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Oreo Called Out for Backing PFLAG’s Agenda; Supporter of Gender Ideology, Explicit Books in Schools

NLPC

As Oreo prepares to make a splash with its first Super Bowl commercial in 10 years, National Legal and Policy Center today released a 30-second video that delivers stinging criticism of the cookie brand over its longtime partnership with PFLAG. The LGBTQ advocacy group condones gender transition treatments for children as young as three years old, and battles to make sure books with explicit content are allowed in public schools and libraries. You can watch the video here. NLPC owns stock in Oreo’s parent company, Mondelez International, and will sponsor a shareholder proposal at the annual meeting in May. The nonprofit corporate watchdog and shareholder activist initiated its campaign to highlight the cookie-maker’s inappropriate relationship with PFLAG after it noticed the brand’s social media accounts – primarily on X.com (formerly Twitter) – were heavily populated with posts in support of PFLAG’s various narratives, causes and social advocacy. Oreo has promoted various short films, special packaging and fundraisers, utilizing the company’s popularity and resources to advance PFLAG’s agenda. The pro-transgender ideology group lobbies against laws that seek to protect children from indoctrination efforts and so-called “gender affirming” medical treatments before they are mature enough to make such decisions, and also laws that protect kids from so-called “transition care” without their parents’ consent. In October Oreo also co-sponsored PFLAG’s National Convention, where the theme was “ Learning with Love.” The meeting’s first session was titled, “Let Freedom Read! Read with Love to Support Inclusive Books and Education.” PFLAG characterizes its gender ideology indoctrination efforts in schools as a so-called prevention against alleged “censorship.” PFLAG co-sponsors a “banned books” website as part of a coalition that includes the Marxist-led American Library Association. Titles such as “ This Book is Gay,” “ Gender Queer,” “ All Boys Aren’t Blue,” “ Flamer,” and “ Lawn Boy ” are among the stories with explicit content that PFLAG and its allies believe should be easily accessed by kids. “Oreo is a beloved brand with a strong identity and a reputation for connecting with all ages, especially kids, because it’s not only delicious, but fun,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Now the cookie’s image-managers are taking it down the same dangerous path that Bud Light, Disney and Target have trodden, which led to extensive brand destruction. We urge Mondelez to terminate Oreo’s controversial relationships before it’s too late.” NLPC’s shareholder proposal asks the Board of Directors “to examine the risks and consequences of the Company’s associations with external organizations, to determine whether they threaten the growth and sustainability of the Company.” “We call upon our fellow shareholders to join us to express concern to the Mondelez board and to Chairman/CEO Dirk van de Put over this treacherous direction in which Oreo has turned,” Chesser added. “If they don’t, perhaps parents and consumers will have something to say about it.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 703-237-1970 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

February 07, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Exciting Transition as Executive Director Prepares for New Chapter

National Contract Management Association

The NCMA Contract Management Institute (CMI) announces that Soraya Correa, who has served as the dedicated Executive Director for the past year, will be joining the team at National Industries for the Blind as their new President and CEO-Elect. Ms. Correa will be transitioning into a governance role, maintaining a crucial connection with CMI and its strategic direction. This shift reflects her continued dedication to the institute's mission and the desire to contribute to its future success at a governance level. Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA and Chair of the CMI Governance Board, "We express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions Soraya has made to the relaunch of the Contract Management Institute. Her enduring legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to remaining actively engaged in the NCMA community and continuing her involvement in the governance of CMI." Amid expressions of gratitude for her contributions, Ms. Correa reflected on her time at the Institute, underscoring the impact she has had on its relaunch, community engagement, and governance. “While I am excited about this new opportunity with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), I am sad to leave CMI. As Executive Director of CMI I had the opportunity to work with the outstanding leadership, team, and members of NCMA, an experience I will always appreciate and remember fondly. I remain committed to the success of CMI and the vital role it plays in advancing the contract management profession. As I embark in my new role at NIB, I will continue to support NCMA initiatives, especially those of the CMI!” In the interim, taking over the Executive Director position for CMI will be Mr. Conrad. Stay tuned for more updates and CMI’s research projects begin this Spring. For inquiries and paper submissions, please contact info@ncmahq.org. The Contract Management Institute (CMI) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of contract management. With a mission to drive innovation, promote excellence, and enhance the role of the contracting professional, CMI provides valuable resources including collaboration and partnership opportunities for individuals and organizations involved in contract management across government, industry, and academia. The Institute serves as a catalyst for the study of the profession to elevate engagement, standards, and professional development. The CMI mission and vision are aligned with its parent, NCMA. CMI is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) - www.ncmahq.org - stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. Contact Details NCMA Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

February 05, 2024 07:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

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National Day of Action Spurs 280,000+ Calls, Emails, and Tweets to Save Critical Broadband Subsidy

Raynor Ave.

