an excuse to get out and enjoy themselves again. This year we will continue the tradition," said Paul Turpanjian, Publisher of Dining Out Jersey Magazine.

Guests will enjoy the festivities which will include food tastings across a wide variety of cuisines from the area's top restaurants. Paid admission gives guests access to all.

"We are looking forward to giving local foodies an opportunity to get out once again and be entertained while enjoying the savory and sweet flavors that our many fine North Jersey restaurants are famous for," said Turpanjian.

"The restaurant industry was the hardest hit during the pandemic. Now these businesses are hoping to gain more exposure and make up for what was lost, which makes what is now our 2nd Annual food festival a very important one," added Turpanjian.

Dining Out Jersey Magazine is North Jersey's preeminent lifestyle magazine focusing on dining out and other food-centric content.

For further info or tickets go to: https://www.diningoutjersey.com/dining-out-jersey-foodie-expo-2022/

Venue information: https://www.theterracenj.com/

Dining Out Media LLC will be hosting the 2nd Annual Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo on Thursday July 14, 2022 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, New Jersey. The event will feature North Jersey's best restaurants, gourmet food shops, BBQ, craft beer, wine, and spirits, as well as celebrity guests, music, and other food-related vendors.

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

Ruoff Mortgage Selects ACES Quality Management & Control to Improve Loan Quality Enterprise-wide Across Multiple Product Lines

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, announced that Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc. (Ruoff Mortgage), a full-service residential mortgage lender, has selected its flagship audit platform ACES Quality Management & Control® Software to support the company's origination and servicing quality control (QC) audits.

"By prioritizing compliance and loan quality, lenders can gain deeper business insights while staying ahead of ever-changing regulatory requirements. Given Ruoff Mortgage's 70 retail locations throughout the Midwest, as well as its online reach to 45 states, there's a significant amount of compliance ground to cover," said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. "Our technology enables lenders to ensure compliance at all levels while also providing lenders with the flexibility to align our system with their unique needs and internal structure to improve internal reviews, communication and defect remediation, with the overall goal of reducing risk and enhancing loan quality."

Ruoff Mortgage selected ACES to help support its quality assurance, quality control and internal audit processes enterprise-wide to help track loan quality and effectively and quickly identify, communicate and remediate exceptions. Using ACES managed questionnaires, action planning capabilities and the ACES CONNECT communication portal, Ruoff Mortgage can seamlessly review 300 loans monthly while communicating report findings internally and reviewing its quality control and assurance procedures.

"ACES will tremendously improve our audit accuracy and produce clear, easy-to-read reports in minutes," said Diana Ringer, Chief Compliance Officer at Ruoff Mortgage. "It will help increase productivity, efficiency and quality, all while controlling overall costs."

About Ruoff:

Ruoff Mortgage is a full-service residential mortgage company with 70+ retail locations and originates in 45 states through their online consumer direct division. They have been recognized by several prominent industry publications such as the Scotsman Guide's list of Top Mortgage Lenders and Mortgage Executive Magazine's Top 100 Mortgage Companies in America and have been listed on the Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies for nine years in a row. Ruoff Mortgage has a 98.2% customer satisfaction rating, as compiled by CX leader, Customerville. For more information, visit www.ruoff.com.

About ACES Quality Management:

ACES Quality Management is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. The nation's most prominent lenders, servicers and financial institutions rely on ACES Quality Management & Control® Software to improve audit throughput and quality while controlling costs, including:

* 4 of the top 5 and more than 50% of the top 50 independent mortgage lenders;

* 7 of the top 10 loan servicers;

* 11 of the top 30 banks; and

* 1 of the top 3 credit unions in the USA.

Unlike other quality control platforms, only ACES delivers Flexible Audit Technology®, which gives independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions the ability to easily manage and customize ACES to meet their business needs without having to rely on IT or other outside resources. Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit www.acesquality.com or call 1-800-858-1598.

ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, announced that Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc. (Ruoff Mortgage), a full-service residential mortgage lender, has selected its flagship audit platform ACES Quality Management & Control® Software to support the company's origination and servicing quality control (QC) audits.

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

GridBright® completes Oracle Utilities Network Management System (NMS) implementation at Colquitt EMC, extending the reach of full-featured utility network management

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- State-of-the-art electric utility network management systems are no longer only possible in the realm of large utility organizations. The needed sophistication to manage the modern grid does not recognize any utility network as too small to pose operating challenges. But the cost of these systems can be too high for smaller utilities to absorb. GridBright, in its implementation of Oracle Utilities Network Management System at Colquitt, has changed the game for smaller but not less essential utility operations.

"In the past, many COOP utilities could not afford the cost of implementing a full feature NMS. We changed that by developing a template to implement NMS/OMS at smaller utilities cutting implementation costs significantly," said Tom Servas, executive vice president at GridBright.

GridBright is a member of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN).

At Colquitt, GridBright implemented Oracle Network Management System over 12 months. The implementation spanned the project's entire lifecycle from "March 2021" to "February 2022" and included the integration of outage map capabilities from DataCapable.

"From start to finish, the project was amazing and has dramatically increased our ability to manage not only outages, but the resources involved in restoring power to our members. Gridbright's approach made an affordable deployment of Oracle Network Management System possible. Engaging GridBright was the right move and took the worry out of our migration. Everyone involved with our project brought a wealth of knowledge, quality, and commitment to meeting our goals," said Jeffery Patterson, vice president, Information Technology at Colquitt EMC.

This advance in the viability of more cost-efficient NMS implementation is timely as the US Government begins the implementation of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In addition, there is a specific focus on technology enhancing grid flexibility and the cyber threats presented to rural and municipal utilities, specifically in that legislation.

"With Colquitt's project as a blueprint, COOPs can now implement Oracle's Network Management System at a price that works for them," said Brad Williams, vice president of Industry Strategy at Oracle Energy and Water. "Now, COOPs can benefit from a full-featured solution that enables them to manage every piece for their operation - from distribution to customer-owned grid devices, to improve reliability and customer service even in the most extreme circumstances."

With more than 30% of Americans being served by public power utilities or MUNIs, it is expected that utilities like Colquitt will require NMS offerings like Oracle's Network Management System to support achieving the national energy goals of the IIJA. With GridBright's approach, the cost is decreasing as a barrier to these utilities' ability to implement network management systems that meet their challenges.

About GridBright®:

GridBright is a consulting firm specializing in secure grid systems integration. We provide a comprehensive set of utility systems strategy consulting, business case development, procurement process support, and system implementation and integration services. Our capabilities span all domains of information and operations technologies and systems deployed in utilities across the United States. Learn more at: https://www.gridbright.com/

Trademarks: Oracle, Java, and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.

State-of-the-art electric utility network management systems are no longer only possible in the realm of large utility organizations. The needed sophistication to manage the modern grid does not recognize any utility network as too small to pose operating challenges. But the cost of these systems can be too high for smaller utilities to absorb. GridBright, in its implementation of Oracle Utilities Network Management System at Colquitt, has changed the game for smaller but not less essential utility operations.

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

FMTC Safety Continues Expansion with On-Site Training & Instruction Acquisition

HOUMA, La. /ScoopCloud/ -- FMTC Safety is continuing its global expansion in the Offshore, Wind, Maritime, and Industry sectors by acquiring Houma-based On-Site Training & Instruction. With this acquisition, the Houma location now offers certified OPITO training, a safety training for Oil, Gas, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workers. Later this year, the company will obtain the certified STCW accreditation and offer various STCW training courses, safety training for seafarers which will make FMTC Safety the first and only one-stop-shop for workplace safety courses in the USA.

Besides Houma, FMTC has five locations in The Netherlands, one in Dunkirk, France, and one in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. FMTC offers compliant training according to domestic and international accrediting standards such as GWO, STCW, OSHA, OPITO, and customized training for all sectors.

International certification, same family business:

The acquisition of On-Site Training & Instruction by FMTC Safety originates from a solid 3-year partnership between the two companies. The partnership in Houma was FMTC's first international experience and turned FMTC from a national Dutch company into a global company. Acquiring the Houma location is seen as the start of expanding further in the USA.

By combining the strengths of both companies, the Houma location is now able to offer training in accordance with the OSHA standards, and the newest international standards. In addition, the facilities have been improved, and courses can now be booked online at any given moment the client prefers. In addition, FMTC guarantees that courses always take place, even with just one trainee. Besides these modernizations of the Houma-based company, the course additions, and the new name, the company is still run by the same trusted employees.

Kaylab Verdin, Center Manager FMTC Houma: "We are delighted that FMTC decided to invest in our company in Houma. FMTC understands our unique company culture. We now work under the FMTC banner, but we are still the same devoted family business. And even though Winona 'Bebe' Mahler McElroy, the founder of On-Site, has now retired, her son Alfred Fox is still as involved as always as we continue to help our clients to the safest work environments with our dedicated team."

First woman founder and CEO:

Winona "Bebe" Mahler McElroy founded On-Site in 1989. She was the first woman founder and CEO in the male-dominated safety industry. Breaking through tradition and stereotypes, Winona McElroy became the first woman firefighter in Houma. She was known for taking every possible safety training she could, which eventually led to her being asked to teach a Hazmat training, a course for dealing with dangerous substances. Soon many other companies caught on and asked her to be their safety instructor as well.

"At that time, I was driving around Houma with a 10 lb. extinguisher in my jeep and I was getting paid by teaching hundreds of men working with hazardous material. As a woman, when I proactively started offering safety courses to companies, many thought I was just a sales representative. They were all amazed that I was the one teaching the courses and it was my company. This is how I got started and founded On-Site Training & Instruction in the late eighties. I am happy that On-Site is in such good hands with FMTC and they continue to bring safety to the workplace!"

