Tag Archives: City and County Government

Co-Chairs Announced for 2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit, Cameron Robb, Jackie Johnson and Art Hamilton

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- Building on the impact and success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit," bringing together a trifecta of leadership and insight, the 2nd annual Summit has announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona to share ideas and innovations.

With this expanded leadership team, the United Diversity Business Summit will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries. With the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses across the valley.

Cameron Robb's role at APS, helps bring clean, reliable and affordable energy to more than 2.7 million Arizonans. Further diversity throughout the City of Scottsdale, Jackie Johnson sets the strategic direction for DEI initiatives, integrating diversity with the city's core mission and values. A 26-year-public servant, Art Hamilton became a state legislator at age 21 and served as minority leader of the Arizona House of Representatives for nearly two decades; he was also the first Black and only Arizonan to be elected to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

"Creating a sustainable future for everyone in Arizona means that we must offer a path to reliable and affordable energy for everyone," Robb said. "We believe in leading the way with innovation and supporting everyone in the diverse communities we serve. I am honored to serve as co-chair for the United Diversity Business Summit and help to bring more voices and perspectives to the leader's table."

Attendees will learn from more than 25 speakers on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, recognizing and overcoming financial challenges, and more.

"As a steady voice for the underrepresented, I appreciate the opportunity to engage greater diversity, equity and inclusion throughout Scottsdale with this summit and all of the incredible initiatives it sparks," Johnson added. "This year's event has an extraordinary wealth of talent, insight, and diverse perspectives and expertise."

Speakers for the 2022 summit include: David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant; Eric Standifer, President and CEO of Blaylock Van and more to be announced.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

Building on the impact and success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit, bringing together a trifecta of leadership and insight, the 2nd annual Summit has announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

Pompano Beach CRA Seeks Restaurant Developer/Operator for Prime Site: Restaurant to Anchor Old Town Arts and Entertainment District

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is seeking sealed proposals from qualified respondents for the development and operations of a restaurant located in the "Old Town Arts and Entertainment District" in the City of Pompano Beach. The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) process is to select a qualified respondent with proven experience, financial resources, and professional expertise to design, renovate and construct a new restaurant on this pivotal site. The City will receive sealed proposals until 2:00 p.m. (local), Monday, July 11, 2022.

The solicitation documents can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a pdf (Bid #T-16-22) at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net.

"The Old Town Arts and Entertainment District has already attracted several leading restaurateurs, and now with this new opportunity, we look forward to partnering with an outstanding developer/operator who shares our vision for the area," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director.

Locals have dubbed the location the "Wash House," as the historic building was once a former laundromat. Conceptual ideas for the 6,089 square foot building include a high-quality, unique, diverse style restaurant or a craft brewery/wine bar with a food component of light bites or full kitchen. Roof top seating must be incorporated as an active use.

Currently, two restaurants are under construction in the district including South Bar & Kitchen by Mike Linder and Papamigos by Brian Faeth.

An Optional Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 9 a.m. (local) at 11 N.E. 1st Street, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 to provide Proposers with a site tour of the Old Town Arts and Entertainment District.

Proposers must be registered on the City's eBid System in order to view the solicitation documents and respond to this solicitation. The solicitation documents can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a pdf at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net.

The City is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any documentation the Proposer receives from any source other than from the eBid System. Proposer is solely responsible for downloading all required documents. A list of Proposers will be read aloud in a public forum. To attend the virtual opening, go to https://pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/meetings to find the zoom link.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

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

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes. For more information https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/government/cra

The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is seeking sealed proposals from qualified respondents for the development and operations of a restaurant located in the "Old Town Arts and Entertainment District" in the City of Pompano Beach. The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) process is to select a qualified respondent to design, renovate and construct a new restaurant on this pivotal site.

City of Pompano Beach and its CRA Issue Invitation to Negotiate to Master Developers Globally

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Pompano Beach (City) and the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for a Master Developer to help the City and CRA create a new Downtown and realize the vision of an exciting destination for businesses, residents, tourists, and other investment stakeholders.

In preparation for this ITN, the CRA hired globally acclaimed real estate firm CBRE as the exclusive agent to broadly market the opportunity and analyze responses for a Master Real Estate Developer for the +/-75.38-acres of publicly-owned land assemblages along the I-95 corridor. The City and CRA hope to secure a development partner by September 2022 and begin implementation of the new Downtown in 2023.

Responses are due on August 31, 2022 by 2 p.m. ET; details at https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net/

"Pompano Beach has become a red-hot real estate market for quality developers looking for sites for new projects. The investment the City and CRA has made in the public realm is attracting good growth partners and shining a light on this gem of a city in South Florida," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director.

Located in Broward County between Palm Beach and Miami Dade Counties, Pompano Beach is looking to capture the influx of new development interest flocking to the State of Florida. With land assemblies ranging in size from +/- .2 - 8.35 acres, the large amount of acreage is a unique opportunity to build on the foundation the City and CRA have laid for development of the new Downtown. A commuter rail stop is planned in the middle of the Downtown area and will connect the four intersections of Downtown where redevelopment is already occurring. Two new luxury apartment projects, restaurants and cultural buildings were all drawn to the area based on aggressive public investment by the City and its CRA. The public investments included a new $50 million beachfront, garage and pier, a $180 million bond for citywide public improvements, land use and zoning upgrades, infrastructure and streetscape improvements, and entitlements and availability of land for residential, hotel and commercial development.

"In Pompano Beach, we have a historic opportunity to create a thriving downtown from the ground up," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "There are very few cities nationwide with the ability to develop a new vision and trajectory for their city. With this project, Pompano Beach will be creating an economic driver for decades to come, one that will brand our city as a hub for technology, arts & culture, shopping, and nightlife."

Downtown Pompano Beach includes four quadrants: The Old Town District, also known as Old Pompano; The Civic Commons District, which includes City Hall, the library, and Cultural Center; the Innovation District, with MLK Boulevard as the "main street" between Dixie Highway and I-95; and a residential area.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

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

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes. For more information https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/government/cra

The City of Pompano Beach (City) and the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for a Master Developer to help the City and CRA create a new Downtown and realize the vision of an exciting destination for businesses, residents, tourists, and other investment stakeholders.

RMA Hired by City of St. Cloud for CRA Professional Consulting Services

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com) is proud to announce they have been hired by the City of St. Cloud, Florida for professional consulting services to help execute the CRA 5-Year Strategic Implementation and Financing Plan. Drafted by RMA and approved in February 2022, this plan provides a structured and proactive approach to guide redevelopment in the 706-acre CRA district, with the goal of attracting private investment.

"We are very proud to work with the City of St. Cloud," said Adriane Esteban, Senior Project Manager. "RMA developed a comprehensive and transparent plan that will support smart growth, while maintaining the character of this charming Osceola County community."

The goal of the plan is to increase the tax base by implementing projects that will offer the most positive impact. By defining the investment plan, the CRA is better positioned to market and promote the area, leading to business attraction and redevelopment. The Financing Plan provides the associated funding sources while creating a transparent financial document that clearly demonstrates the investments the CRA intends to make year after year.

Several key projects RMA will be focused on include the development of a new parking garage in the downtown, the creation of civic commons with an enhanced social environment, and CRA land asset analysis, along with the potential for further land acquisitions.

"We are delighted to be working with RMA as we implement the plan that will guide the growth and development of our City," said Bill Sturgeon, St. Cloud City Manager. "We are excited about both the near and long-term vision for St. Cloud, and we will continue to actively work with our stakeholders as we create a vibrant future for our residents and business owners."

About RMA:

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

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

The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com) is proud to announce they have been hired by the City of St. Cloud, Florida for professional consulting services to help execute the CRA 5-Year Strategic Implementation and Financing Plan. Drafted by RMA and approved in February 2022, this plan provides a structured and proactive approach to guide redevelopment in the 706-acre CRA district, with the goal of attracting private investment.

Related link: https://rma.us.com/

Celebration of Resolution Paves Way for Cheyenne, Wyoming to Become the Climate Wellness Capital

CHEYENNE, Wyo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mayor Patrick Collins, members of the Cheyenne City Council, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Encore Green Environmental and Wyoming's Carbon Asset Network (CAN) have jointly announced a celebration of commitment to work on "Climate Wellness through Soil Health" Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens, 3 p.m.

A resolution will highlight the agreement that Encore Green Environmental signed on December 28, 2021. The desire is that the Resolution will be impactful in stewardship of our environment by the very people who work the land.