Today, the Affordable Broadband Campaign shared the outputs from its national day of action: Americans made more than 280,000 calls, emails, and social media posts to Congress in support of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program provides discounts to nearly 23 million American households and needs $7 billion in funding from Congress to ensure people aren’t disconnected from the internet this year. Don’t Disconnect US Day, which took place on January 25, spurred those who care about affordable internet to contact their congressional representatives by phone or email by visiting www.dontdisconnectus.org or partner platforms. The resulting actions from supporters calling for Congress to fund the program included: More than 281,000 emails, calls, and tweets to Congress in one week More than 225,000 emails and calls to Congress in one week More than 114,000 emails and calls to Congress on one day alone (January 25) More than 55,000 posts on social media, including from Sen. Peter Welch (VT) and Rep. Yvette Clark (NY-09) Dozens of op-eds, blogs, and news reports published in a variety of publications, including The Dallas Morning News, News Center Maine, Broadband Breakfast, Benton Institute, and more Don’t Disconnect US also coincided with the date the Federal Communications Commission instructed internet service providers to inform customers that the ACP credit on their bill is ending. One in six U.S. households is currently enrolled in the program, including approximately 960,000 veterans, 3.1 million families with a K-12 student receiving free or reduced-price lunch, and 5 million seniors. “Phones were ringing off the hook in Congressional Offices, plus inboxes were flooded with emails from all 50 states,” said Gigi Sohn, spokesperson for the ‍Affordable Broadband Campaign. “We launched Don’t Disconnect US Day because the situation facing 23 million American households is dire: unless Congress acts now, approximately 50 million Americans could be without their internet. Members of Congress need to listen to their constituents and fund this program now.” A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers has introduced a path forward with the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024, which would provide $7 billion to extend the ACP through the end of the year. The effort is led by Sen. Peter Welch (VT), Sen. J.D. Vance (OH), Sen. Jacky Rosen (NV), Sen. Kevin Cramer (ND), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Rep. Marcus Molinaro (NY-19), and Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). Don’t Disconnect US was led by the Affordable Broadband Campaign, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring affordable and robust broadband for all. About the Affordable Broadband Campaign The Affordable Broadband Campaign is a group of like-minded nonprofit, industry, civil society, and public interest groups that have come together around one issue: sustainable broadband affordability. The U.S. needs a sustainable policy solution to the problem, and the Affordable Broadband Campaign is focused on securing that through an informed, deliberate strategy. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.dontdisconnectus.org/

February 01, 2024 03:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

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AQ Studios: A New Architectural Vision for Louisiana and Beyond

AQ Studios

AQ Studios, the exciting new face in architecture, has emerged from the merger of Louisiana's architectural titans, ACSW (Lafayette) and Rozas Ward (New Orleans). This fusion is set to redefine the architectural boundaries in Louisiana and beyond, offering a blend of innovation, cultural richness, and urban sophistication. ACSW, renowned for iconic designs like River Ranch, Lafayette High School, and the University of Louisiana's Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium, brings its legacy of groundbreaking design and a focus on community-enhancing architecture. Rozas Ward complements this with its portfolio of culturally rich projects like the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center and The Kalorama of New Orleans condominiums. This merger marks a pivotal moment in the architectural industry, combining decades of expertise and vision. AQ Studios will continue to operate out of their locations in New Orleans and Lafayette, as well as their satellite office in Lake Charles. Both firms celebrate the merger as a natural and symbiotic union. Eric Crozier, a principal architect at ACSW and the new AQ Studios, expresses enthusiasm: “This merger is a culmination of a growing relationship that has blossomed organically over two years. It’s an exciting new chapter that promises to amplify our capabilities, expand our geographic reach, and provide our talented staff with unprecedented growth opportunities.” Charlie Ward, of Rozas Ward and now a principal architect at AQ Studios, shares his excitement: “Our merger is a celebration of strength and adaptability. It’s about building on our legacy and ensuring our designs meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.” AQ Studios is set to leave its mark across various sectors, notably in educational, healthcare, and civic architecture. The firm pledges to uphold the high standards and client-focused approach that defined ACSW and Rozas Ward while pushing the boundaries to create not just functional spaces but also sources of inspiration and community pride. As AQ Studios embarks on this new journey, it remains dedicated to transforming visions into architectural realities, crafting spaces that celebrate culture and community, and shaping the architectural landscape of Louisiana and beyond for generations to come. Based in the heart of Louisiana, with offices in Lafayette, New Orleans, and Lake Charles, AQ Studios is the result of a strategic merger between ACSW and Rozas Ward, two architectural powerhouses known for their innovation and community-driven designs. This newly formed architecture firm is poised to make a significant impact in educational, healthcare, and civic architecture while catering to a diverse range of clients.At AQ Studios, the commitment is not just to build structures but also to craft spaces that embody purpose, inspire communities, and resonate with the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. The firm stands as a beacon of architectural excellence, blending a rich heritage with a forward-looking approach to design.For further details and insights into the transformative world of AQ Studios or to schedule an interview or a discussion, please reach out to Madeline Williams at Madeline@AQTeam.com or 337-235-8016. Contact Details Emily Reynolds Bergh +1 518-321-3906 Emily@rprfirm.com Company Website https://introducingaq.com/