About FMTC Safety:

FMTC Safety is the safety training center for Offshore training, Wind training, Maritime training, and Industry training offering certified training according to international standards. The company's goal is to smartly and sustainably enhance safety in the workplace with respect for people, the planet, and the environment. FMTC's unique selling point is its client-based approach. The client always decides when they want to train and where the training will take place. At this moment, FMTC has 9 training locations around the world. Two locations are in The Netherlands, one in Dunkirk, France, one in Houma, Louisiana, USA, and one in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

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

RELATED LINKS:

https://fmtcsafety.com/us/courses/stcw-basic-safety-training/

FMTC Safety is continuing its global expansion in the Offshore, Wind, Maritime, and Industry sectors by acquiring Houma-based On-Site Training & Instruction. With this acquisition, the Houma location now offers certified OPITO training, a safety training for Oil, Gas, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workers.

Related link: https://fmtcsafety.com/

Los Angeles Resident Advances in The World’s Largest Speech Contest

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Toastmaster Harriet Kamakil Brown, of Los Angeles, California, rose among more than 70 local contestants to win the district-level competition of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest, Toastmasters District 52 announced today. Kamakil Brown advances to the region quarterfinal round of the contest, competing for one of 28 spots in the semifinals, to be held in a hybrid format on Thursday, Aug. 18. From there, eight contestants will advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking®, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 21, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kamakil Brown, a Prepared Speakers Toastmasters Club member in Glendale, California, surpassed fierce competition to win over the judges with her speech, "This One." Her presentation touched on the themes of self-improvement, thankfulness, and resilience. When it comes to connecting with an audience, she said, "Take a deep breath, don't take yourself too seriously, focus on the message you have to deliver and be grateful for the privilege to be able to share it with your audience."

Kamakil Brown will compete with up to 122 other winners from Districts around the world who advance to the 2022 region quarterfinal round after winning their club, Area, Division and District speech competitions like she did. Their five- to seven-minute speeches were judged on content, delivery, and language.

"I joined Toastmasters International because I come from a country where women are seen, but barely heard," says Toastmaster Kamakil Brown. "I always enjoyed writing and communication, but I had to improve my public speaking skills... Now I can also share my story verbally." Kamakil Brown is a Field Representative for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, a bridge for government organizations that have an interest in information on nonimmigrants whose primary reason for coming to the United States is to be students.

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest began in 1938 and is the world's largest speech contest, involving 30,000 participants from 149 countries. It culminates with the famous World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the organization's International Convention.

About Toastmasters District 52:

District 52 comprises more than 90 corporate and community Toastmasters clubs in Burbank, Glendale, Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, San Fernando Valley, Valencia, Calabazas, and Malibu.

To learn more about District 52 please visit: https://www.district52.org/ and http://www.d52.me/MeetUp

About Toastmasters International:

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 300,000 in more than 15,800 clubs in 149 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org/. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Toastmaster Harriet Kamakil Brown, of Los Angeles, California, rose among more than 70 local contestants to win the district-level competition of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest, Toastmasters District 52 announced today. Kamakil Brown advances to the region quarterfinal round of the contest, competing for one of 28 spots in the semifinals, to be held in a hybrid format on Thursday, Aug. 18.

Related link: https://www.district52.org/

MAGLITE® and American Paramedic Association Partner with Pedestrian Safety Institute, Promoting Traffic and Pedestrian Safety During July: The Deadliest Month of The Year

ONTARIO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Maglite brand partners up with the American Paramedics Association (APA) and the Pedestrian Safety Institute (PSI) to support traffic and pedestrian safety during the deadliest month of the year. According to the PSI, July maintains the highest rate of traffic related fatalities specifically with those of pedestrians. The days surrounding July 4th are particularly dangerous.

"Paramedics are those that treat the injured and see the deaths up close from traffic fatalities and want to urge people to be more cautious so that we can respond to less of these tragedies," said Andrew Stephen, Executive Director of APA. "Any time a paramedic is out of their vehicle, the goal is to be visible. Why should it be any different for pedestrians?"

Darkness and low-visibility play a significant role in pedestrian deaths. In fact, more than 70% of fatalities happen at dawn, dusk or night. Maglite and the American Paramedic Association are on a mission to illuminate the dangers of driving in low-visibility conditions to reduce deaths and injuries. In order to raise awareness, they are distributing press materials and alerting the media about the dangers pedestrians will face in the coming months, while also promoting National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month.

National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month was created by the Pedestrian Safety Institute with the goal of educating and urging drivers to use caution while driving during this time of year.

"There are simple ways to reduce the number of deaths due to pedestrian traffic accidents - carry a bright flashlight, wear reflective clothing and be cautious, especially around fast-moving traffic," said Tony Maglica, founder and CEO of Mag Instrument, Inc., manufacturer of the Maglite® Flashlight.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), more than 6,700 pedestrians died in vehicle related accidents in 2020, up from 6,412 the year before. GHSA projected that pedestrian fatality rate increased nearly 20% as deaths climbed sharply despite people driving less during the pandemic. Preliminary data from 2021 indicates yet another increase in pedestrian deaths.

American Paramedics Association, https://americanparamedics.org/

Mag Instrument, manufacturer of the MAGLITE® flashlight, https://maglite.com

The Maglite brand partners up with the American Paramedics Association (APA) and the Pedestrian Safety Institute (PSI) to support traffic and pedestrian safety during the deadliest month of the year. According to the PSI, July maintains the highest rate of traffic related fatalities specifically with those of pedestrians. The days surrounding July 4th are particularly dangerous.

Related link: https://maglite.com/

Utah Youth Soccer Partners with Stack Sports and CaptainU To Increase Opportunities For Athletes

PLANO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Utah Youth Soccer - originated in 1978, and is the authorized state youth soccer association of Utah and is affiliated with the U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Soccer, and the U.S. Olympic Committee - announced today a new partner in CaptainU, powered by Stack Sports, to help more athletes find college opportunities.

CaptainU, a self-managed recruiting software tool that connects high school athletes and college coaches across the country, is the best way to connect with college coaches and get recruited. This partnership allows Utah Soccer athletes and parents instant access to every college soccer coach in the country, while increasing CaptainU's exposure in the college soccer recruiting world.

"We are excited to be working with CaptainU to increase the access to college sports for our athletes in the state of Utah," said Bryan Attridge, CEO of Utah Youth Soccer. "This partnership will provide our athletes, parents, coaches, and teams access to expert recruiting tools and resources to further enhance their soccer journeys."

Through this partnership, Utah Youth Soccer athletes will receive a free recruiting profile and highly discounted upgraded plans, coaches are eligible for free CaptainU College accounts, teams are eligible for a free CaptainU Teams accounts, and more. (More information: https://www.captainu.com/get-started?tag=event&event_id=265648&campaign&sport=soccer)

"We are thrilled to be extending the partnership with Utah Youth Soccer and providing them with new solutions to enhance their already great development programs," said Brandon Hollmann, General Manager of CaptainU. "Assisting college coaches, teams, and athletes throughout the recruiting process is what we do best, and teaming up with Utah Soccer is a great opportunity to continue our mission.

About Utah Youth Soccer:

Utah Youth Soccer originated in 1978 and is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors solely for the benefit of Utah's children. Reaching nearly 60,000 players across the state, UYSA is the only soccer organization in Utah that offers a diverse range of services and innovative programs to meet the needs of a membership with varied abilities, backgrounds, and financial means.

About CaptainU:

CaptainU empowers athletes to take their game to the next level through recruiting and discovery tools to connect with clubs, events and colleges. More than 3 million high school athletes, college coaches, club coaches and tournament directors have used CaptainU tools to network, build relationships, and build championship teams. CaptainU was founded in 2008 and now powers the recruiting journey for partners like AAU, USA Gymnastics, Utah Soccer, and USRowing. To learn more about CaptainU, visit http://www.captainu.com/.

About Stack Sports:

With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars - Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

Utah Youth Soccer - originated in 1978, and is the authorized state youth soccer association of Utah and is affiliated with the U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Soccer, and the U.S. Olympic Committee - announced today a new partner in CaptainU, powered by Stack Sports, to help more athletes find college opportunities.

Related link: https://stacksports.com/

Klingenstein Fields Advisors Opens New Office and Adds Senior Business Development and Advisory Resource

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Klingenstein Fields Advisors (KF Advisors) is excited to announce the opening of an office in West Palm Beach to serve the south Florida market. The establishment of a physical presence in south Florida demonstrates the firm's long-standing commitment to the market and provides a home base from which to operate.

"We recognize that many of our clients spend a portion of their time in Florida, and we wanted to provide a local presence they could easily access. In addition, Florida is a dynamic market with strong growth prospects for us. This gives us 'feet on the ground' to help accelerate our growth," said Kenneth D. Pollinger, Chairman & Co-CEO of KF Advisors.

Heading up the West Palm Beach Office will be a new addition to the KF Advisors team, John A. Pavela, CFA, Managing Director. John brings strong experience in wealth and investment management and will be responsible for new business development and managing client relationships, providing guidance on a range of wealth, planning, and investment management issues. John was most recently with BMO Wealth Management as Regional Director of Investments. Prior to that, he held leadership roles in Investment Management, Wealth Management, and Trust Administration at First Union National Bank (later known as Wachovia National Bank). John began his career at LaSalle National Bank & Trust in Chicago.

He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society of South Florida. John earned a B.S. in Finance from Florida State University and received an M.B.A. in Finance from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University.

"John really knows the Florida market and has a deep knowledge of the complex issues faced by wealthy individuals and families. We found that his approach and client-first mindset really align well with that of KF Advisors. We are fortunate to have him heading up our Florida effort," said James Fields, President and Co-CEO of KF Advisors.

About Klingenstein Fields Advisors:

Klingenstein Fields Advisors represents two privately held independent Registered Investment Advisors managing approximately $4.0 billion in assets. The firm offers a full array of wealth, planning, and investment management to a broad array of individuals, families, and institutions.

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

Klingenstein Fields Advisors (KF Advisors) is excited to announce the opening of an office in West Palm Beach to serve the south Florida market. The establishment of a physical presence in south Florida demonstrates the firm's long-standing commitment to the market and provides a home base from which to operate.