Speeches by members of the Cheyenne community will be part of the program, including the proclamation by Mayor Patrick Collins, comments by Dale Steenbergen of the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, and John Robitaille of CAN. Letters of support sent to the city council include the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

"Wyoming has been a leader in everything from the first female governor to water innovation with Buffalo Bill Cody. We, again, are leading the way with Cheyenne to become the Climate Wellness Capital," said Mayor Collins. "There's no better place than Cheyenne where sprawling land and experienced land managers now team with blockchain to render our environment cleaner and safer."

Moving forward the City will work with CAN to develop the program with any additional agreements, MOU's, or contracts developed between the City and CAN to be submitted for approval by the Governing Body.

CAN's program supplies land managers with grants and the tools to help increase their soil's health. Increasing soil health increases the ability of the soil to capture additional soil organic carbon. Increasing soil organic carbon leads to cleaner air, as the carbon is displaced from the air to the soil through increased plant growth and photosynthesis. The end result is that empowering better soil health leads to a better environment for our children and grandchildren.

"We are thrilled to partner with the City of Cheyenne and appreciate their forward thinking to solve problems in cooperation with nature's way to clean our air," said John Robitaille of Encore Green Environmental and CAN. "The Mayor and the Council's vision blends nicely with CAN's mission of Climate Wellness through Soil Health."

Carbon Asset Network (CAN) is a Wyoming company that networks together land stewards - from ranches to farms to golf courses - who commit to a 12-month customized plan with CAN's agronomist to change practices to become more regenerative. These land managers are provided grants from the nonprofit Synergy for Ecological Solutions to purchase new equipment or implement more expensive but sustainable practices designed to help improve the health of the soil and increase soil organic carbon.

CAN uses blockchain technology to verify the soil samples are sent to a certified laboratory, which reports the results directly to the blockchain, which creates a transparent process where all actions and partners are accountable. CAN is expanding these blockchain operations to create NFT Soil Tokens.

An additional announcement will be made regarding a successful partnership developed with a school district in Iraan, Texas, which allows students hands on education in soil stewardship, photosynthesis and produced water reclamation for grades 3-12.

For more information visit: http://www.carbonassetnetwork.com/ and https://synergyforecologicalsolutions.org/ .

Mayor Patrick Collins, members of the Cheyenne City Council, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Encore Green Environmental and Wyoming's Carbon Asset Network (CAN) have jointly announced a celebration of commitment to work on "Climate Wellness through Soil Health" Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens, 3 p.m.

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

Avenu Insights & Analytics Adds Public Sector Talent in California

FRESNO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu) recently announced the addition of Rachelle Arizmendi as one of the company's Government Industry Advisors. Rachelle joins Avenu as a native Californian with a life-long career in serving the public sector and numerous leadership positions.

"Keeping pace with the rapid changes in technology, increased citizen expectations, and budget shortfalls are challenges that all state and local governments are facing," shared Avenu CEO, Paul Colangelo. "The addition of Rachelle Arizmendi helps bring direct industry experience to our client services team that strengthens how we deliver mission critical solutions to the governments we serve.

"Rachelle brings a wealth of public sector knowledge and success that will make a noticeable impact in how we solve challenges and offer creative solutions to our clients. Our key talent additions ensure that Avenu customers can continuously improve on, or in some cases completely reimagine their goals and capabilities in serving their communities."

Rachelle was first elected to California's Sierra Madre City Council in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. Her commitment and drive to improve the community led to being selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor in 2017 and again in 2020. Currently, she is a California Governor appointee for the Department of Food & Agriculture Board and serves as the Board President of the Asian American Pacific Island Equity Alliance, Board Co-Chair of the National Coalition of Asian Pacific Association of Community Development, Board Secretary for Child360, and First Vice-President of the League of California's Cities Women's Caucus Board.

Additionally, Rachelle has dedicated herself to PACE (Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment) for the last 22 years, with the last six as Vice President and COO. PACE is a non-profit community development organization that serves over 40,000 people every year in areas of job training and employment, business development, environment & energy, affordable housing, and early childhood education.

When asked about her transition to Avenu, Rachelle responded, "Avenu is dedicated to helping state and local governments maximize revenue and optimize the way they operate. My life has been built around serving others and joining the team is truly an extension of that. I am fortunate to continue providing value to communities through our work here at Avenu."

About Avenu Insights & Analytics:

Over 3,000 state and local governments have partnered with Avenu to drive positive results for their communities through software administration and compliance auditing solutions. Avenu's comprehensive software solutions digitally transform government by modernizing processes, providing online access to records, and reducing costs. State and local governments also work closely with Avenu to increase revenue without raising taxes, streamline internal operations, and improve services by enhancing connectivity for constituents. Avenu is a portfolio company of Mill Point Capital.

To learn more, visit https://www.avenuinsights.com/

Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu) recently announced the addition of Rachelle Arizmendi as one of the company's Government Industry Advisors. Rachelle joins Avenu as a native Californian with a life-long career in serving the public sector and numerous leadership positions.

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

Pompano Beach CRA announces RFP: Seeks Restaurant Operator for New Florida Destination

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pompano Beach CRA has announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Master Operator to renovate the historic McNab House and garage, construct a new kitchen, improve the surrounding area for outdoor dining, and design the dining program. The nationwide search invites commercial real estate professionals, with their restaurateur partners, and professional restaurant operators to submit proposals.

The solicitation documents can be downloaded for free from the eBid System as a PDF at: https://pompanobeachfl.ionwave.net. The proposal deadline is June 9, 2022 by 2 p.m.

"We are creating a world-class botanical garden which will attract visitors who support the restaurants with traditional dining, in addition to a variety of special events including weddings and educational tours," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the right operator to work with us in developing a key element of this forthcoming Florida destination."

The McNab House is an iconic 1926 structure that was moved and restored to become the centerpiece of the botanical garden. The CRA will consider proposers that respond to the initial phase ("Phase 1") of the project: the McNab House and garage operations, which include the outdoor patio dining, kitchen annex building, and loading area. Proposers are encouraged to define their vision for all aspects of the project including "Phase 2", which includes the tea house, event facilities, and other amenities. The CRA has divided the project into phases so operations may begin at the restaurant while the remainder of the botanical garden is designed, funded, and built.

The CRA's consultants, Bermello Ajamil, and Partners ("B & A"), produced a Conceptual Master Plan for the entire Botanical Gardens; however, specific uses and locations remain flexible pending involvement of the Master Operator.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was created in 1989, with two independent districts. The Northwest CRA and East CRA were established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The Pompano Beach CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

For more information http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

The Pompano Beach CRA has announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Master Operator to renovate the historic McNab House and garage, construct a new kitchen, improve the surrounding area for outdoor dining, and design the dining program. The nationwide search invites commercial real estate professionals, with their restaurateur partners, and professional restaurant operators to submit proposals.

115 Sponsors Step Up to Engage Communities in Shop Local Campaigns

MENLO PARK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, more than 100 of Yiftee's almost 400 communities who use its Community eGift Card platform ran dedicated gift card grant or bonus programs to benefit their small businesses, helping them stay afloat. Who were the "hometown heroes" that sponsored these programs during tough times, and continue to do so?

Yiftee surveyed its communities and found some expected and some surprising results when they asked, "What was the source of funding for your community gift card bonus and grant programs?"

1 -- City governments were the first to step up: 26.3%

2 -- Individuals in the community chipped in: 23.7%

3 -- Local banks and other employers contributed: 15.8%

4 -- ARPA and CARES federal programs were used: 13.2%

5 -- Other sources included tourist and hotel tax reserves, Chamber of Commerce/Downtown Association/Main Street budgets, and other county and state funding.

Over the two years, Sponsors contributed $2.7 million for bonus cards, incentivizing additional Community eGift card purchases by town residents of $4.1 million. Grant and employee reward programs added up to an additional $5.4 million. Gift cards and bonus cards can only be spent at local merchants in the Sponsors' communities. These purchases often replaced national brand gift card purchases as Sponsors redirected their budgets to "shop local."

Local financial institutions and employers support their communities

"Both Prudential Financial, Inc. and Audible are strong supporters of the community in which their employees live and work," said Tamara Remedios, Owner of Xplore Communications, who organized the Newark, NJ Community Card program. "When I approached Prudential with the idea of sponsoring a bonus program, they were all in, contributing $25k. They especially appreciated that their contributions incentivized additional purchases by Newark residents of 2.5x more. Plus, the bonus cards get residents into the 100+ shops and restaurants who are participating in the program before they expire - so it's a quick boost to our local economy when our businesses needed it the most. Audible also jumped on board to give $10k to support marketing and special programs for the Newark Gift Card. Both institutions are the benchmark of being true community partners."