February 01, 2024 02:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

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The Best AI Girl Generator Apps You Must Try 2024

Summit Ventures BV

In today's technologically driven world, AI girl generator apps have gained immense popularity for their ability to create virtual AI companions. With a plethora of options available, we've curated a list of top-notch AI girl generator tools that you should explore in 2024. These applications offer innovative AI girl generation capabilities, providing unique and engaging experiences. Table of Featured AI Girl Generators 1. Introduction to AI Generated Girls 2. Featured AI Girl Generator Tools 2.1 GPTGirlfriend.online 2.2 GlamGirls.ai 2.3 ChaiApp.pro 2.4 AI-Girlfriend.co 2.5 AI-Companion.co 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Conclusion Top Five AI Girl Generator Apps The world of AI girl generators has seen significant growth, offering a variety of engaging options. While each application brings its unique features to the table, GPTGirlfriend.online stands out with its exceptionally engaging interactions and a wide range of capabilities. Girlfriend GPT: Your Gateway to AI Generated Girls Girlfriend GPT is an innovative AI-powered tool that brings your favorite AI girl characters to life, offering interactive experiences. This platform provides a wide array of activities, enabling you to create a virtual space for engaging conversations with your AI girl companion. Moreover, GPTGirlfriend.online offers unrestricted content for a diverse experience. Key Features: Empowers you to create your personalized AI girl companion. Allows unrestricted interactions and conversations. Offers affordable premium and deluxe subscription plans. Resumes conversations with long-term memory. Glam Girls AI: Generate your AI Girl in Seconds Glam Girls is renowned for having the best AI generated girls in the space. This platform is designed for those interested in crafting glamorous AI characters. Whether you're looking for AI girls with a sense of style or unique personalities, GlamGirls.ai has you covered. Key Features: Multiple scenarios for AI girl generation. Customizable interface to align with your preferences. Accommodates various interests and preferences in AI girl characters. Chai App: Create AI Girls for NSFW AI Images Chai App offers an intuitive platform for generating AI girls and companions, particularly suited for NSFW AI image generation. This application excels in providing realistic AI chatbot interactions and customization options for your AI girl companions. Key Features: Intuitive navigation for an immersive experience. Realistic chatbot interactions. Allows customization of AI girl companions. Features advanced capabilities for generating AI girls. AI Girlfriend: Personalized AI Girlfriends for Engaging Conversations AI-Girlfriend.co is the perfect choice for those seeking personalized AI girlfriends. This platform allows you to tailor your AI girlfriend according to your preferences. AI-Girlfriend.co creates engaging and realistic interactions with your ideal AI girlfriend character. Key Features: Provides realistic AI companion interactions with varied emotions and backgrounds. Abundance of features available for diverse AI girlfriend interactions. Offers budget-friendly pricing for personalized AI girlfriends. AI Companion: Engage with AI waifus and husbands AI-Companion.co is known for its wide range of character options in the AI girl generator domain. This versatile platform accommodates various conversations and interactions with AI chatbots, offering personalized experiences. Key Features: Support for multiple languages, enhancing accessibility. Personalization options to tailor the chatbot according to individual preferences. Broad spectrum of interests and character types for diverse user needs. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is an AI girl generator? A: An AI girl generator is a software application that uses artificial intelligence to create virtual AI girl characters for various purposes, such as entertainment, interaction, or chatbot companionship. Q: How do AI girl generators work? A: AI girl generators work by utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to generate AI girl characters with customizable traits, personalities, and conversation capabilities. Q: Can a AI girl generator be used for NSFW content? A: Some AI generated girls are designed to cater to NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content, offering options for more mature and adult-themed interactions. However, not all AI girl generator apps support explicit content. Q: Can I customize AI girl characters generated by these tools? A: Yes, most AI girl generator apps allow users to customize AI girl characters by selecting specific traits, appearances, and personalities to create personalized virtual companions. Q: Are there age restrictions for using AI girl generators? A: Yes, to use AI girl generators, users typically need to be at least 18 years old, as these tools may generate content that is intended for adults. Conclusion In the realm of technology, AI generated girls offer a gateway to interactive virtual companionship. These tools have transformed how we connect with AI characters, providing endless entertainment and personal interactions. Whether you seek customizable AI girls, engaging AI girlfriends, or glamorous AI characters, these apps cater to diverse preferences. They bridge the virtual and real worlds, offering a glimpse into the potential of AI companions. This guide has highlighted top AI girl generator apps in 2024, each with unique features. Some may include NSFW content, so choose accordingly. AI girlfriend apps pioneer technological innovation, enabling users to create, personalize, and interact with AI characters. Explore these apps for a distinctive experience in the world of AI companionship. Unlock the potential of AI girl generators today. GPTGirlfriend.online is the most advanced AI companion subscription service with a community of more than 1,000,000 Monthly Active Users. With more than 25,000 characters, it has transformed how people interact with and experience AI. Please refer to our detailed Terms of Use and Community Guidelines for comprehensive information on usage, safety, and ethical considerations on GPTGirlfriend.online Contact Details GPTGirlfriend Business hello@enias.io Company Website https://www.gptgirlfriend.online