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

LegalStream, LLC Launches The Largest Online Directory Of Personal Injury Attorneys and Healthcare Providers In America

SAN ANTONIO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- First established in 2019, LegalStream, a U.S. based SaaS company, today announced their brand new APP to help streamline your personal injury case, and they did it right here in San Antonio, Texas. LegalStream has stepped up, filled the communication gap plaguing the personal injury business, and has developed an online directory of the largest networks of personal injury attorneys and healthcare providers across the nation. With LegalStream's online directory, you can easily search for an attorney by specialty and location to help find the best attorney, and present your case immediately.

LegalStream offers a forward-thinking solution that breaks the barriers of traditional communication between parties in a personal injury case. It is user-friendly, and helps track all patient information on one single platform in the palm of your hands.

With LegalStream's national network of attorneys, you will find high-quality and highly-rated attorneys to assist you with your case. In a few simple steps using their online directory, you can easily search from and select the right attorney to review your case. Once connected, you will have access to your case anywhere at any time, right at your fingertips, with the ability to track case progress, medical information, and speak directly to both your attorney's office and healthcare providers office all from the LegalStream app, ensuring you never lose track of your personal injury case.

"We're focused on the message "Personal Injury, Streamlined." Our system is capable of serving all aspects of the management side of any personal injury case, and when we built it, we found out we were able to help attorneys & providers as well, given that the portal is 100% HIPAA Compliant," said company COO, Johnny Soto. "Using our network of peers, we were able to establish a foundation for the quality and class of the attorneys and healthcare providers and facilities in our initial database of potential representation for incoming plaintiffs who were presenting their case for the first time. This helped to build trust and authority in the San Antonio area, and we've looking to syndicate that nationally so Plaintiff's will always feel safe trusting LegalStream for their personal injury cases."

LegalStream has developed a 100% secure, HIPAA-compliant portal, that allows seamless communication between patient, provider, & attorney during the ongoing personal injury process, taking away all the pain of dealing with heavy support tasks associated with those phone calls & emails, letting you get back to your day-to-day life, without ever becoming worried that you're just not paying close enough attention to your personal injury matters, and ultimately, your settlement.

To find out more about how LegalStream is changing Personal Injury Law, how cases are handled and settlements decided, visit MyLegalStream.com today and present your case, or include your firm, or medical facility on their rapidly expanding platform, absolutely FREE.

About LegalStream:

Based in San Antonio, Texas, LegalStream is a privately held SaaS-company, specializing in Personal Injury Law, founded in 2019. The company provides white-glove plaintiff, attorney, & healthcare communication services for a variety of personal injury scenarios. LegalStream's executive team carries more than 40 years of direct experience handling communications between claimants, attorneys, & healthcare providers related to personal injury cases. Learn more: https://mylegalstream.com/.

LegalStream® is a registered trademark in the U.S. and Europe.

VIDEO (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/716422111

First established in 2019, LegalStream, a U.S. based SaaS company, today announced their brand new APP to help streamline your personal injury case, and they did it right here in San Antonio, Texas. LegalStream has stepped up, filled the communication gap plaguing the personal injury business, and has developed an online directory of the largest networks of personal injury attorneys and healthcare providers across the nation.

Related link: https://mylegalstream.com/

As California’s New Mandatory Responsible Beverage Service Certification Deadline Looms, San Francisco Wine School Offers ABC Accredited Live Training For 1 Million Servers In Need

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The State of California has issued a new mandate for Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification, for all 56,000 licensed businesses in California where alcohol is served that goes into effect this Friday, July 1, San Francisco Wine School (SFWS) announced today.

The brand-new training and certification requirement is mandatory for everyone from servers to bartenders to bouncers, anyone who is part of the on-premise alcohol sales and service process for consumers. These individuals and their managers must be trained through an approved RBS program and pass the California's Department of Alcohol Beverage Control's (ABC) certification exam by August 31, 2022.

On-premise licensees who do not have all alcoholic beverage service staff and managers certified by this date will be out of compliance with the ABC when enforcement begins. This legislation was part of Assembly bills 1221 and 82, which charged the ABC to create this training and certification process. There are only a handful of certifying organizations within the state like San Francisco Wine School, (SFWS) whose program is approved by the ABC to offer live, instructor-led training online, at their education and event center in South San Francisco, and at client locations throughout the state.

A noted certification-focused wine education and event organization, SFWS has been in operation since 2011, offering 25 different programs, along with a wide array of workshops, public events, and private experiences for both trade and consumers. Recognizing that this mandate needed to serve a wide audience in a short period of time, co-owners David Glancy, MS and Kristin Campbell jumped into action and began developing their program last year. SFWS has their 4-hour certification class available publicly on July 26, August 22, and September 27 for a cost of $45 per person with opportunities for group discounts. In addition, the school offers groups, associations, and individual wineries, bars, and restaurants this training privately, allowing them to focus discussions on areas and examples that are most relevant to their particular business. SFWS' RBS program is also expected to be available in Spanish in the coming weeks.

According to Campbell, "RBS training educates persons seeking employment or who are currently employed as servers for on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages. It aims to provide these important staff and managers with the necessary skills to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages and mitigate alcohol-related harm in California communities. We used our deep industry knowledge to create a curriculum that is in strict compliance with the ABC's requirements with the goal of successful certification for all students and are one of only ten approved "in-person" providers authorized to teach live throughout the state." SFWS has also pioneered hybrid room/zoom offerings during the pandemic where attendees can either attend live in-person or online and receive custom tasting kits across the US when wine is part of the experience. "Using our state-of-the-art AV system for RBS training will allow us to conveniently and effectively train servers across the state and minimize travel expenses for those who want to participate from home or work."

Important to note, TIPS, ServeSafe, and LEAD programs and certification completed prior to May 2021 do NOT satisfy the requirements for California's Responsible Beverage Service Certification.

How the RBS Training and Certification Process Works at San Francisco Wine School

Once registered for a training program at https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/rbs, each on-premise server and manager is required to register with the ABC at https://abcbiz.abc.ca.gov/ before the program start date and pay a $3 fee to obtain their Server ID. This Server ID is presented to SFWS who then certifies their class participation after the training, thereby opening their exam. They must then pass the ABC's online RBS exam with a score of 70% or higher within 3 attempts after completion of the program to earn the state mandated RBS certification.

About California's Responsible Beverage Service Training Program Act and Related Certification:

Passage of California Assembly Bill 1221 in 2017 created the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program Act. The bill required the Alcoholic Beverage Control to create the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program (RBSTP) to ensure servers and their managers of alcoholic beverages are educated on the dangers of serving alcohol to minors and over-serving alcohol to patrons with the intention of reducing alcohol-related harm to local communities. The mandate creates a new training requirement for roughly 1,000,000 alcohol servers and managers of alcohol servers at an estimated 56,000 ABC licensees with on-premise alcohol sales privileges. The alcohol servers and managers who work at those locations must register with the ABC, be trained by an ABC approved program, and pass an ABC exam to be certified within 60 days of the enactment or after their first date of employment whichever is later.

This certification must be renewed every 3 years by all alcohol servers as mandated by these new regulations.

The passing of Assembly Bill 82, on June 29, 2020, extended the date in which this requirement is enacted to July 1, 2022. This change was made to alleviate the financial strain on the hospitality industry caused by the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Effective July 1, 2022, all alcohol servers and their managers must obtain a valid RBS certification though an ABC accredited RBS training provider within 60 calendar days from the effective date or their first date of employment. Uncertified Servers, Managers and Licensees will be out of compliance with this law beginning August 31, 2022, when enforcement begins.

To learn more about SFWS' RBS program, visit here or contact help@sfwineschool.com or 650-763-1324: https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/products/responsible-beverage-service

For media inquiries, images, or interviews, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064.

PHOTO Link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/22-0628-s2p-sfwschhol-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Photo Credit: San Francisco Wine School

RELATED LINKS:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB82

The State of California has issued a new mandate for Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification, for all 56,000 licensed businesses in California where alcohol is served that goes into effect this Friday, July 1, San Francisco Wine School (SFWS) announced today.

Related link: https://sanfranciscowineschool.com/

Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach Merge, Appoint Richard Harris as CEO

OWINGS MILLS, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, and Mortgage Coach, a platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive home loan presentations, today announced their merger and the appointment of SaaS executive Richard Harris as CEO.

Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach have been working toward the merger since LLR Partners' investment in the firms, which was announced in January.

Founded in 2009, Mortgage Coach is an award-winning platform that gives borrowers the confidence to make a home loan decision by providing educational presentations that model loan performance over time. Established in 2017, Sales Boomerang launched the first automated borrower intelligence system for mortgage lenders. Together, Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach will position lenders to reach borrowers with the right information at the right time, empowering borrowers to build wealth through homeownership by helping them select the best mortgage strategy for their unique housing needs.

"Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach are both impressive, mission-driven organizations that have earned tremendous brand equity in the mortgage realm through their expert grasp of the industry and proven ability to deliver substantive value to mortgage lenders and borrowers," said Harris. "I look forward to bringing the organizations together and leveraging my background in data, analytics and insights to help mortgage lenders better understand their borrowers and provide personalized service that helps them attain their homeownership and financial goals."

Prior to taking the helm of Mortgage Coach and Sales Boomerang, Harris was CEO at SparkPost, an email sending and optimization platform delivering 40% of the world's commercial email. He led that company through tremendous growth and oversaw its $600 million acquisition by omnichannel communication platform MessageBird. Before his tenure at SparkPost, Harris was group vice president at cloud technology company Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), where he led international operations of its Data Cloud business unit. He was previously CEO at consumer insights and digital ad personalization company AddThis, where he rapidly scaled the company and facilitated its acquisition by Oracle. Harris holds J.D. and MBA degrees from the University of Maryland.

Alex Kutsishin and Dave Savage, founders of Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach, will continue to actively nurture the company and its relationships in leadership roles.