Towns multiply their federal grant monies by engaging residents in shopping local

Last month, Yiftee hosted a webinar featuring two live community case studies where CARES and ARPA funds were used as sponsorships. Like Newark NJ, Concord CA hosted 3 bonus program campaigns at the holiday seasons of both 2020 and 2021, and a mid-year summer 2021 program as well. The $40,000 in federal grants were complemented by $80,000 in resident purchases for a total benefit of $120,000 going to 65 local businesses.

Cutler Bay, FL took a different approach with their CARES funding. They distributed $500 Community eGift cards to 300 residents in need, and the cards could only be spent at qualified small businesses in Cutler Bay. They saw 97.3% of the value redeemed within 3 months - a double win for the residents and businesses with the same funding.

The Yiftee survey documented some great advice for other communities considering similar programs, such as "Give them [Sponsors] as many perks as possible! Put their logo on all marketing materials, spotlight them on social media and encourage them to buy gift cards for their employees or raffle them off as prizes throughout the year" and "Have a sign at their [merchants'] cash registers to remind purchasers to use their e-gift card at that establishment."

The Bemidji, MN Chamber of Commerce promotes a locally owned bank, grocery store and telephone cooperative as Sponsors, celebrating their community spirit with logos on the website, and recognition in local press and marketing materials. This way, the community knows and can appreciate that these Sponsors are covering program costs for people who purchase their Community eGift Cards. Their card works at 49 different shops and restaurants in the area, and the program is free for the merchants to participate.

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves almost 400 communities and 13,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local - more than $27M in pandemic years 2020 and 2021. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, city governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses. There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://www.yiftee.com/ and/or email: sales@yiftee.com

Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiftee/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/9qhm8D2NPaI

In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, more than 100 of Yiftee's almost 400 communities who use its Community eGift Card platform ran dedicated gift card grant or bonus programs to benefit their small businesses, helping them stay afloat. Who were the "hometown heroes" that sponsored these programs during tough times, and continue to do so?

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

Scottsdale Mayor Ortega Welcomes Minority Business Accelerator participants during Spring kickoff event

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- With a welcome from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Arizona Robin Reed, the Minority Business Accelerator Program, in collaboration with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, kicked off on March 8, welcoming more than 40 women-owned small businesses, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

The 2022 program is sponsored by American Landmark; one of the fastest-growing multifamily owner-operators in the United States and Blaylock Van, LLC, the oldest and continuously operating African American-owned banking firm in the United States.

With a focus on minority business growth, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has already helped more than 7,000 women across the country conquer poverty through entrepreneurship. With a forward-focused mission of developing economic growth initiatives for minority- and women-owned businesses to encourage job creation and business expansion, the organization focuses its work in the Arizona, Florida, and Georgia markets. A $500,000 scholarship fund for the program was launched by Dr. Velma Trayham in February to help small businesses owned by African American women.

"While Arizona continues to grow its commitment to diverse business ownership, institutional barriers to success such as lack of access to capital and access to quality business training are still a reality. That's what we're here to change," said Thinkzilla Consulting Group founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "This unique program invites more voices to the table and more support in developing and realizing entrepreneurial goals."

While Arizona is home to more than 600,000 small businesses, only about 11 percent are helmed by racial minorities, according to the Arizona Small Business Economic Profile.

The 15-week Minority Business Accelerator engages entrepreneurs with a proprietary curriculum, including startup tools, access to a diverse local and national mentor network, funding opportunities to rapidly grow and scale operations, and support in learning how to do business with the government and corporations. The economic goals of the program include supporting the launch of more than 500 new companies while empowering a minimum of 50,000 entrepreneurs.

Program participants represent industries including counseling and mental health, consulting, spa/beauty, IT, restaurants, and education, among others.

2022 Spring Cohort Participating businesses are:

Black HMU, UnitedABowens Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Southern Roots Vegan, Nursing Apparel & ThangZ, Waters Cover Senior Living Community, Simply Celeste's, Shaping Minds Therapeutic Services, Divine Vision Enterprises, Permananet Management MakeUP, Maxim Wellness Centers, New Phoenix, Powerfuel Bites, Her Sisu, Kream's Kreations, Riley-Jones, Walking in Wellness, Ms. Martha's Caribbean Kitchen, Holistic Pathwayz, Nikki L. Sims, Healthier New You, Limitless Scholars, Purpose-Driven Therapeutic Services, Aylee Consulting, Positive Vibes, Foxy Holdings, The Martin Walsh Realty Group, Above the Curve Design Co. and Vuvoi.

The Entrepreneur Accelerator program is offered twice a year, will begin accepting applicants for its upcoming fall program in July. Past alumni's boast acceleration of business growth, click here for past testimonials - https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/success-stories/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Thinkzilla offers DEI Programming that focuses on economic, strategic growth initiatives for minority and women-owned small businesses. Our Award-Winning team helps our clients increase supplier diversity across their supply chains and assist in launching programs to engage communities across the globe. For more information, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) organization that addresses the barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded. The mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned businesses, thereby strengthening their impact on the economy and mitigating the problems presented by poverty.

RELATED LINKS:
https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/minoritybusiness/

https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/30141144/Small-Business-Economic-Profile-AZ.pdf

With a welcome from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Arizona Robin Reed, the Minority Business Accelerator Program, in collaboration with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, kicked off on March 8, welcoming more than 40 women-owned small businesses, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

RMA Hired by Wilton Manors for Real Estate / Market Analysis and Branding Strategy

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com) is proud to announce they have been hired by the City of Wilton Manors for the WiltonNext project, a real estate / market analysis and branding strategy for the commercial corridors in the city. The purpose of the study is to analyze real estate and market conditions, support market positioning, develop marketing and branding strategy, and engage community stakeholders to enhance economic development along its major commercial corridors.

"RMA is honored to be working with this vibrant and nationally acclaimed city," said Sharon McCormick, Director of Business Attraction and Marketing. "The municipal leaders of Wilton Manors understand the tremendous potential of their community, and RMA is looking forward to crafting the best strategies for maximizing opportunities while maintaining the character of this special 'island city'."

RMA's study will focus on Wilton Manor's five main commercial corridors including Oakland Park Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, Wilton Drive, 26th Street, and Dixie Highway. Key items RMA will be analyzing include community retail needs, optimal retail mix, consumer spending, industry sectors, market positioning and development opportunities. In addition, the firm will create a marketing strategy, brand positioning and messaging for the major corridors and develop a strong, reliable identity for each commercial district, including all supporting materials. Once completed, RMA will develop an action plan with a tentative implementation timeline.

"We are excited to be partnering with the RMA team as we build upon Wilton Manors' vast achievements and usher in the next wave of economic progress in our city," said Leigh Ann Henderson, City Manager.

The City and RMA recently held the official public kick-off meeting, which was attended by over 80 residents, business and property owners. After the presentation, there was an engaging discussion about the future opportunities for the Wilton Manor's commercial corridors.

About RMA:

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

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

The award-winning economic development firm, RMA (rma.us.com) is proud to announce they have been hired by the City of Wilton Manors for the WiltonNext project, a real estate / market analysis and branding strategy for the commercial corridors in the city.

Related link: https://rma.us.com/

PRESS CONFERENCE WED. JAN. 19, 2022: Coalition of Voting Rights Activists Will Deliver Petition to Stop Lincoln County from Eliminating All But One Polling Place

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- As the U.S. Senate continues to discuss voting rights amid national efforts to disenfranchise voters, the new Lincoln County Board of Elections will vote Wed. Jan. 19, 2022 on whether to close all polling places except one. A coalition of voting rights activists will present a petition to the board at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 19, and a press conference will follow at 4 p.m. The petition drive was coordinated by the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda (The Peoples Agenda), Common Cause Georgia, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, and Black Voters Matter.

Local activists and community members helping to coordinate are: Rev. Denise Freeman, civil/human rights activist, Bishop Willie Jackson, Christ Centered Outreach Ministry, and Rev. Christopher Johnson, Augusta Interfaith Coalition.

WHO: Press Conference Speakers:

Helen Butler, executive director, The Peoples Agenda

Rev. Denise Freeman, civil/human rights activist, Lincoln County

Bishop Willie Jackson, Christ Centered Outreach Ministry

Rev. Christopher Johnson, Augusta Interfaith Coalition

Fenika Miller, Sr. state organizing manager, Black Voters Matter Fund

Aunna Dennis, executive director, Common Cause Georgia

WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE on closure of polling places in Lincoln County, Ga.