February 01, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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University of Dayton Law School Leads the Way in Contract Excellence with the Adoption of the NCMA Contract Management Standard™

National Contract Management Association

The University of Dayton School of Law (UDSL) proudly announces its commitment to advancing education in Government Contracting & Procurement through the adoption of the National Contract Management Association's (NCMA) ANSI-approved Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) and Contract Management Book of Knowledge ® (CMBOK ® ). The Master in the Study of Law (M.S.L.) in Government Contracting & Procurement program at UDSL is dedicated to providing students with the highest quality education and ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving profession of contract management. By incorporating the NCMA CMS™ and CMBOK ® into its program and course curricula, UDSL reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and aligns with contract management best practices. Kraig Conrad, CEO of the National Contract Management Association, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We commend the University of Dayton School of Law for taking this progressive step for their program. This standard is a recognized benchmark in the profession, and its incorporation into UDSL's program reflects the university's dedication to providing students with a competitive edge in their careers." The NCMA CMS™ and CMBOK ® will serve as the foundation for UDSL's M.S.L. program, guiding the development of curriculum that addresses the dynamic and complex landscape of government contracting and procurement. This strategic adoption ensures that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date education and prepares them for success in the workforce. In response to the adoption, Sabra Tomb, UDSL’s Director of Training Programs and Strategic Business Development stated, "UDSL’s Government Contracting & Procurement Program is committed to delivering excellence in education and preparing our students to excel in their professional pursuits. The integration of the NCMA Contract Management Standard™ into our program is a testament to our dedication to providing a top-notch education that meets the needs of the industry and empowers our students for success." As UDSL continues to strengthen its position as a leader in legal education, this decision underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of profession advancements and provide students with a competitive advantage in the job market. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – www.ncmahq.org – stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. The School of Law offers a fully online master's program in government contracting and procurement designed by seasoned industry and government experts. The program is designed for contract professionals; a law degree is not required. Courses are taught in real-time to encourage active learning and provide opportunities for live feedback and interaction between faculty and students. Each class meets once a week, scheduled for working professionals. Financial aid, military, and veteran benefits; and corporate and government tuition deferment, assistance and reimbursement options are available. For more visit: https://udayton.edu/law/. Contact Details National Contract Management Association Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

February 01, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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American Paper Plate Coalition Petitions for Relief from Unfairly Traded Imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam

American Paper Plate Coalition

The American Paper Plate Coalition (“APPC”), representing the majority of American paper plate production, today petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) to investigate unfairly priced and subsidized paper plate imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions detail unfair trade practices to sell paper plates at less than fair value and allege dumping margins up to 279%, as well as numerous subsidies. The petitions detail the injury suffered by the U.S. industry and its workers, and request relief in the form of special duties on all associated imports to offset unfair pricing and unfair subsidies. “Imports from these countries have used dumped prices and subsidies to continue to grow in the U.S. market at the expense of American producers and workers,” said Bill Biggins, President and Co-owner of APPC member Aspen Products, Inc. “Over the past three years, unfairly priced and subsidized imports have harmed American producers and taken jobs away from hard-working Americans.” The cases filed today cover all types of plates produced from any type of paper, regardless of color, decoration, shape and size. “American producers can compete with anyone in the world, as long as we’re all playing by the same rules,” said Robert Epstein, President and CEO of APPC member AJM Packaging Corporation. “Fortunately, our country’s trade laws are set up to support fair trade. On behalf of our employees, customers, and colleagues, we look forward to seeing those laws enforced and those who violate our laws held accountable.” The next steps in these investigations will be the initiation of Commerce antidumping and countervailing duty investigations by February 14, 2024, and a preliminary ITC determination by March 11, 2024. About the American Paper Plate Coalition The American Paper Plate Coalition, representing the leading U.S. producers of paper plates, is comprised of AJM Packaging Corporation of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Aspen Products, Inc. of Kansas City, MO; Dart Container Corporation of Mason, MI; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. of Oshkosh, WI; Huhtamaki, Inc., of De Soto, KS; and Unique Industries, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit https://www.ajmpack.com/, https://www.aspenpro.com/, https://www.dartcontainer.com/, https://www.hoffmaster.com/, https://www.huhtamaki.com/en-us/north-america/, and https://www.favors.com/ The American Paper Plate Coalition is represented by Adam H. Gordon of The Bristol Group PLLC, a Washington, DC international trade law firm committed to defending American industry, agriculture, and manufacturing jobs. Contact Details EAH Strategies Elizabeth Posthumus +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@eahstrategiesllc.com

January 25, 2024 01:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

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The best generative AI solutions of 2024