"By bringing together the very best in database monitoring, market intelligence, automation, personalization and education, Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach deliver the short- and long-term financial results lenders crave," said Kutsishin. "We are united in our mission to provide borrowers with the right loan at the right time, and I am confident we will reach new heights under Richard's leadership."

"Combining the advice-based digital presentations of Mortgage Coach with the big data borrower intelligence of Sales Boomerang enables us to create unprecedented opportunities for consumers to achieve financial freedom faster and to help lenders and loan officers to close more loans in this rising interest rate marketplace," said Savage. "Together we have the expertise, the synergy and the platform to put game-changing tools in the hands of our lenders and loan officers."

About Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach:

Sales Boomerang and Mortgage Coach are trusted by more than 300 lenders, including brokers, independent mortgage companies, credit unions and banks to connect borrowers with the right loan at the right time.

Sales Boomerang transformed the relationship between mortgage lenders and borrowers with the introduction of the first automated borrower intelligence system in 2017. The company's intelligent alerts notify lenders as soon as a past customer or prospect is ready and credit-qualified for a loan. As the mortgage industry's #1 borrower retention tool, Sales Boomerang helps lenders build lasting borrower relationships that maximize lifetime customer value. To learn more, visit https://www.salesboomerang.com.

Mortgage Coach is an award-winning platform that empowers mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive presentations that model home loan performance over time. The company's side-by-side loan comparisons allow borrowers to make faster, more informed mortgage decisions while enabling lenders to consistently deliver an on-brand, consultative home financing experience that increases borrower pull-through, repeat business and referrals. To learn more, visit https://www.mortgagecoach.com.

Sales Boomerang, the mortgage industry's top-rated automated borrower intelligence and retention system, and Mortgage Coach, a platform empowering mortgage lenders to educate borrowers with interactive home loan presentations, today announced their merger and the appointment of SaaS executive Richard Harris as CEO.

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

KYield and Praxis form Strategic Alliance to Convert Oil & Gas Platforms for Offshore Aquaculture and Renewable Energy Production

RIO RANCHO, N.M. /ScoopCloud/ -- KYield, Inc. announced today a strategic alliance with Praxis Drilling and Completion, LLC, for the purpose of converting offshore oil and gas platforms to sustainable food and energy production.

"KYield has performed deep dives in AI for most industries, including energy and offshore platforms following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill," said Mark Montgomery, founder and CEO of KYield. "We're pleased to form a strategic alliance with Praxis to apply our KOS as the AI OS for offshore platforms."

The KOS is a data-centric AI OS with embedded governance, security, prevention, and automation. The modular system design is universal and can be applied at any scale, from the largest enterprise to small teams or industrial applications.

Praxis is an experienced offshore specialist based in Texas. The company is in discussions to convert existing platforms to aquaculture and low-carbon energy production. The alliance agreement provides limited exclusivity for the KOS to be used for offshore platform conversions, and extends a minority equity position to KYield in a new entity that will own and operate the platforms.

"We anticipate extensive use of automation for cost savings made possible with the KOS, and to aid in health, safety, environment, and quality," said Robert Young, CEO of Praxis. "There are over 5,000 offshore platforms to be decommissioned. Our aim is to recycle platforms for social benefit in developing nations by producing sustainable food and energy."

The initial focus for the alliance is to convert idle offshore platforms to other uses, including for off-shore fish farming and renewable energy such as green hydrogen. KYield will provide precision third-party analytics, monitoring, and reporting to blue and green bondholders, and for ESG certification.

About KYield:

KYield is a pioneer in AI systems with 25 years of research and development. The KOS is a data-centric AI OS with a patented core that is ready to scale. The Synthetic Genius Machine (SGM) is a patent-pending AI system that will provide specific superintelligence as a service when commercialized. More information about KYield is available at https://kyield.com.

About Praxis:

Praxis is a trusted technical advisor to some of the world's most dynamic exploration and production companies. Visit www.PraxisEP.com to learn more.

KYield, Inc. announced today a strategic alliance with Praxis Drilling and Completion, LLC, for the purpose of converting offshore oil and gas platforms to sustainable food and energy production. The KOS is a data-centric AI OS with embedded governance, security, prevention, and automation.

Related link: https://kyield.com/

Business and Economic Empowerment Leader Dr. Velma Trayham Announced as Keynote Speaker for Takeaway Tax Business Conference in Houston, TX

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Highlighting the power of entrepreneurship to change the world and end poverty, award-winning B2B/diversity consultant and leader Dr. Velma Trayham (CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group) has been announced as the keynote speaker for TakeAway Tax's upcoming Tax Business Conference in Houston on Aug. 4.

Dr. Trayham is the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, a Black- and woman-owned Marketing Strategy and Diversity Consulting agency that opened its fourth office in Scottsdale last year, and founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a nationwide nonprofit that provides entrepreneurial training and mentorship programming to help minority women rise above poverty through empowered entrepreneurship and spiritual development. Dr. Trayham was recently honored by President Joe Biden, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for mentoring more than 8000 black business owners.

With concierge tax services for businesses, TakeAway Tax is a rapidly growing franchise that trains others interested in owning their own franchise in addition to providing tax preparation for organizations of all sizes.

"TakeAway Tax really understands the combined power of entrepreneurship, communication and business development and it will be an honor to share insights on small business growth with their attendees," said Dr. Trayham. "When we come together to pool our wisdom, experience and vision, our businesses all benefit from this collective knowledge and awareness."

The Tax Business Conference, to be held at The Ballroom at Bayou Place in Houston's Theater District, will convene tax professionals and firms to share ideas and insights to bolster business and inspire entrepreneurship throughout the industry.

Trayham's previous national speaking and marketing campaigns include VistaCreate, Cheddar News and Country Financial, among others. Her previous speaking engagements include the American Heart Association, Georgia Power, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Texas Black Expo and many more.

About Dr. Velma Trayham:

Dr. Velma Trayham is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker and economic empowerment specialist who believes in the power of inclusive, equitable businesses to create community and spark change. The CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group, which brings greater awareness to initiatives that support underserved communities, Dr. Trayham also founded the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, which has mentored more than 8,000 minority women business owners in its first three years. For more information, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://velmatrayham.com/booking/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tax-business-conference-2022-tickets-358561596387

Highlighting the power of entrepreneurship to change the world and end poverty, award-winning B2B/diversity consultant and leader Dr. Velma Trayham (CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group) has been announced as the keynote speaker for TakeAway Tax's upcoming Tax Business Conference in Houston on Aug. 4.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Drug Prevention Cyclists Race to Reach Youth with the Truth About Drugs

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- After a two-year hiatus because of COVID, athletes are once more sprinting through the Czech Republic to reach youth with the truth about drugs. Founder Vlastimil Špalek and his team of drug-prevention activists are featured in an episode of "Voices for Humanity" on the Scientology Network.

Athletes on the grueling 10-day, 1,200-kilometers (745-mile) circuit through the Czech Republic view this sporting event as a race against time. The 18th annual Drug-Free Czech Cyclo-Run (pausing only when prevented by the pandemic) is a campaign to help protect youth from the tragedy of drug abuse and addiction. And the numbers tell the tale.

Roughly one in three Czech Republic children and teens have experimented with an illicit substance, says the group's spokesperson. This is an estimated 200,000 youths, including children as young as 10.

Cycling through a circuit of 41 towns and cities, the team will complete their tour of the country in 10 days.

A Cyclo-Run, a term they coined, cycles from town to town and leads youth and community leaders and officials through an anti-drug run in each of their destinations.

In each town, they also meet with officials and community leaders, provide youth with drug education lessons, and lead them in taking the association's drug-free pledge.

"As long as people think drugs are a matter of personal freedom and don't see the harm in them, they are willing to try them," says Vlastimil Špalek, Cyclo-Run founder and chairman of Drug-Free World Czech Republic. "And once they start using, they're soon addicted. It is not good enough just to tell young people not to get involved with drugs. You have to give them a way to get the facts themselves, come to their own conclusions, and make their own decisions about whether or not to get involved."

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs."

Noting the role substance abuse plays in the disintegration of the social fabric, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs."

Foundation for a Drug-Free World was formed in 2006 to serve as the primary distributor of educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends. The Foundation has grown to a network of some 200 chapters around the world. Thanks to the support of the Church of Scientology and Scientologists, it provides the Truth About Drugs secular program and materials free of charge to drug educators worldwide.

Voices for Humanity is a Scientology Network original series of short documentaries introducing changemakers from all faiths, cultures and nations as they extend help to their communities through Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

Since launching with a special episode featuring Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320 and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/JKOm9j3HuQc

After a two-year hiatus because of COVID, athletes are once more sprinting through the Czech Republic to reach youth with the truth about drugs. Founder Vlastimil Špalek and his team of drug-prevention activists are featured in an episode of "Voices for Humanity" on the Scientology Network.

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

ULACD Makes College Basketball History

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) basketball team, led by one of California's most successful high school and college coaches, Michael Miller, posted the second-best record in the nation of any four-year college over the last four years.

From 2018-2022, ULACD, which is located in Compton, California and plays as an independent, produced a record of 105-8, for a winning percentage of 93%. Only Northwest Missouri State, which plays in NCAA Division II, had a better record during the same four-year span at 126-8 (94%).

While ULACD shattered all winning records in the state of California during the last four-years, their most amazing achievement has been playing in the last three ACCA National Championship games. They won the 2019-20 ACCA National Championship, and were runner-ups in 2020-21 and 2021-22. During the 2019-2020 season ULACD produced their best record (30-1) while winning the ACCA National Championship, defeating a very well coached Ozark Christian College on their home floor 97-89 on March 7, 2020. In the victory, Coach Miller made history by becoming the first coach to coach a high school state title team (Ribet Academy 1990-91), a junior college state title team (Los Angeles City College 1996-97 and 2002-03) and a national title team.