WHEN: DATE: Wednesday Jan. 19, 2022 -- TIME: 4 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln County Board of Elections (In front of the building); 160 May Avenue, Lincolnton, GA 30817

HOW: For more information contact Edrea Davis edmedia@dogonvillage.com or 818.613.9521 (text/cell).

ABOUT THE PEOPLE'S AGENDA

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

For more information visit https://thepeoplesagenda.org/ or email coalition@bellsouth.net or call the People's Agenda at (404) 653-1199.

As the U.S. Senate continues to discuss voting rights amid national efforts to disenfranchise voters, the new Lincoln County Board of Elections will vote Wed. Jan. 19, 2022 on whether to close all polling places except one. A coalition of voting rights activists will present a petition to the board at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 19, and a press conference will follow. The petition drive was coordinated by the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda (The Peoples Agenda) among others.

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

Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on March 12, 2011.

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

Hitachi Energy's site in Bland, Virginia is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public and private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. This facility manufactures custom designed dry-type transformers for commercial, industrial, utility, and military electrical power systems. 336 employees work at the 120,000 square foot facility that began production in 1973 and a recently completed an expansion project that added 40 jobs to the workforce.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the VPP "STAR Worksite" flag. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

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

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

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

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

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on March 12, 2011.

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

Southwest Airlines Adds Service to Denver: Expanded Service at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport to Begin in June

AMARILLO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Amarillo travelers will soon have more options that feature the Mile-High City, Denver, Colorado as Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, has announced new non-stop service to Denver International Airport (DEN).

The new expanded service to Denver begins June 5, 2022 to the Denver International Airport. On Sundays through Fridays, the Denver flight will depart Amarillo at 1:55 p.m. and arrive in Denver at 2:25 p.m. The return flight will depart Denver at 12:10 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 2:25 p.m.

"Every Panhandle resident and Panhandle visitor will appreciate this new Denver flight," said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. "Southwest Airlines has provided remarkable customer service to Panhandle travelers for years, and Southwest's commitment to our growth is strong. A daily non-stop flight to Denver is fantastic news."

"We are extremely excited for the addition of a nonstop Southwest flight to Denver from Amarillo; it has been a goal of ours for many years," said Jason Harrison, President & CEO, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. "Denver is such a valuable destination, not only from a business standpoint, but for leisure travel to the northwest as well as a gateway to the west. Southwest Airlines continues to be an irreplaceable partner with our Taking Flight - Amarillo Initiative. We appreciate their continuing dedication in maintaining and expanding flights to and from Amarillo, with their new Denver service."

"Today's announcement of new non-stop service to Denver by Southwest Airlines is a direct result of Southwest's dedication to the Amarillo community and the entire Panhandle, and shows that they have a better understanding of the needs of their customers," said Michael Conner, Director of Aviation at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. "Southwest has remained committed to connecting people to what's important in their lives and to growing their decades-long partnership with us here in Amarillo. We want to thank the entire Southwest team for the expanded service. We greatly value our partnership with them."

For more information about the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport visit: https://www.fly-ama.com/

For more information about the City of Amarillo visit: https://www.amarillo.gov/

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

Amarillo travelers will soon have more options that feature the Mile-High City, Denver, Colorado as Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, has announced new non-stop service to Denver International Airport (DEN).

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

Toray Plastics in Front Royal, Virginia Receives Its Fourth ‘Star’ Designation Under The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Toray Plastics (America), Inc. in Front Royal, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 28, 2005.

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

The Toray Plastics (America), Inc, commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low injury and illness rates. The Front Royal facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.64 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 3.0 for this industry, representing a TCIR rate 79% lower than the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the VPP "STAR Worksite" flag. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

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

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

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

Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Toray Plastics (America), Inc. in Front Royal, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 28, 2005.

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

David McNeil Receives Broker of the Year Award

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal and Risk Management Consultant David McNeil has been selected as 2021 Broker of the Year by The California Association of Mutual Water Companies - Joint Powers Risk & Insurance Management Authority (CalMutuals-JPRIMA). CalMutuals JPRIMA is one of the largest water joint powers authorities in the United States.

The CalMutuals JPRIMA Broker of the Year Award is given to an exceptional, high performing risk management professional who has made a meaningful contribution to California public water systems and water-related entities and goes above and beyond in support of this industry. "JPRIMA relies solidly on the skills and support of committed insurance brokers like David," said CalMutuals JPRIMA Chairman and CEO Jim Byerrum. "We view his contributions as an integral part of our success and proudly call him a valued partner and trusted advisor."

McNeil serves on several federal, state, and local task forces for critical infrastructure exposure mitigation, transfer, and avoidance. He is executive producer and an advisory member of the American Association of Water Distribution & Management (AAWD&M) Thought Leadership Lab Video Module Series, a resource that helps CalMutuals-JPRIMA insureds/members stay abreast of risk management best practices and emerging issues. He represents many mutual water companies, public water districts and investor-owned utilities, with many client relationships spanning decades of service.

"It's an honor to be recognized by CalMutuals JPRIMA as Broker of the Year," said McNeil. "Its dedication to providing high-quality, cost-effective risk management and insurance products and services to its members is exceptional, and I look forward to continuing our work together."

CalMutuals JPRIMA was founded in 2016 after enactment of AB656 (Garcia), authorizing mutual water companies to form and participate in a joint powers authority, to provide pooled insurance for mutual water companies and other water systems. Since then, the CalMutuals JPRIMA has grown from 14 members to over 250 members representing a wide range of water suppliers across California, including some of the largest in the state. CalMutuals JPRIMA is governed by a nine-member board of directors from around the state and is currently developing a portfolio of risk management and safety tools for its members.

Learn more about EPIC at: https://epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal and Risk Management Consultant David McNeil has been selected as 2021 Broker of the Year by The California Association of Mutual Water Companies - Joint Powers Risk & Insurance Management Authority (CalMutuals-JPRIMA).

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

AAPI Toastmaster to Host The 2021 Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Asian American Toastmaster Judy Thang has been selected to host the opening session of the 2021 Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods. This year, the theme of the event will be "Leading Change Together," Toastmasters District 52 announced today.

"The opening session will be comprised of a keynote speaker Executive Director General Manager Capri Maddox- of the LA Civil Human Rights and Equity Department, Mayor Garcetti, the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners Representative, and the General Manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, Raquel Beltran," says Colette Amin, Co-Chair of the Production Committee of the 2021 Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods.

"Being part of Toastmasters has provided the space and support that I needed to become confident and driven, and to work on my own goals in life," says Toastmaster Judy Thang. "I've been fortunate to work with Toastmasters from all walks of life - and thrust into situations that nudge me out of my comfort zone such as the opportunity to host the opening session of the 2021 Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods."

The virtual congress has an expected attendance of 500-700 Angelenos. The goal is to bring together neighborhood council board members, committee members, stakeholders, and local communities from our 99 neighborhood councils for a day of learning, civic engagement, and inspiration.

2021 Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods

Date: September 25, 2021

Time: from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Location: Online via Zoom

For more information please visit: https://www.neighborhoodcongress.la

About 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: http://www.district52.org/

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.

Asian American Toastmaster Judy Thang has been selected to host the opening session of the 2021 Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods. This year, the theme of the event will be "Leading Change Together," Toastmasters District 52 announced today.

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

Southwest Airlines Adds Daily Austin Flight: Expanded Service at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport to Begin in March

AMARILLO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Amarillo travelers will soon have extra options that feature the state capital as Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, has announced new daily non-stop service to Austin.

The new expanded service to Austin begins March 10, 2022 to Austin Bergstrom International Airport. On Sundays through Mondays, the Austin flight will depart Amarillo at 6:10 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 7:30 a.m. The return flight will depart Austin at 7:55 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 9:20 p.m. On Saturdays, the flight will depart Amarillo at 11:05 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 12:23 p.m. The return flight will depart Austin at 12:25 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 1:50 p.m.

In addition to the new Austin non-stop service, Southwest Airlines is adding a fourth daily non-stop flight from Amarillo to Dallas Love Field beginning March 10, 2022. This additional flight returns Southwest's number of non-stops to Dallas Love Field to pre-pandemic levels.