AIport

January 25, 2024 — Ever since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in the fall of 2022, generative AI (GenAI) solutions have continued to disrupt industries with their surprising and never-before-seen features. Many of the generative AI solutions we hear about today are based on large language models (LLM), which allow them to successfully communicate with end users. Every such model has to be pre-trained on vast amounts of data and then fine-tuned using a variety of different methods. As we’re approaching the end of January, let’s look at the list of the most noteworthy of these models and explore the generative AI solutions they power. Compiled by the AIport newsletter team, this list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a review of what we believe are the LLM-based generative AI solutions and tools that are likely to make headlines this year. GPT (OpenAI and Microsoft) Expectedly, the first LLM on our list with some of the highest expectations this year is at the core of ChatGPT from OpenAI. GPT wasn’t the first LLM out there (there had been others like BERT ), but it was certainly the first one that resulted in a market-ready GenAI product. The original GPT model (Generative Pretrained Transformers) had 170 billion parameters, while the latest version, GPT-4, boasts over 1.75 trillion. The model’s applications are far and wide, being the basis not only for ChatGPT, but also Microsoft’s Bing Chat, which is now part of the Copilot infrastructure. While ChatGPT remains arguably the most impressive text-producing GenAI tool, Bing Chat (unlike ChatGPT) has internet access, making it ideal for web browsing. In addition, the same core GPT model is being utilized by other entities — from Panasonic Connect in Japan, OCBC Bank’s ChatGPT in Singapore, and KPMG’s KaiChat in Germany to the UK government’s upcoming GOV.UK chat. Notably, GPT is also a vital part of OpenAI’s DALL-E suite — a solution that generates images based on descriptions from text. PaLM and Gemini (Google) The next one on our list is Google’s PaLM (Pathways Language Model). The model, boasting 540 billion parameters, was first successfully tested in the spring of 2022. A year later, PaLM 2 was announced and subsequently integrated into Bard — Google’s GenAI chatbot — becoming available to test users around the world. Bard is considered among the finest solutions for productivity, having internet access like Bing Chat, but being less about navigating the web and more about answering burning questions. Bard was seriously bolstered at the end of last year with Google’s highly anticipated launch of the multimodal LLM, Gemini, which had been trained on images and audio/video files, not just text. The jury is still out on how far this update will take Bard, but the expectations are very high indeed. LLaMA (Meta, Microsoft, and Hugging Face) LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI) from Meta was released in February last year. However, the 65-billion-parameter model was leaked online as a downloadable torrent only a week later. While the model did not lead to any ChatGPT-like products at Meta, another AI company — Hugging Face — picked it up and released Hugging Chat. Offering internet access, this GenAI solution has been praised as “the first open source alternative to ChatGPT” with a snarky sense of humor. Not to be outdone, Meta partnered with Microsoft to produce LLaMA 2 in July of last year. Following that, the company announced a beta release of Meta AI at the end of September — a GenAI chatbot, currently available in the US, that can “provide real-time information and generate photorealistic images” from text prompts. This solution is expected to reach Meta users across the rest of the globe later in the year. Claude (Anthropic) Our next LLM is made by Anthropic, and it’s named Claude. Founded in 2021, the company along with its language model may be a less familiar name to most non-geeks. But this is likely to change in 2024. That’s the case not only because the latest version of the namesake GenAI chatbot released last year can now process long PDF files of up to 75,000 words, taking moments to summarize entire books. But also because this has already caught the attention of both Google and Amazon who are keen to invest $2 and $4 billion respectively. While Claude doesn’t offer internet access, its processing power, namely input character memory, outpowers every competitor by a wide margin, including ChatGPT. And the company is said to be working on yet more handy features as we speak. HyperCLOVA X (Naver) HyperCLOVA X is both the LLM and the namesake GenAI chatbot released by the South Korean search engine giant, Naver, last August. Boasting over 200 billion parameters, the LLM is being used mainly for AI-assisted web browsing, much like Bing Chat. While HyperCLOVA X doesn’t speak English, the chatbot’s proficiency in Korean is impressive, having learned 6,500 more Korean words than ChatGPT. In addition to answering user queries, HyperCLOVA X has been designed to offer AI assistance to businesses across numerous sectors — from finance to gaming. Naver is also presently working to make HyperCLOVA X multimodal, following in the footsteps of Google’s Gemini, so another big international headline is likely on the way. Pangu (Huawei) Last spring, Huawei, one of the global tech leaders, unveiled Pangu — an LLM with 1.085 trillion parameters in over 40 natural and programming languages. This LLM now powers the Chinese company’s GenAI assistant called Celia, which resides within Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 operating system. Supposedly, Celia has already outperformed both Siri and Google Assistant as a phone-based virtual assistant in terms of prompt execution accuracy, such as finding specific photos and documents stored on a device. And as more Huawei smartphones are being churned out, Celia is expected to reach more global users this year with further refinements to the Pangu model. In addition, Pangu is available through Huawei Cloud for commercial use. According to a statement from the company’s leadership, the newest Pangu 3.0 utilizes hierarchical architecture, allowing it to be quickly fine-tuned for a wide range of downstream applications (including Huawei’s autonomous vehicle solutions ), which we’ll surely see more of in 2024. MiLM-6B (Xiaomi) Next up is another Chinese company, Xiaomi — one of the largest phone manufacturers in the world. The company made an entry into the LLM race last summer with its MiLM-6B, a lightweight model created for mobile devices. Boasting 6.4 billion parameters, MiLM-6B has reportedly outperformed rivals in its category and achieved notable scores from evaluation platforms like C-Eval and CMMLU. Xiaomi’s leadership has been vocal for some time about integrating LLMs into its smartphones. It appears that the company’s virtual assistant, Xiao AI, has now finally become a fully fledged GenAI chatbot, generating over 11 words per second. By this metric, despite operating locally on the phone, Xiao AI has matched the performance of some LLMs running on cloud computing services. It’ll be interesting to see whether Xiao AI gets assimilated into the company’s other products, as the rumors suggest, including the recently announced Xiaomi SU7, an autonomous-enabled electric sedan. YandexGPT (Yandex) The final entry on our list is an LLM named YandexGPT from the Russian search engine Yandex. The namesake GenAI solution with 100 billion parameters was beta-released in May last year. The more recent release of YandexGPT2 has demonstrated a 65% improvement in response quality, with a 1.5-fold increase in training data. Interestingly, this GenAI solution was tested and scored enough points to enter a Russian university. YandexGPT was also integrated into Yandex’s flagship virtual assistant named Alice, as well as the company’s smart speakers. Furthermore, the LLM has allowed the company’s e-shoppers to view summarized customer reviews in one place. With YandexGPT at the core, the company now also offers visual GenAI solutions, YandexART and Shedevrum, that can generate images from text, much like Open AI’s DALL-E. Currently, the LLM is also being merged with Yandex Search to offer the end user something similar to Bing Chat and HyperCLOVA X. It’s likely that we’ll see a new announcement pertaining to this development later in the year. New kids on the block Apart from the above entries on our list, several brand new LLMs along with their GenAI solutions are expected to arrive any day from other big players. Among them are Samsung from South Korea, Tencent from China, as well as Amazon and Apple. In fact, Apple already has an internal AI chatbot for employees, but its much-talked-about AppleGPT based on the company’s LLM, Ajax, is said to be around the corner. Amazon began to offer a service for building AI chatbots called Lex a while ago, but more notably, the company recently announced its upcoming GenAI solution tailored for commercial use. Japan doesn’t intend to be left behind either — at least three major LLM initiatives are currently being played out. Among them is a joint project between Fujitsu, RIKEN, Tokyo Tech, and Tohoku University who are developing a series of LLMs using one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, Fugaku. In addition, both NTT and SoftBank are reportedly in the final stages of developing their “homegrown” LLMs. While much remains unclear and covered in mist (or is it gray goo 😉), one thing is certain — 2024 is going to be the most AI-intense year we have seen yet! If you enjoyed this listicle, visit AIport for more exclusive insights into the latest tech trends, with a focus on the global ML landscape. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Contact Details NettResults PR Nick Leighton +1 949-478-5880 nick.leighton@nettresultsllc.com Company Website https://aiport.substack.com/