Coach Miller has won where ever he has coached. Miller was the first head coach to lead a high school team and a junior college team to a state title. While at Los Angeles City College, from 1992-2007, Miller had a record-breaking run of 14 consecutive conference championships. His LACC teams compiled an overall record of 241-38 from 1999-2007 for a winning percentage of .864, exceeding all NCAA Division I Programs during the same time.

ULACD is a proud five-year member of the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) based in Joplin, Missouri. The ACCA was founded in 1982 and its current President is Chris Lahm. Lahm is the highly respected, and veteran coach and administrator of Ozark Christian College, and newly elected to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Hall of Fame.

For more information on ULACD please visit http://universityoflosangeles.org/.

To learn more about Coach Michael "Mike" Miller please visit https://www.coachmiller.net/.

The University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) basketball team, led by one of California's most successful high school and college coaches, Michael Miller, posted the second-best record in the nation of any four-year college over the last four years.

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

Southwestern Investment Group Named a Top Workplace in Middle Tennessee for Third Consecutive Year

FRANKLIN, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Southwestern Investment Group, an independent wealth management company, today announced it was once again named to The Tennessean's 2022 list of Top Workplaces in Middle Tennessee. The firm was also honored as a Top Workplace in the Tennessean's 2020 and 2021 lists.

"The past two and a half years have reinforced how important it is for employees to feel connected and proud of the companies they work for," said Jeff Dobyns, President of Southwestern Investment Group. "Our employees bring their best, most authentic selves to work every day, which translates to our client relationships. We invest a great deal of effort in maintaining a strong and inclusive culture and we couldn't be more pleased to be recognized again as a top workplace."

The Tennessean partners with Energage LLC., a third-party employee engagement technology partner, to conduct the anonymous employee survey. Winners were announced on June 23, 2022.

Southwestern Investment Group is a family of advisors that takes an integrated approach to wealth management and believes in a purpose bigger than itself. The company's core values serve as further proof that success can be achieved by cultivating a culture of appreciation.

Southwestern Investment Group's business model allows it to provide friendly service from people you know, while offering the comprehensive solutions and services of a larger financial provider. For more information about Southwestern Investment Group, visit https://www.swinvestmentgroup.com/ or call 615-861-6100.

About Southwestern Investment Group:

As of 3/31/2022. Southwestern Investment Group was established in 2002 as an independent practice and manages more than $5.8 billion in client assets. The advisors at Southwestern Investment Group are registered representatives with Raymond James Financial Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, which allows them to have the support of a large company while offering the personalized services of a small organization. Southwestern Investment Group uses sensible, sound, and conservative investment strategies and holistic services to enhance and help preserve your wealth. For more information, visit https://www.swinvestmentgroup.com/.

About Raymond James Financial Services:

As of 3/31/2022. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is a financial services firm supporting independent financial advisors nationwide. Since 1974, Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, has provided a wide range of investment and wealth planning related services through its affiliate, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Both broker/dealers are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF) a leading diversified financial services company with approximately 8,500 financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $1.26 trillion. Additional information is available at https://www.raymondjames.com/.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc., an independent registered investment adviser. Southwestern Investment Group is not a registered broker-dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states.

More than 1,000 companies were invited to participate, 106 were recognized as one of the Tennessean Top Places to work. The Tennessean welcomed anyone to nominate an organization and partnered with Energage, who also reached out to companies. Any employer was eligible, as long as it had at least 35 employees in Middle Tennessee. Employees could be public, private, nonprofit or governmental. Once employers were nominated, employees were asked to fill out an online questionnaire that gave more information about the companies they worked for. Information gathered included issues relating to workplace culture, including Alignment, Connection, Effectiveness, Engagement, Leadership, and the Basics, including pay, benefits, flexibility, training, and expectations. Employers were then ranked among groups of similar size to most accurately compare results, with those that scored high being recognized. The ranking may not be representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of an advisor's future performance. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Neither Energage nor the Tennessean is affiliated with Raymond James.

Southwestern Investment Group, an independent wealth management company, today announced it was once again named to The Tennessean's 2022 list of Top Workplaces in Middle Tennessee. The firm was also honored as a Top Workplace in the Tennessean's 2020 and 2021 lists.

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

Ryan Lott of Son Lux Unveils His Secrets for Making Evocative Music with Unplaceable Sounds

BROOKLYN, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Online music school Soundfly has joined forces with Son Lux founder and bandleader, Ryan Lott, to release a new, in-depth course exploring Lott's unique approach to making emotionally compelling music by starting with custom-built digital instruments. "Ryan Lott: Designing Sample-Based Instruments" is available today as part of Soundly's subscription library of creative music courses.

Fresh off the release of his widely-acclaimed score for the A24 hit "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (composed in collaboration with his Son Lux bandmates), Lott opens up about how he achieves his "otherworldly" sonic signature by building and altering digital instruments to create music driven by unplaceable sounds.

In his first-ever online course, Lott explores the techniques he uses to identify sounds that will make compelling digital instruments, recording and processing those sounds to their fullest effect, and transforming them into a custom virtual instrument using a digital audio workstation, Native Instruments' Kontakt, and a MIDI keyboard.

Lott uses these instruments as creative catalysts - beginning songwriting projects with an intriguing sound, rather than a traditional melody, harmony, riff, or groove. Students will learn not only the technical elements of building instruments, but also how to radically transform their compositional process with a new source of inspiration and approach to writing and arranging.

Lott is a frequently sought-after collaborator, in part for how he uses the interplay of familiar and novel sounds to evoke intense emotion in audiences. He has worked with new music ensembles including Grammy winners Eighth Blackbird, Third Coast Percussion, and yMusic, as well as with dance companies and choreographers Stephen Petronio, Travis Wall, Gina Gabney, Jodie Gates, Ballet de Lorraine, Ballet X, and the National Dance Company of Wales. His work on feature film scores includes "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" and "Looper," among others. Pitchfork recently called Son Lux's score for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" "a total achievement in ingenuity."

Ryan expressed his enthusiasm for sharing the techniques in the course, saying, "When you can design your own sounds from the ground up, you're unlocking this entirely new potential for a way forward. I hope folks come away with a new set of skills that will continually bring a new creativity to their music."

"Ryan Lott: Designing Sample-Based Instruments" features 40 videos and more than 70 lessons, as well as graphics, demos, activities, downloadable learning materials, samples, and access to Soundfly's Slack community where students can ask questions and get feedback on their work.

The course is available today at https://soundfly.com/courses/ryan-lott-designing-sample-based-instruments

About Soundfly:

Soundfly offers creative courses for curious musicians looking to spark their creativity, expand their skill set, and discover new sounds. Students can subscribe to Soundfly's library of in-depth courses taught by some of the most exciting musicians and artists working today. Or they can take their music learning to the next level with Soundfly's custom mentorship program, which offers one-on-one coaching with an expert to achieve a personal goal.

Trailer Video:
https://youtu.be/hYV9xm5Z3-E

Course URL
https://soundfly.com/courses/ryan-lott-designing-sample-based-instruments

Online music school Soundfly has joined forces with Son Lux founder and bandleader, Ryan Lott, to release a new, in-depth course exploring Lott's unique approach to making emotionally compelling music by starting with custom-built digital instruments. "Ryan Lott: Designing Sample-Based Instruments" is available today as part of Soundly's subscription library of creative music courses.

Related link: https://soundfly.com/

Lender Price Launches Marketplace 2.0, Providing Wholesale Brokers and Lenders with Enhanced Pricing Capabilities and Deal Intelligence

PASADENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lender Price, a leading provider of product, pricing and eligibility technology, announced today they have released Marketplace 2.0, a major enhancement to their Broker Marketplace platform, one of the largest communities of wholesale brokers in the mortgage industry.

Created to match lenders with mortgage brokers looking to find the best rates and loan products for borrowers in a volatile market, Marketplace 2.0 gives brokers the ability to pull in pricing from their existing lender relationships automatically and run pricing comparisons of participating Broker Marketplace lenders. Eliminating a lengthy signup process and a monthly fee, Marketplace now helps brokers instantly see all of their lenders and marketplace lenders inside a single location without logging into several different TPO portals.

"Marketplace 2.0 is a game changer for brokers and lenders. It helps wholesale lenders expand their audience and gain access to thousands of mortgage brokers quickly," said Dawar Alimi, CEO of Lender Price.

"For brokers, we designed the platform to help them find the most competitive loan programs in this market and help them move away from using legacy technology that typically comes with a monthly fee. Our solution is 100% free to the wholesale broker community and it's one less cost that a broker has to worry about right now."

With Marketplace 2.0, mortgage brokers can now:

* Pull in pricing from their existing wholesale lender relationships without waiting

* Quickly add comp and rate sheets and receive accurate pricing without a monthly fee moving forward

* Invite borrowers to see tailored products and scenarios from inside the system

* Create custom rate alerts and be alerted when new opportunities arise

* Find and isolate specific non-QM, non-agency and home equity products

* Get more control and freedom and run pricing from anywhere

* Find loans that compete with all-cash offers and share with realtors

* Discover products they were previously unaware of and might not know are available

Advantages for wholesale lenders participating in Marketplace 2.0 include:

* Ability to offer product and pricing to additional brokers outside of current network

* Easy access for brokers to find their specific programs and conduct business with them

* Detailed analytics on broker pricing behavior

* Quick notifications on when brokers choose their products

* Ability to showcase non-QM, non-agency and home equity products

Onboarding is now automated, extremely simple, and brokers are up and running in minutes. Brokers only need to upload their rate sheets once and the system automatically updates product and pricing moving forward. Users will be able to see accurate pricing without manual updates.

With rates on the rise, Marketplace 2.0 can help brokers keep costs under control, stay competitive in a challenging market and get wider access to additional products that they might not know exist. The solution also gives brokers access to non-QM, non-agency and home equity programs at no additional cost. Lenders can also gain access to thousands of wholesale brokers quickly and easily, helping them maintain volume during a challenging market.