"This is exciting for Amarillo, and a reason for celebration as the travel, business and entertainment opportunities for the city and the Texas Panhandle continue to grow," said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. "As the Amarillo economy continues to expand, diversify and strengthen, we value working with partners like Southwest Airlines to expand their opportunities and service in Amarillo."

"I can't tell you how excited we are to not only get the daily direct flight back between Amarillo and Austin, but on a non-stop basis," said Amarillo Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Harrison. "Austin is such a valuable destination, not only from a business standpoint and with our legislators convening there, but for personal travel into the heart of Texas and all that has to offer those from the Panhandle and the Tri-State area.

"Southwest Airlines continues to be an irreplaceable partner with our Taking Flight - Amarillo Initiative. We appreciate their continuing dedication in maintaining and returning flights to and from Amarillo back to pre-pandemic levels, and now beyond, with the new Austin service."

"We are looking forward to continuing to strengthen our intra-Texas routes, giving more Texans access to key destinations throughout the state and bringing more access to our growing network," said Dave Harvey, Vice President of Southwest Business for Southwest Airlines. "Whether traveling for business or leisure, the expanded service from Amarillo will allow travelers to more quickly reach the people and places important in their lives, while experiencing Southwest's famous hospitality."

Learn more about Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport: https://www.fly-ama.com/

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

Amarillo travelers will soon have extra options that feature the state capital as Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, has announced new daily non-stop service to Austin. The new expanded service to Austin begins March 10, 2022 to Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Related link: https://www.fly-ama.com/

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Joins Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival as Celebrity Judge

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce that television icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner is joining the fourth annual "Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival" as a celebrity judge. The famed star of "The Cosby Show" and current hit "The Resident" will also be performing his poetry at the festival and sharing thoughts about his career during an Artist Talk.

The three-day event attracts the premier spoken word artists in the country and will take place December 9-11, 2021 at the City's cultural venues. Event details and tickets are available at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36.

"We are honored that actor and poet Malcolm-Jamal Warner will be a judge at this year's festival. His participation will shine the national spotlight on an event that is growing in prestige every year," said Phyllis Korab, Director, Cultural Affair Department. "Warner stole our hearts as a lovable Huxtable kid in the 80s and is now gaining raves as Dr. Andre Jeremiah Austin on the hit show 'The Resident.' But many do not realize the acclaimed actor is also a leading voice in the spoken word realm."

Warner, who is a Grammy(R) Award-winner, has tackled many important issues with his spoken word performances including problems with the penal system and in 2020 he chronicled life as a black man with his film "Word Warriors III."

Warner has said, "Poetry had always been a huge part of my life. My father went to Lincoln University with Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, so I literally came out of the womb listening to Gil Scott-Heron. So, poetry's always been a huge part of the expression of self."

The Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival was founded by Eccentrich, one of the top-ranking female poets in the country. She developed the platform to serve the community through educational, theatrical, and literary performances. The festival showcases local, regional, and nationally recognized poets, while educating and encouraging self-expression in local youth.

"Now more than ever, spoken word artists are shaping the cultural and social dialogue in our country," said Eccentrich. "This form of expression empowers those who have felt unheard, providing platform to address both deeply personal situations and larger global issues. We are excited to return for our fourth year, and we look forward working with a dynamic group of participants."

TICKET AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION:

Tickets are $10 a day or $25 for a festival pass, available at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36

* Thursday, December 9, 2021

Bailey Contemporary Arts Center

Artist Talk & Happy Hour 6p to 7p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Prelim bout - 7p to 8p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Artist Market & pop-up poetry - 8p to 9p

* Friday, December 10, 2021

Blanche Ely House Museum

Lunch Time Story Slam - 12p to 1p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Artist Talk - 6p to 7p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Prelim bout 7p to 8p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Artist Market & Cyphers - 8p to 9p

* Saturday, December 11, 2021

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Final Stage - 7p to 10p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

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

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kay Renz

Kay@KRPRMediaGroup.com

Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce that television icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner is joining the fourth annual "Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival" as a celebrity judge. The famed star of "The Cosby Show" and current hit "The Resident" will also be performing his poetry at the festival and sharing thoughts about his career during an Artist Talk.

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

2021 VOSH Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Emerson Machine Automation Solution in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Emerson Machine Automation Solution is one of 36 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. Emerson employees design and build electronic control devices for a wide range of automating processes for paper mills, steel mills, power generation, mining, refining, large material handling, and propulsion of marine vessels. The Charlottesville facility was built in 1980 and operated by General Electric Company (GE) until Emerson Electric Company purchased the site in 2019. The main plant is comprised of 395,000 square feet. Currently, there are 326 full-time employees at this site with an average of 17 contract workers.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

Emerson Machine Automation Solution in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

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

RMA Real Estate Services Brokers Sale of Pelican Harbor Marina for City of Palm Bay

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- RMA Real Estate Services, a division of the economic development firm RMA (www.rma.us.com), is proud to announce the successful sale of a prime commercial property on behalf of the City of Palm Bay. RMA's senior broker Bill Dehlinger, CCIM handled the transaction for the City, which resulted in Space Coast Marinas purchasing three parcels of land known as Pelican Harbor Marina for $1.7 million. The almost seven acres will be redeveloped to include a boat launch, public boardwalk, a marina, and restaurant.

"We are honored to have brokered this real estate transaction for the City of Palm Bay and the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency," said Bill Dehlinger. "The sale of this property will usher in the revitalization of Bayfront Village."

In 2015, Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency (BCRA) applied for and won a Competitive Florida grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The City used the grant to hire RMA to perform a scope of work that included market analysis, public input, and development of an economic development strategy and action plan. At that time, RMA found that Pelican Harbor Marina, with access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Indian River Lagoon, was a prime catalyst for future development of Bayfront Village.

"This is an exciting development project for the City," said Joan Junkala-Brown, Deputy City Manager. "The proposed development will add value to what currently exists and further create an environment for residents and visitors to gather, eat, shop, and listen to live music whether arriving by boat or vehicle."

"This project is a prime example of RMA's synergistic services at work," said Chris Brown, RMA Principal and Co-founder. "From vision to implementation, our team created the strategy for redevelopment and then secured the developer who will launch this catalytic project. We are very proud of our work with Palm Bay and look forward to the creation of a magnificent new waterfront village."

About RMA:

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

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRMediagroup.com

RMA Real Estate Services, a division of the economic development firm RMA, is proud to announce the successful sale of a prime commercial property on behalf of the City of Palm Bay.

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

Teamsters Local 396 Builds Momentum in Contract Campaign to Raise Wages and Working Conditions for Over 2,700 Sanitation Workers in Orange County

SANTA ANA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, the City of Santa Ana stood up for working people by rejecting the city staff recommendation to replace its unionized waste hauler with a non-union hauler with a track record of union busting, air pollution and paying near poverty wages, Teamsters Local 396 said today. Santa Ana residents are currently serviced by Waste Management, a unionized waste hauler that has serviced the city for over 30 years.

"The Santa Ana open bid process for residential waste services was important to protect consumer rates, hard-earned well-paid jobs, and opening up historically closed bidding processes," said Ron Herrera, Secretary - Treasurer of Teamsters Local 396.

Herrera added, "We are ecstatic Athens Services, a non-union company with a history of worker intimidation and exploitation will NOT be spreading its greedy tentacles in Santa Ana."

This is a huge victory in the first skirmish of the Teamsters Local 396 begins contract bargaining for roughly 2,700 haulers in LA and Orange County. With average wages around $28 an hour and full benefits, waste work is one of the few industries that has lifted workers out of poverty.

"Through organizing, strikes, and bargaining we went from over worked, disrespected and under paid immigrant workers to becoming over worked better paid homeowners who have lifted ourselves out of poverty, can pay college tuition for our kids, and take family vacations. Now we want to join the middle class," said Javier Bonales, Teamsters 396, Vice President and longtime OC waste hauler.

Teamsters Local 396 represents UPS and Sanitation workers in Southern California. The Local Union also serves Members in other miscellaneous industries such as logistics, recycling, and feed delivery services.

Learn more at: https://www.teamsterslocal396.org/

Contact: Adan Alvarez, (323) 404-5939

On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, the City of Santa Ana stood up for working people by rejecting the city staff recommendation to replace its unionized waste hauler with a non-union hauler with a track record of union busting, air pollution and paying near poverty wages, Teamsters Local 396 said today.

Related link: https://www.teamsterslocal396.org/

Pompano Beach to Test SEAHIVE Shoreline Protection System at Wahoo Bay

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientists, government officials and citizens concerned about climate change and sea level rise will soon have a new source of data when Wahoo Bay in Pompano Beach launches. This underwater marine park will become a global incubator for the ocean's ecosystem and will test the SEAHIVE™ marine and estuarine shoreline protection system, a research project funded by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) in collaboration with FDOT.