January 25, 2024 09:53 AM Pacific Standard Time

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Premier Design-Build Construction Firm Kingham Dalton Wilson (KDW) Announces Executive Leadership Changes

Kingham Dalton Wilson, Ltd.

Kingham Dalton Wilson, Ltd. ( KDW ), a renowned leader in the construction industry specializing in design-build industrial and commercial construction, has announced it will expand its executive leadership team to support a growing range of projects. The design-build firm will add two longtime team members to its C-suite. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Jay Kingham, who joined KDW in 2006, will serve as President, a role formerly held by Keith Dalton, who will remain Chief Executive Officer. Eighteen-year veteran Rolf Scheffler has been named to the new role of Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Kingham was KDW Principal and Construction Manager, while Scheffler served as Director of Special Projects. “Clients rely on us as a single-source solution that excels in every stage of a commercial development,” said Scheffler. “As COO, I will work to optimize efficiency in processes, implement risk management practices and champion quality control initiatives to meet our 2024 operational excellence goals.” Former Project Manager Michael Mann replaces Scheffler as Director of Special Projects, and KDW’s Preconstruction Manager Mark Camilli has become Director of Preconstruction. With over 128 years of combined experience and a track record of more than 2,000 successful projects, KDW has an established reputation for providing the highest-quality construction services with a dedicated team of professionals who prioritize customer satisfaction and deliver projects within scope, within budget and on time. In 2023, the company launched nearly 40 projects, including Sovereign Flavors’ Kyle, Texas, headquarters, Balcones Resources’ San Antonio-based material recovery facility, Elin Energy’s Waller County, Texas, solar panel manufacturing facility and Newton Nursery’s Spring, Texas, nursery. The momentum continues into 2024, with additional projects slated for completion throughout the year. "As KDW expands in and beyond Texas, we need additional leaders to serve our growing client portfolio and employee base,” said Dalton. “The new structure recognizes and supports our employees’ dedication and professional development and provides a strong foundation for our future.” Kingham Dalton Wilson, Ltd. ( KDW ) is a full-service design-build firm specializing in customized industrial and commercial construction. With a team of more than 100 in-house designers, architects and multidisciplinary building professionals, the company is a single-source, one-contract solution for global and domestic companies, designing and building facilities that meet complex client specifications, often in niche industries such as cold storage, clean technology, food manufacturing and oil and gas. With headquarters in Houston and an office in Austin, KDW has completed more than 2,000 projects across Texas since its founding in 2004. For more information, visit www.kdw.com. Contact Details Jessica Poulalier jessica@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://www.kdwltd.com/

January 25, 2024 09:00 AM Central Standard Time

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