Learn more about Marketplace 2.0 and the Lender Price platform at https://lenderprice.com/

About Lender Price:

Lender Price is a California-based developer of mortgage technology, including an advanced product, pricing, & eligibility (PPE) engine, digital lending point-of-sale (POS), and non-agency automated underwriting engine. Lender Price provides all types of mortgage lending institutions - wholesale and correspondent lenders, banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers - with advanced technology designed to eliminate friction, increase transparency, and effectively engage with borrowers. More information about Lender Price can be found at https://lenderprice.com and https://digitallending.com.

Lender Price, a leading provider of product, pricing and eligibility technology, announced today they have released Marketplace 2.0, a major enhancement to their Broker Marketplace platform, one of the largest communities of wholesale brokers in the mortgage industry.

Related link: https://lenderprice.com/

Mid America Mortgage rebrands to Click n’ Close

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) today announced it has rebranded as Click n' Close following the sale of the majority of its retail lending operations to Houston-based Legend Lending. Click n' Close will retain retail operations related to its reverse mortgage and Native American lending business and focus on delivering innovative down payment assistance (DPA) and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) products through its third-party originator (TPO) channels.

"Mid America's passion and focus have always been on driving growth in our third-party origination channels, uncovering untapped market opportunities that deliver value to industry partners and fostering innovation via technology and automation," Click n' Close CEO Jeff Bode said. "As the company moves into its next iteration, we wanted to do so under a banner that would accurately reflect the values and focus of our new direction."

In addition to its lending operations, Click n' Close also plans to enter the mortgage technology space to help lenders realize the benefits of eMortgages. While Click n' Close will introduce several new products, some of its initial offerings were developed as proprietary, in-house technology under the Mid America Mortgage brand to power the company's digital mortgage strategy. These products will now be made available to the entire industry to support lenders' efforts to achieve an end-to-end digital mortgage process.

"The investments we've made in technology and digital process have paid tremendous dividends, enabling us to save upwards of $300 per loan file. We've then been able to channel those savings into additional technology enhancements and the delivery of specialized product offerings to address today's housing market challenges," Bode said. "Our focus now as Click n' Close will be to concentrate these efforts to better serve the mortgage community from both a loan product and a technology perspective."

About Click n' Close, Inc.:

Click n' Close, Inc., formerly known as Mid America Mortgage, is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels and is also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. In operation since 1940, Click n' Close has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings and eNotes.

Combining this culture of innovation with a risk management mindset enables Click n' Close to deliver new products to market that address the challenges facing both borrowers and third-party originators (TPOs). These innovations include its USDA one-time close construction loans, Power Buyer bridge loan program, proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) program and reverse mortgage division. Its direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors afford Click n' Close direct access to the capital markets, thus ensuring maximum liquidity for its product innovations. By servicing its loan programs in-house, Click n' Close provides its wholesale and correspondent partners with an additional level of certainty regarding loan salability and superior borrower service over the life of the loan.

Learn more at https://www.clicknclose.com/.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) today announced it has rebranded as Click n' Close following the sale of the majority of its retail lending operations to Houston-based Legend Lending. Click n' Close will retain retail operations related to its reverse mortgage and Native American lending business and focus on delivering innovative down payment assistance (DPA) and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) products through its third-party originator (TPO) channels.

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

A New Plus-size Dating App – PlusCupid Got 500,000+ Downloads in App Store Within 3 Months

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- PlusCupid is a new dating app designed for plus-size people that launched 3 months ago. Nonetheless, it got more than 500,000 downloads on the United States App Store after its first release. Why can a dating app for plus-size singles to chat and date grow so fast? Perhaps because of these days, more and more plus-size people expect to have more opportunities to show their beauty and find their circle, friends, and partners.

Last Wednesday, a celebrated plus-size model, Tabria Majors, gained extraordinary attention in the CONFIDENCE CAMPAIGN SS22 launched by Mate Collection, a famous fashion and swimwear brand in Atlanta, Georgia.

Founder and Designer of Matte Collection, Justina says, "it's all about allowing women to be beautiful because they deserve it - regardless of skin color, shape or size." PlusCupid strongly agrees with her opinion that every woman is worth being appealing and feeling loved no matter her shape, size, or style. Thus, PlusCupid is committed to helping more plus-size people find themselves lifestyles, including dating life.

Guided by that belief, the PlusCupid team is straining every nerve to provide a safe and comfortable dating community for plus-size people. PlusCupid reviews each registered user profile by AI tech, and they manually block bots and scammers to protect the users. They have four ways of verification to ensure all the profiles are real people. They have new users from New York, Los Angeles, and other cities in the United States and other countries every day since the users notice that this app has fewer scammers and rude users. PlusCupid bans any user who sends rude messages or posts disgusting pictures in the community. Furthermore, the intelligent match algorithm can make it easy for users to get matches and start chatting.

The PlusCupid team members all support the plus-size people and devote themselves to improving the plus-size people's social status. "We think it's valuable and can be helpful to realize human equality, and we are passionate to devote ourselves to putting this belief into practice," said one staff of the PlusCupid team.

PlusCupid is now available on both Google Play and App Store.

* https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.curvydating.pluscupid

* https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1593154934

About PlusCupid:

PlusCupid belongs to the Orange View LTD., founded in 2019. It designs for plus-size singles where you can find new friends and meet a date. In addition, it is also an inclusive lifestyle choice for curvy people to feel loved and confident. We have over 300,000 members globally, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. https://www.soulmatestring.com/

PlusCupid is a new dating app designed for plus-size people that launched 3 months ago. Nonetheless, it got more than 500,000 downloads on the United States App Store after its first release. Why can a dating app for plus-size singles to chat and date grow so fast? Perhaps because of these days, more and more plus-size people expect to have more opportunities to show their beauty and find their circle, friends, and partners.

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

Galantines Day Gala Celebrates Success and Preps for National Growth: Sherri J. White Brings Together Women to Innovate and Inspire

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Inspired by remarkable women business leaders and innovators, entrepreneur Sherri J. White launched the Galentines Day Gala in 2021 to award and celebrate standout women across industries and professions. After witnessing nearly 50 percent year-over-year growth in 2022, Thinkzilla Consulting Group is announcing Women in Business nominations are now open for the 2023 Houston event.

White, a well-recognized business consultant and childcare guru, is also preparing to expand her event nationally, adding Women in Business awards and a special event in Houston in 2023.

"My goal has always been to raise women up and celebrate their outstanding accomplishments in the world of business, with the aim of becoming the 'Grammys' for women in business today," White said. "Launching a new program and awards show during a pandemic was a challenge to say the least, but the response has been phenomenal and we look forward to celebrating even more amazing women in both Atlanta and Houston next year."

The annual February Galentines Day Gala convenes women business leaders with an awards program and an educational program that share additional resources, support the economy and inspire others. The new Houston event, known as "The Take Off," will consist of a weekend of networking events combined with a luxury retreat, all designed to give attendees more time to connect.

"Our previous attendees shared interest in spending more time together, which inspired us to develop this one-of-a-kind weekend filled with everything from mixers to breakout sessions to brunch and luxury business engagements," White added. "The sky is truly the limit when it comes to recognizing and reveling in the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs today and we look forward to even more growth in the years to come."

Registration for 2023 events is also open at https://www.thegalentinesdaygala.com/registration.

About the Galentines Day Gala:

Founded in 2021 to celebrate outstanding women in business, the Galentines Day Gala and Women in Business awards recognize the best in women entrepreneurs. The awards events also incorporate education and economic impact. To learn more, submit a nomination or register for an upcoming event, please visit https://www.thegalentinesdaygala.com/

Inspired by remarkable women business leaders and innovators, entrepreneur Sherri J. White launched the Galentines Day Gala in 2021 to award and celebrate standout women across industries and professions. After witnessing nearly 50 percent year-over-year growth in 2022, Thinkzilla Consulting Group is announcing Women in Business nominations are now open for the 2023 Houston event.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

New, Patented Device for Quick, Painless, Non-Invasive Elimination of Hemorrhoids Now Available with All Rights for Manufacture

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- ProNova Partners, a seventeen-year-old California based Mergers and Acquisitions firm, has been commissioned to assist in the sale of all rights to manufacture and sell a patented, painless, non-invasive, device to eliminate hemorrhoids. Use of the device requires no anesthesia, is conducted in under 2 minutes, and can be performed in any medical setting: a doctor's office, a surgery center, an endo suite, or a hospital.

This technology has yielded a painless, non-invasive, no anesthesia needed device to eliminate hemorrhoids in under 2 minutes. The procedure can be performed in any medical setting.

"Over half of adults suffer from this affliction at one time or another," stated Rick Carlson founder and CEO of ProNova Partners. "This Doctor developed device offers a fast, painless and permanent solution."

Carlson's firm has helped the expansion or sale of some 400 companies in a wide variety of market segments.

This latest commission for ProNova is designed to structure movement of the patent, sale, and manufacturing rights of a much-needed device to an outside company. The goal is quickly move the technology out and into the medical marketplace. The product, developed and currently sold on a limited basis in the US, was originated by a gastroenterologist. It is currently sold directly to physicians of different specialties, including gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, GYNs, urologists and primary care physicians. The biggest targeted audience is gastroenterologists.

"Huge numbers of patients now no longer need to use ineffective creams or receive painful, invasive surgery," concluded Carlson. "This device offers a permanent, painless solution."

For detailed information go to: https://pronovapartners.com/engagement/patented-medical-device-company-for-hemorrhoid-removal-for-sale/

ProNova Partners, a seventeen-year-old California based Mergers and Acquisitions firm, has been commissioned to assist in the sale of all rights to manufacture and sell a patented, painless, non-invasive, device to eliminate hemorrhoids. Use of the device requires no anesthesia, is conducted in under 2 minutes, and can be performed in any medical setting: a doctor's office, a surgery center, an endo suite, or a hospital.

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

Seattle Plumbing Company Commits to Transparency and Customer Peace of Mind

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Amid stories of plumbing contractors without the proper licensing doing subpar work, or even scamming customers, Trusted Plumbing & Heating in the Seattle area is more committed than ever to transparency, due diligence and customer care.