The team at Wahoo Bay collaborated with scientists and engineers from the University of Miami's College of Engineering and the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with the hope that green engineering solutions will prove to be superior to traditional measures such as the controversial U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposal to wall-off Miami against water.

"There are a variety of potential solutions being discussed to combat sea level rise and protect areas like South Florida from the impacts of flooding, erosion and wave attack," explained Rob Wyre, Chairman of Shipwreck Park. "However, many of the options can be detrimental to the overall ecosystem. Wahoo Bay will play a critical role in helping scientists and government officials test the SEAHIVE system, while the park itself will create an environment for local, national and international scientific experiments and collaboration."

The SEAHIVE™ configuration for Wahoo Bay combines a modular concrete structure with adequate complexity and material composition with mangroves. The projection is that the system will not only reduce flooding and erosion in the area but will be hospitable to sea life, creating an eco-laboratory for Wahoo Bay visitors.

"We are very excited to be collaborating with the team at Wahoo Bay, said Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos, an assistant professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Miami who is part of the SEAHIVE™ development team. "They were very enthusiastic about implementing our research in Pompano Beach, and our discussions with Rob Wyre led to the idea of utilizing red mangroves in the design, resonating our ideas towards a 'green-gray' approach. Wahoo Bay will be an important test for the SEAHIVE system and will provide invaluable data as we search for the most viable solutions to preserve coastal areas."

Wahoo Bay is a Shipwreck Park initiative that will be run by the City of Pompano Beach's Parks and Recreation Department and supported by community volunteers.

This educational initiative is expected to begin construction this September and will cost more than $1 million to complete. Additional funding is required, donations can be made at https://wahoobay.org/donations-page/.

MULTIMEDIA:

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0813s2p-wahoo-bay-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Rendering of Wahoo Bay.

Scientists, government officials and citizens concerned about climate change and sea level rise will soon have a new source of data when Wahoo Bay in Pompano Beach launches. This underwater marine park will become a global incubator for the ocean's ecosystem and will test the SEAHIVE™ marine and estuarine shoreline protection system, a research project funded by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) in collaboration with FDOT.

Related link: https://wahoobay.org/

Local Community Gift Card Program Shows up to 8X ROI on Federal Funds Invested to Help Small Businesses in Pandemic Recovery

MENLO PARK, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- As communities strive to help their local businesses weather the pandemic storm, Yiftee has grown to more than 270 Community eGift Cards across the United States and executed 74 "Buy-One-Get-One" programs. These programs enlist entire communities in purchasing eGift Cards that can only be spent at local businesses, where the card buyers also receive free bonus gifts for their own use.

Yiftee and Whatcom County, WA teamed up to measure the revenue impact of their program for small businesses in Whatcom County. Between money spent on community card purchases, bonus cards funded by the CARES Act, and overspend on the gift cards and bonus cards, the analysis found that the bonus program investment was returned by 2X in its first month, 4X after 3 months and could return up to 8X over the next year when the majority of the purchased cards have been redeemed.

Data shows more than 30% is typically spent over the card value

Derek Long, Executive Director of Sustainable Connections in Bellingham, WA, who worked with Whatcom County government to fund the bonus cards and marketing to support it said, "The card buyer survey showed that on average, people spend 34% more than the purchased cards and 31% more than the bonus cards. We returned 2X our bonus card investment in the first month, and now we are at 4X with potential to double that as more cards are redeemed over the next year or so."

Sandy Ward, President and CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism added, "The Whatcom County community has really rallied to help our small businesses and we are thrilled with the results. The bonus funds sold out quickly in December, and people have continued to purchase the Whatcom County Think Local First cards, with thousands more purchased after the bonus ran out."

Besides the CARES Act in Q4 2020, Yiftee is seeing funds for similar programs coming from corporate sponsors, tourism offices, city and county governments, and most recently federal funds from the American Recovery Plan all helping small businesses come back.

More than half of card holders tried out new shops or restaurants

Yiftee and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism jointly sponsored the survey and were pleased that the extensive card buyer survey, conducted by the Claremont Consulting Group Inc.*, also found that 51% of card buyers tried new shops or restaurants with their Community eGift Cards, and cardholders liked being able to use them at multiple places around town. The bonus program drew attention to the new Whatcom County program, launched in November 2020, with 50% of people saying they would be significantly more likely to purchase a $50 card if they got a $10 bonus.

"Shopping local has always been popular but now it's essential, and Community Cards are a simple way for consumers, companies and local governments to keep their local dollars local," said Donna Novitsky, Yiftee CEO and co-founder. An incredible 92% of card buyers surveyed said they prefer to support their local business with a Community Card vs buying national brand gift cards.

Ann Marie Cooper, Owner of Good Earth Pottery in Bellingham, WA commented, "The gift card program definitely brought extra/new traffic to our shop. Several customers told me so. I know some local folks sent these gift cards to friends and family out of town, to bring their business to us/Whatcom County. The incentive program (bonus spending money) was big motivation for people to purchase the Think Local First Gift Cards... I am very thankful for the program."

About Yiftee, Keep Local Dollars Local

Yiftee serves more than 270 communities and 10,000 local businesses with simple, secure, PoS-independent eGift Cards that keep local dollars local - more than $13M in pandemic year 2020. The company works with Chambers of Commerce, Downtowns, Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts, city governments and other local organizations to create "Community Cards," branded for the community and redeemable at 10s to 100s of local businesses. Organizations and individuals purchase them online and send them via email, text or print to friends, family and co-workers to support their local businesses.

There is no cost to the organizers or merchants for the program and it can be set up in just a few days. Yiftee also provides custom-branded cards for individual merchants, franchises, and chains.

More info at https://yiftee.com/, email: sales@yiftee.com, Twitter: @Yiftee, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiftee/.

(Note: * Claremont Consulting Group Inc. study included 197 survey responses for purchases made November 2020-March 2021.)

IMAGE LINK FOR MEDIA: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0511s2p-yifteecard-300dpi.jpg

CAPTION: The Whatcom County, WA Think Local First gift card promotion held in Nov/Dec 2020 multiplied federal government funds with consumer purchases that exclusively support local shops and restaurants in the area as they come back from closures due to COVID.

As communities strive to help their local businesses weather the pandemic storm, Yiftee has grown to more than 270 Community eGift Cards across the United States and executed 74 "Buy-One-Get-One" programs. These programs enlist entire communities in purchasing eGift Cards that can only be spent at local businesses, where the card buyers also receive free bonus gifts for their own

Related link: https://yiftee.com/

The City of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department Announces All-Inclusive Playground

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department has enhanced the Sergeant Kip Jacoby Park with a new all-inclusive playground that features equipment that will encourage side-by-side play for all children. The new pieces by the Kompan Company improve physical, cognitive, creative and social skills for all children, while offering a welcoming atmosphere for children with special needs.

"We recognized the need for an all-abilities park in Pompano Beach and felt that Sergeant Kip Jacoby Park would be an ideal choice," said Mark Beaudreau, Recreations Program Administrator. "This new playground, with its state-of-the-art equipment, will improve the quality of life for families throughout our City and the region and will encourage inclusion and foster new friendships."

During the past few months, the playground has been redesigned to include a custom-built play structure with ramps, special swings and an array of accessible equipment that encourage fun, interaction and learning.

Responsive to children's movements, the TIPI apparatus spins when pushed or pulled. Apart from being a fun negotiation and turn-taking game, the pushing and pulling build muscles and cardio. In the TIPI, children can lie, sit or stand with the support of the side bars or the top frame. This welcomes children with mobility disabilities to be part of the play, too. The spinning movement trains the sense of space and balance. The Robinia Percussion Music Panel is an invitation to play for children featuring a variation in drumming sounds and tonal responses to movements. The drums can be played alone or together. The Xylophone Music Panel trains hand-eye coordination while the tonality of the music panel stimulates logical as well as creative thinking. And the Spinner Bowl allows children to adjust the spinning speed with their body movements. This trains logical thinking and trains the sense of balance, which is mandatory for concentration skills and the ability to sit still. Pushing or being pushed by others trains social-emotional skills such as turn-taking.