Unlicensed plumbing contractors often take shortcuts to get a job done as fast as possible so they can cram in as many jobs as they can to make money. Customers who hire these unlicensed plumbing contractors often find themselves out hundreds or even thousands of dollars, with their plumbing in disrepair, and little to no chance of getting a refund.

Trusted Plumbing understands the frustration of homeowners who experience this, and they've doubled down on their commitment to honesty and providing transparency for their customers. Their goal is to offer the best possible plumbing service in Seattle and throughout Western Washington, every one of their plumbing contractors is licensed, bonded and insured, and they never sacrifice quality for speed.

"We are upfront about our pricing," says Jim Cunningham, Owner of Trusted Plumbing & Heating, sharing that their cost for diagnostics is $89. "The $89 will be deducted off of any service performed. We've always strived to be the fairest company around. We're committed to getting the job done right the first time, and our customers appreciate that."

Trusted Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing and heating solutions throughout the Puget Sound region and are based in the Seattle area. They can be reached at (206) 208-0007 or online - https://www.trustedplumbingheating.com/

About Trusted Plumbing and Heating:

With over 35 years of experience in plumbing and 12 years of experience in heating and air conditioning, Jim Cunningham and his son James Cunningham built Trusted Plumbing & Heating's reputation as a trusted entity. This family owned and operated business is based out of King County, Washington with the purpose of providing customers with plumbing contractors and technicians that they can trust. Their technicians and plumbing contractors are experienced and trained to use the highest quality products to create a trustworthy, efficient and satisfying experience for all customers. All personnel are licensed, insured and bonded to work in Washington State and are experts in their respective fields.

Amid stories of plumbing contractors without the proper licensing doing subpar work, or even scamming customers, Trusted Plumbing & Heating in the Seattle area is more committed than ever to transparency, due diligence and customer care.

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

‘Flip My Florida Yard’ TV Series is Casting 10 Lucky Homeowners for an Eco-Friendly Yard Makeover

LAKE MARY, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The television series, "Flip My Florida Yard" - with a 10-episode season of half-hour programs - aims to teach homeowners how to "flip" their yard from ordinary to extraordinary by employing natural, Florida-specific, water-conserving landscaping principles. Created by Crawford Entertainment in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida IFAS Extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, "Flip My Florida Yard" features design professionals transforming yards into attractive and sustainable home landscapes in just eight hours.

"Most Floridians don't know how to protect our natural resources. This series is set to show you how you can make a difference starting in your own yard," said Chad Crawford, Emmy Award-winning creator and host of "Flip My Florida Yard." "The mission of this series is to show Florida homeowners how they can make minor changes in their landscaping routine that can add up and really help our state."

Homeowners can apply HERE by completing an application and creating a short video featuring their yard, family and story. The producers of "Flip My Florida Yard" will be selecting 10 lucky families from all over the state to participate in the show. Time is of the essence because the deadline to submit is Sunday, July 10, 2022 at midnight. (Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STLDDG7)

"When casting the families, we looked at geographic location, family dynamic, ethnic diversity and human-interest story angles - but most importantly we sought people who were interested in our show's mission who would be inspired to become passionate advocates for environmentally responsible landscaping," said Crawford.

Episodes are fast-paced, fun and informative, as experts explain the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles that call for locating the right plant in the right place, attracting native wildlife, managing pests responsibly, watering efficiently, fertilizing appropriately and reducing stormwater runoff to protect Florida's lakes, rivers, streams, springs and the second-longest coastline in the United States.

Based at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, and led by Esen Momol, director, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program is a 29-year partnership between UF/IFAS and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which sponsors the TV series.

"We encourage Floridians of all ages to watch 'Flip My Florida Yard' and implement FFL principles in their landscapes," said Momol. "UF/IFAS Extension is located in all 67 counties around the state and is ready to help Floridians have more sustainable landscapes."

"Flip My Florida Yard" season 2 is set to premiere on July 24, 2022 on PBS in select Florida markets.

The show will be available for streaming via Roku on the Discover Florida Channel - https://www.discoverfloridachannel.com/.

For the broadcast schedule, visit https://www.flipmyfloridayard.com/. Consult local TV listings for exact times and dates.

About Crawford Entertainment:

Crawford Entertainment produces nationally syndicated television programs and Emmy Award-winning original television series including "How to Do Florida" and "The Outsiders Club." For more information, visit https://www.crawfordentertainment.tv/

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection:

The FDEP is the state's principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida's environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida's air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department's website at https://floridadep.gov/

About the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program:

Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) is the state of Florida's premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to "conventional" landscaping, providing guidance on low impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters. Since 1994, FFL has served Florida as a partnership between the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/

VIDEO (VIMEO): https://vimeo.com/723368745

The television series, "Flip My Florida Yard" - with a 10-episode season of half-hour programs - aims to teach homeowners how to "flip" their yard from ordinary to extraordinary by employing natural, Florida-specific, water-conserving landscaping principles. Created by Crawford Entertainment in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Related link: https://www.crawfordentertainment.tv/

EPIC Announces Strategic Hires in Northeast, Poises Firm for Regional Growth in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today it has hired a team of producers to support regional expansion in Pennsylvania.

Joining the firm as principals are Pamela Barbush, Brian Floyd, David Schlosberg, and John Shingara. The team will be responsible for business development in employee benefits, as well as property and casualty lines at EPIC.

With over 12 years of experience, Schlosberg focuses on business development, most recently as vice president at an independent brokerage firm. He completed his MBA in 2020 and holds the insurance designations of CPCU and CIC. Barbush specializes in group casualty and single parent captives. She has over 40 years of experience, dedicating the past 22 years exclusively to captive insurance with mid to large commercial clients with a focus on the construction industry.

Floyd and Shingara both bring a background in employee benefits consulting. Floyd concentrates on mid and large group markets and is a healthcare consortium and self-funded expert. He holds the designation of Advanced Charter Benefits. Shingara is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist. His experience includes captives, self-insurance, and other risk financing techniques.

Len Scioscia, EPIC Northeast Region President, commented, "We are pleased to welcome Pamela, Brian, David, and John to EPIC in their new roles. The team, to be based near Harrisburg in central Pennsylvania, will contribute to our buildout in Pennsylvania. We currently have a Pittsburgh office and are excited to expand further across the state."

About EPIC Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,800 team members operating from more than eighty offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. For more information on EPIC, visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today it has hired a team of producers to support regional expansion in Pennsylvania.

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

Mazza Recycling Hosts First Annual Truck Pull with Move For Hunger, Providing 50,000 Meals to Those in Need

NEPTUNE CITY, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mazza Recycling, an award-winning, family-owned and operated company specializing in waste & recycling services, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, teamed up to host their first annual truck pull on June 4, 2022 to raise awareness of hunger and how it impacts New Jersey's communities.

The family-friendly event was held at the Mazza Recycling Center in Tinton Falls where the public could partake in a day full of food, rides, vendors, and the opportunity to pull a moving truck in the fastest time at Mazza's facility. The event helped raise over $20,000 to fight hunger in New Jersey and nationwide which will provide more than 50,000 meals to those in need.

"All of our lines of business, and everything that we do at Mazza Recycling is based on cultivating a sustainable future for the next generation," said Jimmy Mazza, President & CEO, Mazza Recycling. "We are proud to partner with Move for Hunger and raise money for the cause of keeping unused food out of the landfill."

When participating in the signature event, the Truck Pull, teams of about 10 people pull a rope attached to a moving truck 100 feet across the finish line. First place was awarded to Mazza Muscle with a time of 18.36 seconds. Following in a close second was Party Perfect at 18.60 seconds and third place went to El Jefe Team (Mazza) at 18.70 seconds.

"This was one of the tightest Truck Pull competitions we have ever hosted," said Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger. "Congrats to our winners from Mazza, but more importantly a thank you to Mazza for being our hosts as well. It was such a great day filled with rides, laughter, and fun."

Lowy continued, "In New Jersey, over 700,000 people and 1 in 10 children don't know where their next meal is coming from. We are very appreciative of the support from an amazing partner in our local community. We had such an amazing time helping host the event and raising awareness."

Sponsors of the event included: Global Komatsu as the Glove Sponsor, Waste Management for sponsoring the games, Connor, Strong, & Buckelew for sponsoring the Ice Cream Truck, and Big G Movers who provided the truck to pull, Van Dyk, Withum, Campbell Petrie, Littler, Comerica Bank, and Norris McLaughlin.

About Move For Hunger:

Move For Hunger, a 501(c)(3), is working to end hunger and food waste in America. 42 million Americans struggle with hunger while 35% of the food produced in this country goes to waste. By mobilizing moving companies, multifamily apartment communities, corporations, and volunteers, Move For Hunger has delivered nearly 28 million pounds of food to food banks - providing 23 million meals for those in need.

Get your company involved by registering to hold a food drive, fundraiser, or team building opportunity. Visit Move For Hunger to learn more about their work at www.moveforhunger.org

About Mazza Recycling Center:

Mazza Recycling is a family-owned and operated company specializing in waste & recycling services in New Jersey. Mazza brings over 200 years of combined managerial experience in the waste management industry, and constantly strives to maintain the highest quality services, keep up with the latest industry trends and regulations, and improve the environment in the community. Mazza assures its customers cost-effective solutions that are environmentally friendly, safe, and hassle-free. Our client-centric mentality has helped establish Mazza Recycling as one of top waste and recycling company in New Jersey.

Mazza Recycling Services has several related entities, which include Mazza Scrap Recycling (MSR) and Mazza Mulch. MSR operates a scrap metal recycling yard in Neptune, New Jersey. Mazza Mulch, Inc. operates a NJDEP permitted Class B facility which manufactures high quality landscape products which include mulch, compost and topsoil through the recycling of natural and organic products, such as tree parts and brush.

Mazza Recycling, an award-winning, family-owned and operated company specializing in waste & recycling services, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, teamed up to host their first annual truck pull on June 4, 2022 to raise awareness of hunger and how it impacts New Jersey's communities.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

5 Actions That Can Save Lives from Drug Overdose

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Churches provide tools anyone can use to help in the face of the drug overdose crisis. In honor of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, learn and use these tools and help turn the tide on the drug overdose crisis.

There are five simple things anyone can do to take effective action against overdose deaths.

Parents, educators, community leaders and individuals - using these resources - can save lives.

Take these simple steps:

* Understand how drugs work and what they do by reading the Truth About Drugs booklets available through the website of Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

* Attend the Foundation's International Day Against Drugs Online Conference.

* Enroll on free online drug education courses on the Foundation's website. See how easy it is to learn the truth about drugs. Educate yourself and use this information to feel confident about speaking to others on this vital subject.

* Make the decision to use what you've learned to help your family, friends and community as a drug prevention volunteer.

* Order your drug prevention materials. They will be shipped to you free of charge.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs."

Using the resources from Foundation for a Drug-Free World, volunteers in countries across the globe are reaching their communities with this vital information. See how effective this initiative is by watching episodes of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.

Scientology Churches are marking International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with programs to bring these drug-prevention tools to their communities. They will also provide free training in the use of the Truth About Drugs materials and will assist you in any way they can to help you succeed in this vital endeavor. Contact your nearest Scientology Church for details.

Noting the role substance abuse plays in the disintegration of the social fabric, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs."

Foundation for a Drug-Free World was formed in 2006 to serve as the primary distributor of educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends. The Foundation has grown to a network of some 200 chapters around the world. Thanks to the support of the Church of Scientology and Scientologists, it provides the Truth About Drugs secular program and materials free of charge to drug educators worldwide.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/D-HYTlUZc0o

Scientology Churches provide tools anyone can use to help in the face of the drug overdose crisis. In honor of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, learn and use these tools and help turn the tide on the drug overdose crisis.

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

Blaylock Van Partners with Seaport Global to Expand Market Reach

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation's longest continuously operating Black-owned investment firm, recently entered into a strategic partnership with Seaport Global, an independent institutional sales and trading powerhouse known for its broad global reach to institutional investors. As part of the agreement, Seaport Global recently purchased a minority stake in Blaylock Van.

Combining Blaylock Van's top-tier investment banking solutions and Seaport Global's extensive worldwide reach, the strategic collaboration will bring together decades of market leadership and expertise to work in partnership on capital market solutions for issuers and investors while expanded distribution will allow for powerful dissemination capabilities in both primary and secondary markets.

"As we continue to develop opportunities for minority investors across the globe, this partnership is the perfect opportunity to drive business growth for a more diverse audience," said CEO and founder of Blaylock Van Eric Van Standifer. "We look forward to collaborating with Seaport Global, connecting with their deep distribution platform and further bolstering our strong client offerings."

Michael J. Meyer, the Seaport Global Partner overseeing the partnership, added, "Seaport Global is committed to growing opportunities for minorities in the financial services industry and we see this as a tremendous platform to accomplish this goal. The strength of the partnership will help Blaylock Van expand the services offered to their clients as well as provide Seaport Global clients with the opportunity to support a minority-owned broker dealer."

Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the State of New York, the State of Wisconsin, the City of New York and the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Blaylock Van is 81 percent Black-owned. Blaylock Van serves corporations, municipalities, investment managers and pension funds with a diverse employee base committed to work beyond financial services.

About Blaylock Van, LLC:

Blaylock Van, LLC (BV) is the oldest and continuously operating Black-owned banking form in the United States, providing personalized services for clients across the country. Clients include corporations, municipalities, investment managers, pension funds and family offices. Global electronic equity and fixed-income trading platforms allow direct market access to more than 40 worldwide exchanges, while the firm's proprietary web-based research platform is designed to specifically address the needs of fundamental portfolio managers and analysts. The firm's headquarters are in New York City, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Miami and Oakland, Calif. For more information, please visit https://brv-llc.com/

About Seaport Global:

Seaport Global Holdings LLC is a leading capital markets firm, providing robust sales, trading and research services and the resources of a full-service investment bank. Seaport Global combines its extensive knowledge, solid relationships and deep distribution platform to serve its clients' most unique business requirements. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices across the US and Europe. Visit https://www.seaportglobal.com/ to learn more.

Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation's longest continuously operating Black-owned investment firm, recently entered into a strategic partnership with Seaport Global, an independent institutional sales and trading powerhouse known for its broad global reach to institutional investors. As part of the agreement, Seaport Global recently purchased a minority stake in Blaylock Van.

Related link: https://brv-llc.com/

Help End the Drug Abuse Crisis: Learn How on the Scientology Network

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The United Nations set aside June 26 as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking "to promote action and cooperation toward the goal of an international society free of drug abuse." And at no time has it been more urgent to do so. The Scientology Network marks the day by focusing on humanitarians who are working to end the drug abuse crisis in towns and cities across the world.

According to a study published in 2018, illicit drug use was responsible for over 750,000 deaths per year. In the U.S. alone, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that more than 105,000 lives were lost due to overdose in 2021. Little wonder that the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is calling for "urgent action to protect people, including by strengthening drug use prevention...." And this is why they selected #CareInCrises as this year's slogan for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

A global problem demands a global solution. Which is why the Church of Scientology developed the Truth About Drugs, now one of the world's largest nongovernmental drug information and prevention initiatives. In 2006, Foundation for a Drug-Free World, a secular nonprofit corporation, was formed to serve as the primary distributor of the educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends.

Scientology Network is marking this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by featuring episodes of the original series "Voices for Humanity," documenting the work of drug-prevention activists who are saving lives:

* On the streets of Los Angeles, former addict David Sanchez uses Foundation for a Drug-Free World materials to give kids the street smarts they need to make the right choice about living drug-free. "I knew that I had to find a way to educate people," he says. "Knowing about something that could hurt you is half the battle of being able to defeat it."

* Some 8,700 miles away in Malaysia, Khai Aziz, lead singer of the hard-core straight-edge punk band Second Combat, uses his music to spread the message to youth that there's nothing cool about using drugs. Straight edge is hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using drugs. And with drug dealers targeting younger and younger children, Aziz is fighting back, using the Foundation's Truth About Drugs initiative to reach kids in school.

* Lithuanian-born Ingrida Lingyte's life was changed forever when her mother was killed and her sister paralyzed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. Years later, on a visit to Colombia, she fell in love with the country and made it her home. To combat Colombia's drug culture and the suffering it causes, Lingyte and her team have reached one-fifth of the country's population with the Truth About Drugs. And they're still going strong.

Episodes on these and many more drug-prevention activists will be airing throughout the day, showing how people from all walks of life, nationalities and affiliations are using the Truth About Drugs initiative to raise awareness about drugs and help people make the decision to live drug-free lives.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, "Prevention strategies based on scientific evidence working with families, schools, and communities can ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow and stay healthy and safe into adulthood and old age. For every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs."

Noting the role substance abuse plays in the disintegration of the social fabric, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, "Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs."

Foundation for a Drug-Free World was formed in 2006 to serve as the primary distributor of educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends. The Foundation has grown to a network of some 200 chapters around the world. Thanks to the support of the Church of Scientology and Scientologists, it provides the Truth About Drugs secular program and materials free of charge to drug educators worldwide.

"Voices for Humanity" is a Scientology Network original series of short documentaries introducing changemakers from all faiths, cultures and nations as they extend help to their communities through Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

Since launching with a special episode featuring Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320 and can be streamed at Scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/95biwRmra1k

The United Nations set aside June 26 as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking "to promote action and cooperation toward the goal of an international society free of drug abuse." And at no time has it been more urgent to do so. The Scientology Network marks the day by focusing on humanitarians who are working to end the drug abuse crisis in towns and cities across the world.

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

Ellis Equipment, Inc. Has Premium K-Rail for Sale in the Sacramento Region

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ellis Equipment, Inc. is pleased to offer quality K-rail construction barriers for job sites in and around the City of Sacramento. For close to 30 years now, this family-owned and -operated company has worked tirelessly to provide construction industry professionals with the dependable equipment they require for their various projects. Operating with the guiding philosophy that they are in the problem solving business rather than just the sales or rental business, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Ellis strives to offer each client superior customer service from beginning to end.

Ellis Equipment is regarded as one of the leading suppliers of K-rail concrete barriers in California. The multipurpose K-rail they have for sale is in line with Caltrans specifications to help ensure that it functions as required. Clients purchase Ellis' K-rail for a number of important permanent and semi-permanent applications, such as blocking pedestrian and vehicle access to restricted areas, delineating walkways and perimeters, and aiding in general road and freeway construction work.

Ellis has a number of effective K-rail barrier options available for Sacramento area clients, with each size serving distinct functions. As of now, the company offers 5 ft. sticks (2,000 lbs), 10 ft. sticks (4,000 lbs), and 20 ft. sticks (8,000 lbs). These barricades can be situated as individual units, or interlinked for increased traffic control if desired. The company would like to note that with their weight, the K-rail sticks require reach lifts or forklifts to move them.

The incredible team at Ellis Equipment is committed to making the K-rail purchase process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. With their extensive construction industry experience, they fully understand the importance of being able to secure reliable tools and equipment in a timely manner. Ellis stands behind all of the K-rail they sell in Sacramento and around the county, and greatly appreciates the opportunity to assist all who contact them. They encourage all those that need quality K-rail construction barriers to reach out without delay.

Ellis Equipment, Inc. is located at 1015 E. Burnett St. in Signal Hill, and can be reached at (562) 424-9991. For more information, please contact the business or visit https://www.ellisrents.com/.

Ellis Equipment, Inc. is pleased to offer quality K-rail construction barriers for job sites in and around the City of Sacramento. For close to 30 years now, this family-owned and -operated company has worked tirelessly to provide construction industry professionals with the dependable equipment they require for their various projects.

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