"Thank you, City of Pompano Beach! There are so few inclusive playgrounds for children with disabilities," said Myrna Miott, Director of Development and Marketing for the Broward Children's Center. "We are thrilled that our city has taken this proactive and innovative step so that children of all abilities can play together. We look forward to the many friendships and connections that will be made in our community as a result of everyone being able to safely let loose together in this space."

Sergeant Kip Jacoby is named after a longtime Pompano Beach resident who lost his life on June 28, 2005 in Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings. To honor his sacrifice, the City renamed the park, where he loved to skateboard, in his honor. The park is located at 620 S. Cypress Road in Pompano Beach.

The City of Pompano Beach is a vibrant multicultural community located in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast. We are known for our warm welcome and beautiful beaches, listed 9th in the 2021 "Best Beaches in the World" by Travel Addicts Life Magazine. This All-America City is one of the largest beachfront cities in South Florida with a four mile stretch of pristine shoreline, over 700 acres of parks, and a commitment to arts & culture. Key industries include marine, manufacturing, distribution, tourism and entertainment.

For more information visit us at http://pompanobeachfl.gov/

Media Contact: Kay@KRPRmediagroup.com

The City of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department has enhanced the Sergeant Kip Jacoby Park with a new all-inclusive playground that features equipment that will encourage side-by-side play for all children.

Related link: https://pompanobeachfl.gov/

Rural Iowa Manufacturing Jobs Surplus Means Big Opportunities

OSCEOLA, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- It's been a year since the manufacturing industry was hit by the COVID-19 crisis forcing businesses to get creative to manage their workforce assets. In April of 2020, the rural Clarke County, Iowa's unemployment rate jumped from 3.4% to 11.8%, and more than 100,000 workers across the state were displaced, laid off, or simply let go when businesses had to close their doors, says Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC).

Now COVID restrictions have begun to lift and the economy is picking up again, especially for manufacturers in Osceola, Iowa. Unfortunately, many businesses are still struggling in their search for the right candidates to fill key positions.

"We've got 4,700 non-farm jobs and our major manufacturers continue to grow and add staff," said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation. "Now is a great time to find a job in Clarke County."

Major Clarke County employers have a variety of positions available and are casting a wide net to entice the right candidates to the region. Full of lucrative job opportunities, Osceola boasts easy access from Des Moines, Indianola, Norwalk, St. Mary's, Martensdale and many other South-Central Iowa and Northern Missouri cities via I-35 and highways 34 and 92.

"We're certainly in a position where we have more jobs than people to fill them, so we're recruiting from across the state to find the right fit," said Susan Miller, Human Resources Recruiter for the Altec body plant. "While our pay is more than competitive with most Des Moines metro employers, and our benefits package is outstanding, we've found that it's our unique company culture that really makes working here desirable."

In an effort to fill essential manufacturing positions, companies are finding new incentives to draw in applicants, encourage referrals from current employees, and reward retention among the staff. For example, The Paul Mueller Company, manufacturers of stainless steel, food-grade refrigeration and transportation tanks, offers an incremental referral bonus as well as new employee sign-on bonuses awarded at ninety days, six months, and one year.

Altec body plant helps employees attain Bachelor or Masters degrees in the industry by funding online courses through The University of Alabama and offers wellness benefits to employees and their spouses for completing fun and easy challenges. And Iowa Steel gives their regional sales team the opportunity to work from home or remotely as they travel the country to meet with customers, offering an excellent base salary as well as commission.

"We're in the process of growing, locally and nationwide. On top of filling regional sales positions around the country, we're also adding to our Osceola facility in the fall of 2021 and hiring more skilled labor," said Kate Patton, Human Resources Director at Iowa Steel. "Clarke County is full of employers offering diverse opportunities with competitive pay and an excellent work-life balance. We're just looking for the right applicants."

While unemployment rates are relatively low, there is still a lot of work available in rural Iowa, especially in Clarke County. Employers are finding that top pay and benefits aren't the only tools needed to draw in a workforce.

"Money isn't the most important thing people are looking for these days. People are looking at our culture, and finding a place they enjoy coming to every day, and positioning their family to do more than just make ends meet," said Lauren Robins, Human Resources Generalist II for Paul Mueller Company. "On-site training, and a safe and healthy work environment are all important to prospective employees. Most of all they want to know that they're valued and able to be productive and growing for years to come."

Clarke County's manufacturing industry has advantages not found in bigger cities across the state. Factors like job security, educational incentives, and unique, diverse opportunities for advancement are all part of what draws in a workforce that drives the success of the entire community.

For more information about the availability of jobs mentioned in this press release, feel free to reach to the Human Resources department at each company:

- Altec Osceola Body Plant, HR Recruiter, Susan Miller, 641-223-8807, email: susan.miller@altec.com

- Iowa Steel Human Resources Director, Kate Patton, 641-342-2134, email: kpatton@countrysidetank.com

- Paul Mueller Company, Lauren Robins, Human Resources Generalist II, 641-342-5521, email: lrobins@paulmueller.com.

If you'd like to learn more about the manufacturing industry and development opportunities available in Clarke County, Iowa, please reach out to Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation, at 641-414-1884 or email: info@clarkedev.com.

It's been a year since the manufacturing industry was hit by the COVID-19 crisis forcing businesses to get creative to manage their workforce assets. In April of 2020, the rural Clarke County, Iowa's unemployment rate jumped from 3.4% to 11.8%, and more than 100,000 workers across the state were displaced, laid off, or simply let go when businesses had to close their doors, says Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC).

Related link: https://osceolaclarkedev.com/

The Central Valley joins the technology revolution – 5G IS LIVE IN FRESNO

FRESNO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Fresno has been a leader in ushering wireless connectivity in the central valley and has opened its doors to the deployment of 5G. The City of Fresno, together with XG Communities created a transparent process in order to push forward the deployment of small cells for all carriers.

"5G is a huge step forward for the City of Fresno," Mayor Jerry Dyer said. "This next generation technology will improve online access for our residents and boost the City's economic development by creating opportunities for businesses currently here, looking to locate here, or even those exploring telecommuting options. As we move ahead with our partners XG Communities and Verizon, I see the continued 5G deployment as another part of my One Fresno vision that will help bring all of Fresno together."

The groundwork has been laid for efficient, city-wide scaled deployment, which utilizes assets in the right of way, fiber and conduit. "We are excited to turn up the new Verizon network and extend the benefits of speed, coverage and new applications to the citizens of Fresno, more than any other time history, connectivity is critical, we must provide access for our citizens," said Bryon Horn, CIO, City of Fresno.

XG Communities is executing the construction of the network to meet the goal of bringing small cells to this area. Monnie McGaffigan, President XG, said, "5G is considered one of the largest civil engineering projects in the world right now and the City of Fresno is capitalizing on the benefits the technology will bring."

The new 5G network is foundational for smart city initiatives, speed and enhanced connectivity. The network is now live in several areas of the community with over 100 small cell sites on air and more to come. The project will ultimately cover the entire City with multiple carriers. Verizon has been the first carrier to aggressively deploy in the City of Fresno.

About Fresno:

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

With a robust public infrastructure, Fresno = Quality Lifestyle, with a low cost of living and numerous National Parks.

About XG Communities

XG is a premier provider of small cell engineering services and comprehensive wireless strategies in the Right-of-Way. The hallmark of the company lies in providing A&E services and bringing construction projects to fruition. We utilize skilled in-house resources to execute a range of projects, while providing real-time updates. Our turnkey services ensure efficient and effective deployments tailored to meet local requirements, safety guidelines, and industry standards.

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

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

The City of Fresno has been a leader in ushering wireless connectivity in the central valley and has opened its doors to the deployment of 5G. The City of Fresno, together with XG Communities created a transparent process in order to push forward the deployment of small cells for all carriers.

Related link: http://xgcommunities.com/

Congressman Ron Kind praises vaccination clinic in La Crosse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, contact info@ami.health

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

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

Related link: https://ami.health/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related link: https://ami.health/

Twenty-Nine States Proclaim March SUDC Awareness Month for Unexplained Childhood Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2021 as SUDC Awareness Month. The SUDC Foundation also applauds the California State Legislature for recognizing SUDC Awareness Month in House Resolution 24.

These are the first states to join a nationwide effort led by the SUDC Foundation to raise awareness of one of the most under-recognized medical tragedies of our time, marking the beginning of a month-long campaign all over the world.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children over the age of 1 year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy. Most often, a seemingly healthy child goes to sleep and never wakes up. Approximately 400 children are lost to SUDC in the United States every year.

"As we enter another March, we are energized to have another successful month of raising SUDC awareness," said Laura Gould Crandall, President and Co-founder of the SUDC Foundation. "Awareness is crucial for funding critical research and supporting those affected by sudden unexpected or unexplained death in childhood. SUDC is the fifth leading category of death in children ages 1 to 4, yet SUDC receives no targeted public funding. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to bereaved families. Awareness helps families find us when they need us most and awareness launches us toward a world free of SUDC."

"Throughout March, we will continue to focus efforts around increasing awareness within the medical community as well," added Dr. Erin Bowen, SUDC Foundation Vice President and pediatrician. "Despite the fact that SUDC affects approximately 400 children annually, many physicians and medical professionals are unaware of it. Currently the understanding of SUDC eludes the medical community. Increased awareness can lead to further research initiatives to help uncover causes and risk factors for these deaths, with the ultimate goal of preventing them, leading to a future free of SUDC. As we work toward a deeper understanding of SUDC, we can ensure that families are adequately supported when these tragedies occur.

"If even one new family is connected to the SUDC Foundation as a result of our community's awareness efforts, then we can consider this month a success. Many bereaved parents will tell you their biggest fear is their child will be forgotten. SUDC Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to share the stories of these families, to honor the children affected and to say their names. SUDC awareness gives families a voice."

The SUDC Foundation will once again mark SUDC Awareness Month by hosting weekly awareness activities for all supporters to participate. To learn more, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/sudc-awareness-month.

The SUDC Foundation is advocating for SUDC Awareness Month proclamations in all 50 U.S. states this March. In 2020, 41 participated. This nationwide effort began in 2016, inspired by Drew Joseph Boswell and the Boswell family. The Boswell family successfully advocated for the first statewide proclamation declaring March 2015 as SUDC Awareness Month in the State of Louisiana.

To see a list of previous efforts as well as additional states who have joined, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/legislative-advocacy/sudc-awareness-proclamations.

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation's mission is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families.

The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2021 as SUDC Awareness Month.

Related link: https://sudc.org/

North Carolina Business Experiences Growth Despite Challenging Times for Many Early-stage N.C. Companies

DURHAM, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Since the pandemic struck last year, many businesses have struggled to stay afloat and others unfortunately, have had to close their doors. But Trash Can Cleaning USA, a HUB-certified North Carolina company, has not been one of them. It's managed to flourish in times of economic uncertainty, and that's mostly due to its service offering - a unique way to keep customers' trash and recycle cans clean.

"In fact, we have several investors encouraging us to get into an expanded market - moving from a regional North Carolina business to servicing the mid-Atlantic area with some larger partners," Darrell Harris, president and founder of Trash Can Cleaning USA, says.

For homeowners, keeping trash and recycle cans clean is a task that typically falls to the bottom of the "to-do" list, yet, it's one that's important to ensuring bacteria and even viruses like COVID-19 stay under control.

Trash Can Cleaning USA's sanitizing process kills upward to 99 percent of all common bacteria and viruses, eliminating the risk of E. coli, staphylococcus Listeria, Salmonella, flies, maggots, mosquitoes, bees and other insects and rodents living inside trash cans.

The company's state-of-the-art cleaning vehicle follows behind the homeowners' trash and recycle pick-up service truck on the specified service dates, and cleans the cans after they're emptied. When it's done, Trash Can Cleaning USA sends the customer a text message confirming the job has been completed.

"Our innovation of killing 99.9 percent of all bacteria within a trash and recycled bin in less than a minute is unparalleled and unmatched by any service-based company in North Carolina. Our advancement in this industry allows us to be environmentally conscious in neighborhoods and communities we impact on an everyday basis," Harris says.

Trash Can Cleaning USA also cleans and disinfects dumpsters and eco-minded individuals can rest easy because the company uses 100 percent green materials. After the cans or dumpsters are pressure washed in 200-degree hot water, they're disinfected with a biodegradable cleaner and then finished off with an air freshener of choice.

The company also works with city and town municipalities, homeowner associations, businesses, schools, apartment communities and more. It services the following North Carolina areas: Raleigh-Durham, Chapel Hill, Morrisville, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest and Greensboro, but plans to add more areas are in the works.

About Trash Can Cleaning USA

Founded in 2017, Trash Cleaning USA currently employs 12 people. Its mission is to achieve a one all-encompassing goal: to provide a streamlined and stress-free trash, dumpster and recycled bin cleaning service. Monthly and quarterly contracts are available and so is a one-time service. Trash Can Cleaning USA, is a minority owned business and is a certified HUB vendor with the N.C. Department of Administration.

For more information: https://trashcancleaningusa.com/

Watch a video about the service: https://youtu.be/R2428P2UtCM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trashcancleaningusa1

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

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

Since the pandemic struck last year, many businesses have struggled to stay afloat and others unfortunately, have had to close their doors. But Trash Can Cleaning USA, a HUB-certified North Carolina company, has not been one of them. It's managed to flourish in times of economic uncertainty, and that's mostly due to its service offering - a unique way to keep customers' trash and recycle cans clean.

Related link: https://trashcancleaningusa.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEDIA CONTACT

Jennifer Rose

VOSH Cooperative Program Director

804-786-7776

jennifer.rose@doli.virginia.gov

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blockit COVID-19 Operations Platform Powers Big City Vaccination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Blockit

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

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

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

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

Come Live, Work, Grow and Prosper in Amarillo, Texas

AMARILLO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Airport officials at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport today unveiled the Airport's new corporate image piece "Taking Flight, Experience Amarillo." The new corporate image piece is the latest in the Airport's on-going aviation and non-aviation business development initiative in conjunction with its community partnership, Taking Flight - Amarillo.

This development campaign is simply an expansion of the intense level of transportation and aviation manufacturing activity already existing in Amarillo, just more focused. The Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport has hundreds of acres of prime real-estate that can serve both aviation and non-aviation business needs. The real estate opportunities at the Airport are supported by very strong and successful private/public partnerships within the City of Amarillo.

Michael Conner, Director of Aviation, commented, "At the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, we take partnerships seriously and realize that positive relationships and creative thinking help to build economic engines that stand the test of time."

Conner went on to say, "Our mission with our enhanced development portfolio of partnership programs is in solidifying Amarillo as a significant location in the supply chain for aviation and other industries as well."

A key customer-focused aspect of the "Taking Flight, Experience Amarillo" initiative is the creation of the Taking Flight, Experience Amarillo Leadership Team. The Leadership Team is comprised of prominent business leaders who are leading experts in their various fields and who have volunteered their time and expertise to assist companies who express interest in Amarillo.

The areas of expertise of the Leadership Team include; economic incentives, financial services - liquidity issues & programs, Amarillo labor force education & counseling, understanding the supply chain distribution in Amarillo and maintenance and repair operations (MRO) currently at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.

As many business owners are considering moving away from megaplex cities where congestion and overcrowding make it difficult to get around and where taxes are restricting business opportunities, the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport and the City of Amarillo offer an alternative location in the middle of the country...on a major interstate highway...with friendly people...in a State with no income tax...where city and local leaders really care...and assets and resources abound to help make businesses dreams a reality.

Amarillo is a progressive and business-friendly city that is committed to providing a high quality of life for its residents and to providing an environment where businesses can succeed. As a progressive airport in a growing city, the Airport's resources are positioned to help identify business incentives.

Additionally, our Economic Development Corporation has an excellent history of helping businesses of all sizes expand and relocate to Amarillo. The Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport has opportunities available with airfield access as well as on-airport business park access (with or without rail access). The multi-modal capabilities are endless.

For a complete understanding of what makes Amarillo a unique opportunity for business development at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, click on this link https://www.fly-ama.com/business-info/partner-connections to download an electronic copy of "Taking Flight. Experience Amarillo."

In addition, for a free link to a brief video highlighting the development opportunities or for someone from the Taking Flight, Experience Amarillo business development team to contact interested businesses directly, please e-mail Michael Conner, Director of Aviation at michael.conner@amarillo.gov.

Learn more about Amarillo: https://www.fly-ama.com/

MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Conner, Executive Director
Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport
Michael.conner@amarillo.gov
Phone: 1.806.335.1671

Airport officials at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport today unveiled the Airport's new corporate image piece "Taking Flight, Experience Amarillo." The new corporate image piece is the latest in the Airport's on-going aviation and non-aviation business development initiative in conjunction with its community partnership, Taking Flight - Amarillo.

Related link: https://www.fly-ama.com/

Pompano Beach Arts presents Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival

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

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

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

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

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

This year's competitors include:

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

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

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

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

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

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

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRMediagroup.com

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

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